Squidmate appreciation in Tower Control (7-5, Tri-slosher)

I'm not having the best of sessions this evening. My splats aren't landing, and I think in my frustration I am rushing more quickly in to more splats. It doesn't help. But I persevere a little, and try to play more sensibly. It helps when I get some excellent squidmates.

That Splatterscope will be a hazard. I want to suppress her, but I will have to get close first. And my manoeuvring is still a bit suspect early in the battle. Not bad, just a little rusty. I manage to turn it around a little, though, which is good.

I jump on to the Tower after splatting a couple of inklings, which should give me a smoother ride, and our Splatterscope squids on too. Groovy, I can squid ahead to clear a path. Not only that, but our Splatterscope is savvy, and inks a path up the wall for me. Nice! I make sure to thank him.

Another Tower mistake is unfortunate but amusing. At least it comes at the end of a good push by us, where we take a significant lead. I then manage to avoid a Killer Wail, the attentions of the Splatterscope, and even chase the Splatterscope down for the splat.

Squidding back for the Tower gets me squidding up the side, and the Roller inksplodes as I get there. Another great covering shot from our Splatterscope, which definitely deserves another 'Nice!' in appreciation.

And my manoeuvring and awareness has improved. As I ride the Tower and come under threat from teal ink, I hop off, pop up in an unexpected place, and get the splat, before squidding back to the Tower. I'm pleased with that.

I get a little wet from the Sprinkler on the Tower, and wetter from the Wasabi Splattershot, but it's a reciprocal splat, and a squidmate takes over on the Tower for me. I super-jump back and hop off to take care of a minor threat. I don't have time to get back on the Tower as it trundles on to the goal, but that's okay. Great work, everyone! Woomy!

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Tags: console, moray towers, splatoon, tower control, tri-slosher, wii u

We should have got on the Tower in Tower Control (16-7, Tri-slosher)

I'm slipping down the ranks again, but that's okay. Maybe it will give me a slightly smoother ride for Carbon Roller Practice. Or it will put me with less consistent groups and make things harder. Either way, I'm opting for the Tri-slosher for Tower Control.

It's a great start to the battle for me, bagging three splats, including the opposition charger, and turning back sensibly to ride the Tower a bit without much risk. But the inklings soon return, and jumping off to take care of them has me pushing my luck.

Another go at riding the Tower doesn't get far at all, neither does my trying to get rid of the inky pressure. But when the yellow team get on the Tower, I do well with applying the pressure.

I keep applying it successfully, somehow not getting splatted when covered in ink, but end up forgetting about the Splatterscope behind me. More pressure is applied, and I think I see a Panic Inkstrike. For a second, at least.

Working my way around the back to find the Splatterscope does so, but I have to go a bit further than expected. That just makes the splat much more satisfying, though. If only someone was trying to ride the Tower. I could, but I seem to be doing well suppressing the yellow team.

Naturally, with such a narrow lead, it doesn't take much for the yellow team to beat it, even if it does take them four minutes to do so. Still, they ride the Tower and take the lead. That's kinda the point, and even an extra time push isn't enough to help us. Good game, yellow team.

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Tags: console, splatoon, tower control, tri-slosher, urchin underpass, wii u

Charging here and there in the Splat Zones (6-2, Kelp Splatterscope)

I'm going back to the Splatterscope for a bit, just to keep my aim in. As if I have much aim. The Kelp version today, for Splat Zones. The ink coverage and Killer Wail should help.

I try to concentrate on staying safe and sensible whilst providing support, which I can do quite well from the back. That's kinda what a charger does. I don't get up high, though, aware of the side route that needs to be monitored.

My Killer Wail gets a splat! That's good. On top of that, the Kelp Splatterscope on the other side sets his Killer Wail, and that just acts as a really short Echolocator for me. Splat!

I miss the close-range inkling, and fear I am about to get splatted, but instead he retreats and jumps out at just the wrong time. I like that, as it makes me look better than I am. The Squiffer shows me how close-range charging is done shortly after, though.

I don't mind the Squiffer. I show him what I can do too. A Killer Wail, suitably placed, shepherds the inklings to either do nothing or come up the blind side. So I go to the blind side and get an easy splat. Nice!

That lets me go back and support the Splat Zones more directly. We can press quite high, retake the Splat Zones, and regain the lead. I help by splatting the Kelp Splatterscope, and trading Killer Wails with the other team, getting another splat. It's quite effective.

I suppose the only minor disappointment is that we get the knockout victory just as I get a few inklings in to my sights. But maybe that was a blessing, as I doubt I could shoot from the hip quite that quickly to come out unscathed. Fun battle!

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Tags: console, kelp splatterscope, splat zones, splatoon, walleye warehouse, wii u

Splatty mayhem in Splat Zones (11-6, Carbon Roller Deco)

Back to the Deco version of the Carbon Roller. Good for Splat Zones, I would think, and on Flounder Heights. If I get going, that is. I am double-teamed early on, and spend a second wondering how the bloody hell they got up to that side of the Heights so quickly.

The pause is probably a good idea, as it turns out, as there is a lot of purple pressure in the Splat Zones, and holding back lets me get up to the top of the Heights with some support. Better than being splatted right back to the base.

I head through the centre to get some inking done, and use that as an opportunity to ink up an uncommon route to the other Splat Zone. And I use falling through the grate as an opportunity to ink the whole wall. But it is a nice route that may not get inked over, and hopefully this won't be the only time I can make use of it.

I use the inked wall after a Seeker Rush prompts a Bubbler in response. I sit and wait, and come back to splat the inkling when the Bubbler's gone, and get an excellent splat on a super-jumping inkling on top of that. And my not being quite able to squid up a wall confuses another inkling enough for me to survive.

Splatting a Dynamo Roller with a Carbon is quite satisfying. Helping to keep the Splat Zones whilst doing so is just icing on the cake. But it's swings and roundabouts, as holding back from some pressure can't continue forever, and I reveal myself to be overwhelmed by purple ink. I should have stayed hidden a bit longer.

Another splat on the Dynamo is just great, thank you. I don't even mind a Bubbler splatting me afterwards. And my wall comes in to play again! And it's be inked over twice, so others are using it too. Excellent. But trying to recover the Splat Zones has my running out of ink just as I need to flick. Oh well.

Another go at capturing the Splat Zones works better for us, and I get a couple of fun splats as inklings squid over the top of a wall in succession. I take an opportunity to ink more turf, but the action ends up behind me. The Splat Zones are retaken by the purple team and we go in to extra time.

A Seeker Rush almost helps, but a Bubbler and Inkzooka has my bailing out sensibly. I go back to our side and try to stop the battle, and in the ensuing rumble I honestly think I've been splatted, but it's just a friendly Burst Bomb.

A couple of last splats for me, one last getting splatted, and we stop their possession just long enough to end the battle in our favour. Woomy!

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

Don't fear my Inkzooka, or do, in Tower Control (12-2, Carbon Roller)

More Carbon Roller fun, this time with the vanilla version. I don't think the Seekers would work too well on Hammerhead Bridge, and maybe the Inkzooka would. Then again, I've seen Seekers used here, and my aim with the Inkzooka leaves a little to be desired. But let's see what I can do.

I try to support early on without getting myself too far ahead or embroiled in anything silly, but get splatted anyway. That's much to be expected from the initial tussle near the Tower, though.

On my return, I get a little concerned about the state of my connection to the battle, as it first takes a handful of flicks to splat an inkling, and immediately afterwards I splat a super-jumping inkling on landing, but the ink only flies a second later. I can only work with what I have, though, so I keep this in mind.

My first Inkzooka charges as we push the Tower forwards! How exciting. Splatting the inkling down the channel is pretty straightforward, and after that I miss the one off to the side, and also the inkling taking back the Tower. I don't think my Inkzooka skills are improving.

I do quite well avoiding obvious threats, even if opportunities to splat them are missed too. Staying unsplatted is a good skill all the same. Of course, it matters less if we lose the lead, but I do try to get back to help out, and I get a splat or two for the cause.

I look for the Splatterscope. That's a threat that could cause us trouble. And eventually he comes to me. Splat! It's a bit cheap, but it's what the Carbon Roller does well. And again I try to be sensible and avoid obvious danger, following up by providing good support.

And I'm on the Tower. I'm on the Tower and my Inkzooka has charged. I spot a squidding inkling as I get ready to fire down the channel, and turn and fire to get an amazing splat for me. I have enough charge left to fire down the channel for a second splat too. Not bad, even if I hit the Tower with the other shot.

From there, it's just a short distance to the goal, and the teal team are down at least a couple of inklings. A knockout victory, and a great battle for me with the Carbon Roller! Woomy!

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Tags: carbon roller, console, hammerhead bridge, splatoon, tower control, wii u

A good time to Wail in Tower Control (7-5, Blaster)

Back to the Blaster for a bit with Tower Control. I could stick with the Carbon Roller, but I am still practicing with the Blaster too. As can be told by the shaky start in my first battle of the evening. At least a timely Kraken helps me out afterwards.

Quite what that Sploosh is made of I'm not sure, but she survives two of my blasts, and I have to dodge her Suction Bomb Rush to get the splat. At least I am being a little more cautious in my approach.

But sometimes you have to dive in to trouble to come out even. I splat the Sploosh during another Suction Bomb Rush, but am surrounded by the inksplosions. At least I see her kit, which has no defence. That makes the earlier survival a little baffling, but these things happen.

Some more progress and caution go together well as I stick besides my squidmates pushing the Tower forwards, and our Specials all pop up in a nice sequence. A Kraken catches a Disrupted inkling, an Echolocator pops, and my Killer Wail is ready.

I don't want to waste my Wail, so squid behind the Tower as it is on its final approach. What better place to use it? One splat keeps the channel clear as we take the lead, and following up to jump on the Tower gets a defensive splat.

It's only a little more distance to go, and we turn the battle around nice and smoothly for a knockout victory. Woomy!

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Tags: blackbelly skatepark, blaster, console, splatoon, tower control, wii u

Splats and misshaps in Tower Control (13-6, Carbon Roller Deco)

Sticking with the Carbon Roller, seeing what it can do in Tower Control. Blackbelly Skatepark and Bluefin Depot don't seem ideal for the weapon, but I'm willing to give it a try, particularly as I'm still learning.

I'm not entirely sure what my tactics should be, as I can't really forge ahead as strongly as with the Tri-slosher, as I don't project any ink. And I can't really hang back like with a charger. I'll just have to strike a balance between inking turf and trying to be sneaky.

My first splat is good, but things go a bit pear-shaped when the Tower gets in the way of my Seeker Rush. There aren't too many straight lines in the Skatepark, I suppose. I was just trying to provide some offensive coverage.

Accidentally sneaking under a Splash Wall is fun, and the second time it's happened with the Carbon Roller. Following up with a Roller vs. Roller splat was satisfying too. And despite my thrashing around with two inklings nearby, I come out on top.

I fall off the top too, and how I miss that inkling I opportunistically go for, I'm not sure. But so it goes. I jump off the Tower on purpose next, as I see a green inkling waiting to surprise us on a ledge on our side of the Skatepark. The surprise backfires.

My trying to flank the green team backfires too, though. When I am clumsily inking my way around, they steal the lead from us. I still need better awareness of these times. I clear up a bit, which is something, but it doesn't get us the lead. And having the Tower run away from me won't help us get it back either.

We make a push with the Tower as the clock ticks down, and get really close as the battle continues in to extra time, but it's not quite enough for the victory. Never mind! It was a fun battle for me with the Carbon Roller.

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Tags: blackbelly skatepark, carbon roller deco, console, splatoon, tower control, wii u

Sneaky Carbon Rollering in Splat Zones (6-1, Carbon Roller Deco)

I've seen that Splatling in a few battles now, and a couple on Walleye Warehouse. He always goes for that side of the map and shoots ink out from there. It's worked quite well so far.

Getting mired in ink with the Splatling on one side and a Roller somewhere else is a bit of a sticky start. But I use my stealthy Ninja Squid t-shirt, and good enough ink coverage to get close to the Splatling and surprise him. Surprise!

The Ninja Squid ability and some nice manoeuvring bags me another splat, pretty much a textbook splat for the Carbon Roller. Nice! And as my squidmates keep the turf ink, with some help from me, I have opportunities for being sneaky.

Phew, that Inkzooka came close! Having it miss and moving to splat the other Carbon Roller was fun. And the second Inkzooka is even closer! But it lets me move out of the way and catch the Splatling back in the same spot.

Here's a tip: if you keep using the same routes, you will be caught. I demonstrate this at around 2'19". You're welcome. This has been my best battle with the Carbon Roller so far.

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Tags: carbon roller deco, console, splat zones, splatoon, walleye warehouse, wii u

A few good splats with the Carbon Roller in Splat Zones (8-8, Carbon Roller Deco)

I'm going to give this Carbon Roller another bash. But the Deco version this time, for the Seekers. They are probably better for me than the Burst Bombs and Inkzooka, particularly in Splat Zones with Port Mackerel available.

I make a pretty average start. I am, after all, battling in A Rank and learning a new weapon. I think getting that splat whilst being a sitting duck next to a Killer Wail encourages me, though.

The Carbon Roller can flick quickly, you just need to be pretty much on top of your targets. This is why I have the Ninja Squid t-shirt on. I just need to use it better than I do. It would also help if my reflexes and aim got better.

Reflexes and aim? Maybe I should stick to the Splatterscope, which only requires one of those. Or maybe I can persevere. I throw a Seeker Rush out and get a splat, run on top of another squid for a splat, capture the opponents' Splat Zone, and keep going!

My luck runs out when I mis-gauge my distance, but I am really optimistic about maybe eventually being somewhat okay with the Carbon Roller. Which is good, because the rest of the battle doesn't go well at all. But I'm learning!

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Tags: carbon roller deco, console, port mackerel, splat zones, splatoon, wii u

Learning the Carbon Roller in Splat Zones (5-3, Carbon Roller)

It battles aren't going well, try a different weapon. Maybe not a weapon you have barely played before and is difficult to learn. But so it goes, and I give the Carbon Roller a try.

I'm not very good with it. How other inklings splat me so easily and reliably with it remains a mystery for now, but out of the bunch of battles I run with it, at least one makes me feel optimistic about getting better with the Carbon Roller.

I don't start well. At least, not with splatting. I ink a fair amount of turf, and try to get a splat, but my range is too great, my sneakiness too low, and ultimately I lose out. I clearly need more practice.

I find a temporary groove, though. Coming from behind catches one inkling entirely by surprise, as it should be, and follow that up with another good splat, albeit perhaps less surprising. Pulling out the Inkzooka and getting a third splat is just gorgeous.

I try to splat the Squiffer, but suppressing is good enough for now. And then I see a sneaky splat ahead of me. It takes two flicks in the end, but with a squidmate's help we get two splats between us. Good stuff.

I remember to not be quite so obvious with my movements, not to be where I may be expected to be, and get what could be a textbook Carbon Roller splat. Missing the next and wandering in to a Suction Bomb is a pity, but so it goes. I'm still practicing.

I have time for a 'Nice!' as our counter ticks down, and I feel like I have contributed to the knockout victory. Now to make that kind of contribution more consistent.

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Tags: carbon roller, console, kelp dome, splat zones, splatoon, wii u