Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition: Switch Review
Hey guys! Get ready to dive into the wacky world of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition on the Nintendo Switch. This game is a wild ride that combines the beloved characters from the Mario universe with the chaotic Rabbids in a turn-based tactical adventure. If you're looking for a game that's both challenging and hilarious, you've come to the right place. Let's break down what makes this Gold Edition a must-have for your Switch library.
What is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition?
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a crossover game that no one really saw coming, but it turned out to be a smash hit. It blends the colorful and familiar world of Mario with the unpredictable and zany Rabbids from Ubisoft's Raving Rabbids franchise. Imagine Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi teaming up with Rabbid versions of themselves to save the Mushroom Kingdom from a mysterious vortex that has brought chaos and mayhem.
The Gold Edition enhances the base game by including all the downloadable content (DLC) that was released post-launch. This means you get the base game, extra challenges, new weapons, and, most importantly, the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC. The Donkey Kong Adventure adds a whole new story campaign with Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky Kong, bringing even more tactical depth and humor to the game. This edition is the definitive way to experience the game, offering hours upon hours of gameplay.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based combat. Each level consists of exploring the environment, finding hidden items, and solving light puzzles to progress. However, the heart of the game lies in its tactical battles. The combat system is easy to pick up but offers surprising depth and strategic options.
Turn-Based Combat
In battles, you control a team of three characters, each with their unique weapons, skills, and abilities. The battlefield is laid out on a grid, and you move your characters strategically to take cover, flank enemies, and use special abilities. Cover is crucial, as it reduces the amount of damage you take from enemy fire. Half-cover provides some protection, while full-cover offers the best defense. Positioning is key, and you'll need to think carefully about where to place your characters to maximize their effectiveness and minimize their vulnerability.
Character Abilities and Progression
Each character has a set of unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Mario can stomp on enemies, Luigi can snipe from afar, and Rabbid Peach can heal allies. As you progress through the game, you earn experience points that allow you to unlock new abilities and upgrade existing ones. The skill tree for each character offers a variety of options, allowing you to customize their playstyle to suit your preferences. Experimenting with different character combinations and ability setups is part of the fun, and you'll need to adapt your strategies to overcome the game's increasingly challenging battles.
Weapons and Items
Weapons play a significant role in combat. Each character has a primary and secondary weapon, ranging from blasters and shotguns to hammers and grenades. Different weapons have different stats and effects, such as inflicting fire, bounce, or ink damage. You can also use items like mushrooms and super mushrooms to heal your team or provide temporary stat boosts. Knowing when and how to use your weapons and items is essential for success.
The Gold Edition Difference: Donkey Kong Adventure
The Gold Edition truly shines with the inclusion of the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC. This expansion adds a brand-new story campaign that takes place in a new area of the Mushroom Kingdom. Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky Kong team up to stop Rabbid Kong, who has gone rogue and is causing chaos on a tropical island.
New Characters and Abilities
Donkey Kong brings his unique set of abilities to the battlefield. He can throw banana boomerangs, pound the ground to create shockwaves, and grab and throw enemies. Rabbid Cranky Kong provides tactical support with his barrel bombs and long-range attacks. These new characters add even more strategic depth to the combat system.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
The Donkey Kong Adventure introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as vine swinging and puzzle elements that utilize Donkey Kong's strength and agility. The levels are designed to take full advantage of these mechanics, offering a fresh and engaging experience. The story is also well-written, with plenty of humor and heart, making it a worthwhile addition to the base game.
Graphics and Sound
The game looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switch. The colorful and vibrant world of Mario is beautifully rendered, and the character models are detailed and expressive. The animations are smooth and fluid, bringing the characters to life. The game runs well in both docked and handheld mode, with no noticeable performance issues. The game's visual style is consistent and polished, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience.
The soundtrack is composed by Grant Kirkhope, known for his work on classic Nintendo games like Banjo-Kazooie and Perfect Dark. The music is catchy, upbeat, and perfectly complements the game's whimsical tone. The sound effects are well-done, adding to the impact of the combat and the overall sense of immersion. The voice acting is also excellent, with the Rabbids providing plenty of hilarious vocalizations.
Final Verdict
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition is a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners. It combines the best of both worlds, blending the charm and familiarity of the Mario universe with the zany humor of the Rabbids. The turn-based combat is engaging and strategic, offering plenty of depth and customization options. The Donkey Kong Adventure DLC adds even more content and value, making this edition the definitive way to experience the game. If you're looking for a game that's both challenging and hilarious, look no further than Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition.
Pros:
- Unique blend of Mario and Rabbids
- Engaging turn-based combat
- Plenty of depth and customization
- Hilarious humor and charming characters
- Donkey Kong Adventure DLC adds significant value
Cons:
- Can be challenging for newcomers
- Some may not enjoy the Rabbids' humor
So there you have it, guys! Go grab your copy of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition and get ready for a wild adventure. You won't regret it!