Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle has been released on Nintendo Switch today with Mario and the Rayman Rabbids joining forces in a turned-based battle game.
It’s a surprise crossover, but much hype has been building for the game ever since it was revealed at this year’s E3.
Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot teamed-up to announce the game, famously branding the game’s weapons during a fun reveal.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle sees Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Yoshi join forces with the Rabbids to help save the Mushroom Kingdom.
The Nintendo Switch game is focused on tactical turn-based combat, which will feel similar to anyone who has played a Fire Emblem game.
It currently has an impressive 85 per cent rating based on 52 critics on Meteoritic.
Here Express.co.uk gives a review round-up of what critics think of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, out now on the Nintendo Switch.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – Twinfinite – 90 per cent: “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 review – Time – 100 per cent: “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.”
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – Nintendo Life – 90 per cent: “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.”
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – GameSpot – 90 per cent: “Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It’s a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes.”
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – Polygon – 80 per cent: “Mario + Rabbids manages to walk a narrow road, offering up a legitimately challenging squad tactics experience without alienating the family friendly Mario audience.
“While it doesn’t quite have the full layer of spit and polish of an in-house title, Ubisoft comes damn close to capturing that Nintendo magic.”
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – DualShockers – 80 per cent: “While the allure of these two franchises coming together may be the draw for many, the surprising depth to its combat and the replayability that it offers are the real highlights.”
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle review – Eurogamer – Recommended: “This wonky crossover is the unlikely source of a superbly designed tactical combat challenge as well as a charmingly silly adventure.”