Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Has More Open Worlds, Streamlined Strategy, and a Playable Bowser

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During a recent video showcase, Ubisoft detailed the gameplay changes coming to . The -themed sequel to no longer has to prove that it has strategy chops. There are new playable Nintendo parodies via those rascally Rabbids and that spark of creativity that birthed the series in the first place. Still, the developers want to expand the niche with experimental changes to time-tested gameplay ideals.

Talking with Game Informer, Ubisoft Associate Producer Christina Nava mentioned that would open things up considerably compared to the corridors of . Outside of combat, there’s plenty to find both in and out of levels, encouraging exploration more than ever. In battles, Mario and his pals can now move in a small area without a grid, and teams can consist of any combination of Mario and Rabbid heroes. With fewer restrictions, Ubisoft hopes the game can reach beyond the traditional strategy audience and tap into the younger fans of both Mario and Rabbids games when it hits the Switch on October 20.

Beyond that, the team wants to bring it back to by adding Bowser to their playable roster of heroes. Mario’s archnemesis is a tank on the battlefield, only rivaled by Donkey Kong in his DLC campaign in terms of sheer presence. He can summon Koopa minions to fight alongside him, send shockwaves toward his enemies, and equip a magma-spitting rocket launcher known as the Bowzooka.

The Rabbid side of things adds a version of Rosalina that made a splash in the game’s debut trailer and Edge, a brand-new Rabbid with a mysterious past. This recent announcement features a ghastly Rabbid ghost that will undoubtedly make an impact somehow in the game.