A lot may be different about E3 2021, but one thing that hasn't changed are the inevitable leaks. As always, a handful of the big surprises made their way online in the days and hours leading up to the big event. Among those leaks was mention of a new Ubisoft/Nintendo team up called Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The game was confirmed by Nintendo in the hours following the leak, but now the official reveal has arrived, as well.
During the Ubisoft Forward E3 2021 showcase, the first trailer for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope was revealed. The game is a follow up to the surprising but popular XCOM style crossover title Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle from 2017. The new game seems to follow in the footsteps of that turn-based combat Switch title and is aiming for a 2022 release.
As expected after the leak, the new game received a full reveal trailer during the Ubisoft Forward presentation and a ton of extra details were confirmed. It sounds like co-op is back and players will be able to build their "dream team with three heroes from an eclectic roster of nine."
The cinematic trailer takes the team to space where a vast energy anomaly is detected and a new conflict begins. Mario and friends team up with the Rabbids and land their space shuttle to kick off the turn-based combat against the fierce new enemies on a beautiful forest-filled alien planet.
It's clear that space travel is going to play a major role in the new game as the action leaves the Mushroom Kingdom behind and the team travel from planet to planet teaming up with new allies and chasing down new and old enemies alike.
Additional details about the title were confirmed on the official Nintendo website listing, as well:
Team up with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi, and their friends on a galactic journey to defeat a malevolent entity and save your Spark companions. Explore planets throughout the galaxy as you uncover mysterious secrets and compelling quests!
Build your dream team with three heroes from an eclectic roster of nine.
Take down all new bosses, along with some familiar enemies throughout the galaxy.
Rescue the adorable Sparks throughout the galaxy, who provide distinct powers that will help you in battle.
Unleash your heroes' skills but be strategic as you dash your enemies, team jump on your allies, and hide behind covers.
The original 2017 title was critically acclaimed and a bit of a surprise hit in the early era of the Nintendo Switch. It will be very exciting to see what the sequel does to make its own mark by building on the successful crossover and covering new ground.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope releases in 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
