Splatoon is a pretty big deal. When it was revealed at E3 2014, it excited fans for being Nintendo's first foray into the online shooter genre. It's also the first new character based franchise from Nintendo's main EAD development teams since Pikmin was released on the Gamecube back in 2001.

Fun; flowing gameplay; Tons of customisation; There's nothing else like it

Lack of online options; Limited local multiplayer; Too much locked behind amiibo

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.

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.

Nintendo takes a chance with this odd, risky rethink of the arena shooter. Splatoon moves away from guns and grit, offering a shooter anyone of any age can enjoy. The game's single-player is an absolutely amazing puzzle platformer that deserves some expansion.

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.

The Wii U may be flagging, but it's slowly accumulated a decent roster of first party exclusives.

Unique gameplay; Fun; Accessible

Needs more variety

Splatoon is coming! Splatoon is coming! If you own a Nintendo Wii U or 3DS, and you haven't seen anything about Splatoon , well, you probably haven't turned it on in the past month.

Art and music kicks; and creates an energetic atmosphere of rowdy fun; Battle maps are well crafted for action-packed battles; Plenty of fun content beyond the multiplayer; from customizing your Inkling to a fun single-player campaign; A promising start to a great new IP

Matchmaking is questionable; though that may have been due to amount of players available pre-launch; Plenty of fun content beyond the multiplayer; from customizing your Inkling to a fun single-player campaign

In 2002's Super Mario Sunshine, Nintendo gave players the mission of saving an island from a messy catastrophe. Now a new Nintendo game releases with a mission that will send shivers down Mario's spine: to make the biggest, inkiest mess you can possibly make.

Splatoon is elegant. We're talking ballroom elegant. I suggest you take her by the hand and spin her around a couple times. Splatoon also marks the first time Nintendo has dared enter the competitive online shooter genre.

Nintendo knows fun. This is evident in their latest venture into the online multiplayer-focused, Splatoon. For a long time many have criticised Nintendo for not bringing new IP's to the table. Luckily the wait has turned out to be not only worthwhile but an entirely unique experience as well.

Unique | Solid and addictive gameplay

NO VOICE CHAT | Atrocious lobby system