2017’s Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle surprises players by cleverly combining two very different universes and using the unexpected pattern of a turn-based strategy game. Five years later, the sequel, Sparks of Hope, comes out on October 20 and builds on the winning formula while strengthening the foundation to make it more than a re-read.
Speaking with the game’s associate producer Christina Nava, Ubisoft was delighted by the success of Kingdom Battle and how it treats fans of turn-based strategy as well as non-fans.
“We’re especially excited because we’re seeing a lot of players unfamiliar with the tactical genre being able to tackle the genre and enjoy it, even if they don’t believe it at first,” said Nava.
So Ubisoft wants to expand the network further with Sparks of Hope by ensuring its mechanics attract even more players. Grid based motion elimination game. Players can now navigate characters freely around the battlefield in real-time, although a hero’s range still limits them and Sparks of Hope is still turn-based. Nava says the experience sticks to its strategic roots, and the new system adds dynamism to encounters while making it easier for newcomers to grasp. Additionally, players can now have any combination of characters for their team. Kingdom Battle forces players to have at least one unit representing both franchises, but you can now have an entire team of all-star Mario, a group of Rabbids, and any combination of those. they.
The story sees Mario, Luigi, and Peach traveling through space with their Rabbid counterparts, only to find the galaxy in danger. An evil entity known as Cursa has begun to take over the universe. Its diabolical reach is unpopular, brainwashing Bowser’s troops to use as its own. Because of this, Mario’s arch-enemy reluctantly joins your ranks along with two other newcomers: Rabbid Rosalina and Edge, an original Rabbid shrouded in mystery.
Nava isn’t willing to share many story details (especially about Edge) but has opened up about what these new faces bring to the battlefield. The not-so-enthusiastic Rabbid Rosalina, who Nava describes as “really tired and exhausted all the time,” uses a bullet-firing plushie, making her a good ranged fighter. Her signature technique unleashes a wide-range state phenomenon called stasis, immobilizing enemies within its radius and preventing them from attacking or using the technique.
Bowser sports explosive-based abilities. For example, he creates a shockwave when he lands from a jump and is armed with a rocket launcher-style gun dubbed the “Bowzooka.” This weapon shoots magma rocks that incinerate targets. Bowser can also summon Rabbid Koopa’s minions to surround targets until they explode.
Swordswoman Edge is a pure warrior, which means she has no ability to heal or protect other units. Her large sword allows her to slash multiple enemies in one swing (as long as they’re close enough). Her Storm Blade technique essentially acts as an override; Any enemy that approaches Edge while Storm Blade is active will cause her to attack them immediately.
The game’s eponymous Sparks serves as the game’s other major addition. Equipping these Rabbid-infused Lumas grants various effects to heroes, and characters can house up to two of them. Sparks can raise defenses and enhance attacks with elements like shock, burns, freezing, or even a health-reducing vampire trait, among other powers. With their powers, Sparks also play an important, unknown role in the game’s story.
“[Sparks] really allows players to experiment on the battlefield with different combinations,” explains Nava. Especially by analyzing the battlefield and seeing what kind of heroes and enemies are there. And so, playing with the enemy’s weak points and strengths, you can choose the right combo and defeat more effectively. [them]. “
Sparks of Hope extends to space by allowing players to explore multiple planets, a scale which Nava describes as “an open world within each planet.” The worlds we’ve seen have familiar themes, such as a lava-filled fire world, an icy planet covered in snow, and a lush rainforest. Players are free to roam each destination, and each planet has plenty of side quests and other activities for you to tackle at your leisure.
“You will find mysteries, and you will solve environmental puzzles,” says Nava. “You’ll find secret caves and vaults where you’ll find new items and weapons. So really, a lot to do even outside of combat.”
The footage we watched showed the gang solving various puzzles; one related to the constellation of the night sky. Another had players controlling the water level in a temple. The classic blue coin minigames from the Mario series also return. You can also interact directly with the world in smaller ways, such as shaking trees to drop star pieces.
Ubisoft also introduced the game’s soundtrack, which was composed by star trio Grant Kirkhope, Gareth Coker and Yoko Shimomura. Good tunes offer another promising feather in the hat of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, and we’re happy to see Ubisoft take a chance instead of resting on its laurels. We’re excited to see how the more dynamic movement affects combat, combine Sparks’ various abilities, and watch the goofy story inevitably unfold.
