While we were already aware of the majority of the playable characters from past showings, tonight showcased several new fighters and highlighted unique abilities and preferences for each.

The fighters available and their signature arms are as follows-

Spring Man
- Toaster
- Boomerang
- Tribolt

Mechanica
- Revolver
- Whammer
- Homie

Ninjara
- Chakram
- Buff
- Triblast

Master Mummy
- Megaton
- Retorcher
- Phoenix

Kid Cobra
- Slamamander
- Hydra
- Coolerang

Ribbon Girl
- Sparky
- Popper
- Slapamander

Min Min
- Dragon
- Megawatt
- Ramram

Helix
- Blorb
- Ice Dragon
- Guardian

Byte & Bark
- Seekie
- Cracker
- Bubb

Twintelle
- Chilla
- Parasol
- Thunderbird

Game Modes

There appears to be a nice variety of game modes in ARMS.

Grand Prix

This mode can be played in single player or with a friend with the objective of winning 10 matches against a variety of fighters with each round offering different rules to keep things interesting!

Versus
- Fight
- Team Fight
- V-Ball
- Hoops
- Skill Shot
- 1-on-100

Online

The online mode in ARMS contains the option to play for fun in 'Party Match' where up to 10 systems can be connected in a single lobby with up to 2 players per system creating the possibility of 20 players per lobby. Players in the lobby will automatically be assigned to play in 2P, 3P or 4P battles.

'Ranked Match' is strictly 1-on-1 fighting and your ranking will increase with each victory. When you enter a 'Ranked Match', you can continue to play other game modes until you are challenged by an online opponent to do battle.

Local Wireless mode is also available where 8 friends can hook up 8 systems wirelessly.

Any prize money obtained throughout the game modes can be exchanged for new arms to battle with. Although it is possible to unlock duplicates of previously attained arms, this will result in that particular weapon becoming stronger when equipped and therfore deal more damage.

New stages, fighters and arms are set to be released as free updates after the game launches next month. This is similar to what we saw when the original Splatoon was released and expanded on Wii U.

In another move that somewhat mirrors that of Splatoon, Nintendo will be holding a 'Global Testpunch' on selected dates where players from around the world will get the opportunity to try out ARMS before the official release date. In Europe, these dates will include 27 & 28 May along with 3 & 4 June.

The game is shaping up to be a lot of fun and we look forward to experiencing it for ourselves later this month.

In addition to ARMS, we also caught a glimpse of the single player campaign that will be present in Splatoon 2 thanks to the promised trailer at the end of the ARMS Direct. What was there appeared to be an improvement on first game with whackier stages and new abilites.

The release of Splatoon 2 on 21 July will also see a console bundle containing the Neon Switch and a copy of the game. You will also be able to purchase a Splatoon 2 Edition of the Pro Controller on this date and carrying case. In autumn, we can also look forward to new Joy-Con colours in the form of a neon green and neon pink set.

The battle against the octolings has never been more exciting and we can't wait to see more!