For fans of action turn-based strategy games, including Trials of Mana and Dragon Quest Treasures, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an instant classic. With glowing reviews and a unique cast of characters, it is certain to please both fans of strategy games and Mario aficionados.
Part of Sparks of Hope's fun is the degree to which it lets players customize their team. Players can -- and are encouraged to -- switch out their teammates to get a handle on every character's unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses on the battlefield. That being said, here's every playable character in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Players Can't Go Wrong With Classic Mario Characters
Most players will be familiar with classic Mario characters such as Luigi, Princess Peach, and Mario himself. While there are new characters, players who grew up with the classic Mario cast are still able to play as their preferred character. Players are able to make the experience their own by choosing the Nintendo characters they know and love.
As many Mario players know, personalized gameplay relies on character selection. This means that, depending on the Nintendo character the player chooses, the player will be offered specific fight animations, specialized animations for attacks, and an individualized gameplay experience. Of course, while players can't go wrong with any character, each has their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to combat. For example, Luigi does the most damage at a distance, Mario can hit two enemies in one turn, and Princess Peach offers valuable protection to her teammates.
The Mario Rabbid Hybrids Are Familiar, But Strong in New Ways
As Mario + Rabbids is a hybrid game, this means that there are Mario and Rabbid hybrid characters, including Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Peach, and Rabbid Luigi. All of these characters are playable within the game but are unique to the Rabbid universe. While having unique versions of Mario characters is not a new concept, these characters are still fun and refreshing to play, as they combine classic Nintendo characters with the Rabbid character formula and appearance.
Seeing as these playable characters are hybrid versions, they possess new powers, abilities, and character attributes that are unique to the merger. If players are not interested in the hybrid versions of their favorite characters, they can still use the original versions. This decision makes the game diverse while also understanding and catering to players' desires and wishes. Like their classic iterations, Rabbid Mario, Peach, and Luigi have unique abilities and specialties. For instance, Rabbid Peach offers much-needed healing, Rabbid Luigi excels at weakening enemies, and Rabbid Mario delivers heavy damage at close range.
The New Sparks of Hope Characters Are Refreshing Additions
If players are interested in unlocking more unique characters, they can unlock Rabbid Rosalina, Edge, Bowser, and Rayman -- who's set to be added to the game in the near future. To receive Bowser as a playable character, the player must defeat the Bedrock boss on Palette Prime, the third planet. To receive Rabid Rosalina, the player must defeat the second planet boss: the Spark Hunter Midnite. While Rayman will be added in an upcoming DLC, to receive the character, the player must defeat the Giant Wildclaw boss on the first planet, Beacon Beach. Luckily for players, each new addition brings something fresh to the gameplay, and Rayman will likely be no exception.