Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass

Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass

game

2023, Shooter, Platform

WISE
90%

WISE Score

More ink, more fashion, and a surprisingly deep single-player mode that proves you don't need bullets to have a blast.

Where to Play

Nintendo
Nintendo
Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what DLC should be. It takes the core 'paint the floor' mechanic and turns it into a sophisticated, stylish single-player challenge.

Side Order is basically a lesson in resilience—you climb a tower, fail, get stronger, and try again. It's weird in a good way, and completely devoid of the usual online multiplayer headaches. If they already love Splatoon 3, this is the best $25 you'll spend on their Switch.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 7 and up. While the ESRB says 10+, that's mostly for the online 'violence' (ink). Any kid who can handle a Mario game can handle this expansion.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

It's Nintendo at its most vibrant. The game replaces bullets with ink and focus on fashion, music, and community. Even the 'villains' are usually just misunderstood or part of a larger, quirky ecosystem.

Imaginative
92

The 'Side Order' DLC introduces a surreal, bleached-out world that feels like a playable art project. The roguelike mechanics encourage kids to experiment with different 'palettes' and abilities every time they play.

Safe
95

The gold standard for safe shooters. No blood, no gore, and the expansion content is largely single-player or social hub-based, removing the 'toxic lobby' risks found in other competitive games.

Enriching
82

The 'Side Order' mode is a fantastic lesson in resilience. It's a roguelike, meaning you fail often but get incrementally stronger. It rewards persistence and strategic planning over mindless clicking.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The 'Side Order' mode is a masterclass in 'try, fail, try again' gameplay that builds genuine grit.
  • Inkopolis returns for a hit of nostalgia, giving players a cooler, more classic hub world to hang out in.
  • Zero 'gamer rage'—the expansion is mostly about personal progression and style rather than screaming at teammates.
  • It adds hours of high-quality content to an already polished game without any predatory microtransactions.
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What to Watch For

  • The 'Side Order' aesthetic is a bit trippy and 'empty' which might feel slightly eerie to very young kids.
  • Difficulty spikes in the later levels of the Spire can be frustrating for kids who aren't used to losing progress.

Conversation Starters

  • "Which weapon 'palette' is your favorite to run with in the Spire?"
  • "Why do you think the world in Side Order lost all its color?"
  • "If you could design a new shop for Inkopolis, what would you sell?"
  • "How do you feel when you lose a run but get to upgrade your stats for the next one?"

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