Wednesday, August 5th, in America, comes the huge Splatoon update we’ve all been waiting for, with update coming August 6th in Japan and Europe! Every detail in the press release below is a highlight!
- Level cap increased from 20 to 50
- Ranked Battle cap increases S to S+
- 2 All-new weapon types – Splatling and Slosher
- Over 40 pieces of new ability gear
- Urchin Underpass map unavailable for revamp from August 3rd-5th
- Fully Customizable Private Battle Matches
- Squad Battle Matches
- More free content updates coming until Fall
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On Aug. 5, a free software update in the Splatoon game for the Wii U console brings a large amount of new content to the game, including two new matchmaking modes, new weapon types, an increase to the game’s level cap and more than 40 pieces of new gear. Players will now be able to create a winning strategy and fight to be the best and most battle-tested squid squad around.
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.
With this robust new update also comes an increased level cap in both Regular Battle and Ranked Battle modes. After downloading the software update, players will be able to reach level 50 (raised from level 20) and rank S and S+ (both higher than A+).
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.
Despite its size and scope, this massive August update is not the end of the splat-acular free content coming to Splatoon. Following this update, more content will continually roll out through the rest of the summer and fall, including the Rainmaker Ranked Battle mode, additional maps and new weapons. More details about these additions will be revealed in the future.
For more information about Splatoon, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/
I suppose none of the update will feature anything new for offline play. I get that it is touted as an online shooter, but I hope Nintendo doesn’t completely forsake those who live in rural areas that cannot get internet even though they want it. I get to play online when I bring my system over to places, but a majority of the time I’m unable to and need to rely on the Battle Dojo to play. It’s enjoyable, but some more maps and weapons would be really nice. Single player is a lot of fun too, but when you can’t find the amiibo to unlock content already on the disc (aggravating in itself) and extend the experience, it can be a bit of a downer.
I appreciate what Nintendo is doing by doling out new content seeming on a constant basis, but please don’t forget those people who can’t hookup online a majority of the time! As I said, a few extra weapons and maps would go a long ways for people like us.