Splatoon Raiders review: Nintendo's inky shooter fades to grey

Nintendo's latest release, Splatoon Raiders, has drawn criticism for failing to capture the charm of the main series. The game is a single-player-focused spinoff of the popular multiplayer shooter franchise, but reviewers say it feels disappointingly generic.

The title is aimed at fans of the Splatoon series who want a solo experience, though it is also playable cooperatively with up to three others. Players start on a hideout ship, upgrade equipment, and complete bite-sized repeatable missions. However, the game's structure is better suited for team play than solo play, which may disappoint those seeking a robust single-player campaign.

This matters because Splatoon is known for its vibrant personality, colorful characters, and unique turf-war mechanics where even poor aim can be valuable. The spinoff's lack of that charm risks alienating the dedicated fanbase that made the series a hit.

Splatoon Raiders is set for release on 23 July at a price of £41.99. The game is the first spinoff in the franchise, which has been a standout for Nintendo over the past decade. No further details on future updates or expansions have been announced.