Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Reviews
Even if you haven't played the first game in the series, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a great introduction to a certain type of strategy game, iterating on a now-familiar formula with a readable, predictable approach to combat and some fun innovations in character movement. It knows where to streamline without sacrificing depth, all while starring mascots that fans know and love. Its exploration elements might slow the pace a bit too much, but you won't mind too much thanks to the gorgeous art direction.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a complete evolution of Kingdom Battle based gameplay. The free movement control of the battle brings a more dynamic strategic game experience. The elemental effects that do not focus on the hit but randomness and chaos are also easy to please casual players. The ridiculous combination of Mario + Rabbids once again shows the charm that makes people addicted to it, and it is the most enjoyable strategy game this year.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
If themes exist across these games -- the first being Mushroom Kingdom focused, and the second Donkey Kong, then Sparks of Hope is a riff on the Super Mario Galaxy games as it features the Lumas of those games, only they're now Rabbidified and called Sparks, as well as some planet-hopping for differential fun and a broad spectrum of environments to play within.
Even if Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is clearly the sequel of the game from 2017 in game mechanics and structure, the people at Ubisoft took some risks trying to refine the formula and opening the maps, building in the process a much better game. As of today, this is one of Ubisoft's most promising IPs, and we can't wait to see what it has in store for the foreseeable future.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope expertly toes the line between Nintendo's penchant for accessible titles targeting younger audiences and Ubisoft's matured gameplay systems to create an experience like no other.
Sparks of Hope is a strong sequel that isn't afraid to reinvent the tactical foundation laid by the first Mario + Rabbids game.
The marrying of Mario and Rabbids may still feel like a strange choice, even five years on from the first game, but Ubisoft and Nintendo have once again proved just how well this mash-up can work. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope does the impossible by making the oft-impenetrable tactical combat genre approachable – and a heck of a lot of fun. Combine that with gorgeous, colourful visuals and fun platforming and exploration, and you’ve got one of the Switch’s best games.
Ubisoft is understandably unpopular with a lot of gamers for their yearly approach to making games. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an example of them proving they can make something wonderful if they take their time and to miss out on it would be a great tragedy for everyone. Just make sure to never go into the settings menu.
Ultimately, the new Mario + Rabbids game is a solid sequel to the five-plus-year-old Kingdom Battle, though Ubisoft's attempts to give it an open world spin end up with mixed results.
Sparks of Hope lost the effect of surprise and could not reach the first part both in terms of the level of humor and the quality of the battles. It's still a good and enjoyable tactic, but it flies out of your head immediately after passing.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the perfect Switch exclusive. The game marvelously captures the playful spirit of the Mario universe, while offering some serious tactical strategy options for those looking for fix for their XCOM addiction.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope builds upon the framework established by the first title in several positive ways. The tactical combat has been given more variety, and having more things to do outside of battle was also a smart addition. Despite the annoying Rabbids and lackluster plot, it's an overall improvement and a solid sequel.
Semi-open worlds with quests in the form of real-time strategy battles provide a sort of 3D role-playing game spin on the continuation of this odd match-up of Mario and the Rabbids. While Sparks of Hope improves on the formula introduced five years ago, some charm has been lost in the more generic lands the heroes traverse, with a story that doesn't offer much thanks to plain characters outside of the Rabbids. Battles are still as fun as before, with plenty of customisation possible, but there isn't much to think about when skill points can be redistributed at will. That may suit the target audience, though, and the additional difficulty options are pleasing in that regard, as well. Kingdom Battle fans will enjoy this, and there is some solid tactical gameplay to be found, but it's a bit too familiar and unsurprising to elevate it beyond the original.
Very good step up for the series and dark horse of the holiday season. Sparks of Hope are more than next datadisk ' it is next installment with lot of fine features, even funnier and extensive game where you choose your progress and tempo. Season Pass with next heroes could be only next delight.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A lot of good ideas, improved duels and a lot of fun. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope shows that the sequel can look "the same" on paper and yet offer a lot of thoughtful changes. Take and play! ;)
Review in Polish | Read full review
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is an absolute delight. The new mobility-focused combat trades some difficulty for a more flexible and dynamic battlefield. The more JRPG-styled tone and structure of the game gives it a solid basis that the first game didn't quite reach. Most of the improvements are for the better. There are still some nagging problems here and there, and the frame rate is rough, but if you can get past that, there's a ton to love here.
An excellent experience for fans of strategy and casual games alike.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a good example of a Well made Sequel. Almost everything is better in this game compared to the last game, Freedom in combat, different play Styles, a more dynamic world and Last but not least, Much more Content! Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope delivers an almost perfect Turn based combat experience full of new ideas. Liked the first game? You are going to love this Amazing sequel as well!
Review in Persian | Read full review
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope takes the fantastic canvas that was Kingdom Battle and paints a masterpiece on it. The combat is as fun as it is strategic, and each world is a delight to roam through. The added freedom in terms of movement during battles and the light RPG elements pair exquisitely with the slapstick Rabbid humor and the whimsical music composed by industry titans Kirkhope, Shimomura, and Coker. The story serves its purpose well enough, even if the ending is a bit lackluster, but the gameplay is unassailable. If you liked its predecessor, you'll love Sparks of Hope. It sets a new bar for Mario-themed spinoffs, and I'm full of hope that the series doesn't end here.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope improves on Kingdom Battle, but drags things out far too long near the end. Fans of the original – or tactical combat games in general – should still check it out.