The 2017 release of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was met with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. The crossover between Nintendo’s iconic Mario universe and Ubisoft’s Rabbids franchise seemed unlikely, and the strategy-based gameplay felt like an unusual fit. Yet, the game defied expectations, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Five years later, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope arrives with heightened anticipation. Does the sequel live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Resoundingly, yes. Sparks of Hope not only builds upon the foundation of Kingdom Battle but elevates the experience to new heights.
The story picks up with the unlikely friendship between Beep-0, the Rabbid versions of Mario, Luigi, and Peach, and their Mushroom Kingdom counterparts. This newfound peace is shattered by the arrival of Cursa, a menacing new villain seeking the Sparks, adorable hybrids of Rabbids and Lumas from Super Mario Galaxy. The Sparks are integral to both the narrative and gameplay, offering equippable abilities that grant unique powers to each character. From Ethering, which grants invisibility, to Toxiquake, which unleashes area-of-effect damage, players can customize their team’s abilities to suit their playstyle. Upgrading Sparks with Star Bits adds further depth to the strategic layer.
mario-rabbids-1272022.jpgSparks of Hope introduces a significant overhaul to the combat system. The grid-based movement of the original is replaced with free-form movement, offering greater flexibility on the battlefield. While players can no longer move after attacking, this change enhances the strategic depth. Positioning becomes paramount, allowing for clever maneuvers like team jumps and coordinated attacks. This freedom encourages experimentation and rewards strategic thinking, making each encounter a dynamic puzzle to solve.
The revamped combat encourages players to utilize each character’s strengths effectively. Unlike Kingdom Battle, where specific strategies often felt mandatory, Sparks of Hope empowers players to devise their own tactical approaches. The satisfaction of executing a well-planned attack is amplified by the game’s polished animations, particularly when wielding over-the-top weapons like Edge’s impressive blade.
Beyond the Battlefield: Exploration and Presentation
Beyond the refined combat, Sparks of Hope expands upon the exploration aspects. Unlike the linear environments of its predecessor, the sequel features expansive planets teeming with secrets to uncover. This enhanced exploration adds a welcome layer of discovery, reminiscent of traditional Mario titles, although the characters’ inability to jump outside of battle serves as a gentle reminder of the game’s unique mechanics.
mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope.pngVisually, Sparks of Hope showcases a noticeable improvement over the original, boasting sharper graphics and refined character designs. Grant Kirkhope’s signature musical style returns, delivering another memorable soundtrack. The addition of voice acting, while limited, adds personality to the characters, particularly Rabbid Peach.
New Characters and Lasting Impressions
Sparks of Hope introduces new playable characters, including the enigmatic Edge, a Rabbid with a striking resemblance to Cloud Strife. Despite the familiar design, Edge’s combat prowess quickly makes him a valuable asset. Rabbid Rosalina is another welcome addition, fitting given the Super Mario Galaxy influences present in the game. Bowser, a highly anticipated addition, joins the roster later in the game, though his late arrival diminishes the surprise factor.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope exemplifies the ideal video game sequel. It refines the strengths of its predecessor while introducing innovative elements that establish its own identity. The improved story, enhanced graphics, expanded Mario universe integration, and, most importantly, the engaging combat create a compelling experience. Ubisoft has crafted a surprisingly endearing spin-off series, and the potential for future installments, including the forthcoming DLC, is exciting.
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope launches on October 20th for Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted on a Nintendo Switch OLED using a copy provided by the publisher.
