One of the most divisive parts of the original Splatoon is how it handles its selection of multiplayer maps, and Splatoon 2 isn't reversing course on that decision - though it is tweaking it a bit. Splatoon 2 producer Hisashi Nogami confirmed the multiplayer gameplay detail in an interview with GR+ sister publication Edge.
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Most multiplayer games either pick maps randomly from their entire selection or let players vote to determine where they want to play. But in the original Splatoon, the main Turf War multiplayer mode only offers two maps for battling over at any given time. The two maps change out every four hours, with the latest crop announced in cutscenes by Squid Sisters Callie and Marie (who seem to be on the outs in Splatoon 2).
Many players complained that Splatoon's map rotations make for repetitive multiplayer. Here's GR+'s own Dave Roberts, from his May 2015 review:
"In practice, this just means that you're likely to end up playing the same map over, and over, and over again. I kept count during one of my sessions, and I played on the same map 13 times in a row. Covering the same bits of the level with ink even twice in succession starts to get a bit boring. After 13, I was ready to call it a day."
But Nintendo isn't ready to back off from the concept yet. Nogami explained to Edge why the team decided to stick to its squirt guns while addressing player concerns in another manner.
"We feel that part of the gameplay is actually selecting which weapons would be best for that combination of two maps," Nogami said. "In Splatoon 2, the maps rotate every two hours, so it'll be a much faster cycle than the previous game."
However you feel about the way Splatoon 2 handles its map selection, at least you know the lineup will grow over time. Splatoon 2 will launch with some revamped versions of old maps as well as new ones and Nogami said players should expect substantial post-launch support.
"In this new game, players will again be able to enjoy seeing the game grow and expand over time, while having fun with the new weapons and special weapons as well as the new modes and play style," Nogami said. "There's plenty of value even for people who had the last game."
Can't wait for Splatoon 2 to come out? Read our full list of upcoming Nintendo Switch games for 2017. And don't forget to subscribe to Edge for more in-depth coverage.
