Ubisoft Forward 2022 gave players fresh looks at many of the studio’s upcoming titles, not the least of which is its next game in partnership with Nintendo,Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The show didn’t waste any time, jumping right into the sequel to 2017’sMario + Rabbid Kingdom Battleto showcase what new adventures await the denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom and Ubisoft’s chaotic, rabbit-like creatures. As part of the presentation, Ubisoft gave players a deeper look at the series' turn-based gameplay and the changesUbisoft Parisand Ubisoft Milan are bringing to the sequel.
TheMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopedeep dive showcases the heroes heading to the planet of Terra Flora to investigate the influence of the villain Cursa and to try repairing the damage already done. Faye, an associate producer on the game, was on hand to narrate the deep dive and outline the gameplay updates made to the game’s aforementioned turn-based strategy along with teasing how large some of the environments will be. That said, the video quickly turns back to the gameplay and gives players a proper look at the combat by pitting Mario and his friends against a giant wiggler infected by Cursa’s dark matter.
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One of the first changes players will notice is a greater emphasis on character archetypes, stats, and strengths and weaknesses, creating a stronger emphasis on team composition. An example seen given by the deep dive is how Mario is a mobility-focused character whileBowser acts more as a tankto absorb damage. Players will also be able to equip Sparks, which seemingly act as character modifiers granting unique bonuses such as increased ice damage or temporary invisibility to the character they are attached to.
This emphasis on archetypes, strengths, and weaknesses extends to enemy units as well, which players can get a quick look at before going into battle against the giant wiggler trying to runMario and the Rabbids' train off the tracks. As Faye says in the deep dive, knowing the enemy units on the field will allow players to pick their team to best counter the enemies on the field.
Along with these new features, the deep dive reinforced the changes already seen whenSparks of Hope’s gameplay was first shown at theJune 2022 Nintendo Direct. These include an emphasis on mobility in combat encounters and signature techniques to be used against enemies to temporarily neutralize enemies, provide defensive bonuses, or cause devastating damage.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeis scheduled to release October 20 for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Every Character Confirmed So Far for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
