Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle Critic Reviews

It's a fan service fractal that works both as a gonzo strategy masterpiece and series love letter. It's a studio-publisher (Ubisoft) that's been around nearly as long as Nintendo's been making video games, reflecting all the whimsy and allure of a franchise that's sold half a billion copies worldwide. I blaspheme, but if you've ever wondered what an archetypal Nintendo game made not-by-Nintendo would look like, here you go.

And this is the thing, they may have needed a bit of Mario magic to rub off on them but this is the perfect stage for the previously maligned Rabbids. From Rabbid Peach’s casual leaning against cover and obsession with taking selfies as bosses fall, to a slobbering rampaging Donkey Kong boss, to Rabbid Yoshi’s curiously adorable dinosaur costume they manage to steal the show from their inspirations. Another pleasant surprise in a game full of unlikely triumphs.

An unconventional combination of two worlds and genres, which is funny, reasonably difficult and especially offers a great playability. For the Nintendo Switch owners, it is a must-have, everyone will enjoy this game.

My only gripe is that the game could have done with a world-map (there’s kind of a ‘map’ to help you track your battles and how you went in them, but it looks more like a McDonald’s kids place-mat and isn’t at all helpful). Otherwise this is near-perfect gaming experience. Wonderfully paced, beautifully presented, hilariously nostalgic and reverent, portable, ever-challenging and charming to a fault. If The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild wasn’t enough to push your switch to Nintendo Switch, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle definitely should force your wallet.

A must-own for any Switch owner and is worth buying the console for on its own. It combines two franchises together wonderfully and gives Mario fans seeking another console-centric RPG-style game more thrills. Everything about the concept gels together surprisingly well, with the only weakness in the whole package being the story.

When Mario + Rabbids was announced, I was excited, if a little nervous. Nintendo farming out Mario to Ubisoft, a developer that hasn’t always hit the mark, was slightly concerning. But after playing this game I can honestly say that aside from the odd camera bug or two, I would have never of guessed that this game was not made by Nintendo themselves. It looks, sounds and feels like a Mario game. Clearly the developers have a great love of Mario and an even greater understanding as to what makes a Mario game special. All of the nods to the Mario universe, how many staples of said universe feature in how the gameplay works with this unique title and the attention to every little detail makes this not only a fresh take on a classic character, but possibly my favorite Mario game ever.

The level of quality and depth here is absolutely extraordinary.

Considering how disparate all the elements found in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle appear on the surface, everything comes together astonishingly well when experienced as a whole.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a triumph, for Mario and Nintendo as well as for Ubisoft. The game bursts with creativity and charm. It’s beautiful, funny, challenging and original. But most of all, it’s a bold risk, and an immensely successful one at that.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes.

While not a traditional Mario or Rabbids game, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle contains enough elements from both franchises to appeal to fans of either series. The lighthearted humor and silly visuals combined with a surprisingly deep battle system make this unexpected crossover a delight to play.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is an absorbing and addictive experience that combines unpredictable, tactically deep, turn-based strategy gameplay and dexterously imbues it with the humour and the heart of a traditional Mario adventure.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a must have for Switch-owning fans of turn-based tactical games. More importantly, such is the style and depth on offer that it's also ideal for those that haven't played much of the genre, for whom 'X-COM' sounds like a silly acronym from a war movie. It introduces the concept in the best possible way, and then utilises its own ideas for what becomes a smart and - at times - deliciously challenging experience.

This is a legitimately great strategy experience, tailored toward the sensibilities of Nintendo and the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. It's a charming adventure for Mario, and the Rabbids don't get in the way, even if they don't necessarily add much either. In the same way that the original Super Mario RPG showed Square Enix using Nintendo's property to create some magic, Mario + Rabbids delivers something close from Ubisoft.

Yet another fantastic game you should have in your library if you own a Nintendo Switch. It’s clear that Ubisoft respects the sanctity of these iconic Nintendo characters, and the game certainly does them justice. Kingdom Battle might not be the most challenging tactical RPG around, but it does offer a satisfying combat flow, and provides ample opportunities for players to come up with interesting strategies and team compositions to complete a map with. The Rabbids serve as the special X-factor ingredient that really makes this game pop with life.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a true gem in our gaming world, blending two very different universes and creating a deep turn-based tactical game that is both funny and weird. We can only hope that this is the beginning of a new franchise.

A crazy and extremely fun mash-up, embellished by an excellent combat system and a compelling soundtrack by the eternal Grant Kirkhope.

More than an attempt to cash in on the Super Mario Bros. and Raving Rabbids franchises, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is one of the most creative turn-based tactical games in years.

It’s one of those rare instances where the positive pre-release reception was totally justified and made the ultimate pay-off even better. The developers at Ubisoft Milan and Paris took their time to figure what works about strategy games and elevated it to a form that can be enjoyed by many. Add to that the pure cleverness of the adventure, and what results in an absolute must play for Nintendo Switch owners. This is the best game the Rabbids have starred in and they only needed Mario to achieve it.

There’s no denying Kingdom Battle is an amazing experience, but it’s also a tough one to describe to friends and family. Heavy on Mario characters and locales, it’s not your usual Mario game. It features Ubisoft’s highly annoying Rabbids, but in a format that finally works, subdued and entertaining. It uses humour that kids will appreciate, but parents and adult gamers will get more from. Best yet, it doesn’t hold your hand, demanding a carefully-planned strategy to accomplish your goals. I can’t recommend it enough, but to the right audience – players over the age of 15 will find the title an utter delight.