Splatoon Raiders Review: A Bold New Adventure
The Splatoon Raiders review conversation has been filled with excitement since Nintendo revealed this fresh spin-off. Rather than building another multiplayer-focused ink shooter, the studio has taken the series in a completely new direction. Splatoon Raiders introduces players to a colourful action-adventure where exploration, upgrades and resource gathering take centre stage.
It is certainly a bold move. However, it is one that largely pays off. While the game keeps the fast-paced movement and vibrant personality that define the Splatoon franchise, it also offers a slower-paced experience designed around discovery and progression.
So, is Splatoon Raiders worth playing? Here’s our full review.
Splatoon Raiders Takes the Series in a Fresh Direction
One of the biggest changes in Splatoon Raiders is its focus on adventure rather than competitive multiplayer. Instead of battling other players across colourful arenas, you set off on an expedition to mysterious islands packed with secrets, enemies and valuable resources.
As you explore each area, you’ll complete objectives, uncover hidden locations and collect materials that improve your equipment. The game constantly encourages you to venture further, rewarding curiosity with better gear and new abilities.
This fresh approach gives Splatoon Raiders its own identity while still feeling connected to the wider franchise.
Fast, Fluid Gameplay Remains the Star
Although the overall gameplay loop has changed, the movement mechanics remain as satisfying as ever.
Swimming through ink, scaling walls and quickly navigating the environment still feels incredibly smooth. The controls are responsive, making exploration just as enjoyable as combat itself.
Combat also benefits from the familiar range of Splatoon-inspired weapons. Each one offers a different playstyle, encouraging players to experiment as they unlock new equipment throughout the adventure.
Whether you prefer charging into battle or taking a more tactical approach, there are plenty of options to suit different styles of play.
Most importantly, the gameplay rarely loses momentum. Missions move at a steady pace, helping players stay engaged from beginning to end.
Exploration Rewards Curious Players
Unlike previous Splatoon games, exploration plays a huge role in the overall experience.
The islands are filled with hidden paths, optional objectives and useful collectibles that reward players for looking beyond the main route. Rather than simply rushing towards the next objective, you’ll often find yourself stopping to investigate caves, hidden corners and overlooked landmarks.
This sense of discovery makes progression feel much more rewarding.
Every new area introduces fresh environmental designs, helping the world feel varied despite maintaining the colourful art style that fans expect.
Progression Adds Long-Term Appeal
One of Splatoon Raiders’ biggest strengths is its progression system.
As you complete missions and collect resources, you unlock equipment upgrades that improve your abilities and open up new gameplay opportunities. Instead of simply increasing numbers, many upgrades genuinely change how you approach combat and exploration.
This creates a satisfying gameplay loop. Complete missions. Gather resources. Upgrade your gear. Take on tougher challenges. It is a simple formula, but it works extremely well.
Players who enjoy collecting better equipment and steadily improving their character will find plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Colourful Visuals Continue to Impress
Visually, Splatoon Raiders stays true to everything fans love about the series.
Bright colours, expressive animations and imaginative environments ensure every location feels full of personality. The world feels alive without becoming visually overwhelming, while the detailed environments constantly encourage exploration.
Character designs remain charming, and returning faces fit naturally into this new adventure.
Performance is also consistently strong. Smooth gameplay helps maintain the fast pace during both exploration and combat, allowing players to stay fully immersed.
Combined with another energetic soundtrack, the presentation is exactly what players expect from a modern Splatoon title.
The Adventure Isn’t Perfect
While Splatoon Raiders succeeds in many areas, it does have a few weaknesses.
Mission objectives can begin to feel repetitive during longer play sessions. Although new equipment keeps combat interesting, some objectives become familiar after several hours.
Progression also slows slightly during the later stages of the game. Players may need to complete additional activities before unlocking the next major upgrades, which can briefly interrupt the game’s otherwise enjoyable rhythm.
The story is another area where more depth would have been welcome.
There are entertaining moments throughout the campaign, but the narrative mainly supports the gameplay rather than becoming the main attraction. Players hoping for a deeper emotional journey may find it fairly straightforward.
Fortunately, the enjoyable gameplay does more than enough to carry the experience.
Is Splatoon Raiders Worth Playing?
Our Splatoon Raiders review finds that Nintendo has successfully expanded the Splatoon universe without losing what made the franchise special in the first place.
Instead of relying solely on competitive multiplayer, the game delivers an enjoyable action-adventure packed with exploration, satisfying progression and excellent movement mechanics. It feels familiar enough for long-time fans while offering something genuinely different for newcomers.
Although repetitive objectives and a fairly simple story prevent it from reaching its full potential, the overall experience remains highly enjoyable from start to finish.
For players looking for a colourful adventure with rewarding progression and polished gameplay, Splatoon Raiders is well worth adding to their collection.
