Accessibility Review: Splatoon Raiders – Nintendo Switch 2
Splatoon Raiders is the first single-player-focused spin-off in Nintendo’s popular Splatoon series. Developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, it takes us on a colorful treasure-hunting adventure across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside Deep Cut, the fan-favourite musical trio.
This time, we step into the role of a mechanic searching for hidden treasure while battling waves of hostile Salmonids. As we explore the islands, we collect valuable loot that allows us to level up our character, upgrade weapons and mechanical gadgets, and gradually become stronger. We can choose between three different tank types, Speed, Power, or Tactical, each offering a different playstyle and determining which gadgets we can equip. Throughout the adventure, one member of Deep Cut also joins us in battle, piloting a powerful machine and helping us overcome larger groups of enemies with a unique special attack.
Although Splatoon Raiders is designed primarily as a single-player experience, we don’t have to explore the islands alone. We can team up with up to three other players online or through local wireless, making raids even more enjoyable while collecting treasure and upgrading our equipment together.
Splatoon Raiders looks, runs, and sounds fantastic on Nintendo Switch 2. The colorful environments are original, the animations are smooth, and the soundtrack perfectly matches the fast-paced action. Alina spent a good part of the weekend playing the game, and she really enjoyed the exploration, progression, and the satisfying gameplay loop that keeps rewarding us with new upgrades and equipment.
Sadly, I wasn’t able to experience any of that myself because the game offers no accessibility features that would allow me to play it independently.
When it comes to accessibility, Splatoon Raiders offers absolutely nothing for blind players or players with other visual impairments. There is no text-to-speech, no spoken menus, no navigation assistance, and no way for a blind player to independently understand objectives or navigate the world. Even the dialogue is presented using Splatoon’s signature gibberish voices rather than spoken narration, meaning every conversation still relies entirely on reading text displayed on the screen.
The game does provide audio feedback when we attack enemies, land successful hits, defeat opponents, or complete certain actions, but those sound effects are not enough. Without text-to-speech and some form of navigation assistance, there is no practical way for a blind player to understand where to go, interact with menus, manage equipment, or progress through the adventure.
That is particularly disappointing because Splatoon Raiders feels like exactly the kind of game I would have loved to play. The deeper progression system, the gadget customization, the optional cooperative multiplayer, and the constant sense of discovery all sound like excellent additions to the Splatoon formula. It’s easy to see why existing fans are already enjoying it, and it also looks like a great starting point for anyone who has never played a Splatoon game before.
In conclusion, Splatoon Raiders is a fun, colorful, addictive, and extremely entertaining adventure. It successfully expands the Splatoon universe while keeping the charm, style, and personality that made the series so loved by millions of fans around the world. It is just disappointing that Nintendo once again chose not to consider accessibility for blind players. With something as simple as text-to-speech, spoken menus, and basic navigation assistance, many of us could have enjoyed this adventure alongside everyone else instead of having to stay on the sidelines.
Review copy provided by Nintendo via CDMedia
Victor Dima
