Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition: Switch Adventure

Hey guys! Get ready for a wild ride because we're diving deep into Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition for the Nintendo Switch. This isn't just your average turn-based strategy game; it's a zany, unpredictable, and utterly charming crossover that brings together the beloved characters of the Mario universe with the chaotic Rabbids. Buckle up, because this review is going to cover everything you need to know about this gold-plated adventure.

What is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition?

So, what exactly is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition? At its core, it’s a turn-based strategy game, but with a twist. Imagine Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi teaming up with Rabbid versions of themselves to save the Mushroom Kingdom from… well, more Rabbids! A mysterious device called the SupaMerge has wreaked havoc, merging the Mario and Rabbids universes, and it's up to our unlikely heroes to restore order. The Gold Edition includes the base game, as well as the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC, adding even more content and a new playable character – Donkey Kong himself!

The gameplay is surprisingly deep and strategic. You control a team of three characters, each with unique abilities, weapons, and skill trees. The battlefields are grid-based, and you'll need to use cover, team jumps, and special powers to outsmart your opponents. It's not just about brute force; you'll need to think tactically about positioning, ability combinations, and enemy weaknesses. What makes it special is how accessible it is for newcomers to the strategy genre, while still offering a challenge for seasoned veterans. The learning curve is smooth, with tutorials that gently introduce you to new mechanics as you progress.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle isn’t afraid to be funny. The Rabbids, with their over-the-top antics and slapstick humor, bring a constant stream of laughs. Watching Rabbid Peach take selfies in the middle of a battle or Rabbid Luigi cower in fear is always entertaining. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm. Even the story, while simple, is presented with a lightheartedness that keeps you engaged. The cutscenes are well-animated, and the character interactions are genuinely funny. This isn’t just a strategy game; it’s a comedic adventure.

Key Features of the Gold Edition

Alright, let's break down the key features that make the Gold Edition a must-have for any Switch owner:

• Base Game: The complete Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle experience, with dozens of challenging battles, puzzles, and secrets to uncover.
• Donkey Kong Adventure DLC: A separate story campaign featuring Donkey Kong as a playable character. This DLC adds a new world, new enemies, and new gameplay mechanics.
• New Weapons and Abilities: The Gold Edition includes additional weapons and abilities that weren't available in the original release, giving you even more options in combat.
• Pixel Pack: This grants you 8 weapons with 8-bit designs, adding a retro aesthetic to your battles.
• Steampunk Pack: This pack gives you 8 steampunk-themed weapons to diversify your loadout.

The Donkey Kong Adventure DLC is a significant addition. It's not just a few extra levels; it's a whole new campaign with its own story and characters. Donkey Kong's abilities are unique and add a fresh layer of strategy to the game. He can pick up and throw enemies, climb walls, and use his signature ground pound to devastate his foes. The DLC also introduces Rabbid Cranky, an elderly Rabbid with a bad attitude and a powerful boombow. Together, Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky must team up to save a tropical island from a new threat.

Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy with a Twist

So, how does Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle actually play? The core gameplay revolves around turn-based battles on grid-based maps. Each character can move, attack, and use a special ability during their turn. Cover is crucial for avoiding enemy fire, and you'll need to use it strategically to protect your team. Team jumps allow you to move farther across the battlefield, while pipes provide quick shortcuts.

Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Mario is a well-rounded fighter with good attack and defense. Luigi is a long-range specialist with powerful sniper attacks. Princess Peach can heal allies and provide cover. Yoshi is a damage dealer with high mobility. The Rabbid versions of these characters have similar abilities but with a comedic twist. Rabbid Mario is a melee brawler with a powerful hammer attack. Rabbid Luigi is a defensive tank with the ability to drain enemy health. Rabbid Peach is a support character who can heal allies and attract enemies with her beauty.

The game features a variety of enemy types, each with their own unique abilities and attack patterns. Some enemies are heavily armored and resistant to damage, while others are fast and agile. You'll need to adapt your strategy to counter each enemy type. Boss battles are particularly challenging, requiring you to use all of your skills and abilities to defeat them.

One of the most interesting aspects of the gameplay is the ability to chain together moves. For example, you can use a team jump to reach a distant location, then slide into an enemy to deal damage, and finally use your special ability to finish them off. Mastering these combos is essential for success in the later stages of the game.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Treat

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a beautiful game. The graphics are colorful and vibrant, and the character models are well-detailed. The environments are varied and interesting, ranging from lush forests to frozen wastelands. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in handheld and docked mode.

The sound design is also excellent. The music is composed by Grant Kirkhope, who is known for his work on classic Nintendo games like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, and it perfectly complements the on-screen action. The sound effects are also well-done, adding to the overall sense of immersion.

The game's visual style is a perfect blend of the Mario and Rabbids universes. The environments are familiar yet slightly twisted, with Rabbid-themed decorations and graffiti scattered throughout. The character designs are also a great mix of the two franchises, with the Rabbid versions of the Mario characters being particularly hilarious.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Scales

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition:

Pros:

• Unique and Engaging Gameplay: The turn-based strategy mechanics are surprisingly deep and addictive.
• Charming Characters and Story: The Mario and Rabbids characters are a perfect match, and the story is lighthearted and entertaining.
• Excellent Graphics and Sound: The game looks and sounds great on the Nintendo Switch.
• Donkey Kong Adventure DLC: This adds a significant amount of content and a new playable character.
• Accessible for Newcomers: The game is easy to pick up and play, even if you're not familiar with strategy games.

Cons:

• Can Be Repetitive: Some players may find the turn-based battles to be repetitive after a while.
• Difficulty Spikes: The game can be quite challenging at times, especially during boss battles.
• Limited Exploration: The game is mostly linear, with limited opportunities for exploration.

While the gameplay can become somewhat repetitive, the variety of enemies, abilities, and challenges keeps things interesting. The difficulty spikes can be frustrating, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment when you finally overcome them. And while the game is mostly linear, there are still plenty of secrets and hidden areas to discover.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition worth your money? Absolutely! It's a unique, engaging, and hilarious game that's perfect for Nintendo Switch owners. The turn-based strategy mechanics are surprisingly deep, the characters are charming, and the graphics and sound are excellent. The Gold Edition, with the inclusion of the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC, makes it an even better value.

Whether you're a fan of Mario, the Rabbids, or strategy games in general, you'll find something to love in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of its charm. So, grab your Switch, gather your team, and get ready for a wild and wacky adventure!

Overall, I give Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition a solid 9/10. It's a must-have for any Switch owner and a shining example of how to do a crossover right. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back and try to beat that one boss battle that's been giving me trouble. Happy gaming, everyone!