Mario + Rabbids Donkey Kong Adventure Review: A Strategic Delight on Nintendo Switch

Mario + Rabbids Donkey Kong Adventure Review: A Strategic Delight on Nintendo Switch The collaboration between Nintendo and Ubisoft on Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle brought a bold twist to grid-based strategy on the Nintendo Switch.

By blending the beloved Mushroom Kingdom with Ubisoft's mischievous Rabbids, the game quickly became a standout title in the Switch’s library.

Released as downloadable content (DLC) on June 26, 2018, the Donkey Kong Adventure expansion further strengthens the title by delivering a lively, focused experience with an unmistakable DK flavor. Building on the foundation of the original release, Donkey Kong Adventure launches midway through Mario + Rabbids' main narrative.

In this new chapter, Rabbid Peach and the ever-helpful Beep-O venture beyond Peach’s Castle, finding themselves teaming up with Donkey Kong and the cranky-yet-endearing Rabbid Cranky.

Together, these unlikely heroes are tasked with thwarting Rabbid Kong and his banana-fueled vengeance.

The story unfolds via comedic cutscenes, rivaling and sometimes even surpassing the charm of the original campaign.

Thanks to a streamlined cast, the narrative chemistry feels more intimate, particularly as Rabbid Peach continues to steal the spotlight, even repurposing Cranky's cane for an impromptu selfie-stick. However, it’s the refined tactical gameplay that truly defines the Donkey Kong Adventure.

Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky debut with original weapons and abilities.

Donkey Kong, in particular, stands out with his dynamic movement and map manipulation—he can pick up and toss almost anything, including allies, enemies, cover, and objects not yet ready to spawn.

This ingenuity allows for creative strategies, strategic positioning, and dynamic control over the battlefield.

The environments themselves are enhanced to highlight Donkey Kong’s prowess with vertical traversal and swinging on vines, setting him apart from other characters as the "King of Swing." Level design in this DLC caters to Donkey Kong's agility while Rabbid Peach and Rabbid Cranky provide supportive and ranged capabilities.

Players must pace their actions and plan their moves carefully as new objectives, mechanics, and enemy types keep the gameplay experience fresh.

Although brisk in pace, Donkey Kong Adventure offers a substantive journey, with the number of battles equivalent to about two worlds in the base game.

Additional puzzles and hidden treasures between combat segments round out the adventure, making each of the estimated ten hours feel rewarding. A highlight of Donkey Kong Adventure is its attention to the Donkey Kong legacy.

Composer Grant Kirkhope revisits classic tunes, including the memorable DK Isle theme from Donkey Kong 64, while the DLC features clever nods such as Animal Buddies integrated into weapon designs.

Fans will also appreciate Donkey Kong’s bongo moments and the references to the arcade classic that launched the iconic ape. The only drawback echoed from the base game is the occasional performance hitch when multiple effects overlap or camera angles prove unwieldy.

Rarely, background music seems absent in certain boss battles.

Nevertheless, these minor issues do little to detract from an otherwise polished and engaging tactical experience on the Nintendo Switch. For players who enjoyed Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Donkey Kong Adventure is a must-have addition.

With a brisker pace, focused content, and creative twists on strategy gameplay, this DLC stands as a high point for crossover innovation.

Mario may have been the star before, but with this expansion, Donkey Kong barrels ahead, proving that all he needs to outshine his rival is a quality download on the Nintendo eShop.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch DLC Adventure Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Donkey Kong Adventure Ubisoft Grant Kirkhope Rabbid Peach Rabbid Cranky Rabbid Kong Beep-O Peach's Castle Rabbids