Ubisoft has released Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope on Nintendo Switch. It’s available in physical and digital version ($59.99).

Sparks of Hope is the sequel to 2017’s tactical crossover, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Kingdom Battle was a surprise early hit for the Switch, infusing XCOM-like turn-based tactical combat into the Mushroom Kingdom, alongside Ubisoft’s wacky Rabbids characters.

Sparks of Hope keeps the tactics while improving the flow of combat, allowing characters to dash, team jump, take cover, and unleash their special abilities with more freedom of movement.

The villainous Cursa is hunting the star-like Sparks across the galaxy, prompting our heroes to step up to the wider world beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. Once rescued, Sparks can be equipped to different characters to unlock unique abilities, from energy shields to elemental attacks.

New heroes join the roster in this sequel, including Rabbid Rosalina and longtime enemy Bowser.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is available in Standard and Gold Editions. The Gold Edition ($89.99) includes the Season Pass, as well as the Galactic Prestige Pack (three exclusive weapons). Season Pass content has not yet been revealed, but will feature new characters, battles, and story content.

Sparks of Hope is rated E10+ with cartoon violence.


This article was written by

Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.