Splatoon 3: Side Order

Splatoon 3: Side Order

game

2024, Shooter, Platform

WISE
91%

WISE Score

A stylish, brainy tower-climb that turns Splatoon into a strategy game without the stress of online bullies.

Where to Play

Screenwise Verdict

Side Order is the perfect 'cool down' for kids who love the Splatoon world but get overstimulated by the high-stakes sweatiness of online multiplayer.

It’s a smart, self-contained challenge that rewards experimentation and patience. Instead of twitch reflexes being the only path to victory, it asks players to think about their 'build.' It’s the kind of game that actually respects a kid's intelligence while keeping the screen time relatively safe and constructive.

Age Fit

Perfect for 8-year-olds and up. Younger kids can play it, but the strategy required to beat the higher floors might be a bit much without a parent's help.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

It maintains the classic Nintendo charm but swaps the neon chaos for a more focused, 'zen' clinical aesthetic. It’s about restoration and cooperation with a drone buddy rather than just blasting opponents.

Imaginative
92

The 'color chip' system is a masterclass in creative builds. It encourages kids to experiment with weird combinations—like making a tiny bucket hit like a truck or turning a dodge roll into an explosion.

Safe
98

Since this is a dedicated single-player mode, the usual 'Splatoon' risks (salty teammates or questionable usernames in the lobby) are non-existent. No hidden costs, no chat, just pure gameplay.

Enriching
84

It’s a 'roguelite,' which is basically code for 'learning from failure.' It demands strategic thinking, resource management, and the persistence to try again after a tough loss.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • The 'roguelite' loop teaches kids that dying in a game isn't a failure, it's just how you collect data for the next run.
  • Zero toxicity—it’s a solo journey, so there’s no one around to spam 'What a save!' or ruin the vibe.
  • Deep customization through color chips lets players geek out over stats and 'broken' ability combos.
  • The music and art style are top-tier; it’s basically a playable lo-fi hip-hop beat.

What to Watch For

  • It can be genuinely difficult. If your kid struggles with frustration, the 'reset to floor one' mechanic might cause a minor meltdown.
  • The 'Order' theme is a bit more clinical and 'creepy-sterile' than the main game's colorful mess, though it's never truly scary.

Conversation Starters

  • "Which color chip combo did you find that felt totally unfair to the enemies?"
  • "How did you feel when you lost your progress on the 20th floor? What did you learn for the next try?"
  • "In the game, 'Order' means everything is exactly the same and gray. Why is a little bit of 'Chaos' actually a good thing for a city?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic