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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) | – | 81 | 40 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 65 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 95 | 750 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 91 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 92.1, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 30,543.656 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 34m ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (109)
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.
- 65
“The systems governing Splatoon Raiders are better than Splatoon Raiders itself. It features a rich enough well of progression and a wide enough variety of playstyles that the less exciting gameplay might feel worth slogging through. While combat’s entertaining at times, the miserable level design and an overall lifelessness really lets it down. Whether you’ll like Raiders ultimately comes down to how deeply you get into its fine tuning options, but the elements most pertinent to a videogame really struggle to hold up their end. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Overall, Splatoon Raiders is a breath of fresh air for the franchise. Not that it really needed it, but after three entries, it’s great to see this world of interesting characters expanding. The only remaining question is what’s next: Splatoon Raiders 2 or Splatoon 4?”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Greed, not art, is the motivating force behind your actions throughout Splatoon Raiders.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Splatoon Raiders may be missing the series’ iconic Turf War, but what we have here is possibly the most variable and exciting game the series has ever offered. Regardless of your skill level or personal play styles, the game is able to cater to practically any taste, and all whilst delivering one of the most enjoyable gameplay loops on the console. It looks good, runs fantastically, and you can play practically the whole thing with friends if you wish. Not only that, but Nintendo’s flogging it for a bargain price. It may not push any boundaries within the genre per se, but it’s difficult to find anything negative to say about it, it really is a must-play for almost anyone.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Splatoon Raiders is a game for everyone to have fun with, mainly thanks to the delightfully fluent gameplay and large number of options. Unfortunately, all that freedom doesn't make for a mechanically interesting game.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms Splatoon's signature gameplay into an engaging single-player adventure. Excellent enemy design, rewarding progression, and deep customization make every expedition satisfying, while its polished PvE systems feel like a natural evolution for the series. More than a spin-off, it's a strong blueprint for Splatoon's future.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“I was disappointed Splatoon Raiders was revealed as a single-player spin-off, but I was dead wrong. It is incredible, playing like a brilliant mix of Ratchet & Clank meets Helldivers that hooked me instantly. Teaming up with the Deep Cut crew, the loop of raiding Salmonid hordes for loot and upgrades is deeply satisfying. The overhauled movement adds a sense of verticality that the main games desperately need, and progression actually feels rewarding rather than a slow grind. Even with a more atmospheric than catchy soundtrack, this is an absolute must-play. Take it from a skeptic: Splatoon Raiders might just be the best game in the whole franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Nintendo’s more single-player-focused spin-off from their unique multiplayer shooter retains its excellent mechanics, and makes for a consistently challenging good time, even if sometimes a grindy one.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Splatoon Raiders maintains its infectious ink-shooting core but remixes it into a loot-driven, gadget-enhanced adventure RPG. It sacrifices competitive multiplayer for deeper single-player/co-op depth, customisation, and narrative focus, offering a fresh direction that complements rather than replaces the mainline games. After a trilogy of Turf Wars, it feels good to finally work together with other players on an adventure on such a grand scale. Splatoon 3 isn't going anywhere, and even Splatoon 2 is still active, making Raiders absolutely a justified experience.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“Splatoon Raiders isn't the grand single-player campaign the series has been begging for, yet it hides the smoothest, most brilliant gameplay Nintendo has ever put together. Its looting loop is addictive and co-op rounds out an adventure only held back by a tangled difficulty system and modest long-term content. ”
read full review ↗ - 88
“Splatoon Raiders successfully transforms Salmon Run into a full-fledged PvE adventure. Its addictive progression, satisfying combat loop, and rewarding customization make it one of Nintendo's most compelling multiplayer experiences. While repetitive environments and a less memorable soundtrack prevent it from reaching perfection, this spin-off proves that expanding a great idea can be just as exciting as creating a new one.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“What initially feels like a rather simplistic shooter quickly blossoms into something with real depth. Importantly, compared to other looter shooters that Splatoon Raiders riffs on, you can hop in and out here generally without needing to commit an obscene amount of time. I had my doubts about Splatoon Raiders when I saw it was yet another looter shooter, but who’s got ink all over their face now.”
read full review ↗
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