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Splatoon 2 Global Testfire primer - The Switch demo that could tear you away from Zelda

What's splat all about, then?

Splatoon 2 Global Testfire primer - The Switch demo that could tear you away from Zelda
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In just a few hours, Nintendo will kick off its Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event for owners of the new Nintendo Switch console.

There's a very good chance that this doesn't mean anything at all to you, which is why we thought a little primer would be in order.

Let's start with the basics.

What is Splatoon?

Splatoon is a team-based online third-person shooter that was released for the Wii U console in May 2015. It turned out to be a rare hit for the underperforming console late in its life. Which partly explains why we're seeing such a quick turnaround for this Switch sequel.

What was even more unusual was the fact that Nintendo made Splatoon at all. Two things the company is not renowned for is shooting games and online-focused games. Predictably, Nintendo aced it with one of the best games on the console.

Perhaps even more predictably, Splatoon wasn't a shooter in any traditional sense. It featured teams of four squid-human hybrids shooting paint at one another from souped-up Super Soakers.

Indeed, the key mechanic here wasn't so much shooting other players - it was the goal of covering more of the levels with your team's paint colour than the other team's. One type of 'weapon' in the game isn't even a gun - it's more akin to a paint roller.

What will Splatoon 2 add to the mix?

We don't know too much about the game just yet, but 'more of the same' sounds like a safe bet. It's only been two years since the first Splatoon, after all, and the Switch isn't a massive leap forward from the Wii U from a technical standpoint.

Sure enough, the early footage of Splatoon 2 in action paints a similar picture (pun intended). Due to the first game's original, colourful nature though, we're not particularly bothered by that.

It's worth noting that Nintendo is calling this a "full sequel" rather than a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe-style extended edition, so there'll be stacks of fresh content.

We know that the game's traditional 4-on-4 turf battles will return, alongside "new stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat Dualies".

What will the change in format mean for Splatoon 2?

The original Splatoon utilised the Wii U's tablet-like control pad as a map for planning and jumping around the levels in an instant. That won't be possible on the Switch, but it will have a few unique features up its sleeve.

The most obvious one will be the ability to play Splatoon 2 on the go. Multiplayer will be both online and local, as before, but the latter will come into play a lot more. We're anticipating being able to get a bunch of Switch consoles together for a proper local eight-player face-off.

Nintendo promises that the game will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app.

So what's this Splatoon 2 Global Testfire?

Just like it did with the first Splatoon, Nintendo is offering a preview of Splatoon 2. It's happening this very weekend.

This will allow Nintendo to put its net code through it paces, check for balancing issues, and offer its customers a free sneak preview of the game.

On offer will be two brand new maps (Musselforge Fitness and The Reef) from the game's 4-on-4 Turf War mode. You'll be able to use four of the game's main weapons, including the funky new Splat Dualies (think twin pistols), as well as 'remixed versions' of the Splattershot, Splat Roller and Splat Charger.

What are the times for the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire?

Nintendo will letting you get a taster for Splatoon 2's multiplayer action during the following time windows:

Friday 24th March:
19:00 - 19:59 GMT

Saturday 25th March:
03:00 - 03:59 GMT
11:00 - 11:59 GMT
19:00 - 19:59 GMT

Sunday 26th March:
04:00 - 04:59 BST
12:00 - 12:59 BST

How do I take part in the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire?

Just head on over to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, and you'll see the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire featured prominently. Simply download it for free, just like you would for a demo, and you'll be ready to play once 7pm rolls around.

You can use the bundled Joy-Con controller (you'll need both sections) or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, if you've got one. Naturally, you'll need a half-decent internet connection.

You have signed up for a Nintendo Account, haven't you? Of course you have. But if you haven't, do so now.

Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.