How Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope Improves its Overworld

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The first Mario + Rabbids game was better than it had any right to be, but it wasn't perfect. While its XCOM-inspired turn-based tactics gameplay worked surprisingly well with its roster of beloved Super Mario characters, and the two series' charm managed to blend in a fairly seamless, non-jarring way, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle had a few key issues. One of the biggest of these was the game's overworld, an element that the upcoming sequel Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope looks to be improving upon.

In Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, between battles, players would guide the titular plumber and his plucky crew through an overworld down a linear path. Occasionally, players would need to solve a simple environmental puzzle to progress. This is about as complex as Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle's overworld got. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope seems to be changing things up quite a bit, adding a variety of new mechanics and options to keep players exploring the game's new overworld.

Rayman is a Perfect DLC Character for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

At the recent Ubisoft Forward Showcase, a new six-minute Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope presentation was shown off. On top of giving fans a better look at the game's bombastic plot, the new additions to the playable roster, and an extensive look at combat gameplay, this presentation also revealed Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope's new approach to its overworld.

Unlike its predecessor, Sparks of Hope will allow players to explore each of the game's biomes freely, as opposed to restricting them to a linear path blocked by puzzles and battles. Instead, players will be able to walk around each environment, interacting with various items and objects to find hidden stars and coins. While the