Though it currently has a vague 2022 release window, Splatoon 3 had a notable appearance in the latest Nintendo Direct, with a look at the classic 4v4 Turf War mode and a sneak peak at the story content.

In terms of the Turf War clips we can see a new arena in the environment, some interesting weapons and - most intriguingly - a crab-like mech.

The campaign sequences look rather good too, and 'the return of the Mammalians' will be a key theme in the story - after all, only two cats were known surviving mammals, so if more appear it'll no doubt cause some chaos.

Lots is being held back at this stage of course, but Nintendo will no doubt ramp up with regular updates as we head into next year.

Enter the Splatlands, a sun-scorched desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings. Splatsville, the city of chaos, is the adrenaline-fueled heart of this dusty wasteland.

Even in this desolate environment, Turf War* reigns supreme and battles rage in new stages located in the surrounding wilds. Dynamic new moves help these fighters dodge attacks and cover more ground, along with a new bow-shaped weapon to sling ink.

Join Agent 3 in a fight against the evil Octarian army in story mode. Discover the secrets of Alterna, the Fuzzy Ooze, and how they connect to the mode's theme, "Return of the Mammalians.”

Did you like the new footage of Splatoon 3? Let us know in the comments!