Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope: A Switch Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the whimsical and strategic world of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope on the Nintendo Switch. If you enjoyed the first game, Kingdom Battle, get ready for a wild ride because this one cranks everything up a notch. We’re talking bigger worlds, deeper combat, and a whole lot more Rabbid chaos. So, let's jump right in and see if this game is worth your hard-earned coins!
What is Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope?
For those new to the party, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a tactical RPG developed by Ubisoft. It's a crossover between Nintendo's beloved Mario franchise and Ubisoft's wacky Rabbids. Imagine Mario characters teaming up with Rabbids dressed as Mario characters to save the galaxy. Sounds crazy, right? Well, it is, in the best possible way. The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based combat, offering a unique and engaging experience that’s both challenging and hilarious. The story kicks off with a new threat emerging in the galaxy, a dark entity known as Cursa, who is corrupting planets and capturing Sparks – powerful creatures born from the fusion of Rabbids and Lumas (from Super Mario Galaxy). Mario, Luigi, Peach, their respective Rabbid counterparts, and some new faces must team up to save the Sparks and restore peace to the galaxy. This time around, the adventure takes place across multiple planets, each with its own unique environment, quests, and secrets. The change from the linear progression of Kingdom Battle to a more open, explorable world is a welcome addition. It allows for more freedom in how you approach the game and encourages you to explore every nook and cranny.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay is where Sparks of Hope truly shines. The combat system has been revamped and improved, offering more strategic depth and flexibility. Gone are the grid-based movement restrictions of the first game; now, you have free movement within a certain radius, allowing for more dynamic positioning and tactical options. Each character has unique abilities and weapons, and you can further customize their playstyle by equipping Sparks. These Sparks grant special powers, such as elemental attacks, buffs, and debuffs, adding another layer of strategy to the battles. Experimenting with different team compositions and Spark combinations is key to overcoming the various challenges the game throws at you. The battles are not just about defeating enemies; they often involve completing specific objectives, such as reaching a certain area or protecting a character. This adds variety to the encounters and keeps you on your toes. The enemy AI is also smarter and more challenging than in the first game, forcing you to think strategically and adapt your tactics. Outside of combat, you'll be exploring the various planets, solving puzzles, and completing side quests. These puzzles are cleverly designed and often require you to use your characters' unique abilities in creative ways. The side quests add depth to the game world and provide additional rewards, such as Sparks, weapons, and skill points.
Visuals and Sound
Visually, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a treat on the Nintendo Switch. The game is vibrant, colorful, and full of detail. The character models are well-designed and expressive, and the environments are lush and varied. Each planet has its own distinct look and feel, from the tropical beaches of Beacon Beach to the spooky forests of Palette Prime. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld mode, with only occasional frame rate drops during intense battles. The sound design is also top-notch. The soundtrack is composed by a team of talented musicians, including Gareth Coker (Ori and the Blind Forest), Grant Kirkhope (Banjo-Kazooie), and Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts). The music is catchy, memorable, and perfectly complements the game's whimsical tone. The sound effects are also well-done, adding to the impact of the battles and the atmosphere of the environments. The voice acting is a mixed bag. The Mario characters sound as you'd expect, with Chris Pratt not involved this time around. The Rabbids, on the other hand, are as annoying and hilarious as ever. Their gibberish language and over-the-top antics can be grating at times, but they also add to the game's charm.
New Features and Improvements
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope introduces several new features and improvements over Kingdom Battle. Here are some of the most notable:
Free Movement
The switch from grid-based movement to free movement is a game-changer. It allows for more fluid and dynamic combat, giving you more control over your characters' positioning and movement.
Sparks
Sparks are powerful creatures that grant special abilities to your characters. They add a new layer of strategy to the battles and allow you to customize your team's playstyle.
New Characters
The game introduces several new characters, including Rabbid Rosalina and Edge, each with their own unique abilities and weapons.
Open World Exploration
The game takes place across multiple planets, each with its own unique environment, quests, and secrets. This open-world exploration adds depth to the game and encourages you to explore every nook and cranny.
Improved AI
The enemy AI is smarter and more challenging than in Kingdom Battle, forcing you to think strategically and adapt your tactics.
Performance on Nintendo Switch
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope runs well on the Nintendo Switch, but it's not without its flaws. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld mode, with only occasional frame rate drops during intense battles. However, the game can suffer from long loading times, especially when transitioning between areas. This can be frustrating, especially if you're constantly exploring and backtracking. Additionally, the game's visuals, while vibrant and detailed, are not as sharp as on other platforms. This is especially noticeable in handheld mode, where the screen is smaller and the resolution is lower. Overall, the game's performance on the Nintendo Switch is acceptable, but it's not perfect.
Final Verdict
So, is Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope worth your time and money? Absolutely! It builds upon the foundation of Kingdom Battle and delivers a more engaging, strategic, and hilarious experience. The new features, improved combat system, and open-world exploration add depth to the game and keep you hooked from beginning to end. While the game has some minor flaws, such as long loading times and occasional frame rate drops, these are easily overshadowed by its many strengths. If you're a fan of tactical RPGs, Mario games, or just looking for a fun and unique experience, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. I give it a solid 9/10.
Pros:
- Engaging and strategic combat system
- Unique and hilarious crossover concept
- Vibrant and colorful visuals
- Memorable soundtrack
- Open-world exploration
Cons:
- Long loading times
- Occasional frame rate drops
- Rabbids' antics can be grating at times
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Whether you're a seasoned tactical RPG player or a newcomer to the genre, you'll find something to love in this game. So, grab your Switch, team up with Mario and the Rabbids, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!