Mario + Rabbids:
Sparks of Hope Review

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope (2022) is a strategy game where you control Ubisoft's Rabbids (cartoon rabbits) and Nintendo's Mario team in turn-based battles. It expands upon the previous game by adding a wider variety of characters and abilities, most notably the Sparks' magical powers and the large, freely explorable world full of secrets. It's a unique way to engage with the Mario franchise and offers up a deep level of strategy, balanced by humour, a charming story and clever puzzles.

You fight the evil henchmen of Cursa who want to absorb the world's energy and cover the land in darkness. Doing this involves a series of tactical battles where you take turns to move, shoot and attack in an effort to defeat the various enemies. It's a classic idea brought to life by unusual and imaginative weapons and delicately balanced battles that need finesse to win.

As you progress you rescue Sparks. These offer a wide array of abilities, such as stunning opponents or dealing huge damage. As the battles get tougher strategic use of these abilities is key to success. You also need to make the most of each of your different characters that offer varying movement, stamina and strengths.

Outside of battles, you have the freedom to explore the many worlds at your own pace, solving environmental puzzles and interacting with the many inhabitants you meet, some of whom need your help. Each world is colourful and unique, and gives you the agency to do as much or as little as you want outside of the main story.

It's a unique game that builds upon the first game by adding a wide array of new mechanics and puzzles, with a more richly detailed world to explore, and introduces many new characters to the series.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope 17 months ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.