Nintendo is pushing the release of their new game Splatoon pretty hard.
Last week a limited trial demo Global Testfire was released which allowed gamers a taste of Splatoon’s multiplayer in three one hour sessions. The game is getting the amiibo treatment with the release of two characters and a three-pack, which includes an exclusive squid character.
Nintendo could have easily made this another Mario game. There’s precedent there with Super Mario Sunshine, where Mario sprayed water around. That could have easily been modified with paint instead of water. The characters of the Mushroom Kingdom could be the ones playing paintball and paint the town.
Mario Paint Battle?
But Nintendo boldly made a brand new IP with this game. A new IP isn’t really so bold, but with the propensity to rely on the Mario theme in games this IS a bold step.
And it’s paying off.
Having played the demo the game was a blast. The multiplayer is very much fun to play, and gives the Wii U the first real multiplayer death match exclusive since GoldenEye 007. And with this game rated E-10 and cartoony, it’s a great game for kids to play.
My kids played the demo and were both excited by the game, and disappointed that it ended so quickly. The game appeals to the core Nintendo crowd as well as kids, and possibly gives Nintendo a brand new IP to merchandise.
If the game proves successful we could eventually see the brand branch out into other mediums. A launch of amiibo is a first step, but other merchandise is definitely a possibility in the future.
I personally am hoping that Nintendo has the wisdom to release a Nintendo 3DS home theme based on Splatoon. I have only purchased a small handful of themes, but Splatoon is a theme that I will absolutely will buy.
