For many players,Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battleproved to be a surprise hit. The title performed so well that both Ubisoft and Nintendo again reunited to get to work on a sequel known asMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Instead of replicating the same formula, the studios instead decided to continue to build on top of the foundation. In fact, the developers atUbisoft Milan even went so far as to scrap the first game’s grid style combat systemin favor of a more free-flowing turn based system.
The changes seem to have worked asSparks of Hopehas again scored well with critics and fans alike. However, for all of the changes and tweaks, not everything has changed. The playable characters from the first game have again returned, including the fan favorite Rabbids dressing up as classic Mario characters. To further push customization and allowing players to find a style that suits how they want to play, the game has also added in Sparks which provide both active and passive benefits.
RELATED:Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Reveals Gold Edition and Season Pass
However, sinceMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeis a sequel, Ubisoft has also expanded the playable roster to 9 in total, adding three new characters to the mix. While players gain access to the classic six characters right off the bat, the final 3 have specific unlock requirements before they can be added to the roster.
Edge
Described as an anti-hero, the blademaster known as Edge is actually a completely original character crafted by Ubisoft and Nintendo forSparks of Hope. Edge wields a greatsword in combat, has a witty sense of humor, and tends to be fairly secretive about her past. Edge also has a few nods and homages to Bowser and even features a similar crossed-hands pose.
Edge is a highly mobile character, able to target multiple enemies with a single action. Thankfully, it won’t take long for players to unlock her as she joins the team on the first planet called Beacon Beach. Continue playing through the story missions up to In Deep Water where players are tasked with saving on of thefirst Sparks encountered in the game. During this mission, players will face off against a giant boss creature with Edge along to help. Finishing the fight fully unlocks Edge as well as the ability to use three characters per fight instead of just two.
Rabbid Rosalina
Based on the Mario character of the same name,Rabbid Rosalina carries around a plush Lumaand unlike her counterpart, appears to be largely unmotivated and aloof. While she may not appear to be the most energetic roster addition, she’s a great pick for players who are looking for a character who has great crowd control abilities and can focus rapidly damaging a single target.
Rabbid Rosalina can be found on the second planet in an area known as Pristine Peaks. While helping Captain Orion find a missing person through the Winter Palace, players will encounter a Spark Hunter boss known as Midnite. At this point, Rabbid Rosalina joins the team as the fourth party member during the battle before ultimately becoming unlocked in full.
Bowser
Mario’s classic rival, theKing of Koopas is making his playable debut inMario + Rabbids. As expected, Bowser is a brusing powerhouse, with skill trees that allow him to deal damage in wide areas as well as summon henchmen like Rabbid Mechakoopas to assist the team in combat. He makes use of his “Bowzooka” and can serve in a tank style role with his large health pool and the ability to take a few hits.
Technically, Bowser is the final character that players will unlock, typically around the 45% mark of the campaign. Once players reach the third world, Palette Prime, they’ll need to reach the planet’s first boss called Bedrock. During this fight, Bowser will join up as the fourth party member and once the fight has concluded, he’ll join the player’s team permanently.
What’s Next?
While the launch roster only has nine heroes in total, including the newcomers of Edge, Rabbid Rosalina, and Bowser, the roster is only going to grow over time. Already,Ubisoft has teased the return of its classic mascot Rayman in future DLC, but fans are expecting to see even more. While Ubisoft has remained largely quiet on future plans outside of the Rayman tease, Rabbid fans are likely expecting to see something along the lines ofKingdom Battle’sDonkey Kong expansion, which not only added the character, but a new campaign as well.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeis now available for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: How Long to Beat (and Main Quest List)
