Nintendo surprised fans this morning with an impromptu Nintendo Direct that’s all about Splatoon, which releases for Wii U May 29. The Direct is just over 30 minutes and takes an in-depth look at details, many of which we were already privy to and many that are brand-new.
One of those brand-new announcements is that of a demo that will be playable for three 1-hour time frames this weekend. Nintendo is calling this the Global Testfire event. Players can download launch the demo but can’t play it except for these times:
- Friday, May 8, from 8-9 p.m. Pacific time
- Saturday, May 9, from 4-5 a.m. Pacific time
- Saturday, May 9, from 12-1 p.m. Pacific time
The Splatoon Direct also offers details on exactly how the game’s primary online mode, Turf War, works. You’ll be able to fight with random opponents or join friends, but either way, teams will be randomized at the beginning of each battle (that rules out the possibility of Mike McSurdy and I being a constant, unstoppable team, darnit!). Additionally, only 2 maps will be used for each 4-hour period of time (don’t ask me why or how that is).
Speaking of maps, Nintendo plans to offer more of those as free downloadable content throughout the summer. Splatoon will launch with 5 basic maps, and 5 more will be added; these will be more technical, offering experienced players more ways to strategize. More gear and weapons, as well as a new weapon type, the paintbrush, will also come as free DLC.
Other announcements from the Direct include a look at some retro, arcade-inspired minigames, the challenges and rewards that the three Splatoon amiibo figures unlock, an in-game event called Splatfest, and a bonus code for pre-ordering from Gamestop that will unlock Splatoon-themed costumes to be worn by Mii fighters in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U. Phew.
With all that said, how are you feeling about all the Splatoon goodness headed our way?