Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Reviews

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is ranked in the 95th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Unscored
Oct 24, 2022

Nintendo and Ubisoft have once again created a great game by uniting these two disparate universes into one that is full of fun and humor in equal measure. Nobody thought that it could become so popular as for a second part, but it has. With Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope we have a vastly improved game with respect to its predecessor, but with enough new elements to give the title enough freshness that it does not leave a final feeling that the same elements of its first part are being repeated

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Loved
Oct 24, 2022

It’s not an exaggeration to say Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope has given me a reason to play my Nintendo Switch for the first time in months – it’s an excellent game, well crafted, and a lot of fun. This game sparks joy and is a very highly recommended addition to your Nintendo Switch library.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 21, 2022

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is the gift that keeps on giving. Its predecessor was excellent, but left a lot of room for improvements. Ubisoft took that as a foundation and made Sparks of Hope bigger, prettier, funnier… in summary, it’s better in every single conceivable way.

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86%
Oct 18, 2022

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!

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8 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a worthy sequel to the first game with tonnes of meaningful changes and challenges. Whilst it loses steam a little the more you get on, it is still an enchanting title.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 19, 2022

Ultimately, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a game about taking the leash off and letting the player run free.

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7 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a turn-based tactic game that is also suitable for children. Your team of heroes must defeat their enemies in order to free all Sparks that Curca has captured, thus lifting the darkness. Some levels are harder to pass than others. The easy battles ensure that it remains fun and the game progresses smoothly, while the more difficult battles provide a bit of challenge. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope isn't the most fun game in Nintendo's Mario universe, but it's definitely worth playing nonetheless.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

Masterpiece
Oct 18, 2022

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.

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Essential
Oct 18, 2022

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.

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8.5 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope expands on almost everything else Kingdom Battle did much more successfully. Its tactical combat is more open and customizable, which leads to engaging battles where player resourcefulness is always rewarded and rewarding.

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9 / 10
Oct 17, 2022

The game brings more freedom of exploration, as well as a more in-depth approach to combat and character development, which along with its beautiful visual environment, amazing soundtrack, and enlarged cast of characters help make this a truly unmissable and indispensable game that provides a captivating gameplay experience for everyone.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

The understanding of what made Kingdom Battle great is shown by the teams at Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Paris, and their clear expertise on how to enhance each and every aspect of it, while also making great additions, positions Sparks of Hope as one of the best video game sequels of all time.

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Recommended
Oct 17, 2022

Back in 2017, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle surprised Nintendo and turn-based tactics fans with a ludicrous and charming concept. The world-famous plumber teaming up with Ubisoft’s gang of goofballs, while wielding blaster cannons and bazookas? Mario and the Rabbids had each already ventured into many different genres, but Kingdom Battle had a distinct identity; it was seemingly as crazy as the two could get. When a sequel was announced last year, there was no doubt that the wholesome and emotional creative director Davide Soliani and his team at Ubisoft would deliver on continuing to expand their wildcard vision–and for the most part, they have succeeded.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope evolves in many ways. It breaks out of its XCOM box by delivering addictive combat, fun exploration and a magical story.

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Recommended
Oct 17, 2022

What could be better than combining two totally different universes in a game where anything can happen in Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope?

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Recommended
Oct 18, 2022

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.

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4 / 5.0
Oct 17, 2022

With so many options to customize your team and strategic battles that feel better than ever, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is exactly what a sequel is supposed to be, building on the foundation the first game laid down while not being afraid to shake things up. A general lack of polish feels wrong in a game starring Mario, but beyond those issues lies a fantastic strategy title for all ages.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 17, 2022

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a thrilling adventure with some intense strategic battles. It's an excellent sequel that fixes many of the flaws of its predecessor and provides a spectacular journey with hours of entertainment.

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Buy
Oct 18, 2022

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.

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80 / 100
Oct 18, 2022

[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.

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