Splatoon 3: Side Order Nintendo Switch DLC Review - Is It Worth It?

Starter for Eight
Original review written by Alex Olney:
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#NintendoSwitch #Splatoon3 #SideOrder

[@Play_Dreams]

Nintendo has some very talented devs. They often try new genres and basically nail it 1st try.

[@astr0sauce]

they didn’t though. it’s a great starting point but compare the variety to something like hades or risk of rain 2. this feels very limited in comparison.

[@Play_Dreams]

@@astr0sauce Considering it is DLC side content to the main online pvp gameplay, I think it is very good.

[@NickMario1]

@@astr0saucetrue

[@sprites4ever482]

EXPERIENCED, EX - PE - RI - ENCED God, as a beginner artist and writer, I hate the word 'Talent'. It's not real.

[@Aktedya1-jt7vw]

@astr0sauce Do you think that's the point though? Like how Super Mario RPG is a "babies first RPG"?

[@JsYTA]

Feels like Nintendo is finally embracing the handheld side of their game design. This is a perfect time killer

[@Matanumi]

Finally? Huh? Its been there since 2019 at least....

[@ilbroducciore]

@@MatanumiAgreed. KZbin comments do have the hottest takes sometimes

[@Sygmus6]

Yeah, slight lack in objective variation is my only complaint, other than that I’m really enjoying it!

[@niyamshah8091]

Yh the game is amazing but I definately think it could do w 1 or 2 more objectives…. It’s really simple to do so? Add a clam blitz and turf war mode And make redux deep cut fights.. bc it would actually make sense Then we have more bosses and modes and it isn’t too much work to code whole new scenarios? Other than that Gane is incredible

[@Wavecheckfoo]

Yea towards the end I did notice there were only like 5 challenges

[@strife2746]

I enjoyed it for what it was, especially the whole palette mechanic. But I thought it was pretty short and lacked the same kind of debt the Octo Expansion had.

[@nickeimorty487]

The identity of this is DLC is incredibly strong! I wonder how you can came up with ideas like these after the already incredibly strong identity of the main game! Under this aspect, i'm absolutely stunned (and of course, i'm lovin it)

[@PawlSLax]

Great review, echoes my own thoughts pretty much to the letter. Side Order feels like it could have more to it, but its still a furiously addictive good time. Happy to be elbow deep in it currently, so it is worth picking up imho. Just not *as* worth it as Octo Expansion was back in the day.

[@jellopuffy2974]

They achieved what they wanted, a very simple formula that'll have you hooked for a long while, maybe overhyping the DLC since the release of the game wasn't the right move tho

[@AgapeGaming17]

I’ve been wanting Nintendo to introduce a new Rougelike IP, but I would not be disappointed if this DLC starts a Splatoon rougelike spin-off series like this.

[@jod2015]

Yeah the lack of variety in stages and it also felt shorter than the story mode and the previous Octo Expansion DLC that’s my only complaints 😢

[@ambrosiajam8008]

Octo expansion is a lot better/bigger, but this is still veryyyyyy good. I did roll credits after 4 runs so it felt a little thin, but I’m also kindof terminally addicted to splatoon lol

[@MooseKINGstudios]

I found the story kinda disappointing, as I was expecting earth shattering reveals like octo-expansion. BUT the gameplay is SO MUCH FUN! I could absolutely see myself replaying it a lot. I still can’t believe I beat my first run with a weapon I hated.

[@LDAR]

My thoughts exactly. Story is a bit underwhelming but weapon upgrades go pew pew The visuals and aesthetic are also beautiful. The almost alien, beige futuristic themes are great. It's not just white and silver future themes, it's actually creative. Holographic black, cream, bright red, dull pastels, off white.. I've definitely seen games and anime with this aesthetic and splatoon pulled it off wonderfully

[@Im_leaving]

I definitely feel lovely after the intro

[@thetoondevil]

I find it weird, I can never get into any of SPLATOON's base single player games, but they somehow knock it out of the park with the dlc.

[@dycu]

I like how Nintendo make game sequel to not overshadow the prequel. Still replaying Splatoon 1 last level. And Splatoon 2 Octo. Their "experimenting new gameplay" is what I like about their company.

[@eeskaatt]

before watching i also had a personal rating of 8! i had similar sentiments as well. There should be at least 6 boss types so we they rotate it it’s much harder to guess what’s next given you didn’t get the boss reveal upgrade. and definitely MORE objectives. nevertheless, i’m enjoying it as much as i’m enjoying salmon run. glad i got it! ps. the chip palette is a freaking DRUM MACHINE. you can tap it and ‘make’ music lmao. it’s tappable when you pause and check the palette, select one palette it will bring you to the list and on the right side is the palette that you can tap the color chips to make a sound. DRUM MACHINE! BRILLIANT!

[@chazbot8955]

I’m loving it. About halfway through completing all the palettes. An update with more bosses, more palettes, and a heat system like Hades would be excellent.

[@Edtlus]

I think the DLC has enjoyable stuff in it but I'm personally not a fan of the gameplay loop of rougelites/rougelikes, this is fine but I'd rather have another regular campaing over this.

[@neatnateable]

Same here!!

[@christianberry3031]

Same😭 the first. Levels take like 45 seconds each

[@orionwesley]

I've never played a Splatoon game, but this DLC (not to mention this review, thanks Alex!) called out to me.

[@ascexmir]

Gameplay wise it was great. I like a challenge so I enjoyed it a lot. I like how you’re literally fighting to survive because of the consequence in starting all over again if you lose all lives. That motivates you to play better. And having the option to choose your floor is great. Winning also feels pretty rewarding.

[@ImsPlays]

Side order is definitely a great experience!

[@RefreshingMirage]

It’s very hard but also very fun, I’m just happy to see Off the Hook and Agent 8 are okay

[@Evil_Befall]

Google caption : It's alice from nintendo life here 😂

[@nintendolife]

Imposter!

[@kingofcheshire]

Xenoblade 3 expansion pass gives you a roguelite mode on top of a huge story expansion for the same price as this lmao

[@warndatowl2430]

You can buy some games at this price… what is your point?

[@themonado5030]

I've put around 200 hours into the base game and still haven't started the story

[@Mimiyan_or_Pikapikafan]

I love how Splatoon has consistently made banger DLC thats so good that id recommend it to anyone who has the current Splatoon game

[@MB-bl4nl]

The splat charger shade is crazy that’s by far the best palette in the game. Maxing out quick-charge makes every run completely free.

[@lw1391]

I absolutely hate chargers, I'm completely useless with every game mode and yet the first time I finished this game I did it with a charger funny enough. So I've got to agree with you it is a pretty good kit.

[@omarbleswizard1516]

Side order was phenomenal, but am I the only one who felt like the main game was short? I beat the final boss on my 4th or so run.

[@facilityhues]

5:39 What track is he referring to? I'd love to give it a listen since I am a huge fan of BOTW's orchestration

[@slyllamademon2652]

I would love to have the escort mission be part of the game as a mode.

[@0celot8]

My favorite genre combined with one of my favorite switch games? time to pick up the dlc!

[@Kingofslay]

started playing today, been loving It, splatoon 3 Is a masterpiece

[@strife2746]

I enjoyed it for what it was, especially the whole palette mechanic. But I thought it was pretty short and lacked the same kind of debt the Octo Expansion had.

[@LegendaryHeroponRiki]

you were literally going to the same maps with the same objectives and same enemies over and over and over again while octo expansion actually had variety and amazing level designs and didnt feel repetitive like side order did

[@strife2746]

@@LegendaryHeroponRiki Pretty much.

[@tippedjoshua6802]

I wish this was harder, like I got to the 27th floor my first try, and some people are finishing it on their first try, or at least there should be a harder option

[@Pietrothesquid]

Side order is great but the problem is that the story was a bit short and Agent 4 didn't return which is a wasted opportunity

[@punch6482]

You know it's going to be a good Nintendo life video when Alex says"sweet beans" 😂

[@guillermorobledo2842]

Dualies are the way to go. The last boss with chip saturation was too epic. The unlimited shielded rolls and ink was 👌.

[@Noxrad]

I love hearing fair reviews.

[@stephen1896]

I waited to 100% it before finally watching this and now that I am... this is spot on. Even the minimal criticisms are spot on.

[@janstrom3482]

From what I understand, there is no splatana wiper in side order at all? And you can not just choose which weapon to use, they are unlocked in random order? And there are no checkpoints, so you have to start over from level 1... that you will bore you to death after a while?

[@Makkkss]

There is a splatana dont worry You unlock "palettes" (which are basically a loadout that include a special, sub-weapon and a main weapon) and the way you unlock them is by beating a boss which gives you a key that can open a single locker (out of 36 that unlock in numerical order) in inkopolis square that could include either a palette, prlz, diaries that include some story and customisation for the multiplayer. Also you can only earn 3 keys on each palette and you only need around 16-20 keys to unlock every single palette so the game encourages you to try using different weapons. And for the checkpoints, after completing the tutorial you unlock hacks which are basically just permanent upgrades that you buy using Prlz, one of the upgrades includes giving you more lives (up to 5). The game is a roguelite which i really love as i like failing and failing until i finally beat the game only to keep replaying it. This DLC is based on personal preference as not everyone likes dying and dying over again to beat something, so it might bore you to death or you might not be able to stop playing this game. I strongly recommend this as i really like it and all of my complaints were already said in this video.

[@KKJazz]

Hades had the same 3? 4? Bosses every single run, genuinely curious how it’s more acceptable there? Is just because it’s an older game now? Completely unbiased and curious about this.

[@invisible13575]

Nice that you can play it over and over again.

[@joopvanhedel1372]

In the Wii U era Nintendo wasn't that good with DLC. Mario Kart and Smash Bros were the only ones that were really big. But now we have the Splatoon 2 and 3 DLCs. the xenoblade dlcs. The smash bros fighter's pass. booster course pass. Mario + Rabbids Donkey Kong/Rayman and more

[@neatnateable]

Pikmin 3 and Mario Maker got some killer DLC on the Wii U.

[@BrilliantBro]

I’ve played it and it is SO worth it😉

[@Egood_ty]

Do you like Fun? YESS!

[@arrownaut6820]

Ngl, Side Order is a bit bland. I don't like Roguelikes and I loved this one at first but it's starting to annoy me. Especially since I suck at this game and have only reached level 14 on my best attempt so far. If it had better music I think it'd be more tolerable. I miss the deep sea metro man. Still very incredible DLC, worth the money if you like roguelikes but I dunno it's taking me too long for what others have already done. And I have to beat it more than 10 times apparently. I listen to the Octo Expansion music religiously. Almost every week. But so far none have stood out. Not many absolute bops or eerie soundscapes for me personally. Still absolutely incredible and worth the money

[@neatnateable]

I'm with you. I tend to avoid roguelikes.

[@arrownaut6820]

@@neatnateable They are an amazing genre but I like progressing through something without the fear of losing everything. The prlz system is good, great in fact but a few small upgrades doesn't seem worth it sometimes. Especially since the prices get pretty large on small things

[@neatnateable]

@@arrownaut6820 I definitely understand that. I like to retain some progress.

[@alfiegbfan]

me personally i think side order is good but not on the same level as something like octo expansion or splatoon 1's hero mode. still recommend but is definitely not for everyone. i'd give it like a 7.5/10

[@neatnateable]

@@alfiegbfan Thanks for the recommendation. I have played neither the hero mode or the octo expansion, but I have both. I shall have to try them out.

[@extraful1]

I beat it in 3 runs. It's fun and addictive, so now I'm trying with different load outs.

[@petermin5399]

Is 30F end?

[@randomatorPHD]

ye

[@SMD965OFFICIAL]

Its very fun, definitely worth it if you are a Splatoon fan.

[@Jacob_G9]

When the Biggest Complain is "there's not enough of it" You know it's Good, and with Octo Expansion Becoming the New Hero Mode, I'm more than willing to bet that Side Order's Roguelite content's gonna come back.

[@Adamtendo_player_1]

This DLC deserves at least a nine out of 10.

[@Crashinginthesamecar1]

Is it worth it? 100% YES!

[@HaxHaunter]

lmao, the Memeverse.

[@Nin100Gamer]

Everybody gangsta until Alex starts calling himself “we”

[@kmcsciguy]

8 / 10 …. I see what you did there Alex 😉

[@zelatoth]

I hate roguelikes. I don't get the "one more run" feeling that people seem to get. I get the I died and so did my interest feeling when I see my progress gone. There are a few that I enjoy but those usually mix things up to draw me in, Later down the line, If the internet won't shut about it long enough. I'm talking about Hades.

[@blotrux421]

They are not for everyone and its totally fine to not like them. But you don't loose all progress. Sure the ingame one is gone but you as a player progressed and learned a lot. Which you will notice by suddenly beating bosses flawless or just becoming faster and faster. And imo that makes roguelites and roguelikes special and enjoyable

[@Jme_hde]

You can buy Continues and Lives to make it less frustrating when you die

[@neatnateable]

I'm with you. I tend to avoid roguelikes.

[@zelatoth]

@@blotrux421 The other thing I didn't mention is they are repetitive and the random upgrades are annoying. When I make a build I want to keep my build not watch it get thrown away. I'm also the kind of person that likes to slam my head into the wall until the wall breaks but not when the wall keeps repairing it's self. If I die to a boss I want to keep trying not trudge though already made progress and even bosses I've already beat.

[@blotrux421]

@@zelatoth like i already said it is completely fine to not like the entire genre. I personally also am not a fan of rng. But some is needed to keep each run fresh and more interesting. And usually most Roguelites have really good incentives for you to try out new builds...e.g. in hades or deadcells. In the end you have to be cool with "dead runs" and i get not everyone wants to. I for myself love the genre and the enjoyment i get far outweighs the minor amounts of mechanics i dislike

[@janstrom3482]

Looks too repetitive to me...

[@jerrodhesby1128]

Not sure if i even want to watch this after watching the entire lie that was the mario wonder video.

[@LegendaryHeroponRiki]

tbh you should skip it i feel really disappointed with the dlc does really feel like it was worth the money

[@teppizini]

The only thing I hate about it is the outfit. It's appalling.

[@DarkAnomaly]

Pretty underwhelming tbh. I mean it's not bad but after playing it last night I left it feeling meh whatever.

[@NickMario1]

It’s okay

[@nickvarley8365]

I bought splatoon 1 and 2. Honestly my least favourite Nintendo IP. This expansion feels like the first gamemode I'd actually enjoy. I'm not a multiplayer guy. Won't be buying splatoon 3 but I think they finally did a good job at this expansion. Just wish they'd focus on other games but I get people like this game.

[@neatnateable]

I can understand your point of view. I didn't really like Splatoon's multiplayer content until I discovered Salmon Run. I could play that endlessly.

[@CaRlOsKoKiS]

A great dlc, another review written by someone who played for 2 hours.

[@Cudizone_806]

First'

[@starboy5653]

Nope i disagree this dlc is mid

[@ivymarimo1631]

This one is so bad holy duck

[@dickadams49]

Alex wtf is it with your review not matching the score? And 8 is not great. It’s good. When will u have the balls to give a great game an 9 or 10?