What does it mean to play a game that includes the Rabbids? For me, it’s total mayhem! In the past, when those mischievous Rabbids appeared, it only meant there would be much more amusing and hilarious gameplay to look forward to and it would provide a different style of entertainment. Something that felt perfect for a group of friends to play together, rather than a single player.
To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to play a game that included the Rabbids, as it never appeared on my radar as something I would consider playing by myself. Fortunately, after years passed and getting to try this newest game, I was totally moved over by the amazing adventure, team-building capability, special attacks and weapons, storyline, and most of all those humorous Rabbids.
Diving Right In!
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope brings some exciting, action-packed gameplay with the amusement brought on by the Rabbids. Right in the beginning, during the first real mission which includes battling enemies on a massive mantra’s back, it becomes clear that this game’s battle sequence is focused on strategy. Giving the player a chance to move around from one point to another while taking turns between attacks. There are even a few additional actions that can be performed, like the dash attack and working with your teammates to reach a better location. Allowing the heroes to have a better chance to defeat a few enemies, before choosing a separate action from the menu option below.
I honestly found the dash attack to be a great addition to the game, as it felt a bit more entertaining and joyful to attack more enemies in one single turn. Also, with the Sparks that you’ll be collecting in the game, aid in the battle and provide another great attack effect or special skill to help your team win the battle. Of course, there are many enemies that can’t be passed, as a few are required to gain access to a certain location. Plus, when the enemies spot you, they will come for you and pull you into the battle. The one thing that is true, all these additional battles can aid in level-ups and get you stronger as you come closer to the final fight with Cursa, which is the main reason you are taking on these missions.
There was one issue that came up at the beginning of the game. I was not expecting so many new features and options to show up on the screen. Forcing my mind to take a little more time to learn how to use these new features. For one instance, during the first real turn-based battle, I actually forgot to play the other teammate, because I wasn’t aware of how to choose them. That one mistake won’t happen again, but this just means at the start there may be some time needed to learn what every new feature can make before it becomes comfortable. Luckily, during the battles, there is no time limit to cause the player to feel rushed or pressured, allowing for a better chance of choosing and understanding what would be the right action before playing it.
I also felt a bit annoyed with the turn-based battles. They are an excellent part of the game, possibly 75% of the game. However, I felt that I’m not very interested in watching the other team take their time to move into position and do whatever action they plan to take. I actually got tired of waiting, so I would do something else or watch something on the TV while it got back to me. At least, they do include a fast-forward button to move things along faster, but to be honest, it still felt slow to me. Especially, when the other team has so many moves to make. Sometimes I wish the skip button that can be used in the rest of the game could be used during the enemy turn on the battlefield.
Now besides the turn-based battles, each new world that the aircraft lands on is a large and open space to investigate. Allowing the player to freely roam around and check out each corner. There is plenty to discover and collect, as well as many fun mini-puzzles to enjoy. Including, coins to be collected throughout the world, which can aid in purchasing some new powerups and gear to boost the performance of a player during a battle. So it’s always a great idea to take the time to check every part of the world before moving on. You never know what you’ll find!
Moving forwards, the majority of the game will continue to involve the completion of different missions to save these star-like characters known as Sparks. Each of them provides the player with a new skill to aid in defeating the enemies during battle. Plus, you’ll end up acquiring a total of 9 new team members to play. The best part is that they can be chosen and changed at any time, without the restriction on who can be part of your team. So unlike many games, Mario doesn’t need to be the leader, if you don’t want him to be. In addition to the new members, each of them provides their own special attacks and skills with a little video clip, which may get tiring after seeing it played every time.
Thankfully the game provides a team-building option that suits the player’s needs. When you consider each team member’s different skills and abilities you can create a perfect team and take down the enemies quicker. However, each member you choose has their own low and high points when it comes to their abilities and skills, but what they lack, they make it up in another ability. Plus, there is a slight fairness when it comes to leveling up. If you decide to choose a few players in your team and earn a few level-ups during many battles, not only does that team of players level up but each player not played will too.
Now as the game progresses, it ends up becoming very similar to what one can expect going forward. Not to say that there will be no more surprises or challenging levels, but the routine and way of playing will feel clear as to what is expected. Yet, the best part will soon arrive, when you have to battle Cursa! That thrilling music starts to play and just to take on this enemy feels like a large accomplishment, making the entire adventure worth it!
Other than the awesome gameplay, there are a few additional settings that can help any player’s experience level to win the game. This one adjustment, worth mentioning allows the game to be as difficult or easy as needed and can be changed throughout the game, without changing the storyline.
Even better, you can play the game where you’ll be totally invincible during the battles and just play for fun. There are so many other great options to adjust the gameplay, giving everyone a fair chance to experience the game at their own level of challenge. This also goes for the recently released DLC, which is included or can be bought separately from the game.
The Tower of Doom
This is the first DLC that arrives in the game. It’s actually a nice addition that takes the player from beating the first game, or just taking a break and enjoying some additional battles with a familiar team. The gameplay is the same and it does advise if you haven’t played the main game to try that first before taking on the additional content. However, it is similar and provides chances to earn some awesome rewards with each completed battle you enter into.
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, this game really has taken me through some amazing missions, entertaining video content, and action-packed gameplay with levels of massive and destructive villains. For the beautiful art which makes up the graphics, well let’s just say there is plenty to gawk at! Everything that Mario represents is shown in this game, with the addition of those humorous Rabbids. Plus, the ability to build a team of unlikely characters really makes for some entertaining storylines and some marvelous defeats!
Lastly, even if there have been many Rabbid games in the past, I felt this game might have just topped them. It has exceeded my expectations and has me curious to see what the future beholds with the Rabbids. So I fully stand beside this game and recommend it for a worthwhile, new experience worth playing!
