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Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope - Season Pass DLC contents revealed

Brian

By Brian
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crispy4000

crispy4000

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1 hour ago, GameDadGrant said:


Yeah so did Steep. Still waiting on that one...


You mean the game they gave away free on PC but canceled on Switch? :p  It never looked as fun as the SSX games.  I haven’t bothered trying it.

 

Downhill biking in Riders looks incredible all on its own.  They’ve nailed the intensity and scare factor it seems.

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stepee

stepee

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Steep is actually pretty good! At least in its current state with the expansion if you get it now. It’s a beautiful game and a lot of fun, it just didn’t quite have IT. Riders looks like a solid evolution and I think could be pretty damn cool.

 

On topic, this looks great! I’m probably half way through the first and some games must have came out and pulled me away because I really liked what I played, I need to try to finish that this year then I guess.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 11 months later...
  • Brian changed the title to Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope coming October 20th (Rumor)
  • 2 months later...
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Brian changed the title to Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope: Early Reviews are out!
Commissar SFLUFAN

Commissar SFLUFAN

Posted
Posted

Game Information

Game Title: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

 

Platforms:

  • Nintendo Switch (Oct 20, 2022)

 

Trailer:

 

Developers: Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Milan

 

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 86 average - 97% recommended

 

Critic Reviews

But Why Tho? - 10 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is excellent and joyful and has just the right amount of chaos thanks to that Rabbids touch. The dev team has put time and care into the humor as much as the gameplay and I can't name a single time I felt bored or unconnected to the material. For those looking to pick up a game they can sink happy hours into, this is it. This is the perfect gateway to the tactics genre for any age and a true testament to the originality and beauty of collaborations.


Daily Mirror - 5 / 5

While it doesn't revolutionise the gameplay, the Sparks system and free movement really do add so much to the combat that makes it much more engaging and allow you to create seemingly limitless combinations.  The bigger focus of exploration is a great move from Ubisoft with lots to see and do making Spark of Hope feel more like a Mario game instead of just a game with Mario in it.  Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope seems to just nail the balance between complex tactical combat and a fun lighthearted romp that since playing the preview and reviewing, I've been dying to get back into.  Combined with the more in-depth story and greater emphasis on exploring and Sparks of hope acts as a perfect sequel keeping enough that works and is recognisable and that works from Kingdom battle, and expanding on it and adding some brilliant elements.


GamesHub - 5 / 5

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.


GamingTrend - 100 / 100

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope launches with a spark of life. There are improvements and expansion of the gameplay and performance of the first game. Three new heroes to the game including an original (non-Mushroom Kingdom related) Rabbid character named Edge. There are brand new unique weapons and special abilities for each character. Oh, and Sparks galore. This game is pumped full of "new tactical possibilities" for every kind of gamer.


Gamefa - Persian - 9.5 / 10

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!


Seasoned Gaming - 9.5 / 10

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.


Twisted Voxel - 9.5 / 10

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.


Spaziogames - Italian - 9.1 / 10

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.


Atomix - Spanish - 90 / 100

Thanks to an improved combat system, and a good level of customization, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope is the sequel we've been waiting for. This is a great introductory card to the Tactical RPG genre.


Cerealkillerz - German - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope takes the already very good and fun formula of its predecessor and improves it a bit. The slightly freer battles and new characters fit in wonderfully and exploring the new open world is motivating across the different planets. The fact that the Rabbid humor is still not for everyone and the voice acting is sometimes very questionable can certainly be forgiven by any fan of tactical RPGs.


Everyeye.it - Italian - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope expands the formula of its predecessor, packaging an experience full of fun and full of style


GameSpew - 9 / 10

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.


GamesRadar+ - 4.5 / 5

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope captures everything that made the original so special, all while delivering a more complex and complete experience. It offers a new level of strategic depth, with world-building that makes it more of a Super Mario game than you might expect.


GamingBolt - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a massive leap over its already-excellent predecessor, making a whole host of changes and improvements and delivering an utterly charming and mechanically dense tactics experience.


Glitched Africa - 9 / 10

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.


IGN - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a major leap forward from atop the shoulders of its surprisingly smart and charming predecessor, bringing a wonderful amount of flexibility to its turn-based tactical battles.


IGN Italy - Italian - 9 / 10

A first-class strategy game that succeeds the brave attempt to evolve further the almost perfect formula of the first chapter.


IGN Spain - Spanish - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a great sequel, one of those that know how to expand a remarkable base to reach excellence. Accessible, but deep, and with a very accurate rhythm, the latest from Ubisoft Milan consolidates the Rabbids experiment in the Mushroom Kingdom, delivering a title that will please fans of the genre and will discover it to many others.


Metro GameCentral - 9 / 10

One of the best strategy games to ever appear on a console, with some genuine gameplay innovation and authentic Nintendo magic.


Niche Gamer - 9 / 10

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.


NintendoWorldReport - 9 / 10

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.


Press Start - 9 / 10

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.


Rectify Gaming - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a step above its predecessor providing more exploration, better boss fights and a good story.


Screen Rant - 4.5 / 5

The merging of the Raving Rabbids and Super Mario Bros. franchise was also a strange one and turning the finished product into a tactical RPG was stranger still. Sparks of Hope manages to bypass the oddness of its concept. Its bizarre worlds and weird characters help lay the foundation for a fantastic tactical RPG that is on par with the likes of XCOM 2's excellent gameplay depth. Sparks of Hope has completely surpassed Kingdom Battle and has taken an idea that was once seen as an oddball crossover and turned it into a Nintendo franchise with a genuinely exciting future.


Shacknews - 9 / 10

Between removing the movement grid, adding more strategic options, new characters, new abilities, and expanding and revising the roster in an enjoyable story, Sparks of Hope feels like another exceptional collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo.


Starbit - Portuguese - 9 / 10

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.


The Games Machine - Italian - 9 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is not just one of the best exclusives for Nintendo Switch, it is a game capable of evolving significantly compared to the previous chapter, reaching an absolute playful level. A hilarious, light-hearted, creative but also well-kept work, with an artisanal level design and constantly growing for the duration of the adventure, exactly like a combat system that is pure joy, tactically deep and at the same time hyper-dynamic, comic and at the complete disposal of the player's creativity.


Twinfinite - 4.5 / 5

The systems meld together beautifully and ensure that there is always something new to do or discover. It all feeds directly into growing your party and coming up with new strategies that make the battles more exciting and satisfying every step of the way. It’s a game that definitely lives up to the Mario name.


WellPlayed - 9 / 10

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.


Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 89 / 100

A huge, colorful and charming adventure, which will attract any player with patience and love for exploration.


Gamersky - Chinese - 8.8 / 10

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.


Gaming Nexus - 8.8 / 10

A worthy successor to the previous game.


ComingSoon.net - 8.5 / 10

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.


Dexerto - 8.5 / 10

ario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope builds upon its predecessor in surprising and delightful ways to create a tactical RPG that stands among the best in the genre. While it may lack the challenge of some of its contemporaries, it's a fun adventure that, despite still feeling like a fever dream cooked up by a child's imagination, is one of the finest titles of 2022.


Easy Allies - 8.5 / 10

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a splendid sequel that addresses several of its predecessor's shortcomings and expands its horizons with a revamped combat system and a terrific new take on exploration.


Stevivor - 8.5 / 10

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.


Wccftech - 8.5 / 10

Tactical RPG fans and those that love the chaotic nature of Rabbids owe it to themselves to check out both Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and its prequel Kingdom Battle for a gaming experience you won't find on any other platform.


Worth Playing - 8.5 / 10

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.


GamePro - German - 84 / 100

Sparks of Hope is a refreshing strategy crossover with great combat, but it lacks the big surprise moments.


AusGamers - 8 / 10

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.


Checkpoint Gaming - 8 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is probably the most approachable tactics game ever. Featuring new map navigation, dozens of abilities to tool around with and a diverse fantastical cast, it makes for an even more readable experience. The magic spark that I felt had been missing from some of Mario's more recent adventures is coincidentally back again, amongst Ubisoft's quirky mascots of all things. Yes, even when the Rabbids can be just that little bit annoying, they're as equally charming when meshed with the Nintendo cast. At times the overzealous amount of side content may also daunt the player, but never enough to take away from the clever and delightful journey. Sparks of Hope is the most exciting franchise affair we've had since Odyssey.


Digital Trends - 4 / 5

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope makes excellent tweaks to Kingdom Battle's winning formula, especially when it comes to its more creative tactics.


Gadgets 360 - 8 / 10

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.


Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a worthy sequel to its predecessor. Everything is finally more fluid, less austere, while keeping the strengths of the first part. In short, a very good title and a real must-have on Nintendo Switch.


Gamers Heroes - 80 / 100

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.


God is a Geek - 8 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a brilliant sequel full of fun moreish combat and deep customisation that's only let down by the speed of the battles and a heavy front-loading of ideas.


Hey Poor Player - 4 / 5

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.


Inverse - 8 / 10

...after spending over a dozen hours in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, the joy of strategic battle management has returned. It’s a fantastic and whimsical RPG, but a smattering of poor puzzle design keeps it from being a true masterpiece.


Kakuchopurei - 80 / 100

[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.


Nintendo Life - 8 / 10

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope's battles suffer from an imbalance between the vast array of options available and the difficulty – a stark contrast to Kingdom Battle's challenging, curated fights. This doesn't mean it isn't an enjoyable strategy game in its own right; the battles are less an evolution of what came before and more an impressive shift toward freedom and creativity that, unfortunately, can sometimes trivialise Cursa's attempts to take over the galaxy. An extra couple of notches on the difficulty meter might have forced us to experiment and dig deeper to find winning strategies. However, Sparks of Hope shines in most aspects outside of these Darkmess bouts. Delightful little puzzles, quests, and memorable locales abound, which yet make this Rabbid-themed adventure a must-play for Mario and strategy game enthusiasts alike.


Prima Games - 8 / 10

It’s hard to tell what exactly I’m getting out of this game sometimes, but it’s so fluffy and silly it’s equally as hard to care about scrutiny.


Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10

An excellent experience for fans of strategy and casual games alike.


TheSixthAxis - 8 / 10

There's a lot that's new and different in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, creating a more freeform, looser feel to the game's world exploration and combat alike. Not all of the changes stick the landing, but the drive to reinvent and evolve is admirable and this is still easy to recommend for fans of the original and turn-based tactics in general.


Tom's Guide - 4 / 5

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a worthy sequel to one of the most bizarre games on Nintendo Switch


VG247 - 4 / 5

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope delivered the most fun I’ve had in a Mario game or a Ubisoft game since Mario Odyssey, and is a game I’m going to keep going back to in a perhaps misguided attempt to polish off all the side missions. This really feels like the best of both worlds type experience, and is a triple-jump-sized leap over the original


VGC - 4 / 5

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a fun-filled exploration that shows what can happen when Nintendo decides to share its toys. While it's not the biggest leap a sequel has ever made, an incredible soundtrack, great visuals and witty writing make it one of Switch's best games of the year.


TrustedReviews - 3.5 / 5

Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope provides the same enjoyable turn-based combat as its predecessor, with some minor tweaks to make it more accessible to a wider audience. A greater focus on the Rabbids opposed to the Mushroom Kingdom feels like a backwards step though, with the slapstick crossover comedy failing to sparkle this time around.


Guardian - 3 / 5

Nintendo's deft touch is missing from this crossover game from Ubisoft that fails as a Mario outing but succeeds as a turn-based battler


ACG - Buy

"A fantastic addition to the Switch library and a great turn based game. It does have some slow parts and the initial battlefields are not great representations of what comes later."


Console Creatures - Recommended

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


Entertainium - Masterpiece

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.


Eurogamer - Recommended

Knockabout XCOM fun in a galaxy-hopping adventure that makes Mario's brother a true star.


GameXplain - Loved

Video Review - Quote not available


Gameffine - Essential

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.


Goomba Stomp - Recommended

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.


One More Game - Buy

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.


Polygon - Polygon Recommends

Who could have predicted that such an odd amalgamation could elicit such joy? With Sparks of Hope, Ubisofts Milan and Paris have turned one of gaming’s strangest elevator pitches into one of Mario’s greatest spinoffs.


Vamers - Recommended

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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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope - reviews from OpenCritic posted
Xbob42

Xbob42

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Posted

I found the original to be a toddler's idea of XCOM, all it did was make me reinstall XCOM 2. That said, a lot of these reviews mention expanded gameplay, freedom and strategy. It has me cautiously optimistic. 

 

I've got a hold placed on it at my local library, which is how I've come to handle these expensive ass games on no-refund platforms. #48 out of 50 placed orders by the library. Sorry kids; you should've ordered faster!

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