You explore five planets (four of which are based on the seasons) in search of side quests, collectibles, weapon skins, and mini-bosses. As opposed to the linear, node-based overworld of Kingdom Battle (which mimicked the world maps of the earlier 2D Mario platformers) the sequel is reminiscent of the mini-open-worlds of Super Mario Odyssey. So too does the game’s overarching structure. The active movement also works on a thematic level, connecting Sparks of Hope to Mario’s 3D platformers. If it’s an illusion, it’s a damn good one. Luigi just slide-tackled a bob-omb, tossed it into a group of enemies, leapt from Mario’s outstretched hands, hovered to a watchtower, and eliminated an enemy sniper to finish the mission. Did I technically end my turn in a sliver of space that a grid wouldn’t have allowed for? Who cares. While this kinetic freedom isn’t the game-changer it might appear to be at first blush - Kingdom Battle’s grid-based movement was already a metaphor for this real-time action, after all - it does make flanking maneuvers and last-minute comebacks all the more exciting.

Rather than commanding your fighters to specific spots on a grid - a la chess - you actively control their movement on the Switch’s left analog stick.Ī low-key Nintendo Direct belies the strongest lineup of 2022 Unlike its predecessor, however, Sparks of Hope incorporates real-time elements in its character movement. As in Kingdom Battle, missions play out in turn-based skirmishes against a roster of enemies from both titular franchises. Thus begins a planet-hopping trek to stop Cursa and save the Sparks. The manta ray, it later turns out, is controlled by an otherworldly entity named Cursa, who wants to spread the inky, plague-like Darkmess across the galaxy, in order to harness the energy of Sparks - mashups between Rabbids and the Super Mario Galaxy’s star-like Lumas. Sparks of Hope is set in motion when a giant manta ray attacks Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and the cadre of Rabbids who impersonate them. If you want curated lists of our favorite media, check out What to Play and What to Watch.

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