a follow-up to octo expand was going to have a tough time regardless... but this could have used more... everything. I don't mind it being a roguelike, I think a roguelike under the Splatoon lens is very cool. but it falls short with a lack of variety. could use more enemies, bosses, layouts. more story, even. story-wise it is very "octo expand sequel" and a way to shove in the order concept and that's... all, really. I was hoping it'd be a deeper experience, honestly. in terms of gameplay, it becomes very, very familiar... very quickly. and at that point, you're just doing the thing for the sake of... well, doing the thing. I don't really feel this is undercooked, though. lacking? yes, absolutely. but I wouldn't call it undercooked. idk. at the least, the foundation is very solid. but I do feel it could have used more time... to be... More. I remember that first teaser trailer with the concept art and had hoped the tone of the final product would reflect that. that trailer had a desolate, eerie vibe. but Side Order really doesn't, which is kind of a bummer for me personally. Acht, Pearl, and Marina are so chatty and always there with you. regardless, I do think it's a solid experience, even if it's left me wanting more.

edit to add: the music is fantastic. I looooooove it. I know some don't and won't dig the ambient vibes present, but I adore it. it works for what they've done here. if there's anything I can count on, I can count on Splatoon to always nail the vibes. the music that plays on the elevator between floors 20 and 30 is SO creepy. great track, but has a big impact on my mood if I take an extended break while hearing it.
the final boss... ehhhhhhhhh. was hard for me the first time I made it to floor 30, but after defeating it once, there's no real tension in future runs. the game goes even further with reducing said tension, having the room look different and bright. though I'm unsure how I feel about it being so... Silly past first completion. I both like and hate Smollusk as a result.