Nintendo and Ubisoft are no strangers to collaboration with one another. Over the past few years, the companies have worked together on a variety of projects including bringing specialStar Foxcontent to the Switch version of the ill-fated toys-to-game title calledStarlink: Battle for Atlas. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg as a year earlier, the two companies collaborated on a game that brought the Rabbids and Mario together inside a new title calledMario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle.
The turn-based title went on to become a big hit, as well as spotlightingUbisoft game director Davide Soliani, and it wasn’t long before the two companies began working on a sequel. Originally introduced at the all-digital E3 2021,Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeexpanded the series even further by adding more characters like Rabbid Rosalina, Bowser, and a new character named Edge. Levels are also less linear and the grid-style combat system has been replaced entirely for something a little more free and open.
RELATED:Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Reveals Gold Edition and Season Pass
The recentUbisoft Forward showcasealso gave fans a brand-new look at the upcoming game, as well as an expanded deep dive into how the combat has evolved. While fighting a massive and angry Wiggler from a train, the footage goes over things like new enemy archetypes, combat abilities, as well as freedom of movement. However, the preview also showcased a new mechanic related to companion characters known as Sparks.
During the battle preparation phase of combat and after players select their heroes, players can equip any Sparks they’ve rescued so far. According toMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, Sparks are a hybrid species of Luma and Rabbids, come in a variety of colors and designs, and offer players certain bonuses or elemental abilities when equipped. Players can pick and choose from a variety of options while equipping two per hero.
Sparks in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Some additional Sparks have been identified but not named as of yet. These include a Baby Luma styleSpark that is captured by the Darkmessas well as a cyan Spark that can rain an ice storm on enemies.
As Ubisoft has mentioned, each one provides an offensive bonus as well as protection from that particular element. Better yet, these Sparks can be equipped by any hero once unlocked, so players will have the freedom to completely mix and match their loadout to make each combat encounter feel unique. When these are combined with a selection of different weapons and new characters to pick from,Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeappears to be giving fans plenty of optionsand allowing them to play how they want.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopewill release on October 20, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope DLC Should Lead to a New Rayman Game
