Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is coming to Switch next year

Mario + Rabbids is getting a sequel, but you already knew that.

Had it not leaked ahead of time, today's Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope announcement at the Ubisoft Forward E3 2021 showcase would have taken almost everyone by surprise. Nevertheless, fans of the critically acclaimed strategy game on Switch are getting a sequel.

During today's presentation, we were treated to a first look at gameplay (read, actual reveal).

Coming to Switch in 2022, Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, Rabbid Mario, and Rabbid Peach will team up to take on a new villain known as Cursa, and its minions.

Cursa has apparently been "plunging the galaxy into chaos," thanks to its evil influence. It is also consuming the energy of the Sparks, which are new characters formed by the fusion of Lumas and the Rabbids. The characters will be travelling the galaxy to save planets, rescue the Sparks, and defeat Cursa.

It was also revealed that there is a new combat system. With it, you can form a team of three heroes from a roster of nine, only this time out, battles will be a mixture of real-time action and turn-based tactics.

You will be able to move freely in a designated area, take cover, team jump on your allies, or dash at enemies in real-time within the Hero’s turn.

The gameplay becomes even more tactical with the Sparks are included. There are dozens of the creatures, and each has a distinct power and ability. These special abilities and powers can be used in battle to gain the upper hand in combat, but you’ll first need to locate and rescue them from Cursa's evil influence.

More information on Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be shared as the game gets closer to its 2022 release.