Around the edges of Splat Zones (12-4, Tri-slosher)

My reticence at the start of the battle is because we have a smurf on our team. I don't like battling with or against smurfs, in much the same way that I wouldn't like to play Rugby against the Welsh national team. I'm just not that good and don't like getting relentlessly mugged by players clearly better than me. But the smurf is on our team, so maybe I can provide some support around the edges.

Disruptors are useful for providing support without being too aggressive. I imagine our smurf will be aggressive enough for all of us. I have to say, though, that watching serial super-jumps fly in just in range of my bucket is quite good fun. It makes me want to go to the source, but it's a bit riskier around there, as I find out.

Our team takes the lead. I'm not surprised, really. But that's without my direct help, and I'll stick to the edges. I try to surprise the Heavy Splatling, but it's difficult to ink just what you want and no more, and he spies me coming. He's light on his feet too, and a mutual splat seems a fair trade.

Going the long way around works better. The Splatling clearly isn't expecting that. That takes me to the site of the super-jumpers, but they have no path back there at the moment. Instead, they are congregating below me, not really having a clear route back to the Splat Zones. That's just crying out for a sloshing, which I dish out.

I fear I am getting rather too involved in the battle, where the purple team have to put up with a smurf too. I'm sorry, purple team. At least it's over fairly soon, which isn't unusual for Saltspray Rig Splat Zone battles.

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Tags: console, saltspray rig, splat zones, splatoon, tri-slosher, wii u

Losing with flair in Splat Zones (6-3, Zink Mini Splatling)

Ah, Saltspray Rig Splat Zones. Is there a more brutal map for Splat Zones? Probably not! I quite like it because of this, even if the winner is generally decided by whoever captures the Splat Zones first. I decide to try to sneak around the teal team to start with, squidding up the pipes that not many inklings use. I would say it works, although I get a bit lucky with the Roller.

How much of the Splat Zones do we need to cover to capture them? It looks like they are mostly orange, but apparently it's not enough. Of course, it doesn't help when two of us get splatted in to teal puddles right in the Splat Zones, and seconds later the teal team have secured the Splat Zones. That may be the end, but I'm not giving up the battle.

I take the same route back, and this time the Roller gets lucky. The super-jumping Aerospray is less lucky, but we still can't get enough orange ink in the Splat Zones, and I can't quite get away from the fresh Ink Mine. I follow a fresh trail right around the edge next, and I swear we've got enough turf orange to start our counter and add a buffer to the teal team, but apparently not. Maybe the Roller is right behind me covering everything I do, I dunno.

With ink tank low, I make a calculated risk by charging in to the Splat Zones, popping my Bubbler to keep me safe and refill my tank, but despite the splats I get it's not quite enough. Once again, the Roller gets away, we can't ink enough turf, and we are splatted away.

I have just enough time to super-jump back to the action before the teal counter hits zero, uninterrupted apart from a few minor stoppages. So it goes.

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Tags: console, saltspray rig, splat zones, splatoon, wii u, zink mini splatling

Trying to turn the Splat Zones around (15-10, Zink Mini Splatling)

It's a rough start to the battle. I don't do myself any favours by dashing in to the line of fire in the middle of the Splat Zones, helping them turn orange, and at least I get a couple of splats to ease some of the pressure before I begin to get splatted what seems like relentlessly. The cheesy quick-respawn Tri-slosher, the Disrupted Aerospray, the edge of an Inkstrike. But then I get to show off my moves.

I use my own Disruptors well, my Bubbler charges at opportune moments, and my movement around the Splat Zones and in anticipating the orange inklings is excellent. It comes to an end when I accidentally run in to the Tri-slosher and Hydra Splatling together, but it was bound to happen eventually. And the Splat Zones have been teal for a good time.

The orange team are canny, though. They have inked beyond the Splat Zones, and my squidmates don't seem to want to tidy up. We should, as it speeds our movement back to the Splat Zones, and prevents them squidding behind us easily. I clear up a bit, but miss a splat on the slippery Splattershot Jr, before trading splats with the Aerospray. At least my puddle is mostly out of the Splat Zones.

I come back and bag three more splats. Two save a squidmate in the process, and the third splats the Hydra Splatling, taking pressure off the Splat Zones. It helps a bit, but it's not until we're all back and inking the Splat Zones that we are back in control. I am feeling more positive about being able to mount a comeback. If only we had a bit more time.

A couple more splats slows the flow of orange ink, and I try to make sure I keep out of the Splat Zones when in trouble. The battle enters extra time as we stay in control, and again I make sure I move away from the Splat Zones when I look to be in trouble. It helps, but only in delaying the orange team victory.

Considering the dominating start that the orange team made, I think we did pretty well in that battle. And despite the number of splattings I suffered, I managed to splat even more.

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Tags: console, splat zones, splatoon, walleye warehouse, wii u, zink mini splatling

From purple to yellow in Splat Zones (6-2, Zink Mini Splatling)

My attempt to flank the purple team works well, in that I get behind them, but that Splattershot Jr is on the ball. Heading down the other corridor as a second option could have gone badly, nearly dropping on to a Kraken, but I make it to the end as my Bubbler charges. That's good, as my solo path is quite obvious and attracts attention. With the Bubbler, though, that just gives me opportunity for splats.

I don't see that Roller squid past me during the battle, and I get really lucky when he misses me entirely with his flick, but I use that luck and press forwards to help capture the Splat Zones and splat a couple more inklings away. I am throwing some good Disruptors as well, and nearly get a good long-range splat, but pull back sensibly. I probably put the fear in the Roller anyway.

I finally push my luck a little too much when moving straight towards two purple inklings, but my squidmates remain active and keep the Splat Zones yellow. I come back to help, and manage to dodge a Kraken, who circles back but just runs out of steam as he reaches me again. My squidmates splat the transformed inkling, which deserves a 'Nice!'

A bit more coverage, and the battle is won. That was quick! Woomy!

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Tags: console, splat zones, splatoon, walleye warehouse, wii u, zink mini splatling

Pushing the Rainmaker forwards (5-5, Carbon Roller Deco)

I don't recklessly grab the Rainmaker immediately, and keep checking to see if we're about to be flanked. It's a shame I miss the green ink in the background, but ultimately I don't think it matters. I also don't purposely pick up the Rainmaker, managing to inexpertly squid through the grate. I take a short pause, to make it seem like I meant to do that, before squidding back up and making a dash with the Rainmaker.

The Dynamo Roller is effective at stopping me at first. For the second push, I am just trying to get us a good early lead, which I would say I do. It's not safe to super-jump back after that, so I take the long way back and wait for the Rainmaker come to me. It's pretty effective. I feel sorry for my squidmate trapped behind the Rainmaker shield, though. I'm stopped this time by a nicely roller Splat Bomb.

I think I still don't have more than that one splat, but that's okay. I've done well moving and stopping the Rainmaker. I continue that trend with not quite a dive bomb, but a measured jump and splat. I imagine it was still a surprise. I tidy up the Rainmaker blast, to prevent easy movement, and carry the Rainmaker back in the right direction. I get another splat, but run in to another Splat Bomb. So it goes.

There looks to be a safe option to super-jump too, and it lands me nicely in the corridor. I let a squidmate grab the Rainmaker this time, as I want to try to get that Splat Bomber out of the way. She's already gone, though, which is fine by me, as it lets me slink around the back to surprise a couple of green inklings, keeping us in a positive position.

I return to what looks like a squidmate about to finish the battle, but she's swamped by green ink, only a few steps from the podium. But we're close! On top of that, one Bubblered inkling drops over my head and ignores me, and another runs past, also ignoring me. And ignoring the Rainmaker, sate next to their podium. More fool them.

My Seeker gave me an early advantage against the Rainmaker's shield, and with less pressure from the green inklings looking for splats, I can get close enough for all my ink to hit the shield. As the bursting shield sprays purple ink everywhere, and I'm right next to it, getting the dunk is almost trivial.

Not many splats, but some good Rainmaker action, topped off with the dunking, and in my favourite location. Woomy!

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Tags: carbon roller deco, console, flounder heights, rainmaker, splatoon, wii u

Teamwork in Tower Control (8-4, Grim Range Blaster)

My caution at the start of the battle pays off nicely. I get a splat instead of rushing in to being splatted, I spot the super-jumper coming in and wait for them to hop on to the Tower instead of being the target, and I clear the Tower and splat the Dynamo Roller away to get our first push started. If only I had seen that third inkling, though.

I am perhaps a bit too cautious in stopping the purple push, waiting for the Tower to come in to my range instead of hitting the side, but that was probably the right choice. My Killer Wail is nicely aimed too, which lets my squidmates ride the Tower with some breathing room, and I add to that with a nice combination of Burst Bomb and Blaster shot. I'm not going to beat that Aerospray, though, not without much better aim. He does it for me this time, at least.

The Aerospray makes a reappearance, sneaking under the Dynamo Rollers flick for an effective surprise, after which I show a good example of my poor aiming. I do a bit better behind a Killer Wail, but apparently not even three indirect hits is good enough against the Aerospray, which is disappointing. I mind less when my squidmates take the lead.

The Tower trundles back, and I decide to hop on to keep our progress going. It's not my best decision, trying to jump on to the Tower with the other team's ink on the side facing me, whilst over water, but a squidmate is in the right place at the right time to make everything look super smooth. Nice!

The support continues as I ride the Tower forwards, increasing our lead. I help out with a direct hit, just in time, to keep us moving. A squidmate joins me on the Tower, as the other two skirmish around the edges, keeping our path free from inky threats. The Kraken is particularly effective.

In the end, it's one smooth movement from that leap of faith to the goal, with three of us crammed on to the Tower to celebrate our victory. Nice teamwork everyone! Woomy!

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Tags: camp triggerfish, console, grim range blaster, splatoon, tower control, wii u

Splats don't mean victory in Tower Control (6-5, Grim Range Blaster)

Rapid Blaster beats my slow Grim Range Blaster, when boxes obscure the range. I should have stayed further back, I suppose. And already there's blue ink accumulating near our base. I take a cautious approach back, cautious enough to be out of range of the Roller heading to the Tower. But a neat Burst Bomb and blast splats her, and when the Tower comes our way my Killer Wail is ready to clear it of inklings.

I ride the Tower forwards, still being cautious but wanting to keep the push going, and get a fair distance, demolishing the blue team's early attempt. My bold super-jumping squidmates keep it going a bit further too, but the blue ink is overwhelming. I take the slow route back, though, and spy an intruder. I can't shake her, so I settle for clearing the Tower and squidding forwards, expertly squidding on to the Tower to start another push.

Ink flies from behind, which I manage to avoid to start with, but the blue inkling seems rather swift on his feet, which doesn't help with my already poor aim. It's disappointing to see he is not boosted by any kit either. But so it goes. Worse, however, is the Roller being a nuisance around our base. I try to be smart about it all, and would have got the splat if it hadn't been for the Kraken transformation, and instead squid ahead to take care of the Tower. It's a shame I meet an Inkzooka.

Now it looks like we have the charger harassing our base too. No matter. A squidmate's Killer Wail clears the Tower, and I spy the Rapid Blaster trying to be a surprise on the perch. I think she needs some ink-resistant shoes. Meanwhile, as the Roller, and maybe charger, continue to look for splats, I'm pushing the Tower forwards, and support comes my way too. Yes, that deserves a 'Nice!'

A Killer Wail doesn't splat anyone, but does keep them away. My blasting isn't quite hitting its mark just yet, and the Rapid Blaster splats me off the Tower after my squidmate has gone, but my last shot hits her full in the face too. That'll do! On top of that, a super-jumping squidmate lands on the Tower, before the blue team get close to it, and rides it the last few metres to the goal. Woomy!

Phew, that's a nice lot of splats, blue team. Shame about the knockout loss, I suppose. There's probably a lesson here.

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Tags: console, grim range blaster, splatoon, tower control, walleye warehouse, wii u

Trying not to chase splats in Tower Control (15-6, Tri-slosher)

No splats for my initial rush, and leaping in to the air probably wasn't a wise decision. I make a good comeback, at least, saving one squid for later with a Disruptor, as my Bubbler charges to keep me safe. And I even hop on to the Tower to recover a lead that's too early to make much difference. We lose the lead almost immediately, naturally, but I dodge inky pressure to clear the Tower again before it gets too far.

I am tempted to head down the corridor and flank the blue team, but some ink chases me, which makes me think that perhaps I should stick around and try to make a difference here. I don't think I directly contribute to my squidmates re-taking the lead, but I push ahead and apply some pressure that helps continue the push a little further.

The blue team gain control of the Tower again, but despite my attempts it stays just ahead of my leaps. That is, until it reaches the water. It's a bold move to try to board the Tower over the water whilst it's moving, and bolder still to pop my Bubbler over water on a contested Tower. And still I come out on top! For a moment.

I return triumphantly again, not fooling for an empty Tower, and hiding on the flank for two easy splats. Getting back on the Tower proves more difficult, so I give up and provide support for a more coordinated squidmate. That doesn't go too well. Returning down the centre seems quick, but dangerous when I get closer. I hold back, and watch my squidmates do a good job, lobbing a Disruptor to help.

I finally head down the corridor to flank the blue team, so of course they wrest control of the Tower back immediately. But I don't panic, and just see what's happening. I spy targets, and make a move, and rather botch it, considering my position, the concentration of inklings, and having a Bubbler. Ah well, so it goes. It's fun to watch the N-ZAP run past the green-controlled Tower, though.

I ignore the infiltrating N-ZAP and super-jump past him, tidying up a bit of his mess, and, even if I say so myself, expertly throwing a Disruptor to help clear the Tower. I hop and and start moving it myself, watching an unfortunate squidmate enthusiastically join me, only to squid off the other side and in to the water. You wouldn't catch me doing that! Not for a few more seconds, anyway.

I'd be more concerned about the blue ink around our base if there was more of it, or less time left in the battle. As it is, it's a minor nuisance, and I head back to the centre of the Mall and adopt a defensive position. As I'm sucked in to what looks like a simple splat, I end up having to do a fancy flip, which turns out to set me up for an impressive quad-splat that clears the Tower and lets me hop on to end the battle.

That has got to be one of my most impressive battle-ending moments! I'm going to watch it again. Woomy!

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Tags: arowana mall, console, splatoon, tower control, tri-slosher, wii u

Sloshing in the Mall in Tower Control (13-6, Tri-slosher)

My speed lets me get a neat double-splat to start the battle, but I can hear another inkling below me. I think I'm being smart to dive over the top away from the ramp, but I only jump in to a bomb. Our E-litre 3K is already a rock for super-jumping too, but getting caught up in her battle gets me splatted by a prepared Splattershot Jr. I ink a new path back this time, so that I live longer.

All looks clear at the corner, but not for long. The Tower turns orange and heads my way. Not a problem for the bucket. I wait a second to see if any inklings will chase it, and hop on to the Tower when it looks clear, although that was as much out of avoiding being pushed in to the water as anything. I think I do well to avoid the Brush, but I get inky enough that it doesn't take much to splat me afterwards. I need better Bubbler reactions.

Super-jumping back gets me in to the orange corridor, and I move up planning to cross the Mall and flank the orange team. But they're pushing the Tower, and no one's here, so I head straight back down the centre. That will still be a little surprise, once their Bubblers wear off. I slip back on to the Tower and start pushing it in the right direction again. I do quite well battling for control, but a Splat Bomb rolled to the Tower catches me just right. So it goes.

There's a rare occurrence of my dodging a Splat Bomb next. That makes up for the Brush running faster than my bucket, in his pumped up kicks, and dropping down to find a splat only gets a trade. It'll do, I suppose. I come back to tidy up after the Brush, try to suppress an inkling I can't see, and squid forwards to support the Tower, which involves a great display of my Bubbler reflexes.

Whilst I'm in orange territory with an active Bubbler, I may as well ink the turf to try to frustrate them. That perhaps predictably gets me involved in a little personal battle. I try to use the landscape to my advantage, hoping to be a little less predictable, but I don't notice at the time that the side of the ramp gets inked, which could lead me up at an unexpected angle under the grate. Never mind, I get the splat. Nice!

Sort of nice. The Tower was orange-controlled most of this time. At least my squidmates were more focussed on the objective. I head back to ensure all is under control, before heading down the side again, splatting an unseen squid out of my way by accident as I do. I catch up to get a splat from behind, popping a tactical Bubbler just in case, and drop down to support the Tower.

Ah, the Tower's doing fine. I hop off again and head up to the top of the Mall, where I see no one. Or, at least, no one in time. An orange inkling and me hop past each other, and I chase the splat briefly before remembering the Tower. I turn back, get some height, and Disrupt and slosh to clear the Tower. As the seconds tick down, it looks like the battle is won.

Almost! There's time for one last splatting, but that splatting is of me. That's okay, my being on the Tower counted right to the end. Woomy!

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Tags: arowana mall, console, splatoon, tower control, tri-slosher, wii u

Sloshed to dust in Tower Control (7-0, Tri-slosher)

Zoom, down the middle, and up around the side, aiming to find and splat the E-litre 3K. I run in to the Dual Squelcher, but don't let him stop me, and even splat him so hard he disappears in a puff of dust. That's bad news for the yellow team, but good news for us, and it puts me in to an even more aggressive mood.

I pause to look for the E-litre 3K, and spot him on the perch nearest me. He's easy to splat, not realising I'm here. I push forwards, trusting my squidmates to get the Tower sooner rather than later, and skirmish on the front lines for a bit, using the landscape to my advantage.

Poor E-litre 3K and Splattershot probably feel a bit picked on. I don't hang around too close to the base for long as a result, and turning back finds the Squiffer trying to stop my squidmates. He doesn't see me coming either.

I squid back up to the top of the Mall, finding the E-litre 3K again, and the Squiffer behind him. There's not much more to do, given the lack of a full team of yellow inklings, and I simply save my charged Bubbler for the last few metres the Tower needs to move.

I nearly get pinged off the Tower, but scramble back on to be at the goal for the victory. It's not particularly noteworthy to beat a team who are an inkling down, but I like seeing my ruthless side occassionally.

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Tags: arowana mall, console, splatoon, tower control, tri-slosher, wii u