Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battlecame as a quirky and unusual spinoff throwingMariocharacters and Rabbids together in a turn-based strategy game reminiscent of games likeXCOM. While the peculiar premise was met with skepticism early on, the game’s release saw praise from fans and critics alike, even winning Best Strategy Game at the 2017 Game Awards. So, for many fans, the reveal ofMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeduring last year’s E3came as no surprise toMario fanseager to jump into the next adventure.
Ubisoft’s sequel to the 2017 strategy game will see plenty of departures fromMario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle.Sparks of Hopeis confirmed to be dropping the grid-based style of the first game in favor of more free-roam strategy combat as well as taking place outside the Mushroom Kingdom. New information from Ubisoft sinceSparks of Hope’s announcement has also revealed the sequel sports a significantly larger development team than the original. Now, a trailer featured during Nintendo’s Partner Showcase shows off more ofSparks of Hope’s gameplay, as well as confirming its release date.
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Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope’s newest trailer re-introduces its premise withMario once again teaming up with the Rabbidsin an otherworldly battle. The trailer shows off some ofSparks of Hope’s major gameplay changes with characters able to freely move around within their range before using their weapon. Players can deal damage to enemies by dashing through them before using their weapon, setting up for bigger damage when attacking. Characters can also team up to increase the active character’s movement range.
The trailer features other strategic elements of the game as well, with Mario using Bob-ombs to deal area damage and emphasizing the importance of using cover. The game will also apparently feature Bowser as a playable character after serving as the antagonist in the original game.Sparks of Hope’s new trailer finishes by revealing the game’s October 20th release date,confirming the previously leaked launch window. Ubisoft’s official YouTube will also feature a more in-depth showcase ofSparks of Hopeon Wednesday, June 29.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopecomes as the most recent entry in a 2022 that looks to be jam-packed with Nintendo’s heavy hitters. The first half of the year has already brought major games likePokemon Legends: Arceus,Nintendo Switch Sports, andKirby and the Forgotten Landamong others. Summer will seeXenoblade Chronicles 3andSplatoon 3releasing in July and September respectively andPokemon Scarlet and Violetare set to release during the holiday season.Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopelooks to bring plenty of strategic fun with a unique style from its predecessor.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopewill release on October 20th, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.
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