- Pronouns
- he/him
Release Date: October 20th, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft Paris
Genre: Turn Based Strategy, Action Adventure
Game File Size: 5.7 GB
Nintendo Store Page: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/mario-plus-rabbids-sparks-of-hope-switch/
An Unexpected Partnership
Early on in the Switch's first year, an unexpected leak caught the attention of the entire internet. Ubisoft was developing a crossover between the Mario and Rabbids series, which would feature X-Com style tactical gameplay as Mario picked up a gun and made some unlikely allies. This was, predictably, met with a healthy dose of skepticism at best, and outright mockery at worst. However, come its official reveal at E3 2017, the mood shifted, and the game suddenly seemed a lot more interesting. It was revealed that the well-loved Rare composer Grant Kirkhope would be working on the musical score, we saw the tearful appreciation of Director Davide Soliani at the formal unveiling, and the graphics and gameplay all looked great. Against all odds, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle released to critical claim and commercial success, quickly becoming the best-selling non-first party game on the Switch, and later receiving a DLC campaign starring Donkey Kong. The success of this game would also go on to open the door for more collaboration between Nintendo and Ubisoft
A Long-Awaited Sequel
Years passed, and in that time, the Switch was no longer the uncertain gamble many once saw it as, but a dominant player in the industry. Ubisoft would partner again with Nintendo to add exclusive Star Fox content to its Toys to Life game Starlink: Battle for Atlas, and Rabbid Peach made a cameo in the Switch version of Just Dance 2018. But once the Donkey Kong DLC was out, and stories began popping up about the Ubisoft Milan team growing, many figured it was only a matter of time before a sequel was announced. And come E3 2021, that is exactly what happened.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the latest entry in the Mario + Rabbids series. In this game, we see Mario and friends depart the Mushroom Kingdom and journey into space to stop a new villain named Cursa from spreading her dark influence across the galaxy. Mario is aided by the Sparks in his adventure, fusions of Lumas and Rabbids that can grant special abilities to their partners. Some new faces, including Bowser himself, will be joining in on the fun this time. The tactical gameplay of the previous entry has been expanded upon and refined here, allowing for more freedom of movement and new gameplay options.
The gameplay of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope consists of exploration and battle. You will travel through large overworlds in a more nonlinear fashion compared to the prior game. More puzzles and challenges have been added, including the classic 8 red coin collection challenges of other Mario games. Once you cross into a battle zone, the gameplay will shift into a turn-based encounter, where you will position your characters and attack the enemies. Each battle has an objective, such as eliminating all enemies or reaching a destination. Unlike the previous game, where the battle took place on a grid and restricted movement by distance traveled, this time around you are free to move around freely in a limited area during your turn. Make good use of your unique characters and their special abilities to survive and advance.
Sparks
Sparks are a fusion of Rabbids and Lumas and can provide buffs and abilities to their partnered characters. A record of all available sparks and their effects can be found here! During your adventure, you will come across up to 30 of these creatures, so keep an eye out for any that need rescuing!
Gameplay Presentation
Most of the cast returns from Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbid Counterparts return (pour one out for Yoshi and Rabbid Yoshi, who are apparently not included this time around). Three new characters will be joining as well!
The King of the Koopas himself joins Mario in hopes of getting his minions back from Cursa's control and getting a little payback in the process. Bowser packs some big guns and his signature Koopa toughness that will be sure to be of great assistance on the battlefield.
The Rabbid counterpart to Rosalina, she is a brilliant but detached and ever tired ally with the ability to inflict sleep on her enemies. She seems to have her own agenda and goals in helping Mario.
This Rabbid wields a big sword and a big attitude. Notably, she also has no Mario universe counterpart, and is simply Edge. She has a heroic spirit and seeks to save the Sparks from Cursa.
Metacritic: 86
Open Critic: 86
IGN
Nintendo World Report
Easy Allies
Eurogamer
Check out our Review Thread for even more!
Story Trailer
Cinematic Launch Trailer
Official Website
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope for Nintendo Switch | Ubisoft (US)
Official Site. In Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, team up with Mario, Rabbid Peach and their friends on a galactic journey to defeat Cursa and save the Sparks! Coming in 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
www.ubisoft.com
Credit to @Chaotic Neutral and @bellydrum for assisting with the ST title!
Credit to TheMushroomKingdom.net for the Screenshots used in this thread!
and work crunch hitting here soon. Going on paternity leave in December again with a Switch and this and Pokémon SV, gonna be good times.
