Splatoon Raiders action review

Forget the twitchy reflexes of competitive multiplayer; the Splatoon spinoff, Raiders, offers something far more rewarding: a deeply satisfying action RPG that puts creativity front and center. This is where you trade high-speed battles for marathon sessions of tinkering, crafting, and strategic experimentation in a world dripping with ink and adventure.

The story throws players into the remote Spirhalite Islands, following beloved idols Shiver, Frye, and Big Man as they hunt for treasure and battle waves of Salmonid enemies to clear Splatsville’s enormous debt. It’s a swashbuckling quest packed with detail, but the true magic lies in how every element encourages you to maximize what’s already at hand: making the most out of whatever you have.

The foundation of the game is built on resourcefulness. Players step into the role of the Mechanic, a blank slate Inkling or Octoling ready to craft their destiny. Instead of polished weapons, Raiders embraces a scrappy aesthetic, stitching together gear with duct tape and salvaged materials, giving every weapon a unique, homemade visual identity. Whether you’re using a soda bottle for an ink tank or a broken tennis racket for a Stringer bow, the focus remains on functional creativity.

But the real depth is found in the Inkspector Gadget system. These aren’t just accessories; they are customizable tools that define your build. Players choose between three classes—Speed, Power, and Tactical—each unlocking unique abilities, from mobility options like the Jump Bomb to area-denial tactics like the explosive Bombloons. The fun comes from discovering how these Gadgets interact with one another, allowing players to forge countless combinations that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

For instance, a tactical build might focus on maximizing passive damage and speed through carefully managed equipment, while a power-focused approach emphasizes raw force. This customization system is endlessly rewarding, constantly sparking new build ideas as you unlock skills for each Gadget. You can swap Tank types at will, encouraging players to rotate their loadouts and explore different strategic approaches across the campaign.

The challenge comes from the relentless hordes of Salmonids, which demand smart planning rather than brute force. The levels offer diverse objectives: linear paths for platforming, multi-level dungeons focused on efficiency, and unique Salmonid Dens that require lateral thinking to clear space in time. Even the Sampler Dungeons serve as fantastic tutorials, presenting puzzles that teach you the true potential of each Gadget, offering motivating ways to upgrade your arsenal.

Raiders shines brightest in its online co-op mode, where strategy is paramount. The multiplayer system intelligently scales difficulty based on individual player levels, ensuring everyone faces a fair yet challenging experience. Players can work together, sharing rewards and tackling massive threats, proving that cooperation truly unlocks the game’s most exciting moments.

While the visuals might be less neon than some of the mainline Splatoon titles, the focus on handcrafted level design and dynamic enemy encounters delivers a unique sense of adventure. Raiders is a vibrant hub of creativity—a place where players don’t just survive the chaos, they innovate their way through it.