CGR Undertow - SPLATOON review for Nintendo Wii U

[@Relytia]

TJ, you've been one of my all-time favorite reviewers since you started on CGRUndertow, and this is by-far one of your best ever. Seriously, a review this damn perfect is incredibly rare. Great job! God I love Splatoon. It's such a ridiculously fun, deceptively simple game that is full of nuance and complexity. I absolutely love it.

[@user-hardbrain]

One of the best reviews done by TJ in my opinion.

[@user-hardbrain]

J.J. L. to add, the last line of the review is really what turns me off on playing shooters.

[@TheNintendoWizrad]

J.J. L. Agreed. not usually a big fan of his reviews because they seem nonsensical. but this was clear and well thought out.

[@thecatmangaming5503]

Yeah. I much prefer Derrick's

[@OddworldCrash]

I love this review only for the fact, that voice chat is not needed. So fucking true. Tell me one game that benefits from built in voice chat... oh right there is none.

[@coldskyrim]

Sarcasm. Because its really annoying these nintendo fans making excuses for shortcomings. Yea nintendo is so innovative. Nintendo reminds me of these hipsters that talk down on whats popular even though its good

[@coldskyrim]

Dude gain some perception. People like you are fukn annoyin. I dont even play shooters hardly at all. Voice chat is progression. fukn PERIOD

[@lukusloner8911]

Jack Beanstalk It could be said it's progression, but one of the best aspects about Splatoon is that it's global. Do you understand Japanese? Well, since half of your team may be Japanese, I guess it wouldn't matter if you did or didn't since there is no voice chat.

[@Cool_Hand_Luke]

OddworldCrash ArmA series, CS

[@OddworldCrash]

Frankenstrat247 These are on PC --> Mumble, TeamSpeak... Hell, even Skype is a better way to communicate. Game-side voicechat is laggy, low quality and just made to be abused. If you actually want to play with other people, build a group, and get a teamspeak server.

[@Phrygisian]

Thank you so much for your statement on the voice chat! These scrubs keep whining about it when the GamePad map is all you need! Very great review as always! (:

[@DaneeBound]

JakandCrash Really Freakin' Clever's Statement is on this is also pretty good twitter.com/FreakinClever/status/603549655218139136

[@MrFullbladder]

JakandCrash and I hope they bring it in a patch when the update to make parties with your friends for ranked comes along. I'd also like it so it could free up the need to put the map on the gamepad like with MK8 originally. I'd like to be able to use the Wii U pro controller to play and give my wife the gamepad so we can do online multiplayer.

[@Phrygisian]

Haha yes I love Really Freakin' Clever! It's so true! Also yes, I wouldn't be bothered if there was voice chat between friends only but not with anyone and everyone.

[@ToonCatTV]

Anyone else hate your team not looking at the map, going as a group in one direction and letting the other team go around them? God the left dpad needs a "LOOK AT THE FUCKING MAP" command for the chat

[@GMBalHajri1990]

Garuu Popka I saw some retards the other day who were literally walking in circles without doing anything, Other time I was using a Roller and the only one in my team who had a gun was completely clueless and didn't cover the long tower in the middle of the field and because of that, we were completely destroyed by campers.. This is what we get for playing a kiddie game, We got grouped together with 5 years olds..

[@senatorcthulu1815]

Garuu Popka It's not really a fault of the voice chat to be fair. It's just common sense. This game literally needs no more than it has, people just need to not go the same way as each other, where the person behind is also trying to ink

[@lizard81288]

Garuu Popka I HATE when i'm all by myself with this big large unpainted area, like the top area in the rig, and I look at my map and my teammates are are one area fighting the other team, rather than painting. I spam the C'mon button but nobody Comes. I hope they add a "Help" Button or "Over Here" Button

[@senatorcthulu1815]

Garuu Popka How is ranked mode anyway? Still haven't tried it, as i'm having too much fun flailing around a paintbrush like a madman in Turf Wars

[@senatorcthulu1815]

Garuu Popka I might give it a go tomorrow, but unfortunately, i know literally zero people who have a Wii U

[@jab0111]

Absolutely brilliant review, the end had me LOLing out loud.

[@Lumen_571]

To be fair... *teamate tries to take over enemy spawn point, while the enemy is dominating the middle and some of our base* "Dude, wtf are you doing?! Get back here, and help us!" *voice doesn't reach him, because of the LACK OF VOICE CHAT.*

[@BreakRoomArcade]

I actually found that the Come On shoutout grabs attention really well.

[@BChart781]

Gamepad map

[@Amalga_Heart]

Kirby The Lazy Star Warrior In all honesty though, in a game like this, if your teammate cant figure that out for themselves... you saying it to them aint going to make too much difference. And there's a high chance of them not listening anyway, because either A: they are some sort of God of Gaming and they know everything, and it's entirely Your Fault when they lose or die or waddle off a cliff, or B: they've been screamed at before, by people giving them advice that turns out to be BAD advice and only gets them killed, so they no longer trust anyone and thus wont listen. And also.... seriously, it's easy to figure out where you should be at any given time. If someone cant, they really just need more practice and probably arent ready for the level of play you want them to be at. Best thing (if you can) is to just play with friends and use Skype seperately. Though honestly, I personally dont miss the voice chat at all either way. I get SO tired of the stupid that spews from it in online games. I'd hate to see the fun atmosphere of this brilliant game tarnished by that.

[@scottthewaterwarrior]

Misery Does it have type chat at least? If so then I really don't think voice chat could have been much worse, I mean, people have killed themselves over stuff said on Twitter! I feel they should have included voice chat but just made it muted by default, that way young kids wouldn't even have to figure out how to mute it if someone was being mean to them. It's not that big a deal though, unless you are playing with a good group of friends, it is not like people can use strategy together in normal shooters anyway.

[@TheLaXandro]

If enemy is dominating the middle AND some of our base, the logical way of doing it will be to dominate their unprotected base so they start retreating, and then striking the middle from opposite sides. One charger or jet at spawn point with 20 seconds of spare time ensures inking of our base. Alternatively, roller, airspray or splattershot jr do the job faster, but with more risk.

[@WillBallForSoup]

I wish TJ would review games more consistently. I would be fulfilled if I had Derrick's reviews on one day and TJ's the next

[@nisper]

great review! splatoon is such a great game and refined concept. im glad that theres a review out there that doesnt shit on the game for not having voice chat lol

[@RileyHiebs]

Great Review. I love the personality that is so prevalent in your commentary

[@bowlofrice1006]

I bought a WII U for this game... nuff said! AWESOME FUN!

[@SilverShion]

The s word ....you mean SHOOTER!!? Nintendo made a SHOOTER!!

[@Floydthefuckbag]

SilverShion Metroid Prime?

[@D1ab0lical]

Floydthefuckbag That's a first party subsidiary, Retro Studios that made that. And it's not a shooter, it's a first person adventure game where you happen to shoot stuff.

[@LoliconSamalik]

Kid Icarus. GOLDENEYE.

[@D1ab0lical]

Samir Malik Sora Ltd. and Rareware.

[@LoliconSamalik]

Sand Man Kid Icarus is still a Nintendo franchise. Created by their veteran dev, Sakurai.

[@crono6874]

Wow I was really impressed by your review... without trying to flatter this is definitely the best review currently available

[@crono6874]

Btw definitely a like and sub from my part

[@darkroronoa]

This is really one of your best reviews. Also the game looks cool

[@Crackmandan]

7:38 Could I get a transcript? :)

[@edibleresidue]

Gotta say man, i love your reviews.

[@bomberri]

Honest to god. The moment I click on the dang video an ad for this game started almost immediately

[@desireepratt9190]

This has been a whole week and a half coming of me waiting.

[@Miumiu0404]

Very good review. I still wish voice chat was an option in this game. I want the vc not for strategy but for just having friendly talks with my friends or team mates. Most of the time, it gets boring for me when I focus on the game too much. It's refreshing to be able to talk to people about random things. That's how I made numerous online friends in Steam and PS.

[@ChescoYT]

"This zapper is quite the 'flapper'"...lmao

[@Aidyn3000]

Great Review TJ!

[@scottthewaterwarrior]

Nice review! I have two question though, does this game support split screen? and can you play against bots? Not that ether of those will get me to pick up a Wii U, but if they can get a couple more good games out I might consider it.

[@StudioUAC]

"S" word? Squid?

[@dyldragon1]

Shooter

[@PedroMatos482]

It means Shooter.

[@PedroTawa]

I agree it doesn't need voice chat I love the simplicity of the game it's the first online game I truly like its a very original game and should not be missed! Must buy!

[@hellsong23]

Great review! I fell for this game hook. line and sinker!

[@RizziSmoove]

Damn TJ. Where the hell have you been?

[@TheNintendoWizrad]

this game is simply incredible. such a fresh take on a shooter, that it should be in a category of its own. soooo good. even if there are little annoyances, the game is so fun and addictive i look right past them

[@Olamellamoalex]

Best review of this game so far!

[@TheSonTendo]

How good of an Internet connection do I need to play online? The only way I've been able to finish a match is by staying at the spawn point and doing nothing. If I actually try to play, I get a connection error. Take note that this is the only online game that does this to me and my connection is 2.5 Ghz, plus a wired connection.

[@robot4me]

TheSonTendo I never get errors

[@TheSonTendo]

luigi kirby That doesn't answer the question. I know 97% of players don't get any problems, that's why I'm asking what I'm doing wrong.

[@ugh.idontwanna]

TheSonTendo Are you too far away from the access point? Is there too much interference where you keep your Wii U? Has this happened on numerous occasions? Does your access point support a 802.11n signals? Have you tried an ethernet adapter?

[@TheSonTendo]

Daniel Flugt My Wii U is literally right next to my router, I'm using a wired connection, every match I play gets a connection error, this is the only game that does this. Every other game I own, I can play online with a really good connection... If I can play Smash and Mario Kart 8 online just fine, I should be able to play Splatoon.

[@ugh.idontwanna]

TheSonTendo Yeah, you should. I'd contact Nintendo Support. They have a special chatline set up for helping people with connection issues: www.nintendo.com/consumer/assets/chat/chatPop.jsp?type=wifi&system=Nintendo%203DS&data1=

[@Mcdonaldsslopper]

who needs team work when you have ink?

[@Majora_T]

Within 7 minutes and 51 seconds, TJ has done a better job at marketing Splatoon than the entire month of Nintendo videos dedicated to the game. I'm impressed!

[@crono6874]

I was very impressed I have seen every other review of worth and a bunch of random ones and this is definitely without a doubt the best one right not

[@crono6874]

*now

[@jackbessant1936]

There is totally a TWEWY vibe going on in this game, glad Im not the only one who noticed!

[@thundersharkpanda]

I remember the time when I used to play Mario kart clan wars, a lot of teams relies on voice chat to play. But for some reason the Japanese would still shit on us even if they are not on voice chat lol

[@BillTrinensTongue]

Excellent review. This game is terrific. I haven't had this much fun in ages. Splatoon is a unique experience, a brilliant and SIMPLE idea. A proof of what nintendo is capable. Don't need the most powerful console of this generation. Gaming is about fun.

[@AesirSW]

I don't know why but I get the feeling you don't like Squiffers.

[@ajbglolz13]

This actually looks freaking fun,i have an xbox one and i would love to play this on the wii u

[@Flamezy86]

Man I can't wait to get paid so I can pick up a copy of this

[@sevenw1nters57]

I don't care about voice chat with random players but the fact that I can't even communicate with my friends while we play made a game that I otherwise would of spent hundreds of hours playing with friends into a game I'll play by myself for a few hours and eventually get bored.

[@RemixerUltimate]

Most people I know use some kind of outside program to chat anyway, do that. On Xbox One and PS4, I have heard literally no one every time I go into game chat, because everyone either uses Skype or each respective console's party system. What Nintendo really needs is parties, in game voice chat isn't all that necessary.

[@Stormgazer]

Great review! Thanks!

[@vejymonsta3006]

I kinda want this game

[@lcarpetron6997]

VejyMonsta No you don't. You just want a lot of paint splattered on you.

[@ethangardner8202]

You don't want this game, you NEED this game.

[@ShyBoy6ty9]

VejyMonsta Do it. You won't regret it.

[@Kingdom850]

Lcarpetron Hate to be that guy, but....it's ink, not paint....

[@lcarpetron6997]

SoratheHedgehog100 hahaha don't worry about being that guy. It's all good. Ink it is. :)

[@HoodGaming1]

Who is a this and why doesn't he do more reviews?

[@JohnnnyJohn]

Personally I think it kinda sucks that there is no chat, I mean if you want it. I can see where Nintendo is coming from, because if anyone has played a game online they know the kind of language that gets tossed around. My 7 year old nephew is bonkers for this game, and if it had always on voice chat there'd be no way he could play it without the TV muted.

[@skywolf98]

Great review

[@konoha1993]

Man, I'd let those squids ink all over me

[@groovefiend25]

WHERES DEREK?

[@Lazyhoboguy]

Game looks cool. This, mario kart, and smash bros make me a want a wii u.

[@FYCY]

Paint rollers are not that O.P anymore I never You get some better weapons when you're a higher level I think the paint rollers are just there to increase your level so you can get those weapons sooner.

[@JayPistol2000]

He stopped doing video game reviews

[@KidCop2011]

You said the World ends with you *subbed*

[@mekman4]

Wonderful!!

[@thedoctorsassistant1]

one thing i have to say is BS is that you can only get up to level 20

[@hellsong23]

It's ok to use the word shoot in this game! Jeez. Footballers shoot at a goal. That doesn't make football a shooter! The guns shoot ink. The ink is a projectile. The ink 'kills' players. It's a shooter. Just because the Turf war mode and a heck of a lot of cool mechanics cannot be played with bullets doesn't make it any less a shooter. Bullets =/= shooter.

[@MASTERVETEAM4]

People wanted Nintendo to make a FPS, Nintendo made this and everybody agrees that it is way better than yet another FPS. Nintendo : 1 People: 1 Other game devellopers : why didn't we think about this!

[@nicknickgoose]

8/8 Squid of the year.

[@OMG_BeCkY]

That game sets my OCD off big time. Yuck.

[@sandriaan3764]

Verry witty

[@TheVegaIsAwesome]

I've grown to really enjoy TJ's reviews. I really despise Derek's reviews. I can't watch a Derek review.

[@frankschneider6156]

TheVegaIsAwesome Agree. TJ's reviews are pretty objective (as objective as a subjective review can be) and informative. I like them lot. Interestingly Derek IS capable of doing ok reviews, but he tends to think its more fun for the viewers if he plays the looney. Most of the times that can be ignored, but sometimes it's pretty unbearable, eg the Medal of Honor Underground review for the GBA (a strong candidate for the worst review ever on KZbin.). Or when he bashes a great game, just because he has a bad hair day.

[@majormoe3678]

Frank Schneider He's just Gamecom fodder at this point.

[@kropking]

+TheVegaIsAwesome Not to hate on TJ, but, I feel the opposite. Derek's reviews are full of heart, while TJ just seems to be reluctantly reading his way to the end of the script with feigned enthusiasm. I can't even understand half of the words he says because he rushes from one word to the next so quickly that entire sentences just bleed into one another in a sloppy and garbled fashion. He lacks the RHYTHM necessary to be a compelling narrator. (Whereas Derek has a near flawless rhythm in his expressions.) On top of that, TJ doesn't really have a voice for media, either.

[@kropking]

Frank Schneider Nah, he reviews games. The "spiritual" aspect to them, so to speak. Focusing more on what makes a game purely satisfying, rather than some tangible effect to cling to, exploit, and expect to give meaning to your life. He has a unique perspective, it's just that you lack the vision to notice it. And, his voice is memorable. High pitch, low pitch, whatever... it doesn't matter. His voice has CHARACTER... something that TJ's voice lacks. Again, not to diss TJ, he seems like a nice guy, I just don't feel like he's got the knack for journalism.

[@frankschneider6156]

Most Hated Well "spirituality" is for people who have problems with reality, and I agree with you, that he IS unique (hopefully). I also tend to agree with you, that TJ is definitely significantly less into "Journalism" than "him", but if you focus on reviews, that's hardly a problem. Journalism just becomes more of an issue the more you move away from hard, measurable facts and the more you move into the softer world of opinions, believes and entertainment.

[@StaneDaynus]

SPLATATATATATATATATATATOOOOOON

[@joesphsteelflex3154]

Awesome! :)

[@GMBalHajri1990]

Fantasy Life, Tomodashi Life, Fossil Fighter, Code Name Steam..

[@CarbyGuuGuu]

Fantasy Life is owned by Level-5, and the sequel will be mobile-only.

[@D1ab0lical]

The Splattershot Jr is a ****in **** **** and **** and you're a ***** for picking it (unless you're a low level).

[@Riz2336]

Man Nintendo finally made something new, way to go about time.

[@malikcarson14]

Xenoblade chronicles, Pandora's Tower, The Last Story, Pushmo, Wonderful 101, Codename:Steam, Dillion's Rolling Western, Captain Toad. All New Nintendo IPs made within the last 5 years. What are you talking about?

[@malikcarson14]

Garuu Popka either way, they own all of those.

[@malikcarson14]

Garuu Popka ugh facts ;)

[@RemixerUltimate]

So? Nintendo published or co-developed every game on that list, making it a new IP for Nintendo. That's like saying Uncharted isn't one of Sony's IP's because it wasn't developed in house, it was developed by Naughty Dog.

[@maliciousminer9331]

Looking through the comments to find that "s" word. Never watched that God-awful dinosaur flick. Never plan to.

[@Grimmations]

God I love this game !!!!

[@thegamechangerchannelclass9711]

The s-word? How can you go through an entire review and not use the word "squid"? Wait, you mean THAT s-word. Nevermind, carry on :-P When I think of THAT s-word, I think of Gradius and MUSHA. But, I guess I am old school.

[@xenos_n.]

Where the fuck is Derek

[@WRKFLO]

why so serious? yes its a good game but jesus man, all those big ass encyclopedic words? its a children game! i didnt have fun with this review at all , but it was accurate.

[@clamshell6863]

It' actually pronounced Splat not Split or Splut.

[@HiddenAccount]

Accents are a thing, kthxs

[@MrAnimeComicGamer316]

It's 2015.Their is no excuse for lack of voice chat in a competitive Shooter game.Also the game comes incomplete missing modes and content behind a Phisical DLC,an Amibo,I mean A happy meal toy. I can see people getting bored pretty quick,meaning not a good game.

[@kaiserxblue]

***** Have even played the freaking game or you just spreading your cheecks with whatever comes to your mind? The game has been fresh barely 2 weeks old and people who actually played are not comaplaining about the lack of voice chat so go figure! Not to menton Nintendo is providing the game with free DLC to maintain the game fresh and making players come back for more, so I don't know what the hell you talking about? Oh and guess what? That happy meal toy you are talking about, it doesn't really add much to the experience other than a 3 outfits and a mini game, besides the amiibos can be used for other games like Smash, so you are not exatly paying DLC for one game. ASide you are gettinga collectable figurine.

[@DanielPage]

***** I normally compare the online experience of this game to laser tag in a laser glow setting. Normally in this setting you want to avoid communicating with your team mates and just know where they are. Now where Splatoon deviates from this is that unlike in laser tag where you want to capture a base where there are lots of hiding spots, you can't do this as it would mean you're going to lose. So the purpose of voice chat becomes unnecessary. It was designed so you don't need voice chat. Of course I am a bit older, and don't see the point of voice chat as cooperation is mostly all about location in this game, as with practice comes strategy. The strategy changes, so it can't be treated like a frag-game where that much precision in strategy is helpful.

[@D1ab0lical]

Defualt I think the problem is what little it has AT LAUNCH For a full priced game. Launch means everything, it gives you your first impression and let's face it half the stuff coming as DLC is already in the singleplayer or has been done and ready to show off since it's E3 reveal (ink brush and Camp Triggerfish map).

[@kaiserxblue]

Sand Man Yes, game at launch gives you first impressions of the game. Nintendo is trying a different approach, can you blame them for trying a new business model that doesnt require to fork out your money with dlc? If the do some dlc like mario kart 8 and charge for it, then I say it's well worth it. they are trying this to maintain your hook to the game.

[@danimel2]

My god! Do you want some cheese with that whine!?!?!?!

[@khav11]

No wonder this show died, none were good except for derek, and derek was too lazy to review all the stuff like mark does.

[@ChasingGeek]

Grigori Rasputin I always felt Derek should go like normal boots style show where he talks about retro games. less review. more funny video game show.

[@vwR32mja]

We want Derek not you

[@DaveTheSodaGuy0]

Matthew Alfieri shut up

[@tomacco3k]

Matthew Alfieri Not we. You. I like Derek's reviews. But I also like TJ. They both are great reviewers!

[@vwR32mja]

Okay let's all calm down now

[@frankschneider6156]

wolfmap TJ is an excellent reviewer ,.., Derek on the other side is certainly a unique reviewer with very special attributes

[@gabrielsylvestre3708]

You're rambling. The review is TOO long for this type of a game.

[@HiddenAccount]

Honestly it was perfect for me, it’s a shame you have zero patience and attention spam, also guessing as you have none, you’ll never reply so for every year that passes, I’ll count to 5, one per year, if we hit five, you love this review! K thanks

[@aaronseefeldt8678]

First, git rekt m8