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Saturday’s Ubisoft Forward presentation brought with it new reveals of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, the sequel to 2017’s Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. A lengthy gameplay trailer provided the most substantial look yet at the game since its 2021 announcement. Additionally, Ubisoft also announced planned DLC content for the game featuring Rayman, whose games spawned the Rabbids originally. You can check out the full Ubisoft Forward show at this link, if you’re so inclined.
Check out the gameplay preview for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope below.
The familiar Mario + Rabbids turn-based tactical gameplay is on display in the developer-led gameplay walkthrough. The game emphasizes the new special abilities, weapons, and playable characters. The demo begins with Mario and the party exploring a new planet with the goal of helping it blossom again. The crew gathers collectibles, solves puzzles, and builds hidden paths to the objective: A Wiggler train to take to their destination. Onboard the train, a new threat appears in the form of an angry Wiggler affected by “Darkness Eyes” that spawn enemies. A party of Rabbid Rosalina, Mario, and Bowser takes on the tactical challenge. Players can also equip Sparks (a combination of Mario Galaxy‘s Lumas and Rabbids) to gain enhancements and upgrades. Bowser and Mario carry out various synergistic attacks that take advantage of their respective Spark loadouts and natural characteristics. Rabbid Rosalina also demonstrates her signature technique, which locks down enemies in a wide radius.
The Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope presentation also briefly teased DLC for the game, as well as a pre-order bonus.
The DLC will feature Rayman, star of the Rayman series, Ubisoft’s original platformer franchise, which also birthed the Rabbids themselves. Pre-orders of Sparks of Hope will also net a “Megabug Collection” of weapons.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope launches on Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022.
