Splatoon's Final Free Update Has Come

Splatoon, Nintendo’s adventurous and wholly unique entry into the always-popular third-person multiplayer shooter arena, didn’t launch with much in the way of content. A handful of maps, a few weapon types, some neat clothes… it wasn’t exactly a meaty experience. That said, part of the allure of the game was the promise from Nintendo that they would periodically release free content and expansions for the game, which included new clothes, weapons, game modes, and maps. Like what CD Projekt Red did with The Witcher 3. And like The Witcher 3, the gamble paid off. Splatoon is immensely popular still, and people are constantly asking if they are kids or squids now.

Well, all things must come to an end, like The Witcher 3. Nintnedo had to stop the gravy train someday, and with the release of the latest map, Ancho-V Games, Nintendo has announced it’s officially done releasing free content for Splatoon.

The map itself is apparently designed to look like an indie game studio, and one of the main concepts used for the map are PC-fan shaped fans that can be used to move the map around to suit your team's needs and desires. From the blog:

One feature of this stage are the PC-fan shaped propellers that can be inked to move portions of the floor. Use these to exploit the stage’s verticality and gain the high ground over your opponents. What role do these things play in game development, anyway?

Looks like a pretty swell map, gotta say, but, alas, it’s still the end of the free updates. No more weapons or maps for us… or, at the very least, no more FREE weapons or maps. It’s not impossible that Splatoon, like The Witcher 3, will release a bigger content pack that costs money. I’m not saying it’s likely, just that it’s not impossible. And I honestly don’t know of it’d be a good or a bad idea.

Gosh, between the last Nintendo Smash direct and this, it feels like Nintendo is leaving the past behind. Here’s hoping for bright shores on the horizon.

Just like The Witcher 3.