![[REVIEW] Splatoon Raiders: The Best Switch 2 RPG?](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwsRVwqS1bGiWloI17eAFFnRtZswlFRxNfDoS_y3shY3y5PtZa_ocM87EwWTNwnu92JWYP0dyVrNHkz3edgTg_6FBM8P5ppAqpWVIFb5ePxQhacod6mIoxdx49WNezGbMXj_TwSjwSO8Fj9b-Yoddju-Patl-DotbHU-AMQLabzzK5KvDWzcKRLpz5zj8=w640-h360-rw "[REVIEW] Splatoon Raiders: The Best Switch 2 RPG?")
Splatoon Raiders transforms the series into a deep action RPG. Discover why this looter-shooter is a 60fps must-play for Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
For years, the gaming industry has seen multiplayer-centric franchises struggle to provide solo experiences that feel like more than an afterthought. Splatoon Raiders arrives as the definitive answer for players who love the series' ink-based mechanics but have grown weary of "sweaty" competitive matches. It is a bold "bait-and-switch"; while the cartoon aesthetic remains, the high difficulty level and deep systems provide a rigorous challenge that proves the world of Splatoon can thrive entirely within a player-versus-environment (PvE) framework.
Set on the remote Spirhalite Islands, the game follows the idol group Deep Cut—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—as they hunt for treasure to pay off Splatsville’s enormous debts. You play as the Mechanic, a resourceful Inkling or Octoling who trades the high-pressure arenas of the main series for an analytical, loot-driven adventure. This isn't just a side project; it is a foundational pillar of the Nintendo Switch 2 library that reinvents the franchise’s DNA.
Splatoon's RPG Evolution
Splatoon Raiders marks a significant evolution for the franchise, successfully transitioning from a fast-paced arena shooter into a full-fledged action RPG. This shift is centered on a core action RPG loop that critics have summarized as "loot, paint, and shoot." Players no longer just fight for turf; they sift through meaningful loot to improve stats and overcome handcrafted encounters that feel more like puzzles than standard combat.
The gameplay is structured around distinct mission types designed to keep the experience fresh:
- Dens: Quickfire rooms that star a specific enemy type and require lateral thinking or a race to the goal rather than generic survival.
- Raids: Exploration-focused levels in semi-open environments where players hunt for valuable treasure chests.
- Dungeons: Linear paths that challenge players to reach a goal using a specific, pre-set loadout.
- Sampler Dungeons: Puzzle-oriented "shrines" that serve as tutorials for high-level equipment, showing players the potential of souped-up gear.
Deeper Build Customization
The depth of customization in Raiders rivals the heavyweights of the looter-shooter genre, providing a constant "carrot at the end of the stick" for progression. Central to this is the new Gadget system, which is dictated by three specific ink tank classes: Speed, Power, and Tactical. Each class offers a unique role, from the mobility-focused Speed tank to the damage-heavy Power tank and the strategic, spacing-oriented Tactical tank.
To supplement these, the game introduces Relic Powers for ability buffs and the Bot Buddy system, allowing you to team up with a member of Deep Cut for devastating special attacks. The visual identity of the arsenal has shifted to a "scrappy, homemade" look; with over 100 weapon variations, you’ll find gear stitched together with duct tape, such as "Stringer" bows made from broken tennis rackets or Splattershot tanks fashioned from old soda bottles.
Why this matters: This variety allows for creative combat strategies, such as "passive damage" builds that let you stay submerged in ink while gadgets do the work. However, the experience isn't without friction; the crafting menu currently lacks a wishlist system, meaning players must manually track materials for upgrades—a notable UI oversight in an otherwise deep system.
Next-Gen Co-op Dynamics
While Raiders is a "wonderful solo reinvention," it features robust cooperative multiplayer for up to four players. Nintendo has utilized the Switch 2's hardware to refine the online experience, offering the series' most competent lobby system to date and making use of the Pro Controller's improved HD Rumble to make every splat feel tactile.
Key co-op features include:
- Individual Difficulty Scaling: In a single session, one player can challenge themselves on "Survivalist" while another plays on "Standard."
- Individual Level Scaling: Level 30 players and level 8 players can team up seamlessly, as enemies appear at the appropriate level for each individual on their respective screens.
- The Shared Life Pool: All players share a single pool of lives, a mechanic that heightens tension but can lead to "accountability blame games" in less coordinated groups.
Splatoon Raiders a Must Play?
The critical consensus for Splatoon Raiders is strongly positive, currently holding an 80/100 on Metacritic and OpenCritic. Technically, the game is a showcase for the Switch 2; even during "Spicy" difficulty levels with massive enemy density, the game maintains a locked 60fps.
There is a visual trade-off for this performance, however. Critics from The Guardian and IGN have noted that the environments can feel "pedestrian" or "faded to grey," utilizing a bland, muted color palette that lacks the neon vibrancy of the mainline entries. Despite this, the game is viewed as a successful expansion of the "Salmon Run" lineage. Priced between $50 and $59.99, it offers a substantial 18-hour campaign with a deep endgame that justifies the investment for any new console owner.
Bottom Line
Splatoon Raiders is a foundational title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It serves as definitive proof that the franchise’s unique combat functions exceptionally well outside of the PvP arena. By combining a satisfying loot loop with deep customization and high-end technical performance, Nintendo has delivered a must-play title that balances the charm of the series with the depth of a modern RPG.
Comment and Share this article. Does the move to a looter-shooter format make you more likely to pick up a Splatoon game?
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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