Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Splatoon 2’

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 21, 2017 – Nintendo continues to roll out additional content for the Splatoon 2 game for the Nintendo Switch system, and is now releasing two free software updates with a ton of new content and a new way to play. The first free update hits on Nov. 23 and adds a new stage for Salmon Run, new gear and new hairstyles for Inklings, as well as many other features, with additional new battle stages rolling out beginning Nov. 24. The second free update will be available mid-December and introduces a frantic new Ranked Battle mode called Clam Blitz, which involves picking up clams around the stage and trying to throw them into your opponent’s basket.

“These free new additions to Splatoon 2 deliver surprises to fans to keep the fun going,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This new content significantly expands the game and provides a great value for players, regardless of whether they purchased it on launch day or have it on their holiday gift lists.”

The two free updates include the following content:

Nov. 23 Update

·      Four New Battle Stages: While four new battle stages are coming to Splatoon 2, they won’t all be available immediately after downloading the update. Like with previous additions, the stages will roll out over the subsequent weeks, giving players new surprises as they play throughout the holiday season and beyond. The first new battle stage, MakoMart, will be available to play on Black Friday, Nov. 24, with Shellendorf Institute, Walleye Warehouse and Arowana Mall coming soon. The new MakoMart stage is a giant superstore-style stage, so what better time to play than on Black Friday! Shellendorf Institute is new to the series, while Walleye Warehouse and Arowana Mall are popular stages returning from the original Splatoon game.

·      New Salmon Run Stage: Fan-favorite multiplayer mode* Salmon Run is getting a new stage. After downloading the update, Salmonid Smokeyard will be added to the stage rotation. In Salmonid Smokeyard, a wide gap on the beach divides two upper platforms, with fan lifts being the quickest way to traverse the two platforms. Teamwork is required to use the fan lifts effectively.

·      New Gear: Approximately 140 pieces of gear are being added to Splatoon 2. These include shoes, headgear and clothes, like a motocross mask, and additional winter clothing (perfect for the cold weather!), as well as returning items from the original Splatoon game.

·      New Battle Music: Two new bands have been gaining popularity in Inkopolis! The punk-flavored Bottom Feeders and classically trained avant-garde-style Ink Theory are contributing new songs to the already music-rich game.

·      New Hairstyle: When customizing an Inkling, four new hairstyles will be available to choose from – two each for female and male characters.

·      Higher Level Caps: Currently, players are maxed out at Level 50. After downloading the update, the new maximum level will be raised to 99. If players talk to Judd when they reach Level 99, they’ll have the option to reset their level display to Level ★1 so they can continue raising their level.

·      New amiibo Functionality: Tapping a compatible amiibo figure after the update will let players take and share in-game photos in preset locations in Battle Stages, in addition to being able to take photos in Inkopolis Square. Players can also add fun filters to their images.

·      Convenient Gear Swapping: Players that want to change gear between battles in Regular Battle, Ranked Battle and Splatfest Battle (Solo) won’t have to exit to the lobby anymore! After downloading the update, gear can be swapped out without leaving the match room, making it quicker to get back to splatting. For Regular Battle, this also means players can play the next battle with the same players.

Mid-December Update

·      Clam Blitz: In Clam Blitz, competing Inklings are tasked with collecting clams scattered around the stage. After one is picked up, the clam follows the player. The objective is to throw the clam into the basket near the opponent’s base. The first team to score 100 points wins! But, of course, this being the fiercely competitive world of Splatoon 2, things are not as easy as they seem. The baskets are protected by a barrier, which much be destroyed first. After collecting 10 clams, the player will earn a Power Clam. These super-powered clams are the key to breaking the barrier, so strategy will definitely be involved in which clams are used to destroy the barrier and which are used to earn points. Not to mention the extra-satisfying opportunity to steal opponents’ clams by splatting them…

Splatoon 2 is now available in stores, for digital purchase on the official website or in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch at a suggested retail price of $59.99. The upcoming software updates are both free and can be downloaded starting on Nov. 23 and in mid-December. For more information about the game, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/.

*Additional games and systems are required for multiplayer mode, and are sold separately.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 billion video games and more than 710 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Source: PR Email

VANCOUVER, B.C., Aug. 17, 2017 – Walmart will be the exclusive retail partner for a new Nintendo Switch bundle that includes a download code for the Splatoon 2 game, a fresh carrying case and colourful new Joy-Con controllers in Neon Pink and Neon Green. The bundle will be available starting Sept. 8 at a suggested retail price of $499.99 and offers fans in North America their first chance to get their hands on that Joy-Con colour combination.

“Consumers in Japan and Europe have already had a strong response to Splatoon 2 bundles in their territories,” said Pierre-Paul Trepanier, Nintendo of Canada’s General Manager and Senior Director. “This exclusive Walmart bundle gives people who have been waiting to buy a Nintendo Switch a great value and incentive to get splatting.”

Nintendo also announced the topic of its next Splatfest competition, which will run Sept. 1-2. Participants will pick a side to fight alongside in online Turf War battles by choosing which superpower they would prefer: flight or invisibility. Additional details about the Splatfest will be announced in the future.

The Splatfest is just one of many new elements in the slate of ongoing content updates and in-game events keeping Splatoon 2 fans engaged, with more and more players jumping into battle every day. There have already been more than 400 million online battles fought across the global player base, and after less than a month on store shelves, Splatoon 2 joins other global million-selling Nintendo Switch hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, 1-2-Switch and ARMS.

For additional details about Splatoon 2, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com. Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/switch.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 703 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.ca.

Source: PR Email

VANCOUVER, B.C., July 21, 2017 – Greetings! We here at the Squid Research Lab have some fantastic news. According to the position of the sun and the level of the tides (and also the calendars on our desks), it looks like it’s time for the Splatoon 2 game to launch for the Nintendo Switch system. What an exciting day! Even more exciting, the new SplatNet 2 mobile service, which is a part of the Nintendo Switch Online app* for mobile devices, is also launching. SplatNet 2 lets you track things like stage schedules, gear and stats. This is great since many Squid Research Lab employees are taking their summer vacations soon and want to be able to check in on Splatoon 2 info at all times.

Recently, we aired a special Nintendo Direct presentation that was as fresh as it was informative. Tons of details about the modes, weapons and styles of Splatoon 2 were covered, so please watch it here to get a refresher before diving into the game. By watching the video, you’ll also be introduced to two new characters: Pearl and Marina. Pearl and Marina are the new hosts of Inkopolis News and the recurring Splatfest competitions. A special Splatfest for Splatoon 2just occurred on July 15 and pit ice cream against cake as the better dessert. Team Ice Cream emerged victorious, which caused quite the stir at the Squid Research Lab, as many of us prefer pie. The first Splatfest competition after launch will occur the first weekend in August and asks your condiment of choice: mayonnaise or ketchup? (Specific timing will be announced in the future.) New Splatfest competitions, as well as free updates to the game like new stages, weapons and gear, will be coming to Splatoon 2 on a regular basis.

Whether you are inking your way through the many online** and local*** multiplayer modes in the game or the fun single-player adventure, the power of Nintendo Switch lets you play Splatoon 2 anywhere! So please feel free to engage in battles at the beach, on the docks or in a submarine! (Or, you know, anywhere non-aquatic-related.) The new Salmon Run mode (which is a favourite among our researchers) can be played at any time locally and is also available to play online at designated times, just like Splatfest! In fact, rumour has it that the Salmonids plan to attack during the first three days after launch (July 21-23). If you want to take a part-time job with Grizzco Industries to help fend off these menacing migrators, this would be a great time to do it!

In addition to the game and SplatNet 2, three new Splatoon series amiibo figures are also launching today. Sadly, these new figures aren’t based on anyone that works here in the Lab, but they are new models for the Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy and Inkling Squid … and that’s pretty fresh. By tapping any Splatoon series amiibo figure you can save control settings, gear and weapon loadouts, as well as any clever nicknames. You can have a different set saved to each amiibo for quick access – perhaps one might be your Splat Dualies set for use in Turf War and another is your Goo Tuber set for use in Ranked Battle. It’s up to you!

Two years have passed since the original Splatoon came out (what a proud day!) and two years have also passed in the game. This means that many of those styles and weapons you remember from the first game have evolved into things even more stylish and current. We can’t wait to see what outfits and hairstyles your Inkling will be sporting in this new game.

Splatoon 2 is now available in stores and in Nintendo eShop at a suggested retail price of $79.99. The new Splatoon series amiibo are available at a suggested retail price of $15.99 each. (Sorry, but rare jellyfish or seashells are not accepted as payment.)

For more information about Splatoon 2, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/. For more information about SplatNet 2, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/splatnet2.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/switch/.

*Nintendo Account, compatible smart device and persistent internet connection required. Data charges may apply.

**Nintendo Account is required. Online services and features, including online gameplay, are free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online service launches in 2018.

***Additional games and systems are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 703 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.ca.

Source: PR Email

VANCOUVER, B.C., May 17, 2017 – Nintendo premiered a new Nintendo Direct video presentation all about its upcoming ARMS game for the Nintendo Switch console – with a little surprise from everyone’s favourite Inklings in the Splatoon 2 game as part of a bonus trailer at the end. ARMS was created by many of the same team members that developed the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for Nintendo Switch, promising the same level of polish and competitive action as the hit racing game. The Nintendo Direct video detailed many new features about ARMS, including key characters, attributes and the game’s numerous multiplayer battle modes, as well as information about a free Global Testpunch demo for the game that starts at the end of May.

“With games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Splatoon 2, the next few months will be a summer of social competitive gaming on Nintendo Switch,” said Pierre-Paul Trepanier, Nintendo of Canada’s General Manager and Senior Director. “This Nintendo Direct presentation offered great reasons why ARMS is perfect for players of all ages, whether they are familiar with fighting games or not.”

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct. Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

ARMS

·      Combat Customization: After selecting a character, players will have the opportunity to equip two ARMS, one on the right and one on the left. These ARMS range from standard fists to things like boomerangs and missiles, offering a wide variety of close- and long-range attacks, as well as offensive and defensive options.

o   Types – Dozens of ARMS can be selected in the game, each with its own special power and handling ability. Different types range from the Toaster, which unleashes a flaming punch, to the Tribolt, which shoots three bolts horizontally. Some ARMS even boost defense, like the Guardian, which can be used as a shield.

o   Attributes – There are seven different ARMS attributes in the game, each with its own specialty: Fire, Electricity, Wind, Ice, Stun, Explosion and Blind. Different ARMS have different attributes, so it’s a good idea to mix and match for a strategic advantage.

o   Weight – When equipping the many different types of ARMS, weight is an important factor in determining performance. Weight affects momentum, so players have to keep this in mind when selecting ARMS. Stronger ARMS are more powerful but slower, while multi-hit ARMS are quick but have lower individual power. Punches can even run into each other while fighting, with the heavier ARMS knocking the lighter ones away.

o   Upgrade ARMS – As players fight through ARMS, they will rack up hard-earned in-game currency for use at the ARMS Getter, where players can use their skills to earn new ARMS and the ability to upgrade previously owned ones.

·      Versus Mode: ARMS is filled to the brim with fun modes that offer a variety of ways to challenge other fighters.

o   Fight – In this main multiplayer* mode, two fighters battle against each other one-on-one to claim victory. During the fight, bombs and other healing items drop in, adding some strategic options to the proceedings.

o   Team Fight – In this mode, two players are attached by strings and must team up to battle another team of two. Attacks can hit allies, so watch out for friendly punches!

o   V-Ball – Similar to volleyball, but much more awesome. V-Ball is a sport that involves knocking an explosive ball into the opponent’s court.

o   Hoops – Grab opponents and shoot them into the net (or even dunk them for extra satisfaction) in this hard-core game of ARMS-style basketball.

o   Skillshot – Break as many targets as possible using the versatile powers of ARMS.

o   1-on-100 – Defeat 100 enemies in a row, one at a time, in this progressive battle mode.

o   ARMS Test & Training – In Test mode, players can try out randomized ARMS combinations, while Training lets them practice a number of varied drills.

·      Multiplayer* Gaming: Playing with friends either locally or online is easy when using one of the various multiplayer modes in ARMS.

o   Grand Prix – Win 10 straight matches in Grand Prix and players will face a final opponent to be crowned the ARMS champion. (This mode is played locally with one or two players.)

o   Party Match – By connecting the Nintendo Switch console to the internet, players can battle with up to three other ARMS players at a time that are in the same lobby as them. One lobby can hold up to 10 systems, but with up to two players per system, 20 players can potentially get together in the same lobby.

o   Ranked Match – In this time-honoured coliseum, players compete online in 1-v-1 battles. By winning a match, a player’s rank goes up, while, conversely, losing will make that rank go down. While waiting to play a Ranked Match online, players can participate in any other mode to pass the time (and tighten up their skills).

o   Local Wireless Mode: When playing in Local Wireless mode, up to eight players with eight separate systems in the same room can gather in an in-game lobby and battle up to three other players at a time like in Party Match.

·      ARMS Update: In the future, Nintendo will release free software updates that add new fighters, stages and ARMS to the game. These free updates will occur after the game launches, so watch for additional details!

·      Global Testpunch: Like Splatoon 2 and Splatoon before it, ARMS is offering free trial periods to try out the game and get a taste of what it’s like before launch. But instead of a Global Testfire, these free demos will naturally be called the Global Testpunch. The first blocks of time will be allocated throughout the weekend of May 26-28, and the second blocks on June 2-4. To participate, simply download the free Global Testpunch demo in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch before the trials begin. Check http://arms.nintendo.com/ for updates about specific timing.

·      Characters: Over the course of the Nintendo Direct presentation, the 10 key playable fighters in ARMS were unveiled. Each with his or her own fighting style, the game’s playable characters are full of personality.

o   Spring Man – This passionate fighter’s bouncy hairstyle might look fake, but his passion for fighting is definitely real.

o   Ninjara – Using his nimble movements and ancient ninjutsu, Ninjara can disappear and warp somewhere else even in mid-air or when guarding.

o   Master Mummy – As the only character that can restore health while guarding, Master Mummy is a force to be reckoned with.

o   Min Min – With her ramen noodle arms, Min Min’s spin kick and throws are deliciously powerful.

o   Kid Cobra – A fan of selfie sticks and livestreaming, this hip fighter pounces on opponents with a charged-up dash.

o   Ribbon Girl – Possessing next-level jumping skills, Ribbon Girl violates the laws of physics with her unbeatable power.

o   Helix – Who is Helix? He’s an experiment gone wrong, that’s who. His springy body lets him move in unpredictable ways.

o   Mechanica – This mechanical genius dons a homemade power suit that can hover above the competition.

o   Byte & Barq – Two fighters in one! This robot fighter and his robot canine companion battle together to unleash devastating combo attacks.

o   Twintelle – As an A-list actress, Twintelle uses her celebrity status to render her opponents utterly star struck as she walks the red carpet to victory.

Splatoon 2

·      Splatoon 2 Single-Player Mode: At the end of the Nintendo Direct presentation, a new trailer for Splatoon 2 debuted, showing off the game’s single-player mode. In a shocking twist, Callie – of Squid Sisters fame – has gone missing and her right-tentacle squid Marie tasks the player to search for Callie and the Great Zapfish. Players can use different weapons in single-player mode to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies and take down towering bosses – weapons like the Roller, Slosher, Splatling or the new Dualies. The single-player mode is designed to teach players tips and tricks that they can then use in multiplayer. For more on the Squid Sisters, check out the Squid Sisters Stories here.

ARMS launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on June 16. For more information about the game, visit http://arms.nintendo.com/. Splatoon 2 launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on July 21. For more information about the game, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/en_CA/switch/.

*Additional accessories are required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 703 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.ca/.

Source: PR Email