Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope: A Cosmic Adventure Review

Hey everyone! Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the vibrant, strategy-packed world of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope on the Nintendo Switch! As a massive fan of the original Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, I was incredibly hyped for this sequel, and let me tell you, it doesn't disappoint. In this review, we'll blast off on a journey exploring everything from its gameplay and story to its stunning visuals and overall experience. Get ready, guys, because this game is a real treat, and let's unravel whether this is a worthy successor, or if it falls short of expectations.

Gameplay: Tactical Combat Elevated

Alright, let's talk about the heart and soul of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: the gameplay. If you loved the tactical turn-based combat of the first game, you're in for a real treat because the developers took that core concept and cranked it up to eleven. Combat now takes place in a free-roaming environment with the use of a lot of different moves. No more grids, people! Now, characters can move freely within a certain radius, allowing for much more dynamic positioning and strategic maneuvering. This freedom alone opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, making battles feel more fluid and less restrictive. You can also utilize your skills in the environment, utilizing obstacles to create cover and plan ambush.

Before you start moving your characters, you will need to plan the combat. Each character has their own set of unique skills. You have a chance to plan your attack and watch the enemy to see how they will react. The variety of skills is where this game shines. Mario can use his skills and take advantage of the environment and use it to win. Peach can heal the party and Rabbid Peach can damage her opponents.

The game introduces a range of Sparks, which are adorable little creatures that grant powerful abilities. These Sparks can be equipped to your characters, providing them with special attacks, buffs, or debuffs. The Sparks system adds an extra layer of depth to the combat. Each spark can be upgraded and equipped, giving you a chance to customize your character to your play style. Do you want to set your enemies on fire or freeze them in their tracks? There's a Spark for that. Do you want to give your party extra protection or a boost to their attack? There's a Spark for that too.

The combat is not all about offensive skills. Some skills help provide some kind of defense. You need to consider how your party is doing and where the enemy is positioned. With an array of powerful options at your disposal, you can make your character the ultimate tank, attacker, or healer. You're constantly experimenting and finding new combinations to overcome the game's challenging encounters. The enemy also has a large array of attacks, so you need to be smart and be ready to adapt to the challenge.

The tactical depth of Sparks of Hope is impressive. The game manages to strike a great balance between accessibility and complexity, making it enjoyable for both casual players and hardcore strategy fans. I really found myself strategizing and trying to find the best approach, which helped keep me engaged with the game.

Story and Setting: A Cosmic Odyssey

So, the story of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope goes like this: a cosmic entity called Cursa is spreading chaos across the galaxy, and it's up to Mario, his Rabbid counterparts, and their friends to save the day. The game introduces new characters, which are the Sparks! You will be able to travel across multiple planets and meet new friends and enemies.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed was that it maintains the quirky humor of the original. The interactions between Mario, the Rabbids, and the other characters are just hilarious, and they bring a lightheartedness to the game, even when facing serious challenges. You will laugh, you will get excited, and you will not have any boring moments.

The game's worlds are a feast for the eyes. Each planet you visit has a unique theme and visual style, from lush forests to icy landscapes. The developers have put a lot of attention into creating beautiful and imaginative environments, and it's a real joy to explore each new world and discover its secrets.

Visuals and Performance: A Stunning Galaxy

Visually, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a real stunner on the Nintendo Switch. The game's vibrant colors, detailed character models, and stunning environments create a truly immersive experience. The game runs smoothly, even during the most hectic battles, making for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The art style is a perfect blend of the Mario universe and the Rabbids' chaotic energy. The character designs are creative and charming, and the animations are fluid and expressive. The developers have clearly put a lot of effort into making the game visually appealing, and it shows. The game is optimized well for the Switch. I did not notice any major performance issues during my playtime, which speaks to the game's overall polish.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Strategy Fans

So, is Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope a worthy successor to the original? Absolutely! It's a fantastic game that builds upon the foundations of the first title while adding a wealth of new features and improvements. With its engaging gameplay, captivating story, stunning visuals, and polished performance, Sparks of Hope is a must-play for fans of strategy games and anyone looking for a fun and engaging experience on the Nintendo Switch.

The game is challenging but rewarding, and it offers hours of entertainment. I highly recommend picking up this game, guys. You won't regret it!

• Overall Score: 9.5/10

• Pros:

  • Engaging and tactical gameplay
  • Excellent story and characters
  • Stunning visuals and performance
  • Great sense of humor

• Cons:

  • None that come to mind!