Rabbids: Party of Legends is the first time we’ve seen the Rabbids in a multiplatform console launch in many years. We checked out the PlayStation 4 version.
When Ubisoft announced the launch of Rabbids: Party of Legends, we were certainly surprised. After all, it has been since the early days of the previous console generation when we last saw the franchise, and Rabbids Invasion relied on Kinect/PlayStation Camera technology for an augmented reality experience. Along with Rayman, the Rabbids are Ubisoft’s “fun” mascots, so it’s good to see them again on major platforms, even if it’s also because you know it’s not going to be another open world action adventure.
As you’d expect from the title, this is a title in the mini/partygame domain, and it’s one that was designed with local multiplayer in mind. And while you can jump right in with the quick play mode or your own playlist of minigames, you also have the option to play through the game’s story mode, which blends in a narrative or sorts – mainly a nice touch for Rabbids fans who also watch the TV show.
When playing solo you’ll face off against computer-controlled opponents, but even with the story mode’s narrative this would make for some short-lived fun. As with most party games, this one’s best played together, and should be played locally. Literally, as the game doesn’t support online multiplayer.
There is certainly no shortage of minigames on offer here, as Rabbids: Party of Legends has over 50 minigames to play with some decent variety between them. Some are action-oriented, while others rely on rhythm game mechanics. You’ll even find yourself drawing, and in other games you need to cooperate rather than play competitively.
Because of that diversity, the gameplay mechanics are wildly different, but the controls are always easy to grasp – a bit like in Sega’s Tokyo Olympics game, which has a wide roster of sports but easy controls for all of them, as well as a little tutorial per game. Most of the games here are very straightforward to play and fun for all ages, though some are a bit more demanding as they ask you to use both thumbsticks at once – which can be a challenge for younger players.
If you’ve played other party games before, you’ll notice plenty of familiar formats, especially if you’re a Mario Party veterans. Expect to try and bump others off a platform, dash for the finish line and score goals/points. It’s not too original in places, but the Rabbids brand was applied well and people who aren’t on a Nintendo platform have a great alternative with Party of Legends. You’ll want to make sure you have enough players to play locally tough, as the fun will wear off rather soon when playing solo.
Score: 7.2/10
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