Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope  is a 2022  action-adventure   turn-based strategy   video game  developed by  Ubisoft Milan  and  Ubisoft Paris  and published by  Ubisoft  for the  Nintendo Switch . The game is a  crossover  between  Nintendo 's  Mario  and Ubisoft's  Rabbids  franchises and is a  sequel  to  Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle  (August 29, 2017). It was released worldwide on October 20, 2022. Three  downloadable content  expansions are also in development, one featuring  Rayman . Sparks Of Hope  received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise towards the game's graphics, soundtrack, gameplay, and improvements to the battle system, though the loading times received some criticism. Gameplay in  Sparks of Hope  is largely similar to that of  Kingdom Battle . Players are able to build out their roster of characters from, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi, and Rabbid Mario, along with new characters Edge, Rabbid  Rosalina , and  Bowser  (with the Rabbids being fully voiced for the first time). Players are also tasked with rescuing the Sparks throughout the galaxy, who provide distinct powers that will help the player in battle. Unlike the first game,  level  designs are less linear, and the turn-based tactical combat features a new system that disregards the first game's grid-based layout. This new combat has been compared to that of games such as  Divinity: Original Sin .  Also featured are enemy encounters outside of turn-based combat. Mario can now be replaced by a different character. Lead designer Xavier Manzanares speaking about the new combat stated: "You can move in this area of movement the way you want; you can dash a  Bob-omb , then you have it in your hand. You can move around as you want, but then it's going to explode. So, you have a few seconds to react, which is completely different from what we had in the past. And so, it brings this real-time element to the mix".