Even if Splatoon has almost reached the 5 million copies sold mark across the planet, not everyone has necessarily crossed paths with the Inklings, these human-looking beings whose favorite pastime is to paint the floor and the walls with dripping ink. After propelling this fresh paint using a launcher, they are able to wallow in it by transforming into cuttlefish. The point is to be able to move wherever there is ink – provided it is their color – to overcome obstacles or reach elevated areas. Naturally, the stock of paint is limited and you regularly have to take a dip to refill the tank. And then, let's also remember that being splashed by a hue other than ours not only inflicts damage on the Inkling, but also slows down its movements; we are then exposed to enemy attacks. Once these fundamentals are well in mind, we are able to rub shoulders with Splatoon 2's multiplayer, the base as the fans say. If we had struggled to find companions at the time of the Splatoon test, we have to believe that Nintendo has done what is necessary since. Indeed, the servers were sufficiently populated to launch in a few minutes in the essential “Territory War” mode. Fortunately, because retro arcade games are no longer there to wait quietly – we will have to be satisfied with Squid Beatz 2 exposed in the streets of Chromapolis – and we still cannot stop looking for a session once it is thrown.
We do not know if the young shoots of Shigeru Miyamoto gave everything from the first episode, but Splatoon 2 is not as ingenious as its predecessor.
In any case, we immediately find our reflexes with tactics that we can put in place quite quickly. As usual, players equipped with a roller will aim to repaint as much of the area as possible, while others will have to position themselves according to their weapon's capabilities. For example, it will be better to hide from a distance with a sniper rifle, while other weapons with a shorter range will inflict more damage in melee. We pick up on the trick very quickly, and it is advisable to work in pairs: one brushes while the other covers it. Clearly, nothing has changed, except for the addition of 6 new maps, including Piste Méroule for which we had a real crush. In fact, it perfectly sums up the new philosophy of the developers with Splatoon 2, namely to offer more relief and verticality to the land by multiplying the shelters and dark corners. So, compared to the first Splatoon, you have to take the time to adjust the angle of fire, with the risk of being punished if you miss your target. A greater rigor therefore which is reinforced by the new weapons designed for this episode. As often, we are not going to list them all here, but we still retain the Détubeur which allows you to move around while keeping your weapon loaded. A priori trivial on paper, this detail makes the difference once on the battlefield, believe us. The Rafablaster isn't bad at cornering the enemy either, but it consumes quite a bit of paint.
WHAT TO MAKE AN INK BLOOD OF?
Since we are talking about artillery, it should be noted that secondary weapons are always appropriate (special mention to the new Robot Bomb that tracks the opponent), as well as special weapons that can be triggered by pressing R , provided of course that the gauge is filled. Another point not to be overlooked: the holding of our Inkling. Not for reasons of style, but quite simply because each element (accessories, clothes, shoes) allows you to embark up to four very useful bonuses in tense moments. Shorter respawn time, faster movement, longer use of special weapon, less paint consumption, ink tank that fills up faster; by finding the right combinations and ensuring that they are complementary, there is a way to depress the players opposite. For those who are already starting to make their shopping list, be aware that it is compulsory to show your credentials to the various merchants; in other words, do a few matches online to level up and gain class. A totally stupid idea already pointed out in Splatoon, but which the developers have decided to keep for reasons that escape us. Even picking up tickets to give them to Omar – you can then double the XP earned in matches, or fill your pockets even faster – it's daunting. And then, we will notice that if the console is not connected, it is impossible to buy anything to improve its equipment. Great.
In short, the “Salmon Run” mode stands out as the main attraction of Splatoon 2, knowing that it is playable both locally and online.
Anyway, it is only from level 10 that the doors of the pro matches open, and therefore those of the “Risky Expedition”, “Zone Defense” and “Mission Bazookarpe” modes. Nice for neophytes, frustrating for those who have turned Splatoon over and over again, since these modes were added after the game was released via updates. The novelty, you have to look for it on the side of the “Salmon Run” mode of which the developers seem particularly proud. More concretely, four Inklings must cooperate to get rid of the Salmonoids arriving in successive waves. To complicate the task a little more, the creatures are accompanied by Salmonoboss carrying golden eggs, an ultra rare commodity prized by Mr. Bear. It is for this reason that he hires us. What is quite interesting with the "Salmon Run" mode is that certain external factors (the tide, fireflies, night, fog) have an impact on the course of the game. Whether it's the Salmonoid Barrage or Wreck of the Braves map, it's vital to constantly communicate with your partners to ensure maximum efficiency. At the time of writing, we have not yet had the opportunity to try voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online and SplatNet 2 mobile applications, so we had to settle for the instructions assigned to the cross directional.
INKJET
The behavior of the Salmonoids can change at any time, the Salmonoboss requiring perfect coordination to be defeated, it is better that it is not a mess. In addition, the player has no control over the choice of weapons, the latter being given to him completely randomly. In short, the “Salmon Run” mode stands out as the main attraction of Splatoon 2, knowing that it is playable both locally and online. Moreover, and this is also the other strength of the game, it is possible to organize parties of up to 8 via the wireless connection, which is the assurance of very dirty bickering between friends. Even if the license gives an important place to multiplayer, lonely souls will be able to have fun with the “Hero” mode in which we must once again get rid of the Octarians, and at the same time deliver the Great Fish-Charge. The principle remains the same: explore around thirty levels spread over five areas (Tentacle Base, Suction Cup Observatory, Gill Bastion, Siphon Garrison, Cephalo-HQ), each ending with a three-step bossfight.
Unfortunately, despite a single-player campaign that we swallowed in one go and multiplayer battles that are still just as fun, the syndrome of the big DLC disguised as a suite is noticeable.
Unlike the first Splatoon, the emphasis is not on gameplay mechanics but on the weapons provided by Cartouche. Indeed, anxious to develop weapons at the cutting edge of technology, he asks us to try them over the missions, which allows him to recover valuable data on their use. For example, in the levels dedicated to the Concentrator – the equivalent of the sniper – it will often be a question of eliminating enemies from a distance, while the stages with the Painter will contain particularly robust Octarians. Much like our base weapon, items offered by Cartridge can be upgraded in exchange for fish eggs found here and there. Small disappointment for the final boss with a DJ Octave not at his best. Finally, for those who are wondering about the graphical difference between Splatoon and Splatoon 2, it's almost the same game. Almost, because certain effects – the drips, essentially – are better off; but for the rest, it's the same.
