While its existence is still an anomaly,Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopesurprised and delighted fans when it was released in October 2022. The game was a strong sequel toMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, an early Nintendo Switch title that also came as a surprise due to crossingSuper Mario Bros.characters with Ubisoft’sRabbidsIP. Taking the form of tactical RPGs akin to theXCOMfranchise, this bizarre series has carved out its own niche despite the general dislike some hold for Rabbids, andMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopehas built on top of what madeKingdom Battlegood.
Part of the Rabbids' reputation is rooted in how they displaced Rayman, Ubisoft’s original mascot platformer icon. Sporting several classic titles, many are still hopeful for theRaymanfranchise to see the light of day again. A chance for it to do so may come in the form ofMario + Rabbids' third and final DLC episode, advertised as an adventure featuring Rayman himself. However, as the months roll on, it feels like the return of the limbless hero is just getting farther away.
RELATED:Rayman is a Perfect DLC Character for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s DLC Is Taking Its Sweet Time
Thus far, the only piece of DLC released forSparks of Hopeis the Tower of Doooom, a roguelike mode set within the eponymous tower. Released in March 2023, it came out a fair amount of time after the base game did. It was always advertised for early 2023, but taking over four months for a postgame mode recycling older content could speak volumes for how long therest ofSparks of Hope’s DLCwill take. Fortunately, as an infinitely replayable mode, Tower of Doooom being the first DLC episode should help players keep their skills sharp while they wait for more.
That wait could take a while, as Ubisoft seems content to hold back specific DLC release dates untilMario + Rabbids' DLC is almost out.Sparks of Hope’s second expansion supposedly takes place on a new planet with a new antagonist and is due out in the middle of 2023. That means it’s not coming until the end of May at the very earliest, and it’s not hard to imagine three-to-five months in between each DLC episode.Rayman’s episode is set for late 2023, and while the second and third episodes were probably in development alongside the first, none can say if fan interest will last for that long.
The Rayman DLC Needs To Release Before It’s Too Late
A lot of the attentionSparks of Hopegot came from the announcement ofRaymanDLC. Ubisoft was no doubt aware of this, as it gave that episode extra advertising despite it being the furthest out. Still, coming an entire year after the base game could seriously hurt its sales, ashardly anyone will be playingMario + Rabbidsby that point. It’s too late for theRaymanDLC to be prioritized as the first or only expansion, so it unfortunately looks like this concern is staying over the game’s head.
To salvage the situation, the remaining DLC will need to be handled as efficiently as possible. The trailer for the second episode should include content for Rayman’s own, including release dates for both if possible. Said trailer also needs to reach as many eyes as possible, with a summer Nintendo Direct looking like the best option. While unlikely, a sale for the base game could also get interested players intoMario + Rabbidsto prepare for their desiredRaymancontent.Adding Rayman toMario + Rabbidscould extend the future of both series, but there needs to still be an audience present by the time his debut is ready.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis available now on the Nintendo Switch.
MORE:10 Awesome Things You Didn’t Know You Can Do In Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
