Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 82 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 91 | 181 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 93 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 91.6, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 29,694.176 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (28)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“A masterclass in how to do DLC right. It fits in perfectly with the standalone game, provides a heap of tailor-made content and furthers the story of the Inklings’ and Octolings’ world effortlessly and beautifully. As a single player experience it outmatches the standard Octo Canyon mode significantly, and even though it does allow players to acquire exclusive items, it manages to avoid affecting any of the mechanics of online play, so non-purchasers will never be at a disadvantage. If you’re a fan of Splatoon in any capacity and you want more to sink your beak into, Octo Expansion is an unwavering must-have. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While the fact that it's a modular design could be equated with laziness for some, Nintendo deserves credit for producing something robust and unforgiving that will test even the most dedicated of fans.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion is a tough new addition to the game, and one that all fans should rush back to play.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Octo Expansion is an amazing contribution to Splatoon 2's campaign and it brings an additional set of compelling and demanding challenges that will make even the series' best players feel pushed to their limits. Addictive and with a lifespan that builds on the magnificent game that is Splatoon 2, Octo Expansion is unmissable for any fan of Nintendo's shooter.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“With some truly inspiring level design and interesting mechanics at play, Splatoon 2’s Octo Expansion DLC pack gives fans some real bang for their buck.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A single-player expansion for Splatoon 2 may not seem a particularly appealing idea but this inspired slice of DLC expands the whole franchise in a number of surprising ways.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Octo Expansion is a substantial DLC focused on single player campaign with great level design. Although the Autopass button is bad for players keeping passion to challenge, the DLC still successfully keeps Splatoon 2 fresh.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion never lacks in the sheer spectacle of its creativity. It’s Nintendo at its best, for sure, taking what we have come to expect from Splatoon 2’s core experience only to throw the rulebook out the window to astound with freshly inked ideas. More, please.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion serves up something that is satisfying, challenging and entertaining in equal measure. It won’t redefine the core game, and you’ll probably finish it in a week, but it’s joyous exuberance more than makes up for it. A must for any Splatoon fan.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“Octo Expansion throws plenty of both fun and serious challenges at you, between its expansive amount of levels and a multi-tiered finale that doesn’t disappoint. These trials provide worthy so many challenges for those who wish to hone their mechanical skills for upcoming multiplayer matches, that I wish this had been Splatoon 2’s base campaign all along.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Octo Expansion for Splatoon 2 offers some thrilling challenges for players to complete, while also feeling familiar at the same time. The new stages are harder then before, but with enough skill you'll have no problem reaching the finish line.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It's still a good time to play Splatoon, especially if you're up for a solo intermission and keep your expectations in check.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
FNintendo
Metro GameCentral
Gamersky
Nintendo Insider
Switch Player
IGN
Destructoid…and 16 more tracked reviews.