Topic: First Post-Launch Splatoon Content Includes Matchmaking, Custom Games, Weapons and Gear

[Shaymin]

The summer will bring some major Splatoon updates.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/40201/first-post-launch-splatoon-content-includes-matchmaking-custom-games-weapons-and-gear

A free update for Splatoon is coming in August that will bring more key functionality to the multiplayer.

The update will add friend matching to all multiplayer modes, allowing you to force matches with friends on the multiplayer modes. In addition, players will be able to create eight-friend matches with the player’s choice of maps and rules in addition to the normal game rotation.

Updates will also bring additional maps, gear and weapons, as well as special “Splatfests” that are similar to the Conquests in Super Smash Bros for Wii U. The mode will ask you to make a choice (such as “Cats or Dogs”) and will give matches based on that. The first Splatfest is scheduled for June 20 in North America and June 29 in Europe, and will have separate rankings, with rewards ingame for the high scorers.

[Lazers]

The update will add friend matching to all multiplayer modes, allowing you to force matches with friends on the multiplayer modes.

Will it? If so, that's a huge relief. What I got out of the Direct was that friend matchmaking will come in August in the form of a completely separate online mode, and even then you'd need four friends (no mention was made of what your options were if there were just two or three of you). I certainly hope it's coming to all multiplayer modes and allows you to play on the same side if there are only two of you as well.

If not, that's... well, dumb as ****, to be succinct. They'd be outta their friggin' mind if they didn't include this.

[Nelson S.]

@Lazers, Yeah I agree. Any online multiplayer is best played with friends. Especially when you're both on the same team.

[Spak-Spang]

I wonder if it is a separate App that runs at the same time as the game...is this a "Nintendo solution" to no voice chat.  That the other app will allow it, but only with your group of friends?

[ShyGuy]

Nintendo seems to be embracing DLC to make their games have an even longer tail. It also helps fill in a sparse release schedule.

[Mop it up]

My takeaway from this is "This game is worth buying in August."

[NWR_Lindy]

My takeaway from this is "This game is worth buying in August."

Or, taken another way, "We don't have anything else approaching a summer game for Wii U, so we're releasing this one in a sorta-finished state and patching in the rest later."

[Zadamanim]

My takeaway from this is "This game is worth buying in August."

Or, taken another way, "We don't have anything else approaching a summer game for Wii U, so we're releasing this one in a sorta-finished state and patching in the rest later."

A lot of major Wii U and 3DS games have been releasing with only "most" of the content there, and receiving the rest in the following months. Hyrule Warriors, Smash 4, Mario Kart 8, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, and Codename S.T.E.A.M. have all been receiving DLC. I think it's a good thing, since it gives you a reason to keep caring about the games after release. I do think playing with friends should be included at release, though. Kinda silly that they left that out... But after playing the test flight, I think it's still well worth the money to pick it up at launch.

[nickmitch]

That's a two-sided coin.  MK8 was a complete game whose DLC expanded the content to keep you coming back.  Smash 4 is going to keep getting updates to balance the roster and adding Mewtwo seemed more like a late-in-the-game decision. 

The Splatoon announced update seems more like what Lindy is saying in that the games isn't really done.  It's a basic feature of other shooters that's missing and not just more levels (though that piece is there too).

As far as that practice goes, I agree with you.  If Nintendo can sell me on a game and then give me more game later (free or not), then I'm for it.  It keeps the game relevant.  But this one is riding the fence.