Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Switch Strategy Game Review and Guide

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a veteran gamer with over ten years of experience. Today, we're going to talk about a fantastic strategy game on the Nintendo Switch platform: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This game cleverly combines the classic world of Mario with the quirky elements of the Rabbids, plus XCOM-style strategic combat, creating a unique and addictive gaming experience. So, what exactly makes this game so good, and what are its shortcomings? Let's dive in and take a closer look.

1. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: A Surprising Mashup

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was developed by Ubisoft Milan and released on the Nintendo Switch platform in 2017. The story tells of the Rabbids accidentally traveling to the world of Mario, causing a series of chaotic events. Players need to control Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters from the Mario world, as well as Rabbid characters designed after them, to form a team to fight against enemies infected by the Rabbids and save the kingdom.

The unique aspect of this game lies in its strategic combat system. It adopts turn-based tactics similar to XCOM, where players need to move characters on the map, use cover to avoid attacks, and use various skills and weapons to defeat enemies. However, unlike XCOM, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle places more emphasis on character movement, teamwork, and the combination of skills, making the combat more fluid and enjoyable.

2. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gameplay Review: Strategy and Fun Combined

2.1 Combat System: Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master

The game's combat system is very easy to pick up. Each character has their own movement range and attack range, and players only need to choose the appropriate action to complete a turn. However, as the game progresses, the enemies become stronger and the maps become more complex, requiring players to have a deeper understanding of each character's skills and utilize terrain such as cover and pipes to achieve victory.

In the game, each character has their own unique skill tree, and players can unlock new skills by leveling up. For example, Mario can use "Hero Sight" to counterattack when enemies move, Luigi can use "Steely Stare" to increase his defense, and Princess Peach can use "Royal Gaze" to provide protection for teammates. In addition, players can also change the character's attributes and skills by equipping different weapons.

2.2 Exploration and Puzzles: Rich and Diverse Level Design

In addition to combat, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle also includes a large number of exploration and puzzle elements. In each level, players need to find hidden treasure chests and solve various puzzles to find the path to the next area. The design of these puzzles is very clever, neither too simple nor too difficult, providing players with enough challenge and fun.

The game's level design is also excellent, with each level having its own unique style and theme. For example, some levels are located in dense forests, where players need to use trees as cover; some levels are located in snowy environments, where players need to be careful of the ice under their feet.

2.3 Story and Characters: Quirky and Humorous Setting

Although the story of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is simple, it is full of quirky and humorous elements. The addition of the Rabbids brings many unexpected surprises to the world of Mario and adds a lot of fun to the game. Each character has their own unique personality and characteristics. For example, Mario is brave and strong, Luigi is timid and cautious, and Princess Peach is elegant and kind. The interactions between these characters are very interesting and can bring players a lot of laughter.

3. Graphics and Sound: Details Matter

3.1 Visual Presentation: Vibrant Colors, Rich Details

The visual presentation of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is excellent. The game uses a vibrant cartoon style, and the scene details are very rich, such as the texture of trees, the ripples on the water surface, the characters' expressions, and so on. Even in the Nintendo Switch's handheld mode, the game's graphics are still clear and sharp.

3.2 Sound Effects and Music: A New Interpretation of Classic Melodies

The game's sound effects and music are also commendable. The game uses many classic melodies from the Mario series and gives them a new interpretation, retaining the original flavor while adding new vitality. In terms of sound effects, the various weapon firing sounds, enemy roars, and environmental sounds in the game are very realistic, enhancing the player's sense of immersion.

4. Handling and Controls: Simple, Intuitive, and Easy to Learn

The handling and controls of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle are very simple and intuitive, and players can use the Joy-Con controller or Pro controller to play the game. The game's button layout is very reasonable, and players can easily complete various actions, such as moving characters, attacking enemies, and using skills.

5. Analysis of Game Advantages and Disadvantages: Objective Evaluation

5.1 Advantages:

• Unique combat system: Cleverly combines XCOM-style strategic combat with Mario elements, creating a unique and addictive gaming experience.
• Rich and diverse level design: Each level has its own unique style and theme, full of exploration and puzzle elements.
• Quirky and humorous story: The addition of the Rabbids brings many unexpected surprises to the world of Mario.
• Excellent graphics and sound: Vibrant colors, rich details, realistic sound effects, and pleasant music.
• Easy to learn: Simple and intuitive controls, even beginners can quickly get started.

5.2 Disadvantages:

• Unbalanced difficulty curve: The game is easy in the early stages and difficult in the later stages, which may frustrate some players.
• Lack of depth: Compared to XCOM, the game's strategic depth is slightly insufficient.
• Story is slightly thin: Although the story is quirky and humorous, it lacks depth and connotation.

6. Comparison with Similar Games: Each Has Its Own Merits

Compared with similar strategy games, the biggest advantage of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is its unique style and easy-to-learn characteristics. Compared to XCOM, this game places more emphasis on character movement, teamwork, and the combination of skills, making the combat more fluid and enjoyable. However, in terms of strategic depth, this game is slightly insufficient.

7. The Impact of Nintendo Switch 2 on the Gaming Experience

As the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, many players are full of expectations for the performance improvements of the new console. So, what impact will the Nintendo Switch 2 have on the gaming experience of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle?

First, the nintendo switch2 price may affect players' willingness to buy. If the price of the new console is too high, it may deter some players.

Secondly, nintendo switch2 compatibility is crucial. If the new console is backward compatible with Nintendo Switch games, then players can continue to play Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the new console and enjoy higher resolution, smoother frame rates, and faster loading speeds. If it is not compatible, then it is necessary to consider whether a Nintendo Switch 2 version will be released.

Finally, nintendo switch2 first look indicates that the new hardware performance will bring a better gaming experience. More powerful processors and graphics cards will be able to improve the game's graphics performance and running speed, allowing players to experience Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle more smoothly.

8. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Beginner's Guide

8.1 Understand Character Characteristics:

Each character has their own unique skills and attributes, and players need to choose the right characters based on their tactics. For example, Mario is good at melee combat, Luigi is good at ranged attacks, and Princess Peach is good at healing.

8.2 Familiarize Yourself with the Combat Mechanics:

The combat mechanics in the game are very important, and players need to familiarize themselves with various operations such as cover, movement, attack, and skills.

8.3 Make Good Use of Teamwork:

Teamwork is the key to victory in the game, and players need to reasonably arrange the positions and actions of characters in order to maximize their combat effectiveness.

8.4 Unlock the Skill Tree:

Unlocking new skills through leveling up can improve the character's combat effectiveness.

8.5 Collect Weapons and Equipment:

Change the character's attributes and skills by collecting weapons and equipment.

9. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Advanced Techniques and Strategies

9.1 Use Cover:

Cover is an important means of protecting characters in the game, and players need to use cover as much as possible to avoid enemy attacks.

9.2 Combine Skills:

Different skill combinations can produce different effects, and players need to try various skill combinations to find the tactics that best suit them.

9.3 Predict Enemy Actions:

Predicting enemy actions can allow players to better formulate tactics, such as moving to a position that the enemy cannot attack in advance, or using skills to counterattack the enemy in advance.

9.4 Collect Hidden Elements:

There are many treasure chests and secrets hidden in the game, and players need to carefully explore each level to find these hidden elements.

9.5 Challenge High-Difficulty Levels:

After clearing the game, players can challenge higher difficulty levels to get more rewards and challenges.

10. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Recommended Configuration and Purchase Recommendations

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle does not require high hardware configuration and runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch. For players who want to buy this game, I recommend choosing the physical or digital version, as the price difference between the two is not significant.

If you want to get a better gaming experience, you can buy the game's DLC, such as "Donkey Kong Adventure," which adds new characters and levels.

11. Game Score and Summary

Overall, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a very excellent strategy game. It cleverly combines the classic world of Mario with the quirky elements of the Rabbids, plus XCOM-style strategic combat, creating a unique and addictive gaming experience.

My Score: 9.0/10

• Reason: Unique combat system, rich and diverse level design, quirky and humorous story, excellent graphics and sound, easy to learn.
• Reference Score:
  • IGN: 8.2/10 (https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/28/mario-rabbids-kingdom-battle-review)
  • Metacritic: 85/100 (https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-rabbids-kingdom-battle)

In short, if you are a strategy game lover, or like Mario and the Rabbids, then Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is definitely worth playing. Even if you are not very interested in strategy games, this game can bring you a lot of fun. With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, this game may be revitalized on the new platform.

I hope this review has helped you better understand Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a message in the comment section, and I will do my best to answer them. Thank you for reading!