Since Splatoon released in late May, Nintendo has provided a steady stream of new content for the online shooter. Every week or two has resulted in new content added to the title, without charge. Typically, these additions come in the form of a new map, or a couple of new weapons, but this August, the company plans to add much, much more.
Perhaps the most exciting news about the update are the new modes coming to the title. From Nintendo’s press release:
“The new update introduces Squad Battle and Private Battle matchmaking options. In Squad Battle, players can participate in Ranked Battle rule sets with friends, rather than being teamed up with other players through a random selection. After a player creates a squad, friends can be recruited to form a team of two to four Inklings. Friends will always play together on the same team and battle against other squads at random.
In Private Battle, friends can splat it up in private, customizable matches. Two to eight friends can battle together by selecting their favorite map, mode and weapons. The number of participants ranges from 1v1 to 4v4, but teams don’t have to be even: If the host chooses, he or she can select a 1v4, 1v2, or any other combination of players.”
The potential of 1v4 player contests seems like the perfect opportunity for friends to claim bragging rights! As if that wasn’t enough, the update will provide many other additions, as well! Level caps will now extend to level 50, while S and S+ rankings will now be the highest in ranked battles. The game will also add 40 new pieces of gear, and two new weapon types!
“While Inklings around the world are enjoying and mastering the current arsenal of weapons in Splatoon, two new weapon types will be available with the update, adding a new layer of strategy to the game. The bucket-like Slosher weapons hurl ink straight ahead at an impressive range. By adjusting the angle, these new weapons can be used to splat opponents who are up high or even on the other side of a wall. With the Gatling-style Splatling, players can charge blasts of all-powerful ink. A maximum charge unleashes the full potential of this particular weapon type. In addition to the new weapons, more than 40 pieces of gear, including everything from a leather jacket to a sushi-chef costume, are coming to the various in-game shops in Splatoon.”
When Splatoon debuted, there was some controversy over the way Nintendo had locked some of the game’s content on-disc. At this point, it’s hard to say what is and isn’t pre-existing data, but the slow rollout of content has kept the game’s online matches entertaining to say the least! It won’t end there, either! The company has promised more new maps and weapons through the end of the year!
The new Splatoon update goes live August 5 in North America and August 6 in Europe. Stay tuned to Nintendojo for more information as it develops!
Source: Nintendo
Great news on the update, but I was really hoping their August update would expand the map selection. 2 maps that only rotate out every four hours is too limiting IMO. Even during the Splatfests the up the map count to 3, so they can obviously increase the map possibilities. With more maps now available I’d definitely like to see this taken into consideration.
I’m very fortunate to have a few friends who have been very passionate about this game. While we have lamented not being able to play together consistently in the past, it’s great to see that we’ll get a shot to take our skills to ranked together. The level cap raise will also add something new to strive for.
I don’t know if there are any plans for it, but one thing I would love to see added is a Team Deathmatch type of mode. It may not be something unique to Splatoon, but I have found the mode enjoyable in other shooters.