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.
Ultimately, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a game about taking the leash off and letting the player run free.
With now two excellent games under its belt, it beckons the question of where the franchise goes next. Do we go for a simple Mario & Rabbids 3? Do we add Zelda or Pokemon characters into the mix? Do we change genres, turn it into a soulslike or roguelike? Whatever happens, I just need more.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope doesn't just prove that the first game was no fluke, it shows that it's possible to take a crazy idea and turn it into one of the best games of the year.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope takes advantage of all the good stuff that always worked great, and expands it with a hefty amount of stuff new and improved. If you haven’t played the first game, just start with the sequel. It’s much better.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Sparks of Hope’s flaws are more accurately described as missed opportunities. The wardens of each realm are vibrant, funny characters who deserve better than having their backgrounds conveyed through static and lifeless murals. And given his thunderous personality, you’d think Bowser would speak up at least as often as newcomer rabbids Edge and Rosalina; it’s too easy to forget that he’s even in your party. But these things don’t matter in the heat of combat—does Bowser’s Bowzooka cannon really need a backstory?—nor do they apply to exploration (which is better off not explaining the physics of the Wiggler Express and its floral tracks, actually), but in a game overflowing with sparks of joy, it doesn’t seem unfair to hope for even more.
What remains is a wonderfully beginner-friendly gem for lovers of the tactical genre - and all those who want to become one. Clear purchase recommendation!
Review in German | Read full review
I can’t score this one yet, as I haven’t finished it. But if you’re looking for a basic recommendation, consider it given.
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
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an amazing cover-based tactical shooter that builds upon the excellent structure of its predecessor, adding new features that make it an even better game in every conceivable way.
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.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an absolute Joy to play with a miraculous world to explore and a brilliant combat style to fight in. The mix of turn-based with real-time elements adds another level of thrill to the already existing strategy-based play style which is gradually improved as you progress. An exciting storyline along with iconic characters makes the journey and all the cutscenes a joy to watch. Having a fairly serious difficulty, it definitely tests the players in all aspects while allowing many difficulty settings for players who chose otherwise. Overall Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is definitely one of the best Nintendo Switch Games Releases of 2022. And it leaves no reason to not be included in this year’s Game of The Year Nomination. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an essential game to have if you own a Nintendo Switch Console.
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.
There is no denying how counterintuitive the very existence of Mario + Rabbids seems to be. Yet these Rayman critters are seemingly here to stay, and have seen a lot of growth from the franchise’s inception. Sparks of Hope doubles down on what it means to be a good sequel. Ubisoft have clearly listened to fan feedback from the previous game and have implemented all of the necessary changes to bring players a wonderful new gameplay experience. While the promised combat “overhaul” may feel and, ultimately, look arguably less meaningful than it is made out to be, it still feels refreshing and new thanks to a combined set of smaller changes. The game also looks and plays like a current-generation title, which is a huge plus. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope truly goes beyond all expectations set by its predecessor, providing a refreshing and charming, if somewhat casual, take on tactically minded gameplay.
While Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a markedly different game than Kingdom Battle, it's a more than worthy sequel that successfully steps into its own space within the realm of turn-based strategy. It's undoubtedly one of the best games on the Switch, and one of the best showings from Ubisoft in recent years.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a triumphant return for Mario and the Rabbids, offering a fun and engaging experience from start to finish that will be appreciated by both newcomers and fans of the first game. The changes made here are significant, providing players with a refreshing take on the genre all while bringing the familiarity that makes it easy to pick up and play. All of the systems in the game don’t feel overwhelming, and introducing each element is paced just right to get players onboard without much confusion.
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.
[T]he Mario + Rabbids sequel is anything but soulless, though its appeal may depend on your tolerance of the turn-based strategy genre's ever-dreary pacing and Rabbid slapstick in general.
Sparks of Hope has a real sense of twinkling charm – one that could pull a smile from even the most hardened heart. There’s a vivacious, beating heart at the centre of this adventure, and it makes every new world, and every new fight a veritable joy to complete.
Sparks of Hope is here, there’s still no Switch Pro, but it feels like a next-gen take on the original game, expanding on what worked to great effect.