Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

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Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Box art for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Ubisoft Milan[1]
Ubisoft Paris[1]
Ubisoft Montpellier[2][3]
Ubisoft Pune[2][3]
Ubisoft Chengdu[2][3]
Publisher Ubisoft[4] (NA, EMEA, OC, SEA, SK, TW, HK, CN)
Nintendo (JP only)
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch
Release date Template:Release[?]
Genre Strategy
Rating(s)
ESRB:E10+ - Everyone 10+
PEGI:7 - Seven years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:6 - Six years and older
RARS:6+ - Six years and older
GRAC:All - All ages
GSRR:P - Six years and older
FPB:PG - Parental guidance
Gmedia:7 - Seven years and older
NMC:7 - Seven years and older

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a Nintendo Switch game released on October 20, 2022. It is the second game in the Mario + Rabbids series, and the sequel to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Like its predecessor, the game is a crossover featuring characters from the Super Mario franchise and Ubisoft's Rabbids series, and sees the return of characters from the previous game in addition to introducing new ones such as Rabbid versions of Rosalina and Lumas named Sparks. The game contains nine playable characters with a team of three allies like its predecessor. The game's story revolves around the cast venturing through space and traveling to different planets to rescue the Sparks. Also similar to its predecessor, the game was leaked ahead of its official announcement, on Nintendo's official website hours prior to the Ubisoft Forward 2021 broadcast.[5] On March 2, 2023, a demo was added to the Nintendo eShop.

While Nintendo published the game in Japan like it did its predecessor, Ubisoft took publishing duties for South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan over from Nintendo.

Plot

Sometime after the events of the previous game, Mario and his friends are enjoying a relaxing day on Princess Peach's Castle grounds, before a Spark abruptly falls from the sky. It turns out that he was fleeing from a gigantic manta ray, who proceeds to spread Darkmess, a type of dark matter, across the land and kidnaps Rabbid Peach. Mario and Beep-0 leap in to save her, before the two manage to hold off waves of enemies. Soon enough, an entity named Cursa arrives to confront them, but the heroes are rescued by their friends in their new ship, the WM ARC, where they are introduced to the onboard AI, JEANIE. JEANIE explains Cursa's plot to corrupt the whole galaxy with its Darkmess, as well as the existence of the Sparks, and the heroes set out on their interstellar journey.

During their travels, the party traverses five different Darkmess-contaminated planets and cleanses them from within; they bring sunlight back to Beacon Beach, stop a blizzard in Pristine Peaks, return the forest's colors in Palette Prime, repair the trains and foliage in Terra Flora, and fix the windmill in Barrendale Mesa. Along the way, they also recruit new teammates: the mysterious Edge, the deadpan Rabbid Rosalina who idolizes the real Rosalina, and even Bowser, who is looking to reclaim his brainwashed Koopa Troop. Meanwhile, Cursa sends out the Spark HuntersMidnite, Bedrock, and Daphne—to help round up the remaining Sparks, only for the heroes to defeat them too.

Eventually, the crew manages to corner Cursa, who is briefly incapacitated when Rosalina shows herself, revealing that she has been kidnapped and absorbed by the creature. She is captured again, but not before giving the heroes a projection crystal and opening a portal to help them escape. Through the crystal, the heroes are able to learn the full story: created from the last remaining fragment of the Megabug, Cursa escaped into space and was able to gain both sentience and power, and now wants to consume the Sparks' energy and take over the galaxy, spreading Darkmess across its planets. During its conquest, it managed to conquer the Comet Observatory and even possess Rosalina after being drawn in by the joy of the Lumas and Rabbids. During its fight with Rosalina, one of her attacks managed to create the Sparks by fusing the latter two together. Cursa then proceeded to form an army of Rabbids to take over the galaxies, steal Bowser's army, and create the Spark Hunters to help it harness more power.

Upon arrival at Cursa's stronghold, the heroes fight Darkmess versions of both Bowser and Edge, before the real Edge confesses that she herself was once a Spark Hunter, although she turned on Cursa after gaining enough free will to see how evil it was, and has since vowed to save as many Sparks as she can. The group manages to thwart Cursa by destroying its arms, causing it to release every last Spark she consumed as well as Rosalina. After three rounds of helping the latter charge up her magic, the heroes shoot their weapons, with Rosalina forming them into a giant arrow, thus defeating Cursa for good, saving the galaxy. Back in the Mushroom Kingdom, Rosalina congratulates everyone on their success before offering her Rabbid counterpart a chance to live with her. Rabbid Rosalina declines, stating that she already has a family in her teammates. Edge decides to stay with the team too. Before her departure, Rosalina even praises Bowser for his contributions, only for him to insist that he is still enemies with them.

A post-credits scene shows Beep-0 having a friendly conversation with JEANIE, who has somehow developed emotions over the course of the journey.

Gameplay

Like its predecessor, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a strategy turn-based game. Exploring the overworld is also similar, but more open-world rather than linear. Quests are present while exploring the planets, and can be done once encountered by the player.

Combat has some real-time elements to it, such as characters gliding in the air and Stone Masks "breathing" wind every few seconds. Heroes can move as much as they want until they use their weapon, and can only perform two actions per turn. Each hero has one weapon and Technique, unlike the first game where they had two for each. Sparks add active and passive abilities to each hero, and can be changed between battles. One Spark is available for each hero at the start, but two can be equipped starting at the Pristine Peaks battle Icy Breath of Winter.

In addition to the real-time, Sparks of Hope adds RPG elements by having characters gain experience and leveling up, becoming stronger. Battles and quests award heroes XP, and HP and attack power is increased after leveling up. Skill Prisms are also obtained by leveling up.

Controls

Exploration

  • Left Stick — Move
  • A Button — Interact/Confirm
  • B Button — Back/Cancel/Exit
  • X Button — Boost
  • Y Button — Open Team Management
  • Right Stick — Move Camera
  • L Button/R Button — Reset Camera
  • Minus Button — Open Orientation Menu
  • Plus Button — Open Options/Settings
  • Single Joy-Con Bottom Button — Team Heal
  • ZL Button — Activate Beep-0's Scan Power
  • ZR Button — Activate Beep-0's Wave Power

Battle controls

  • Left Stick — Move Character
  • Press Left Stick — Beep-0 Tacticam
  • A Button — Interact/Confirm
  • B Button — Back/Cancel/Exit
  • Y Button — Enemy Turn/Fast Forward
  • X Button — Open/Close Item Bag
  • Right Stick — Move Camera
  • L Button — 1st Spark Preview
  • R Button — 2nd Spark Preview
  • Plus Button — Open Options/Settings
  • Single Joy-Con Bottom Button — Switch Heroes
  • ZL Button — Attack Preview
  • ZR Button — Technique Preview

Tacticam controls

  • Left Stick — Move Beep-0
  • A Button — Analyze Target
  • B Button — Back/Cancel/Exit
  • Y Button — Lock/Unlock Area
  • X Button — Show/Hide Info
  • Right Stick — Move Camera
  • Plus Button — Open Options/Settings
  • Single Joy-Con Left Button/Single Joy-Con Right Button — Switch Target
  • Single Joy-Con Top Button/Single Joy-Con Bottom Button — Browse Target Abilities
  • ZR Button — Camera Distance

Characters

Playable

Main game

There are nine playable characters in the main game. Of the eight playable characters from the previous game's main campaign, six of them return in this game, as Yoshi and Rabbid Yoshi are stated to be on a vacation and do not return.[6] Likewise, Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky from the Donkey Kong Adventure campaign are also absent. Three new playable characters are introduced in the main game, including Bowser, who was a boss in the previous game. Like the previous game, the player creates a party to travel the worlds and fight in battles, though this time, Mario is not required to be in the party at all times and the party does not require at least one Rabbid. Until Edge joins the team, only two party members will be active, at which point three party members will be active for the rest of the game, although there are certain boss battles that use four with one of the nine characters being required to use.

The following descriptions are taken from the game's official website and from in-game character profiles.

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Artwork of Mario in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Artwork of Rabbid Peach in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Artwork of Bowser from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Rabbid Rosalina in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Rabbid Luigi in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Standing up to evil, in the Mushroom Kingdom or even the entire galaxy, this legendary mustachioed hero is always ready for new adventures. Always on the lookout for the perfect selfie (and to attract Mario's attention), this social media "star" can also be a skilled fighter and healer when it comes to defending her teammates. Bowser joins the team, and he is not happy about it! Cursa stole his minions, and he is not going to let them get away with it, even if it means partnering with Mario, the Rabbids, and their friends. When you believe your ancestors were noble, it's only natural to conduct yourself with such airs and pose. Rabbid Rosalina is smart, and ready to battle alongside her team to help destroy any threat! Adorable doesn't mean defenceless, Rabbid Luigi is living proof of this. He may be naive, but he is also astoundingly brave and always tries his very best to fight for his friends.
All-Rounder
The versatile Mario excels at targeting multiple enemies to whom he deals damage with a diverse array of attacks.
Combat Healer
Rabbid Peach shines when she can heal the other Heroes while protected from attacks.
Overseer
Bowser shines when launching area attacks and spawning minions to do his bidding.
Demotivator
Rabbid Rosalina is adept at removing any protections enemies may have and at immobilizing them.
Pest
Rabbid Luigi is most skilled at diminishing enemies by reducing the damage they are capable of dealing out.
Weapon
Dual Slinger
Weapon
Triple-Troll
Weapon
Bowzooka
Weapon
Kaboomer
Weapon
Discruptor
Technique
Hero Sight
Technique
Heal
Technique
Rabbid Mechakoopas
Technique
Ennui
Technique
Exhaust
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Artwork of Peach from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Rabbid Mario in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Artwork of Luigi from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Edge in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Peach isn't just a princess. She's so much more. Her gentle nature belies the fact that she is both determined and fearless when protecting the innocent. She will not let her friends down. Rabbid Mario is a brave-hearted warrior who refuses to retreat even in the face of the most daunting enemies. In this new quest, he gets another chance to show off his best asset: his amazing mustache. Luigi can be a bit nervous at times, but this never holds him back. Indeed, Mario's brother and fellow hero of the Mushroom Kingdom always surpasses himself when it comes to helping the people he loves. Edge is cool and independent. Her only motivation is to save the Sparks and the galaxy. Her sense of justice will not let her give up until her mission is complete.
Protector
Princess Peach is skilled at providing protection to the other Heroes even when they are otherwise vulnerable.
Brawler
Rabbid Mario deals massive damage at close range, usually with his gauntlets, the Dukes!
Sneak Attacker
Luigi does his best work from afar, where he is capable of attacks that deal a lot of damage.
Blade Master
Edge's speed and skill allow her to target multiple enemies and damage each with a single action.
Weapon
Boom-Brella
Weapon
The Dukes
Weapon
Sharpshooter
Weapon
Flying Blade
Technique
Team Barrier
Technique
Counter Blow
Technique
Steely Stare
Technique
Stormblade

DLC 3

In DLC 3, only Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Mario, and the newly introduced Rayman have been confirmed to be playable.

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Promotional image for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope about Rayman's DLC adventure Artwork of Rabbid Peach in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Rabbid Mario in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Always on the lookout for the perfect selfie (and to attract Mario's attention), this social media "star" can also be a skilled fighter and healer when it comes to defending her teammates. Rabbid Mario is a brave-hearted warrior who refuses to retreat even in the face of the most daunting enemies. In this new quest, he gets another chance to show off his best asset: his amazing mustache.

Allies

Bosses

Name Image Description
Giant Wildclaw Image for Giant Enemies Memory in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A Giant version of a Wildclaw who is fought inside the Sunrise Temple on Beacon Beach.
Darkmess Eyes A Darkmess Eye in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Eyes made of Darkmess scattered across the planets. Darkmess Eyes possess enemies and elements. All must be cleared out to win battles and to progress.
Stone Masks The final Stone Mask in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Masks made of stone that "breathe" ice periodically. They are encountered on Pristine Peaks.
Midnite Image for Midnite Memory in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A purple-blue-haired ghost Rabbid, part of the Spark Hunters and a boss in the Winter Palace of Pristine Peaks.
Bedrock Image for Bedrock Memory in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A giant, blocky Rabbid dressed as a Greco-Roman wrestler, part of the Spark Hunters and a boss in Palette Prime.
Darkmess Taproots A Darkmess Taproot in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Taproots made of Darkmess that are responsible for the loss of color on the trees of the Spellbound Woods. They reside in the Abandoned Well of Palette Prime.
Wiggler Artwork of angry Wiggler in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A boss possessed by Darkmess that chases after the Wiggler Train in Terra Flora.
Darkmess Dams A Darkmess Dam in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Dams made of Darkmess that block the waters of Mt. Spout on Terra Flora.
Daphne Image for Daphne Memory in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A plant-like Rabbid with vine tentacles, part of the Spark Hunters and a boss in Barrendale Mesa.
Darkmess Bowser Darkmess Bowser A Darkmess Copy of Bowser made possible because of the Megabug possessing Bowser in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. It is fought at Cursa's stronghold.
Darkmess Edge Screenshot of Darkmess Edge from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A Darkmess copy of Edge fought at Cursa's stronghold. Its creation was enabled from Cursa creating Edge.
Cursa Cursa The main antagonist who wants the energy of the Sparks. It is the Megabug who has gained sentience from space debris. It has taken hold of Rosalina.

Golden pipe bosses

Name Image Description
Giant Goomba Giant Goomba from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A large Goomba covered in Darkmess, found in Beacon Beach.
Giant Squashette Giant Squashette in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A large Squashette covered in Darkmess, found in Pristine Peaks.
Giant Depleter The Giant Depleter during battle in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A larger version of a Depleter covered in Darkmess, found in Palette Prime.
Giant Magikoopa Giant Magikoopa in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A larger version of a Magikoopa covered in Darkmess, found in Terra Flora.
Giant Magnafowl Giant Magnafowl in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope A larger version of a Magnafowl covered in Darkmess, found in Barrendale Mesa.

Enemies

  • Goombas
    • Armored Goombas, Goombas with pots on their heads. They are invulnerable unless thrown out of bounds.
  • Bob-ombs
  • Magikoopas
  • Stooges, cloaked Rabbids with skull masks
    • Flamin' Stooges, which wear dragon heads and cause the Burn Super Effect
    • Sea Stooges, which wear fish heads and cause the Splash Super Effect
  • Wildclaws, large tiger-Rabbid hybrids that chase a hero when attacked
    • Deep Freezes, arctic versions that cause the Frostbite Super Effect
    • Magnafowls, black versions that use rubber chickens as weapons
    • Riptides, blue versions that hold fish-shaped objects
  • Squashers, large, pig-like Rabbids that carry Thwomps on their backs
    • Squashettes, female Squashers wearing blue dresses and cone hats. When they land after jumping, they cause the Gust Super Effect around them.
  • Medicians, floating, cloaked Rabbids with long hair and invisible eyes. They can heal and protect their allies.
    • Depleters, which steal health from heroes by inflicting the Lifesteal Super Effect with their attacks.
    • Ghostly Walkers, ghostly Rabbids in teal robes and wrapped in chains. They are invisible when they move.
    • Oozers, which inflict the Ooze Super Effect
    • Spellraisers, variants that can spawn Stooges.
  • Scopers, wolf-Rabbid hybrids that can climb up walls and shoot two long-ranged shots at the same target
    • Lone Wolves, arctic versions that can only shoot one long-ranged shot but have access to the Evil Sight technique
  • Stone Masks, immobile Rabbid-shaped rocks that blow gusts of wind
  • Darkmess Rabbid Mechakoopas, Rabbid Mechakoopas used by Darkmess Bowser.

Other

Items

List of usable items

Item Name Price Description
Cleansing Elixir  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Cleansing Elixir
90 coins Remove All Negative Effects
Cleanses you of ALL negative effects, leaving you feeling clean and fresh.
Cooldown Clock icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Cooldown Clock
80 coins Reset Cooldowns
Refresh all your Sparks and Techniques for immediate use.
Immunity Charm icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Immunity Charm
90 coins Immunity for 3 Turns
Keeps you immune to Super Effects for 3 turns, but can't get rid of existing Super Effects.
Move Boost  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Move Boost
130 coins Start a New Area of Movement
Start a brand new move phase from wherever you're at on the battlefield.
Multi Dash  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Multi Dash
130 coins 2 Extra Dashes
Busy Hero on the go? Add 2 dashes to your current turn.
POW Block icon from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
POW Block
100 coins Destroy Destructibles
Unleashes a shockwave once thrown! Deals area damage to everything in its vicinity.
Super Mushroom icon from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Super Mushroom
70 coins Heal 30% HP
Restores 30% of your Health Points. A classic!
Super Mushroom Bag icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Super Mushroom Bag
120 coins Heal 50% HP
Restores 50% of your Health Points! Perfect during the thick of battle!
Super Mushroom Chest  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Super Mushroom Chest
170 coins Heal 70% HP
Restores 70% of your Health Points on the go!
Super Mushroom Chest DX  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Super Mushroom Chest DX
250 coins Heal 100% HP
Restores 100% of your Health Points. Perfect snack for a battle!
Star Potion  icon in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Star Potion
1 Planet Coin Level up any Spark with this delicious Celestial beverage fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Objects

Beep-0 powers

Beep-0 will be bestowed several powers from Sparks that allow the player to discover hidden areas and items on the field.

Power Description
Beep-0 using the Wave Power in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Wave Power icon from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of HopeWave
Allows Beep-0 to send out waves to destroy obstructions in the player's path, or manipulate obstacles when the player presses ZR Button. Given by Decibel in Pristine Peaks. Is upgraded in Terra Flora, granted by Drizzle, to interact with the foliage throughout the planet.
Beep-0 using the Scan Power in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Scan Power icon from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of HopeScan
Allows Beep-0 to reveal invisible objects when the player presses ZL Button. Given by Twinkle in Pallette Prime.

Weapon Skins

Main article: Weapon Skin

Weapon Skins in this game do not effect weapon performance in any way, the changes are only aesthetic. Weapon Skins bought from shops all cost two Planet Coins.

Locations

Memories

Main article: Memory

Memories are collectible pieces of information recorded by JEANIE of various characters, enemies, and locations. They can be obtained by examining Probes, purchasing them from SALESBOT 9.99+TX with Planet Coins, and clearing certain enemy battles.

Difficulty settings

Unlike the previous game, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has a difficulty option in the settings. It allows the player to change their difficulty even after deciding it after the prologue. This changes the enemies' strength and health, making it easier or harder for the player to defeat them; alters whether the Heroes' health is restored after each battle or upon leveling up; and whether the Heroes' Skill Trees are automatically customized. There are three difficulty settings—Relaxed, Average, and Demanding—as well as a Custom setting that allows the player to customize the paramaters in each difficulty setting.

Difficulty Relaxing Average Demanding
Enemy Threat Low Medium High
Hero Health Management Partially restored (after battle) Partially restored (upon leveling) Not restored
Hero Skills Management Automatic Manual Manual

Enemy Threat

This menu option alters how much damage enemies inflict on the Heroes and their HP, from three settings: Low, Medium, and High. Medium is the default setting. Low reduces enemy HP and makes enemies inflict less damage, and High increases enemy HP and makes enemies inflict more damage. The difficulty setting the player chooses for the game also determines the Enemy Threat setting, but can be individually changed at any time.

Hero Health Management

This menu option allows the player to choose whether the Heroes' HP is automatically restored partially after winning a battle, upon leveling up, or not at all. The difficulty setting the player chooses for the game also determines the Hero Health Management setting, but can be individually changed at any time.

Invulnerability

This option allows the player to make the Heroes invulnerable or vulnerable to damage—regardless of difficulty setting selected—by selecting On or Off, respectively. The Heroes are still vulnerable to Super Effects and negative effects, however.

Add-on content

Key artwork for the story content in the Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - Season Pass
The Season Pass roadmap

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope was released in three editions: the Standard Edition, which only includes the base game; the Cosmic Edition, which includes the base game and the Galactic Prestige Pack; and the Gold Edition, which includes the base game and the Season Pass (Japanese: アドベンチャーパック, Adobenchā Pakku, "Adventure Pack") featuring downloadable content packs (which contain additional story, characters, quests, and battles).

Megabug Collection

Promotional image of the Megabug Collection in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
The Megabug Collection

The Megabug Collection (Japanese: メガバグ・スキンパック, Megabagu Sukinpakku, "Megabug Skinpack") is a series of skins for each character's weapon based on Megabug, the main antagonist of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This was a pre-order bonus for any edition of the game.[9]

Galactic Prestige Pack

The Galactic Prestige Pack (Japanese: ギャラクティック・スキンパック, Gyarakutikku Sukinpakku, "Galactic Skinpack"), also referred to as the Galactic Prestige Collection, is a series of space-themed skins for Mario, Rabbid Peach, and Edge's weapons. It is a part of the Cosmic Edition and the Season Pass.

DLC 1: The Tower of Doooom

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC 1 - The Tower of Doooom - Key Art
Key artwork for The Tower of Doooom
Main article: The Tower of Doooom

Template:Quote2 The Tower of Doooom (Japanese: ドリ~ム・オア・ドゥーム!, Dorīmu oa Dūmu!, "Dream or Doom!") is the first of the three DLC expansions, which was released on March 2, 2023.[10] In it, Madame Bwahstrella needs Mario, Rabbid Peach, and their friends to clean her multi-dimensional tower and save Spawny. This first DLC adds a new combat game mode where the heroes face highly strategic battles as they make their way to the top of the tower. The Tower of Doooom is exclusive to the Season Pass.[11]

DLC 2: The Last Spark Hunter

This section is about a DLC pack that has just been released. Major changes should be made by a contributor who has a reliable source.
This notice should be removed after a month has passed since the DLC pack was first released.

Artwork for the release of The Last Spark Hunter DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Key artwork for The Last Spark Hunter
Main article: The Last Spark Hunter

Template:Quote2

The Last Spark Hunter (Japanese: ザ・ラスト・スパークス・ハンター, Za Rasuto Supākusu Hantā, "The Last Sparks Hunter") is the second DLC expansion, which was released on June 21, 2023, the same day as the Nintendo Direct. The expansion revolves around the heroes confronting a mysterious foe on a new, enchanting planet where they meet new characters and new enemies.[11]

On May 23, 2023, the Mario + Rabbids Twitter account posted a teaser trailer of The Last Spark Hunter. The trailer revealed the name of the new planet: the Melodic Gardens. The fourth Spark Hunter, Kanya[12], is revealed, who is heard telling Mario that he is "right on time".[13]

During Ubisoft Forward 2023, gameplay footage was shown off, showing two new Sparks: an orange one with green and purple swirly-eyed goggles, and a plump, yellow Spark with a lightning bolt around its body. Kanya was also finally seen completely, showing a big, toothy, Chain Chomp-like grin at the heroes. The release date was not yet announced.[14] On June 18, 2023, the Mario + Rabbids Instagram account showed three more new Sparks and revealed all five's names: Berserk, Vampgeddon, Electroquake, Cryodash, and Mayhem. Their abilities are currently unknown, as no gameplay of them was shown.[15] The post was later removed, suggesting it was a leak. A few days later, promotional artwork revealing a robotic Rabbid version of King Bob-omb, known as Mecha King Bob-omb,[16] was discovered on the Nintendo Switch news application[17] before the character was officially revealed in the June Nintendo Direct.

DLC 3

This section is about an upcoming DLC pack. Editors must cite sources for all contributions to this section. Edits that do not follow this standard may be reverted without notice.
Do not upload any leaked images or media files before this DLC pack is released. Per our policy, any such files will be immediately deleted.

Screenshot of the Rayman teaser trailer shown of during the Ubisoft Forward 2023, showing off DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Rayman, Beep-0, Rabbid Peach, and Rabbid Mario in the Rayman teaser.

DLC 3 is the final of three upcoming DLC expansions and it is a currently unnamed expansion with Rayman, Rabbid Peach, and Rabbid Mario embarking on their own adventure.[11]

During Ubisoft Forward 2023, a teaser was shown off, depicting Rayman, Beep-0, Rabbid Peach, and Rabbid Mario checking into a hotel. Upon meeting Rayman, Rabbid Peach sees him as an immediate threat, while Rabbid Mario shakes hands with him.[14]

Staff

Main article: List of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope staff

As with its predecessor, Xavier Manzanares and Davide Soliani respectively acted as the lead producer and creative director for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.[1] Grant Kirkhope also reprised his role as the composer for the soundtrack from the previous game, this time being joined by Gareth Coker and Yoko Shimomura.[18][19][19]

Reception

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope received positive reviews, with critics considering the game to be an improvement over Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. At The Game Awards 2022, the game won the award for Best Sim/Strategy Game and was also nominated for Best Family Game, but lost to Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The game also won the award for "Family Game of the Year" at the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Nintendo Switch Mike Mahardy, Polygon N/A "As someone who loves the tactics genre, I'll be the first to admit that it can often take itself too seriously. That Sparks of Hope finds such harmony between strategic depth, cartoonish magnetism, and a fair amount of comedy (yes, as long as we're being honest here, I think the Rabbids are funny) is no small accomplishment. If Kingdom Battle stood on the shoulders of giants, Sparks of Hope leaps off of them and into an arena all unto its own. It's an excellent tactics game, by all means. But it's also a confident Mario adventure in its own right."
Nintendo Switch Steve Watts, Gamespot 9/10 "Put simply, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is an absolute delight. This is a combination that shouldn't work and yet it more than works--it excels. When Ubisoft announced Kingdom Battle, the concept seemed so goofy that its success came as a surprise. Sparks of Hope is an improvement in every meaningful way, from the characterization and world-building to combat variety and flexibility to environmental diversity. Ubisoft loves and respects these characters, and has now shown definitively that even something as familiar and comfortable as Mario is still capable of surprising us over and over again."
Nintendo Switch Eric Van Allen, Destructoid 8.5/10 "Kingdom Battle may have proven that a Mario and Rabbids crossover can work, and work well. But Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has cemented this as a franchise in my eyes, one that is worth playing if you’ve got any interest in lighthearted tactics with a Mario and Rabbid twist."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 86

Promotion

On My Nintendo, a sweepstakes was held for the game which began on October 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. PT.[20] The prize package included figures of Rabbid Mario and Rabbid Peach, three lithographs, an artbook, a sticker sheet, a plush of a Starburst, and a Spark phone ring holder. The sweepstakes closed on November 8, 2022, with the packages given to the ten winners who participated.

Quotes

Main article: List of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope quotes
  • "Cursa gave me an EDGE, with just enough free will to lead - to think." - Edge
  • "The Rabbids and Lumas were saved, but something terrible happened. An enormous blast of energy. The Rabbids and Lumas were flung far away." - JEANIE
  • "WOOOO! POLAR BEAR SWIM! WHERE'S THE LAKE?!" - Rabbid Luigi
  • "BWAHAHA! Don't worry. I promise not to pound you into bits until AFTER I pummel Cursa and rule the galaxy again." - Bowser

Glitches

Main article: List of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope glitches

Multiple explosions crash

If the player uses Glitter and either Rabbid Mario or Peach for their wide range, it is possible to defeat several Bob-ombs in one attack. However, if they all explode at the same time after being defeated, it will sometimes cause the game to crash.

Update history

Ver. 1.1.2028814 (released October 20, 2022)

EXPLORATION BUG FIXES[21]

  • Implemented various framerate fixes.
  • Fixed an issue where Heroes could get stuck in a wall while in the tunnel under Woodrow’s house.
  • Fixed an issue where at the end of the puzzle in the side quest “The Riddle of Barrendale Mesa”, the game could soft-lock.
  • Fixed an issue where you might not receive a reward and the quest would not clear from the quest log after completing the side quest “The Riddle of Barrendale Mesa”,
  • Fixed an issue where the L shaped connector would sometimes disappear from the third cirquit[sic] puzzle on Barrendale Mesa.
  • Fixed an issue where NPCs wouldn’t always stop moving when the Heroes were nearby.
  • Fixed an issue where Heroes could go out of bounds inside the Everbloom Tree in Terra Flora near the first Rabbid Pipe.
  • Fixed an issue where Heroes could get stuck behind a tree and some rocks next to the Teleportation Flag near the Volcano entrance on Terra Flora.
  • Fixed an issue where Heroes could get stuck and go out of bounds next to a Darkmess puddle on Terra Flora.
  • Fixed an issue where Heroes could get stuck next to an Echo Memory inside the Sunrise Temple on Beacon Beach.
  • Fixed an issue where the Armored Goomba on Beacon Beach would go missing in exploration if you lost the battle and abandoned it for later.
  • Fixed an issue where the starbits would spawn very late after touching the Teleportation flag found after completing the “Icy Breath of Winter” battle on Pristine Peaks.
  • Fixed an issue where you would hear continuous SFX of Rabbids laughing after exiting the second cave on Pristine Peaks.
  • Fixed an issue with the silly fish respawn rate for the Victor challenge on Beacon Beach.

BATTLE BUG FIXES[21]

  • Fixed an issue where Rabbid Luigi’s upgraded Technique only applied weakness to physical damage instead of all damage.
  • Fixed an issue where when Rabbid Peach’s Healing Jump healed an NPC ally, the game could sometimes freeze.
  • Fixed an issue when the game could sometimes get stuck if Rabbid Peach’s Healing Jump happened on a Trampoline.
  • Fixed an issue where sometimes the Bob-omb on the building in the “Explosive Situation” battle on Beacon Beach would spawn inside the roof of the building.
  • Fixed an issue where goombas could get soft-locked if they pushed each other while exiting or entering a Rabbid pipe.
  • Fixed an issue where the red and yellow spike marker wasn’t always correctly displayed when dashing multiple enemies, although the dash would damage the enemy.
  • Fixed an issue where the big Goomba from “A Truly Ginormous Goomba” on Beacon Beach wasn’t dealing enough damage.
  • Fixed an issue where players would receive an error message and a crash after inspecting Midnite with Beep-0 in the “Midnite Library” battle on Pristine Peaks.
  • Fixed an issue where if a Lone Wolf was attacked with a Fire super effect and survived, it would continue to make noise for longer than intended.
  • Fixed an issue in the “Hide n’Squeak” questline battle, where the game would crash if you activate the Spark Screech next to the Darkmess eggs.
  • Fixed an issue where the game would sometimes crash when Bedrock jumps after the Heroes attack her in the “A Blast Through The Bedrock” battle on Palette Prime.
  • Fixed an issue where Bedrock would sometimes go into T-Pose after jumping in the “A Blast Through The Bedrock” battle on Palette Prime.
  • Fixed an issue where Darkmess Eyes could sometimes spawn out of reach for many heroes during the “One Angry Wiggler” battle on Terra Flora.
  • Fixed an issue where if a Hero landed on a cauldron during the “Spout Forth” battle, they could get stuck there.
  • Fixed an issue where breaking barrels in the “Foul Attraction” battle on Terra Flora could cause the game to crash.
  • Fixed an issue where the battle during the “Quest For Courage” questline on Terra Flora could soft-lock if you threw a sphere from the cauldron out of bonds without having it explode.
  • Fixed an issue where Electric Traps in the “A Foul Windmill Blows” battle on Barrendale Mesa would not display the damage they did appropriately.
  • Fixed an issue where a Riptide could get stuck in a wall in the “The Desert Riptides” battle on Barrendale Mesa if it was pushed there with a Gust effect.
  • Fixed an issue where an enemy that would chase heroes to retaliate after being attacked could cause the game to freeze.
  • Fixed an issue with a platform in the “Magikoopa Mayhem” battle on Barrendale Mesa where Heroes could get stuck.
  • Fixed an issue where if a Magnafowl uses its technique on one of Bowser’s summoned Mecha Koopas and they explode, the technique would keep going.
  • Fixed several issues during the final battle.
  • Fixed an issue where the game could crash when a barrel was broken in the “King of Darkmess” battle.
  • Fixed an issue where the game could soft-lock during the enemy turn in the “Deep, Dark Secret” battle.

GENERAL BUG FIXES[21]

  • Fixed an issue where the game would sometimes force a quit after opening the map following a battle.
  • Fixed various issues that could cause the game to crash.
  • Fixed an issue where the game would sometimes force a quit after pressing the Home button on any loading screen.
  • Fixed an issue where the voices would sometimes continue and overlap the following cinematic if you skipped a cinematic by pressing A.
  • Fixed issues where buttons pressed in quick succession would cause various problems.

USER EXPERIENCE[21]

  • Fixed an issue where Rabbid Mario’s “I’m back!” was cut to “I’m” in the Prologue questline.
  • Fixed a text display issue for Spanish-speaking players.
  • Fixed an issue where VFX was not played correctly during the “A Foul Windmill Blows” battle.
  • Fixed an issue where Spark voices were missing during the last phase of the prologue.
  • Fixed an issue where SFX for the Red Coin Challenge on Beacon Beach was poorly equalized.
  • Fixed an issue where SFX was missing when the Heroes used ladders.
  • Fixed an issue where SFX was missing when a Squashette was summoned.
  • Fixed an issue with some sequences of the Beacon Beach cinematic that were missing.
  • Fixed an issue where ambient music would be too loud during exploration and combat on Barrendale Mesa.
  • Fixed an issue where some NPC Rabbid voices were missing on Terra Flora, Barrendale Mesa, and Palette Prime.
  • Fixed an issue where you could not hear audio in the Echo Memory menu.

Ver. 1.2.2076427 (released December 2, 2022)

MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES[22]

  • Fixed several progression issues that would prevent 100% completion of the game.
  • Fixed an issue where the game would crash if the Final Boss tried to throw a summoned creature or Rabbid Mechakoopa.
  • Fixed a few text issues in localized versions of the game.
  • Fixed a few issues where heroes would get stuck or move out of bounds.
  • General optimization to increase framerates and ensure smooth gameplay.

QUALITY OF LIFE UPDATES[22]

  • The game will now warn players if they have an empty Spark Slot before a battle.
  • The Spark Skill Tree branch will now tease players to go find the Giant Enemies.
  • Spark Quests have been made easier to discover in the quest log, and with an icon in the travel map.
  • The battle level is now displayed both in the Beep-0 tacticam and battle menu.
  • Battle objectives will now be more evident when the battle map is introduced.
  • Difficulty level differences have been made more apparent.
  • Improved visibility of roaming enemies off-screen that threaten the heroes.
  • The specific duo Darkmess puddles, that reward weapon skins to individual heroes, will now display icons of the heroes required for the battle.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.

References to other games

  • Super Mario World: An arrangement of the athletic theme from this game plays during the various Chuck Challenges.
  • Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS: Bedrock grabbing Bowser's tail and throwing him in the Darkmess Tentacle references Mario grabbing Bowser's tail and throwing him into the bombs from this game.
  • Luigi's Mansion: Some of Luigi's voice clips are reused from this game.
  • Super Mario Galaxy: An arrangement of the Comet Observatory theme, "Rosalina in the Observatory", plays when Rabbid Rosalina is introduced in the game's cinematic trailer.[23] The first three notes of the main melody also play when Rabbid Rosalina uses her Ennui attack, and another arrangement plays when Rabbid Rosalina obtains a Purified Darkmess Energy Crystal. During the ending, Rosalina mentions she once went looking for her family, referencing her storybook. Some of Mario's voice clips are reused from this game, more notably when he touches fire.
  • Super Mario 3D World: Some of Mario, Luigi, Peach and Rosalina's voice clips are used from this game.
  • Mario Kart 8: Some of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Rosalina's voice clips are taken from this game. Some of Koopa Troopa's voice clips from this game are used for the Rabbid Mechakoopas.
  • Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Weapon skins based on Megabug are available as part of the Megabug Collection pre-order bonus.[9] This game's arrangement of "Inside the Castle Walls" returns and plays during the prologue, albeit synthesized instead of live recorded. The likeliness of the Block Tower from Ancient Gardens is used for the bonus rooms, along with reusing the same music. MegaDragonBowser makes a cameo in the "The Story So Far" Memory profile, and is referenced at the start of the battle against Darkmess Bowser, when Beep-0 states how they beat him in front of Bowser Jr.
  • Super Mario Odyssey: Some of Mario's voice clips are taken from this game.
  • Luigi's Mansion 3: Some of Luigi's voice clips are reused from this game.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese マリオ+ラビッツ ギャラクシーバトル[?]
Mario + Rabittsu Gyarakushī Batoru
Mario + Rabbids Galaxy Battle
Chinese (simplified) 马力欧+疯狂兔子 星耀之愿[?]
Mǎlìōu + Fēngkuáng Tùzǐ Xīngyào zhī yuàn
Mario + Rabbids Hope of the Sparks
Chinese (traditional) 瑪利歐 + 瘋狂兔子 希望之星[?]
Mǎlìōu + Fēngkuáng Tùzǐ xīwàng zhī xīng
Mario + Rabbids Stars of Hope
French Mario + The Lapins Crétins Sparks of Hope[?] Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Korean Mario + Rabbids 반짝이는 희망[?]
Mario + Rabbids Banjjag-ineun Huimang
Mario + Rabbids Sparkling Hope
Russian Mario + Rabbids Искры надежды[?]
Mario + Rabbids Iskry nadezhdy
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Trivia

  • According to CEO of Ubisoft Yves Guillemot, the studio had released the game too early. Nintendo had advised to develop one installment per console, and Guillemot thought that the studio should have waited to release the game for the next console.[24]

External links

References

  1. ^ a b c Ubisoft. (June 12, 2021). Ubisoft Forward: Official Livestream - June 2021 | #UbiForward. YouTube. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Ubisoft. (August 29, 2022). Mario + Rabbids: From Kingdom Battle to Sparks of Hope. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c GamesIndustry.biz. (September 8, 2022). Reuniting Mario with the Rabbids: "If our composers don't get awards for this, I will change my job". Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE. Nintendo. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  5. ^ Vooks Team. (June 12, 2021). Oops: Nintendo leaks Mario+Rabbids sequel Sparks of Hope. Vooks. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  6. ^ NintenDúo. (June 29, 2020). "7 DATOS en EXCLUSIVA de MARIO + RABBIDS Sparks of Hope 🌟 (Nintendo Switch)". Accessed July 1, 2022.
  7. ^ Nintendo (September 10, 2022). Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - Rayman DLC Teaser Trailer - Nintendo Switch. YouTube. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  8. ^ "Probes and Memeories" Memory: With the sudden arrival and then disappearance of the Darkmess Manta - who took with it Mario, Beep-0, and Rabbid Peach - I gathered the remaining Heroes and executed a rescue mission, for which I have yet to hear Beep-0 say thank you.
  9. ^ a b Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Gold Edition. Ubisoft Store. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  10. ^ @Ubisoft (February 23, 2023). "Will you be up to the challenge of #MarioRabbids Sparks of Hope #TowerOfDoooom? 🌀" Twitter. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Season Pass DLC Content Revealed. Ubisoft News. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  12. ^ https://twitter.com/MarioRabbids/status/1671548539522957314
  13. ^ The Last Spark Hunter teaser trailer from the official Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Twitter account
  14. ^ a b GameXplain (June 12, 2023). First Look at RAYMAN in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope! (Ubisoft Forward). YouTube. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  15. ^ @mariorabbids (June 18, 2023). https://www.instagram.com/p/CtpBfIlLd7m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA "Meet the new Sparks! With them by your side, you'll bring the music back to the Melodic Gardens in no time!" Instagram. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  16. ^ https://youtu.be/f9ai1YcAgTE
  17. ^ https://youtu.be/HodQEsgAesA?t=26 Did Nintendo Just Reveal a Rabbid SPOILER in the Sparks of Hope DLC?!
  18. ^ @grantkirkhope. (June 12, 2021). "and yes I am scoring Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope! I had to request that @DavideSoliani would not be allowed to be a Diva like last time but alas he's already started!🤣". Twitter. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  19. ^ a b Ubisoft (June 29, 2022). MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE SHOWCASE. YouTube. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  20. ^ My Nintendo Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Sweepstakes. my.nintendo.com. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  21. ^ a b c d Ubi-SpaceCats (October 21, 2022). MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE - Day One Patch Notes. Ubisoft Forums. Archived November 7, 2022, 02:10:04 UTC via Wayback Machine.
  22. ^ a b UbiEliGlooGloo (December 2, 2022). [MRSH] The December update is now available. Ubisoft Forums. Archived March 4, 2023, 10:44:59 UTC via Wayback Machine.
  23. ^ Nintendo. (June 13, 2021). Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - Cinematic World Premiere Trailer - Nintendo Switch. YouTube. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  24. ^ Interview of Yves Guillemot by Games Industry