Revisiting Splatoon 2: Nintendo‘s Hit Shooter That Turned 5 Years Old in 2022
Splatoon 2 launched globally for the Nintendo Switch on July 21st, 2017, meaning Nintendo‘s massively popular ink-based shooter turned 5 years old last year. For squid kids everywhere, it‘s a chance to look back on the legacy and impact of one of the Switch‘s most iconic games.
As a long-time Nintendo fanatic, I‘ve been eagerly following the Splatoon series since the first game surprised players on the Wii U back in 2015. The sequel took the unique turf-war premise to new heights of success. In this deep dive, we‘ll explore Splatoon 2‘s beginnings, its post-launch journey, and why it resonated so strongly with fans like myself.
The Road to Launch – Big Ink Tank Shoes to Fill
Long before Splatoon 2 coated Nintendo Switch screens worldwide, its developers at Nintendo EAD faced high expectations. The original Splatoon on Wii U became that struggling console‘s best-selling new IP with over 5 million copies sold.
The game‘s kid-friendly characters, vibrant urban aesthetic, pop-fueled soundtrack, and fresh take on online shooters drew praise. But could Nintendo bottle lightning again?
| Game | Launch Date | Launch Platform | Global Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splatoon | May 2015 | Wii U | 5.27 million |
| Splatoon 2 | July 2017 | Nintendo Switch | 13.30 million |
Rather than drastically change a winning formula, Nintendo iterated in smart ways. Motion aiming was now optional, local wireless play enabled LAN parties, ranked battles added stakes, and Salmon Run delivered frantic co-op. New weapons, maps, and Splatfest events meant a lively service game.
Most importantly, the Switch‘s success fueled momentum for ‘Splatoon 2‘ from day one. Over 670,000 physical copies sold in its first 3 days in Japan according to Media Create. By September 2019, total worldwide sales exceeded 8 million, doubling its predecessor’s lifetime figures per Nintendo.
Splatoon 2 finished as one of Switch‘s highest sellers with 13.3 million copies moved as of March 2022 – a testament to its staying power.
Post-Launch Support – Keeping Things Fresh
While many online shooters come and go, Splatoon 2 persisted thanks to continual content updates over 4+ years. Nintendo added over 10 new maps, 100 weapons, and various multiplayer modes for free. Paid DLC like the Octo Expansion delivered one of Switch‘s best single-player campaigns too.
This consistent support kept existing players hooked while providing an onboarding point for new fans. As a gamer who routinely revisited Splatoon 2 myself, I always had fresh gear and strategies to master.
By 2021, the updates culminated with Splatoon 2‘s final Splatfest event. Fans voted on which game stage they preferred, making it a celebration of the journey thus far. Seeing that last new Splatfest prompt was bittersweet for me. But the ride Splatoon 2 took us all on was unforgettable.
Analyzing Why ‘Splatoon 2‘ Resonates – A Magnum Opus
In a 2017 Edge Magazine interview, producer Hisashi Nogami discussed the “unusual yet welcoming” tone of Splatoon that resonated with people globally. As a fan since day one with hundreds of hours played, I think Splatoon 2 perfected the formula.
Everything clicks together into an audiovisual explosion of color, music, and playful personality. Customization options let you express individuality. Mechanics like swimming through ink as a squid feel intuitive rather than tacked on. It rides a fine line between chaotic and welcoming that anyone can enjoy.
Most online shooters chase hardcore niche audiences these days. But Splatoon 2 succeeds through accessibility mixed with depth catering to all skill levels. Nintendo polish cements it as a hallmark Switch experience that feels perfectly at home on the system.
Its meme-worthy music also demonstrates masterful use of audio design. Who can listen to "Fly Octo Fly" without feeling hype for battle? Even in the heat of multiplayer mayhem, Splatoon 2 finds ways to make you smile.
What Lies Ahead – A New Generation Rises in Splatsville
Last September, Splatoon enthusiasts like myself eagerly booted up Splatoon 3 – the next evolution for the series. New movement skills, weapons, and postmodern wasteland motifs keep things feeling fresh. It even dethroned Splatoon 2 from the top of Japanese sales charts.
But for many veterans, saying farewell to the Splatoon 2 era was bittersweet. Its maps and gear will always stir nostalgia. However, passing the paintbrush to a new sequel while servers remain active feels like a perfect capstone.
By reflecting on the series‘ journey thus far, we can better appreciate how far it’s come. Comparing even the brief Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere demo to early Splatoon 2 memories showcases huge graphical leaps. Nintendo is clearly investing heavily, with eSports circuits and merchandise filling out a whole media ecosystem.
Splatsville stands poised to build on its predecessors‘ creative foundations. And the kids who joined in Splatoon 2 back in 2017 are now battle-tested veterans ready to dive into new turf war frontiers. It’s the closing of one chapter and start of an exciting new one.
Who can say for certain what the future holds for the Splatoon series? As a trendsetter in an industry that rapidly evolves every few years, even I can only speculate where Nintendo takes it next. Perhaps new console tech like AR could enable real-life turf wars?
But the vibrant community Splatoon 2 built over the past 5 years will undoubtedly be the fondest era for many. Its legacy remains immortalized in the hearts of squid kids everywhere who enjoyed hundreds of hours painting neon war zones. For all the great times and post-launch support, thank you Nintendo. Here’s to many more Splatfests to come!
