Topic: Is Splatoon Becoming Too Complex?

Splatoon is a perfect game. The original. I could start listing reasons why it's a perfect game, but relevant to this thread, I'll say that it's well balanced and exactly as complex as necessary. Just enough weapons. Just enough outfits. Just enough perks. Exceptional level design.
However, not owning a Switch, I cannot speak to the complexity of Splatoon 2, nor, of course, 3. But my impression is that the series is becoming too convoluted. Too many weapons and too many perks. Too much happening on the screen, and too much to keep track of. I feel like the additions to the game are simply in service of having enough new content to release a sequel at all. Am I wrong? I would love to hear from those among you who have played both entries extensively. Do the additions and changes to the sequel make it a better game, and why?

From what I hear, Splatoon 2 is basically Splatoon 1, but with more refinements.

Nothing wrong with Splatoon 2 at all. It's not to complex or at least imo it's not. And I doubt Splatoon 3 will be either.

I think it's premature to judge Splatoon 3. With some of new online battle weapons we've seen revealed in the Splatoon 3 trailer, though, I can understand your impression.

When Mario Odyssey's Cappy (mario's hat weapon/companion) was revealed, I thought it looked weird. But Odyssey ended up being amazing, revolutionary even. Mario+Rabbids(switch) looked crazy too, but turned out to be a great game. I'll agree with you, a couple things in Splatoon 3 trailer looks weird to me, but I have more faith in Nintendo now. We'll see how the game looks around release time.

I think Splatoon 2 was amazing. Salmon Run mode was great. I may have put 100 hours into that mode. I didn't have a Wii U. I wish I could have played Splatoon 1.

Splatoon 2 is definitely not overly complex. It mostly just feels like the first game but a bit more refined and better overall.

Splatoon 2 is like the first one. They are both similar and not complex. 2 has more weapons more maps. Story mode, salmon run and a meaty dlc called the octo expansion. I enjoyed the story in 1 more and put in more hours in it. 2 came out quick but also came out at a time I was playing more games and backlog. Both great games

Thanks for the response. I played Splatoon competitively (Leagues Under the Ink) and got pretty good at it. That's one reason I'm looking forward to 3, to get back in the game.

Splatoon 2 is definitely not more complicated than 1. It's basically the same thing with more content.

Thanks. Do you feel that the additional content isn't unnecessary fat, so to speak? Is it extraneous? Does the additional content actually improve the game compared to 1?

@Gryffin definitely! Bigger range of weapon options but it is still very well balanced. There's not a single mode I've neglected. Ive probably put more time into salmon run than turf/ranked. Idk, I've never gotten the feeling that it was too much. If anything I want more

From what I heard, splatoon 2 is as easy as makin eggs.

@Gryffin Are you're planning on getting a Switch?

Octo Expansion was an additional single player game, and it was great, I thought.

Yep for sure. I just haven't felt the need to own one yet, because I have a PC and a PlayStation 4. And a Wii U. The system seller for me is Breath of the Wild 2. But I'm definitely sold on Arceus now as well, and Splatoon 3 when it releases. I might get Splatoon 2 for the single player as well.

@Gryffin I was amazed by Mario Odyssey. I've played the story twice, and at least once with my nieces.

Oh I have actually played through Odyssey lol. I borrowed my sister's Switch a couple of years ago. Odyssey is actually my least favorite 3D Mario. I think all of the other five are better games.

I really don't blame anyone for liking Odyssey, I mean, me trying to 100% would make you hate it.

One huuuugeeee change I think that needs to happen in splat 3 is if someone leaves LET SOMEONE ELSE JOIN

@Jrpglover and they gotta bring back the waiting room, game, or preferably a new version

Well I haven't played the first Splatoon because I don't have a Wii U, but 2 didn't feel overwhelming to me in the slightest.

My larger complaint with Splatoon is that the games don't seem to have evolved much. I was hoping that with 3 being on the Switch they'd do something very different, especially in terms of working with larger maps like having large arenas suitable for Battle Royales or large, open worlds for the story, but neither seem to be happening. I think the gameplay is starting to get a bit stale and if not in 3, they'll definitely need to do something fresh in 4 because the games are starting to feel a bit rehashy and formulaic.

@Bolt_Strike A Splatoon open-world single-player action/shooter/rpg would be the best thing ever. Or even what they've done with the new Kirby. Hopefully it won't take them 30 years this time though.