《瑪利歐+瘋狂兔子 希望之星》（Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope）是Ubisoft與任天堂合作開發的回合制策略遊戲，於2022年10月20日獨家登陸Nintendo Switch。作為2017年《瑪利歐+瘋狂兔子 王國之戰》的續作，延續瑪利歐與瘋狂兔子跨界聯動的特色，並對戰鬥系統、關卡設計以及探索要素進行大幅強化，使整體遊戲體驗更具深度與樂趣。

故事背景設定在一個遙遠的銀河系，瑪利歐和他的夥伴們與瘋狂兔子再次攜手，對抗名為「庫爾莎」（Cursa）的邪惡存在。這個神秘的宇宙威脅正在腐化銀河中的星火（Sparks），這些星火是來自拉比德（Rabbids）與耀西星球的生命體結合而成的特殊生物，擁有強大的能量。一旦庫爾莎完全掌控這些星火，整個宇宙將陷入黑暗與混亂。

為了拯救星火並阻止庫爾莎的陰謀，瑪利歐、碧姬公主、路易吉以及瘋狂兔子版的瑪利歐、碧姬等角色組成一支冒險小隊。他們踏上旅途，前往不同的星球，尋找並解放被邪惡勢力控制的星火，最終與庫爾莎進行決戰，試圖恢復銀河的和平。

相較於前作，本作對戰鬥系統進行大幅革新。原本類似《XCOM》的傳統格子戰棋玩法被改為自由移動的戰術系統，在一定範圍內自由操控角色移動，不再受限於固定的格子，使戰鬥更具流暢性與策略性。此外，每個角色擁有獨特的武器與技能，例如瑪利歐能夠使用雙槍進行連射，路易吉擅長遠距離狙擊，而瘋狂兔子碧姬則擁有範圍治療能力，可以根據不同敵人與地形靈活組合隊伍。

「星火」系統是本作的一大亮點，透過收集並裝備不同的星火來賦予角色特殊能力，如強化攻擊屬性、提供護盾或施放元素攻擊等。這使得戰術選擇更加多變，每場戰鬥都能根據敵人類型與戰場環境來調整策略。此外，也加入更多互動元素，例如利用環境中的彈簧板快速移動、利用掩體躲避敵人攻擊等，增加戰鬥的深度與變化。

遊戲不再像前作那樣採取線性關卡設計，而是提供更具開放感的探索地圖。在不同星球上自由移動，與NPC互動、解決支線任務、解鎖隱藏寶藏，甚至與世界中的敵人進行即時戰鬥，提升角色能力。每個星球都有獨特的地形與挑戰，例如冰雪覆蓋的星球、熾熱的火山區域或神秘的遺跡廢墟，每個區域都設計不同的解謎與平台跳躍要素，使得遊戲不僅僅是戰鬥，還充滿探索與冒險的樂趣。

此外，還引入更強的RPG要素，透過戰鬥獲取經驗值，升級角色技能樹，強化攻擊、移動能力或特定技能。透過這些成長機制，每個玩家的戰略選擇都可以更加個性化，打造出專屬於自己的最強隊伍。

當年上市後獲得廣泛好評，許多評論家讚揚遊戲在戰鬥系統上的革新，使其比前作更具戰略深度與自由度。IGN給予本作9/10的評分，稱其「戰鬥系統充滿創新，角色與世界設計極具魅力」，而GameSpot則也給出9/10的高評價，特別讚賞該作在探索與關卡設計上的進步。

玩家對於遊戲的回合制戰鬥與開放式探索系統表示喜愛，認為這種變化使遊戲更加耐玩，特別是星火系統的加入，讓戰術組合更加豐富。然而，也有部分玩家認為整體的難度相較前作有所降低，使挑戰性稍顯不足，特別是在後期敵人的AI表現不夠靈活，導致部分戰鬥較為容易。此外，一些技術性問題如載入時間較長、特定場景的視角問題等，也成為玩家反映的缺點。

儘管如此，《瑪利歐+瘋狂兔子 希望之星》仍然被認為是優秀的策略遊戲，成功突破前作的框架，帶來更流暢且富有深度的戰術玩法。對於喜愛戰略遊戲的玩家來說，該作無疑是值得一試的作品，特別是對於喜歡瑪利歐世界觀或幽默風格的玩家，更能在這場銀河冒險中感受到獨特的魅力。

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a turn-based strategy game developed in collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo, exclusively released for the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022. As the sequel to the 2017 title Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, the game continues the unique crossover between the Mario universe and the Rabbids franchise while significantly enhancing the combat system, level design, and exploration mechanics, making for a deeper and more engaging experience.

The story takes place in a distant galaxy, where Mario and his companions once again join forces with the Rabbids to battle an evil entity known as Cursa. This mysterious cosmic threat is corrupting the Sparks, unique creatures that are the fusion of Rabbids and Luma from the Mario universe, possessing immense energy. If Cursa gains complete control over the Sparks, the entire galaxy will be plunged into darkness and chaos.

To save the Sparks and thwart Cursa’s sinister plans, Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, and their Rabbid counterparts form an adventurous team. They embark on a journey across multiple planets, liberating the Sparks from Cursa’s grasp and ultimately confronting the villain in a climactic battle to restore peace to the galaxy.

Compared to its predecessor, Sparks of Hope introduces a major overhaul to the combat system. The traditional grid-based, XCOM-style strategy mechanics are replaced with a free-movement tactical system, allowing players to move characters within a designated range rather than being restricted by fixed tiles. This change enhances the fluidity and strategic depth of battles. Additionally, each character wields unique weapons and abilities: Mario can dual-wield blasters for rapid attacks, Luigi specializes in long-range sniping, while Rabbid Peach has healing abilities that benefit the entire team. Players must carefully assemble their squads, considering enemy types and battlefield terrain to maximize their effectiveness.

A standout feature of the game is the Sparks system. By collecting and equipping different Sparks, characters gain special abilities such as elemental attacks, enhanced defenses, or shield buffs. This addition significantly expands tactical possibilities, allowing players to adjust strategies dynamically based on enemy formations and environmental factors. The game also introduces more interactive elements, including jump pads for quick repositioning and destructible cover to shield characters from enemy fire, adding further variety to combat scenarios.

Unlike the linear stage progression of the first game, Sparks of Hope offers a more open-world experience. Players can freely explore different planets, interact with NPCs, complete side quests, uncover hidden treasures, and even engage in real-time battles with world enemies to enhance their characters. Each planet boasts distinct environments and challenges, ranging from icy wastelands and scorching volcanic landscapes to ancient ruins filled with mysteries. The inclusion of puzzle-solving and platforming elements ensures that the game is not just about battles but also delivers a rich sense of exploration and adventure.

The game also incorporates stronger RPG mechanics, allowing characters to gain experience points through combat, level up, and unlock new skills via a skill tree. Players can tailor their team’s growth by enhancing attack power, movement abilities, or unique character skills, providing a more personalized strategic approach.

Upon release, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope received widespread acclaim. Many critics praised its revamped combat system, which offers greater strategic depth and freedom compared to its predecessor. IGN awarded it a 9/10, highlighting its “innovative battle mechanics and charming world design.” Similarly, GameSpot gave it a 9/10, commending its improvements in exploration and level design.

Players appreciated the turn-based combat and open-ended exploration, finding the addition of Sparks a refreshing way to diversify tactics. However, some players noted that the overall difficulty was lower than in the previous game, with late-game enemy AI being less aggressive, making certain battles feel too easy. Technical issues such as long loading times and occasional camera angle problems in specific environments were also among the criticisms.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope remains an outstanding strategy game that successfully expands upon the foundation of its predecessor. It offers a smooth and deeply engaging tactical experience that appeals to strategy enthusiasts. For fans of the Mario universe or those who enjoy humorous and quirky storytelling, this intergalactic adventure provides a uniquely entertaining journey well worth experiencing.