Impressive effort with a few noticeable problems holding it back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth most people's time and cash. How we score: The Destructoid Reviews Guide

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.

Platform: Nintendo Switch Developer & Publisher: Nintendo MSRP: $59.99 Introduction Late in the Wii U's life cycle, Nintendo released a game that shocked players with its ingenuity and levity.

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...

Nintendo's take on the third-person shooter is refreshingly original, with lots of impressive tools, skillful mobility, and creative maps to play with. Matches are consistently fun and tense, and the mechanics feel simple and fair enough that almost anyone can contribute positively.

Creative mechanics; Fast-paced matches; Customization; Unique modes

No voice chat

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 is a refreshing take on the incredibly over-saturated team battle shooter genre. Though not void from issues and inconveniences, the game is still a joyous success for Nintendo and all that play it.

Memorable art style; Action never ceases; Fresh take on old concept; Diverse maps

Can't change weapon without exciting party; Lack of available maps at current moment; Barely any sort of narrative

A new Nintendo IP doesn't come around all that often. The 100 year old company has produced some of the most memorable worlds and characters in gaming hist

Excellent and unique online multiplayer; Superb visuals and sound; Great new world full of fun characters; Fantastic use of amiibo

No voice chat; No online spitscreen; Limited map/mode selection at launch

A shooter is a game where you run around shooting guys. Lots of games have played with the "guys" part, distinguishing themselves only by having you kill Nazis, aliens, or Nazi aliens.

A game that could only be made by Nintendo.