Updated August 19th: Since James first reviewed Splatoon, the game has been updated constantly with new multiplayer modes, new maps, new weapons and of course finally a way to play with your friends easily.

Splatoon , Nintendo's first foray into online competitive shooters, is one of the most joyful and imaginative takes on the genre. While pre-release there has been some hesitation due to Nintendo's inexperience with shooters, and it does show in certain aspects.

Splatoon is simultaneously proof that Nintendo can still deliver tremendously entertaining experiences outside of its usual wheelhouse, and an example of how even the most leaden genres can be twisted to new and delightfully creative ends.

We had little doubt Splatoon would deliver a great first impression. Chaotic, original and colourful, Nintendo's take on the shooter genre is fresh and innovative, and in spite of those who thought that Mario's company wasn't able to compete with other genre giants.

Ah, Splatoon. With this one game Nintendo has done the unthinkable, at least for them. They've gone full steam ahead with a competitive online multiplayer shooter, something we haven't seen them do since the underrated Metroid Prime Hunters on the DS, and it's the first time we've seen them do it on...

Splatoon's world is bright, colourful and full of charm; pretty much the norm for a Nintendo game. It's also a lot of fun, as anyone who has played it will attest to. Nintendo have put their spin on

Super fun; Looks great; Superb sound

Threadbare Multiplayer; Archaic online structure; Short story mode

Games like Splatoon don't come around too often. It's fresh and exciting in ways that are rarely seen. Marching to the beat of its own drum, Splatoon is bursting with style. So much so, that in a different era it would have made an excellent addition to the Dreamcast library.

In a sea of rock-solid single-player Nintendo experiences Splatoon is a standout as being an utterly sublime multiplayer endeavour. Everything is knitted beautifully and seamlessly together to create what is quite simply some of the most fun you can have online.

Nor is it a game that actively encourages you to take out the opposition. Sure, giving yourself a numerical advantage is never a bad thing, but the smarter players will focus on covering ground ahead of removing rivals from the equation.