MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE: THE TACTICS GAME THAT TORE UP ITS OWN GRID
8.5 of 10 bananas. Ubisoft's tactics sequel drops the grid for free movement, adds Sparks with special powers, and sends Mario and the Rabbids across planets. A smart, joyful strategy game for every age; long loading screens and an easy main path are the cost.
By the Alpha. Switch cartridge listing. Updated Nov 1 2026.
Honest note: This is not a fresh hands-on playtest. I built this verdict from launch reviews, critic consensus, update history, and what is known about the game today. If I put real hours in on stream, I will update the score and say so.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, and it also plays on Switch 2 (developed by Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Paris, published by Ubisoft, released October 20 2022). The Amazon button is the Switch cartridge. At my Nov 1 2026 check it was sold and shipped by a third-party seller named Chilly Trading Co, only 1 copy was left, and the listing photo shows a European PEGI box, so this may be an import. Switch games are not region locked. Amazon also lists a separate code in a box version, which is not this button. Sellers and prices change, so look at the seller before you pay.
Get Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope for Nintendo Switch on AmazonStore check, Nov 1 2026: new copies on offer from a third-party seller, Chilly Trading Co, shipped by the seller. The listing photo shows a European PEGI box, so this may be an import. Switch games are not region locked. Prices and sellers change, so look before you pay.
Sit with me a moment. I did not expect a Rabbid in a Peach costume to teach me patience. But in this game, the best turn is often the one where you stop, look at the whole map, and plan a chain of dashes, team jumps, and one perfect shot.
What It Wants To Be
Sparks of Hope is a turn based tactics RPG. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbid copies travel across planets to stop a dark force called Cursa. In battle, each hero moves freely inside a range instead of on squares, can dash through enemies, jump off a teammate, then shoot from cover. Sparks are little star creatures that give heroes extra powers. Between battles you explore planets with puzzles and side quests. Three DLC packs followed in 2023, the last one starring Rayman.
What Works
Critics gave it generally favorable reviews, and OpenCritic lists 96 percent of critics recommending it, with many calling it better than Kingdom Battle. Free movement makes every turn feel fast and creative. The heroes play very differently, the Sparks add real build choices, and the music and planets look great on Switch.
What Breaks
Listen well. Loading screens are long and frequent, which critics also noted. The main path is easy on default settings, so veterans should raise the difficulty. Exploring the planets is pleasant but simple. And this listing was a likely import with only one copy left at my check, so look at the seller and the box before you pay.
Who Should Play
Play it if you want a friendly but smart tactics game, or if a kid in your house is ready for their first strategy game. Skip it if you hate loading screens or want a dark, serious war story.
STRENGTHS
- Free movement makes turns creative
- Heroes play very differently
- Sparks add build choices
- Strong critic consensus
HONEST COSTS
- Long, frequent loading
- Easy on default difficulty
- Simple exploration
- Likely import, 1 left at my check
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