Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Preview – Unpacking The New Heroes, Revamped Battles, And More

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle 2017 was a pleasant surprise. It seamlessly combined two different worlds, and used the surprising template of turn-based tactical games. Five years later, a sequel, Sparks of Hope, launches on October 20 and builds upon the winning formula while also shaking up the foundation to make it more than a retread.

Christine Nova (associate producer for Kingdom Battle) said that Ubisoft was happy with the game’s successes and how it entertains turn-based strategy lovers and fans alike. 

Nova says, “We were especially happy that we witnessed many players not too familiar with the tactical genre taking on the genre and enjoying the experience.” 

Ubisoft is aiming to broaden the audience for Sparks of Hope, by making sure its mechanics are appealing to even more users. Grid-based movement is gone from the game. Although players can navigate their characters around the battlefield real-time in the game, a hero’s range of movement still restricts them. Sparks of Hope is turn-based. Nova claims that Nova’s experience stays true to the strategy roots of the game and the new system brings dynamism to the encounters, while also making it simpler for novice players to understand. You can also have multiple characters in your team. Kingdom Battle had players have to choose between two units, so you no longer have to limit your options. You can now have a whole party consisting either of Mario all stars, Rabbid gangs, or any combination of them. 

Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbid companions travel through space, but they find themselves in trouble. Cursa is an evil entity which has started to take over the cosmos. Bowser is brainwashed to accept its evil reach and it uses Bowser’s army as its own. Mario’s arch-nemesis, Mario, joins you alongside Edge and Rabbid Rosalina, a mysterious original Rabbid.

Nova was reluctant to reveal many details, especially about Edge. However she did share some information about the new players who came to battle. Nova refers to the less enthusiastic Rabbid Rosalina as being tired and jaded. She carries a plushie with bullet-firing capabilities, which makes her a skilled ranged fighter. The signature of her technique is stasis. This status aliment immobilizes any enemy within its range and prohibits them attacking or using techniques.

Bowser is a destructive explosive-based expert. Bowser, for example, creates an explosion when he jumps. He is also equipped with a “Bowzooka” rocket launcher gun. The weapon can fire magma rock that will incinerate the targets. Bowser also has the ability to summon Rabbid Koopa minions which will swarm targets until it explodes. 

Edge, the swordswoman is a pure fighter. This means she can’t heal other units or protect them. She can use her long sword to slash multiple enemies with one blow (if they aren’t too close). Her Storm Blade technique essentially functions as an overwatch; any foe approaching Edge while Storm Blade is active causes her to strike them instantly. 

Sparks, the game’s second significant addition are its namesake. These Rabbid-infused Lumas can be equipped to confer various effects upon heroes. Characters may hold two. Sparks are able to increase defenses, augment attacks, and even have a health-leeching vampiric talent. Because of their power, Sparks play an important role in the game’s story. 

“[Sparks]Nova says that this allows players to try different tactics on the battlefield. Nova explains, “Especially when you analyze the battlefield to see which heroes and enemy are present. You can then choose the most efficient combos by analyzing your enemy’s weaknesses and strengths. [them].”

Sparks of Hope is a cosmic adventure that allows players to explore many planets. Nova refers to this as an “open-world” within every planet. We saw familiar worlds, including a fire-filled world, frost-covered planet and lush tropical forest. Each planet offers many side quests that can be completed at your own pace. 

Nova says, “You’ll find the mysteries and solve all of the environmental puzzles.” You will discover secret vaults and caves that will hold new weapons and items. You can do so many things, not just combat. 

We watched footage of them solving puzzles. One involved the constellation of night sky. A second involved the players manipulating water levels inside a temple. You can also play the classic Mario minigames with blue coins. Direct interaction with the world can be done in minor ways as well, like shaking trees for star bits or shaking leaves to create stars. 

Ubisoft also praised Ubisoft’s music, which was composed by an all-star group of Gareth Coker (Gareth Kirkhope) and Yoko Shimimura (Yoko Shimomura). We are happy to see Ubisoft taking chances and not settling for its successes with Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope. It will be interesting to see how dynamic movements affect combat and mix different Sparks abilities. We also look forward to the hilarious story that Ubisoft is creating.