2023
WISE Score
More ink, more fashion, and a surprisingly deep single-player mode that proves you don't need bullets to have a blast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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