Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

It's the crossover game series nobody asked for! Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope brings a triumphant return to a turn-based tactics series featuring the whacky antics of the bunny-like Rabbids and the bounciness of Mario. Why this amalgamation was even considered doesn't exactly make sense to anyone, but here we are.

Its predecessor clearly got enough fans that a sequel has been announced 5-years later. For those who don't remember it or don't particularly care - here's the breakdown. Mario and his pals are essentially staving off Rabbid invasions seeking to cause chaos to the Mushroom Kingdom. Using turn-based combat and puzzle-solving skills - you're up to bring peace. Would you believe this game surprisingly got decent reviews?

Reigniting the Spark

Despite receiving positive criticism, the predecessor Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle never left its mark in neither franchise's fanbase. Perhaps because the turn-based mechanics were a wild change to the types of gameplay that both player bases were respectively accustomed to. Or maybe it was just a bizarre crossover that seemed to be picked out of the hat.

Regardless, the game's strategic approach and brainy gameplay did win over a few fans. Not much has changed on the announcement of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope on that front. However, a sneak-peek at gameplay has already reared its head into the mix. It showcases that there have been a fair few changes to the mechanics of the first.

Noticeably, the game's old grid system has been omitted to give Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope a more intense battle feel. There's more real-time movement involved and more assets to be considered when overcoming the tactical puzzles of each engagement. Despite the concept being so bizarre, the game looks surprisingly entertaining.

Let's not forget all the wholesome visuals in between too. There's always been something heartwarming about playing the Mario and Rabbids games, mainly because their aesthetics are accessible. All the silliness in animation and sounds sometimes makes these games worth playing alone. The Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope trailer doesn't change anything there - and this time, it's galaxy-wide!

Time To Go Rabbid

It might be fair to say that many players haven't forayed into the world of Nintendo tactical RPGs. I mean, why would you? It's not really easy to convince someone to pick up a game that feels like a random crossover adopting a new genre than the traditional games. But, there may be one factor that could get a player intrigued.

Pros:

• Exciting turn-based combat presenting diverse challenges
• The comical animations and antics of the Rabbids
• Beautifully constructed environments to complement the gameplay

Cons:

• Hard to convince players to be interested in such an outlandish concept
• The full scope of the game has not yet been announced