Splatoon Online Details, August Update, DLC

A whole heap of new details have poured in for Splatoon ahead of the game's launch this month.

Earlier today Nintendo held a direct presentation to cover various different aspects of the new Wii U shooter - including online and free post-launch download content. The game is primarily pitched as a multiplayer title at its core and this comes across in the four-on-four online feature called "Turf Mode". 

Interestingly, the online stage selection is refreshed every four hours, meaning that players will need to mix up their tactics depending on which arenas become available. After each match, everyone is also reshuffled into different teams, ensuring a mix of different competitors at one time.

As for private matches - a major update in August will allow four squid to form teams to face off others, and also to setup private eight player matches with just friends.

In a similar approach to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, players will also get the chance to form sides - answering questions as part of "Splatfests". For example, "Do you prefer dogs or cats?" Players simply represent their answer during online battles, with those who rank highly gaining upgrades to their items. The first of these Splatfests will take place on 20th June.

Nintendo are keen to get potential players sampling the online action, so a free Splatoon downloadable demo will allow just that - it's now available on the eShop, and there are scheduled play sessions this Friday/Saturday (more details here).

Nintendo will also offer up additional stages every few weeks, plus new weapons, Ranked Battle and Tower Control modes as part of ongoing free updates for the game. A third Ranked Battle mode called "Rainmaker" will be available as part of the August update.

Will you join in the Splatoon action this month? What are your thoughts on the online setup and DLC?