Perhaps one of 2017’s biggest surprises, Mario in a XCOM-like game, holding a gun? One of the most enjoyable games for the Switch, something I never though I would say about a games starring the Ravin’ Rabbids.
The quirky humour is apparent from the start, mere minutes in you hear the signature BWAAAH!, and I can actually say that I enjoy the rabbids being rabbids throughout the game.
Mario and his unlikely companions balance out each other well. The classic Rabbid Peach bit with her taking selfies felt so right as it is a reflection on the contemperary. Rabbid Luigi is described as being crazy and thinking he is some kind of wizard, making him the most hilarious character in the ensemble.
One of the biggest downsides is that Mario always has to be in the party. Mario being the middle ground of everything makes him a bit boring, though very useful. Sometimes it might had been fun to use an other character to further play on the player’s strength and play style.
The score by Grant Kirkhope is fitting, and his take on classic Mario songs, especially the Super Mario 64 Castle theme, are very respectfully handled. The very Conker’s Bad Fur Day-inspired boss fight didn’t feel off-putting even though a bit cringey. Despite Grant Kirkshope composeing the music the score does not feel Banjo Kazooie-esque in a bad way like in Yooka-Laylee, where is just felt forced. In Mario + Rabbids every tune feels light-hearted and fun.
The Xcom-like mechanics have been simplified, but that does not mean the combat is trivial in any way. Making the mechanics more streamlined avoids all dumb luck factors as missing a target eventhough the it said 99% for a possible hit. It is only possible to have 0%, 50% and 100% hit-rate. In addition to shooting the enemy rabbids, mario and company may also use slides and jumps in their arsenal to rid wacky world of the threat.
I recommend this game for everyone that can tolerate a bit of cringeyness and quirky humour, because behind all that is a shining game with tons of charm.
Grukk.com 