As a gamer, I generally stick to single-player experiences. I’ve tried various types of online-multiplayer games and modes, from World of Warcraft to Uncharted, usually ending up dissatisfied.

That’s not to say I always hate them, though. I was pretty into WoW until I reached a point where I couldn’t really advance unless I played with other people, which I just don’t always want to do. Also, it’s hard when your friends are all way more experienced, typing to each other, putting in commands, trading and generally frolicking all while you can’t even figure out how to say, “Hi.”

Eventually I just gave up.

I’ve also spent much time playing FIFA, Madden and The Show online, and I was pretty good at those games. I just got tired of needing to buy a new copy every year; burnout set in. And while I see the appeal of competitive online shooters, I’m just not good enough at them—or willing to put in the time to get good enough—so whenever I try one of those I just end up getting annihilated.

I’ve come to simply enjoy the experience of single-player narrative games much more than their online-multiplayer counterparts. I’m more able to play them when and how I want, and progress is up to me, not walled-off quests or the ability to put in the requisite hours.

For these reasons, I was only vaguely interested in learning about Splatoon prior to its release. Plus, I didn’t even have a Wii U when it was first announced, giving me no reason to pay attention to it initially. When I did get a Wii U, the game’s classification as an online-multiplayer shooter left me indifferent.

One thing that should be noted is that I am always looking for a game that I can spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half on, something I can easily get in and out of on a work night. More expansive games like Bloodborne or The Last of Us don’t really allow that. This is a big reason I enjoyed Mario Kart 8; I was able to satisfy my gaming itch with a good amount of races in a reasonable amount of time. Many of these shooters would probably be good for this as well, but, again, I just don’t end up having much fun with them.

With this in mind, the positive reception to Splatoon got my attention. When I heard it discussed on The Game Informer Show I realized I needed to see some gameplay, and once I watched that I knew I had a decision to make.

I pulled the trigger on a Splatoon purchase, and I sure am glad I did.

That the game is fun was apparent from hearing people talk about it and seeing it in action, though “fun” might be an understatement. Even with its competitive undercurrents Splatoon is just so damn amusing, almost to the point of being unexplainable unless one has played it.

Accessibility is something Nintendo seems to always keep in mind. From what I’ve seen, their games can be enjoyed by casuals and hardcores alike, which is important in maintaining a thriving gaming community. Splatoon is simple to pick up and learn, but has enough nuance in it to lead to ever-evolving strategy and techniques. Those who don’t want to dive too far in (or can’t) can have their fill, and there’s always more for hardcore players to expand with.

As I said earlier, I’m not very good at shooters, but I found myself able to get the hang of Splatoon quickly, holding my own quite well even when matched up with people who were of a higher level.

A large part of this is likely due to Splatoon not being a conventional shooter. Rather than aiming to kill opponents, the game tasks the player with spreading their color ink on the ground; in its regular game mode, “Turf War,” the team whose ink covers the largest percentage of the map wins. Kills help, as the dead enemy explodes in the slayer’s ink color (kills are appropriately termed splats), but they aren’t as vital as in other shooters. This facet alone helps level the playing field.

As well, though I’m not opposed to or offended by violence in video games, it’s nice to play one, particularly of this genre, that is not hell-bent on delivering as much carnage as possible. I’m not 15 anymore—Splatoon’s brand of gameplay feels very refreshing.

In the game’s more competitive modes, classified as ranked battles, kills end up mattering more—because everyone is located around one area and eliminating opposing team members allows for greater control of that spot—they still are not the main objective.

Splatoon always remain different, refreshing and accessible.

Many have complained about the lack of voice chat, but I really don’t mind it. Sure, it would be nice to be able to joke around with my fellow players, or communicate strategy, but these benefits are outweighed by the potential negatives of poorly-behaved gamers.

Surely we would all be classified as some type of homosexual during an expletive-laced tirade from a frustrated player who can’t control themselves. This would hamper the fun of the game, as well as ruin the accessibility for newer players, and younger gamers in general.

I know when I’m playing poorly. I don’t need to be belittled for it, which wouldn’t help me get better anyway.

For the sake of everyone, not having voice chat is a plus.

I’ve not even touched the single-player portion of the game yet—an uncommon occurrence. I’m just having too much fun playing online; it’s one of the most addicting games I’ve played. “One more time” turns into five more sessions, and even when I’ve had enough for one evening, it is highly difficult to stop coming back for more.

The Wii U has had its struggles with sales, and the question always has to be asked as to whether its latest games are system-sellers. From what we can tell, Nintendo needs them.

All I can say is that if I were to play Splatoon at a friend’s house, I’d start thinking long and hard about getting the system and game myself once I returned home. In the end, that may be the biggest compliment that can be paid to Splatoon, as well as the best way to describe it.