Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Nintendo Switch Review

Hey guys! Let's dive into the wacky world of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the Nintendo Switch. This isn't your typical Mario game; it's a tactical RPG that blends the Mushroom Kingdom with the chaotic Rabbids. Sounds crazy, right? Well, it is, but in the best way possible. If you're looking for a fresh take on strategy games with a familiar, beloved cast, then buckle up because this review is for you. We’ll explore everything from gameplay mechanics and graphics to the overall fun factor, so you can decide if this quirky crossover is worth your time and money. So, let’s-a go!

What is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle?

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a turn-based tactical role-playing game developed by Ubisoft in collaboration with Nintendo. Released in 2017, it combines the iconic characters and settings of Nintendo's Mario franchise with Ubisoft's zany Rabbids. The story kicks off when a powerful invention called the SupaMerge accidentally merges the Mario and Rabbids universes. This creates a chaotic world filled with bizarre fusions and new threats. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi team up with Rabbid versions of themselves to restore order and save the Mushroom Kingdom.

The gameplay revolves around turn-based battles where you control a team of three characters, strategically moving them across the battlefield, utilizing cover, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Each character has unique abilities and weapons, allowing for diverse tactical approaches. Mario + Rabbids isn't just about shooting; it’s about thinking several moves ahead. You'll need to master team jumps, dash attacks, and special techniques to outmaneuver your opponents. The game also features exploration segments where you solve puzzles and uncover secrets, adding depth to the overall experience. With its blend of strategy, humor, and charm, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle offers a unique and engaging adventure that stands out in the crowded gaming landscape. Whether you're a seasoned strategy gamer or new to the genre, there's plenty to enjoy in this unexpected yet delightful crossover.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is where the magic truly happens. It's a delightful blend of tactical strategy and accessible mechanics, making it enjoyable for both genre veterans and newcomers. At its core, the game is a turn-based strategy title, meaning you and your enemies take turns moving and attacking on a grid-based battlefield. Each character can perform a set number of actions per turn, such as moving, attacking, or using special abilities.

Movement and Cover: Movement is crucial. You'll strategically position your characters behind cover to reduce the damage they take from enemy attacks. Half-cover provides some protection, while full-cover offers near-complete immunity from direct fire. But be warned, enemies can also use cover to their advantage! Mastering cover is key to surviving tougher battles.

Attacking and Abilities: Each character has a primary weapon with different ranges and damage outputs, as well as unique special abilities. Mario, for example, has the Hero Sight ability, which allows him to automatically fire at any enemy that moves within his line of sight during the enemy's turn. Rabbid Peach, on the other hand, can heal allies with her Healing Jump ability. Combining these abilities effectively is essential for victory.

Team Jumps and Dashes: To add more depth to movement, the game introduces Team Jumps and Dashes. Team Jumps allow a character to jump off an ally to reach further distances, while Dashes allow you to slide into enemies, dealing damage and sometimes inflicting status effects like knockback or burn. These mechanics add layers of strategy, encouraging you to think creatively about how to position your characters and exploit enemy weaknesses.

Progression and Customization: As you progress through the game, you'll earn experience points and unlock new abilities and weapons. Each character has their own skill tree, allowing you to customize their strengths and playstyles. This adds a satisfying sense of progression, as you continually improve your team's capabilities. Moreover, the game offers a variety of weapons with different stats and effects, letting you fine-tune your loadout to match your preferred tactics.

Challenges and Puzzles: Beyond the main battles, Mario + Rabbids also includes exploration segments where you solve puzzles to unlock new areas and secrets. These puzzles often involve manipulating objects, navigating mazes, or using character abilities in creative ways. These elements provide a welcome change of pace and add depth to the overall experience. The combination of tactical battles, strategic movement, and character customization makes the gameplay of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle both engaging and rewarding. It’s easy to pick up but offers plenty of depth for those who want to master its intricacies.

Graphics and Sound

The visuals in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle are vibrant and charming, perfectly capturing the whimsical nature of both the Mario and Rabbids universes. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in docked and handheld modes, with crisp graphics and detailed environments. The character models are well-designed, and the animations are fluid and expressive, bringing the quirky personalities of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the Rabbids to life. Each world is visually distinct, from the lush greenery of the Mushroom Kingdom to the spooky atmosphere of the haunted woods. The level design is creative, with plenty of hidden details and secrets to discover.

Audio: The soundtrack, composed by Grant Kirkhope (known for his work on Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64), is another highlight of the game. The music is catchy, upbeat, and perfectly complements the on-screen action. It blends familiar Mario themes with original compositions, creating a unique and memorable auditory experience. The sound effects are also well-done, from the iconic Mario jump sound to the zany noises of the Rabbids.

Art Style: The art style is a seamless blend of the Mario and Rabbids aesthetics. The environments are colorful and whimsical, filled with familiar elements from the Mario universe, such as pipes, question blocks, and Goombas. However, the Rabbids inject their signature brand of chaotic humor into the mix, with wacky costumes, silly animations, and over-the-top expressions. This combination creates a visually appealing and humorous world that is a joy to explore. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the game's presentation, from the character designs to the environmental textures. The developers have clearly put a lot of effort into creating a visually polished and immersive experience.

Overall, the graphics and sound in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle are top-notch. The vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and charming art style all contribute to the game's overall appeal. Whether you're playing on the big screen or on the go, you're sure to be impressed by the game's presentation.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Pros:

• Unique Gameplay: The blend of Mario and Rabbids with turn-based tactical combat is a refreshing and unexpected combination that works surprisingly well.
• Charming Visuals: The game is visually stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and expressive character animations.
• Engaging Soundtrack: The music is catchy and memorable, perfectly complementing the on-screen action.
• Accessible Mechanics: The game is easy to pick up and play, making it suitable for both strategy veterans and newcomers.
• Strategic Depth: Despite its accessibility, the game offers plenty of depth and challenge for those who want to master its intricacies.
• Humorous Story: The story is lighthearted and funny, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Cons:

• Difficulty Spikes: The game can sometimes be challenging, with occasional difficulty spikes that may frustrate some players.
• Repetitive Battles: While the gameplay is engaging, some battles can feel repetitive after a while.
• Limited Exploration: The exploration segments are relatively short and linear, with limited opportunities for exploration.
• Camera Issues: The camera can sometimes be a bit finicky, making it difficult to get a clear view of the battlefield.

Overall, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a fantastic game with a lot to offer. Its unique gameplay, charming visuals, and engaging soundtrack make it a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners. While it has some minor flaws, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you're looking for a fresh and exciting take on the strategy genre, then this game is definitely worth checking out.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict on Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle? Guys, this game is a delightful surprise! It takes two seemingly disparate franchises and blends them into a cohesive, engaging, and utterly charming experience. The tactical gameplay is easy to pick up but offers enough depth to keep you hooked, while the visuals and soundtrack are top-notch. Despite some minor flaws, the overall package is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

If you're a fan of strategy games, or even if you're just looking for something different, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is definitely worth your time and money. It's a game that will make you laugh, challenge you, and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, grab your copy and prepare for a wild and wacky adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom like you've never seen it before. You won't be disappointed!