Splatoon 2 provides more of the addictive and inventive fun of the original, but doesn't quite do enough to earn the 2

Splatoon 2: Nintendo's unusual IP is back, and it's more than just a cosmetic upgrade

Sequel builds on best qualities of its predecessor; Unexpectedly skill-based; Plenty of content to dig your teeth into

Timed events

Splatoon wasn’t broken, so Nintendo hasn’t done a lot to fix up its sequel. Even when it really could have done with better matchmaking features and voice chat. For new converts and anyone who wants to scratch that effervescent itch again, Splatoon 2’s tweaks do just about enough to make the whole experience fresh. It’s a bold, colourful game with big ideas and a relentlessly fun concept at its core. Even if you might be plenty familiar with it already. From cult classic to smash hit? Anything is possible with Nintendo’s Switch.

Doesn't mess with a good thing; Improved single-player campaign; Multiplayer is as fun as ever;

More of an update than a sequel; Voice chat is rubbish;

Doesn’t mess with a good thing; Improved single-player campaign; Multiplayer is as fun as ever;

More of an update than a sequel; Voice chat is rubbish;

Massively expanded single player campaign; brilliant online multiplayer; co-op Salmon Run mode adds variety

Little evolution over original game; lobby between matches doesn't allow weapon changes

Let's get something out of the way right away: I have yet to play Splatoon on the Wii U, even though I bought it at launch. That means I can't meaningfully compare the new game in the series to its predecessor, but I can address Splatoon 2 on its own merits.

Put any doubt in your mind away about Splatoon 2 being some enhanced port or 1.5 release. The improved single-player experience, the enhanced and multitude of online modes for all skill levels and Salmon Run which is just a ton of fun make Splatoon 2 the complete Switch game.

Splatoon 2 is the Switch sequel to Nintendo's Wii U cult classic squid shooter, but does it sink or swim? Find out in our Splatoon 2 review.

Splatoon 2 is another of Nintendo's big game releases for the Nintendo Switch . It's the successor to Splatoon, which was released for the Wii U two years ago. Splatoon 2 is a primarily a third-person shooter that takes place in a fictional world where Inklings are the dominant species.

Signature Nintendo art; Fun gameplay; Wide range of weapons; Excellent game modes

Connectivity issues; Grinding; Voice chat is atrocious; Lots of poor design decisions