Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the next installment of what might be the weirdest franchise collaboration that’s graced our screens since Kingdom Hearts gave Disney characters the chance to live their Final Fantasy dreams and wear too many belts. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has had a slew of consistent teasers and information revealed in anticipation of its upcoming release. Both Ubisoft and Nintendo were confident enough to grant the raving Rabbids another shot at more of a tactical take, and fans are clearly here for it. Here’s everything that we know about Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Release Date
Originally leaked last summer via an accidental early product listing on Nintendo’s website (just shy of its dedicated Ubisoft Forward announcement), the Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope release date was revealed last month to be landing on Nintendo Switch on Thursday, October 20, 2022.
The game looks set to iterate further on the RTS genre it took inspiration from in Kingdom Battle, melding XCOM-like battles and weapon-based combat with some traditional Mushroom Kingdom staples, and some more open-ended level traversal between those battles.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Trailers And Story
The plot looks to revolve around the appearance of Cursa, a new antagonist eagerly spreading ‘Darkmess’ across the galaxy, and it’s up to Mario and Co. to save the day. Also introduced are Sparks, a cross between Super Mario Galaxy’s Luma and, you guessed it, Rabbids. These goofy stars look to be essential to Cursa’s domination, and will feature prominently in gameplay too.
In September’s latest Story trailer from Nintendo, we can see a whole host of both series favourites and new Rabbid characters joining the fray. Bowser looks to also be joining the team, reminding us of the less clearly-cut villain dynamic and lighter-hearted affairs of games like Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga. The goofy and plentiful supporting cast of Rabbids introduced in this trailer look to help push that more comedy focused narrative even further.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Gameplay
Gamers were treated to an in-game preview of the Wiggler boss fight, which sees the player ready to face off with both it and Cursa’s minions. The goal of the fight is to help rid the angered Wiggler of the Darkmess agitating it, using your chosen team’s uniquely talented brawn and your own tactical brain on the battlefield.
Featured heavily is the use of Sparks, up to two of which are equipped on each of the three playable characters before a battle starts, granting special abilities. There are dozens mentioned to be acquired throughout the game, which will allow for a much greater range of strategic options previously unavailable in the first Mario + Rabbids title.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC
Teased with a brief trailer on YouTube, it looks like Rayman is set to become another hero for players to add to their team via DLC. It’s yet to be announced when exactly this DLC will drop post-launch, but you can bet it leaves us heavily speculating how Rayman will mesh with the plumber and his friends. It’s likely just a once-off given Rayman’s quiet presence in the gaming landscape lately, but perhaps even more characters could be included down the line, in the hopes of some fun revitalisation.