Splatoon 2
has launched to both critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite this
success, though, many fans and critics have complained that the game offers too
little content, especially when considering that it is a sequel with only 1
real game mode added from its predecessor. While this is a subjective claim
that I mostly disagree with, one thing that everyone can agree on is that we
look forward to seeing new content added to Splatoon 2 over the next year. With
the promise from Nintendo of free updates and DLC coming to their hit shooter
for a year, there is a lot of speculation of what this new content might
contain. Will it be more maps, modes, weapons or clothes? Well, I have some
theories as to what Nintendo might have in store for us.
As we have
seen throughout the first few weeks of Splatoon 2’s life, the initial added
content will most likely be new weapons. It is my belief that this is the only
new significant content that will be added to the game for the first month.
Nintendo will likely continue to experiment with new weapons, such as the Splat
Brella that was mentioned during the final pre-launch Direct. It is probably
also a safe bet to say that new weapons will not include just primary weapons.
These content updates will include new sub-weapons and special weapons as well.
This trend will likely continue, with more weapons added each month throughout
the entirety of the game’s first year.
Now that the
obvious has been gotten out of the way with weapon updates, we can dive into
the good stuff. From here on, it’s going to be pure speculation and fandom
filled hopes! At the end of the day, the two additions that fans want most are
new modes and new maps. There is a decent variety to be found amongst Splatoon
2’s current maps. Some maps are larger than others and depend on more wide open
combat, while others are more confined with multiple alleys of combat. In the case
of Moray Towers, maps offer a great sense of space and verticality. All of
these maps lend themselves well to all the current game modes and various
styles of play and weapon preferences. However, as fans, we can never have too
many maps. One type of map that I crave to be in Splatoon 2 is a large, yet
enclosed/claustrophobic type map. A large space made to feel smaller with
enclosed corridors would be wholly unique to the Splatoon experience.
The
development team behind Splatoon 2 cannot be faulted for not previously
including a map such as the one I just described, as there hasn’t been a mode
suited to this type of map as of yet. So far the maps have been mostly open
areas that play well into turf wars or single objective point modes. It is the
two modes that I would love to see added where a large yet enclosed map would
flourish. The two new modes I would love to be included could be appropriately
titled “Team Splat Match” and “Hide and Splat”.
The first of
these proposed game modes, “Team Splat Match”, would obviously be a traditional
team death match style mode. This mode would pin teams of four against one
another in a competition to see who can get the most splats. In previous game
modes, players were charged with inking the most turf or controlling an
objective point, with splats being a secondary thought. With Team Splat Match,
getting splats would be the sole objective. This game mode would likely appeal
to more traditional fans and hardcore players who live for taking down there
opponents with satisfying splats.
In addition
to Team Splat Match, I would love to see another direct objective based game
mode. This objective based mode would be “Hide and Splat.” In Hide and Splat,
players would be charged with taking down the other team’s players. The catch
in this mode, however, is that there are no respawns. Once you are splatted,
you are out for that entire round. The team that loses all their players first,
loses the round. To fans of other shooter based games, this mode will sound familiar
as a “search and destroy” style game mode. Splatoon 2 would no doubt flourish
with this type of game mode, as it deals heavily with stealth, giving the
swimming through and hiding in your own ink mechanic another chance to shine.
Large
additions such as new maps and modes are not the only things that should be
added to Splatoon 2 throughout the next year. There are many smaller changes
and additions that should be added as well. One such change is the obvious edit
of including some form of in match or between match weapon loadout swap. This
is an essential part of any shooter that allows fans to implement a deeper level
of strategy. Other small additions could include: new clothing items, new abilities
to be attached to articles of clothing, more style (hair and eye color)
options, and of course, more ink colors. There is no denying the greatness that
has been Splatoon 2. Myself, as well as thousands of other fans, have sunk
hundreds of hours into the game in a few short weeks. However, like nearly any
game, there is still room for improvement and additions. Here’s to hoping that
Nintendo will continue to listen to their fans and give us many more options
for the game!
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