As the world of gaming evolves, developers often have to generate a consistent stream of new content to keep fans interested in releases months after launch. Ubisoft has amply prepared for the post-launch era ofMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, following a roadmap of three DLC parts slated for release at loosely-defined periods of early, mid, and late 2023. The third DLC installment brings a familiar face toMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, with Rayman set to headline the content pack and introduce a generation of players to the franchise where the Rabbids first originated. The Rayman DLC also sets a high bar of expectations for the other expansions to live up to.
Ubisoft reported thatMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeunderperformed in sales, despite its positive reception by the gaming audience. For some reason,Sparks of Hopedidn’t draw the crowd that Ubisoft had come to expect judging from the prequel’s successes, so the slew of new content scheduled to complement the base game needs to have enough depth to turn its fortunes around. The Rayman DLC could strongly bookend these efforts if done right.
RELATED:Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Originally Had Grid-Based Combat
Rayman’s Comeback Could Be The Key to Sparks of Hope’s Success
Ubisoft’s crossover between the popularMarioandRabbidsfranchises has proven to be a perfect blend of cuteness and strategic gameplay since its first title,Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, hit shelves in 2017.Sparks of Hopeis following in the footsteps of the prequel in terms of post-launch content, asKingdom Battlealso had a DLC pack that brought Donkey Kongto the world.
ForSparks of Hope, rather than adopting the main selling point of an alternate storyline seen inKingdom Battle’s Donkey Kong Adventure DLC, Ubisoft is offering its players a host of new opportunities. The first Tower of Doooom DLC will add new Rabbids and a combat mode to the title, whereas the second DLC takes players on a journey to new unannounced environments. The Rayman DLC, scheduled to release in late 2023, appears to be the star of the show for this post-launch era by comparison, with the sense that developers are saving the most attractive content pack for last.
As previously mentioned, the Rabbids shot to international fame with their own long-running franchise after being introduced as antagonists inRayman. Eventually they got their own TV show and took over theRaymanfranchise entirely, with Ubisoft not releasing many titles for the limbless protagonist since. As a result, not many young gamers know the complete backstory of the cute creatures, and bringing Rayman toMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis a fun nod from Ubisoft. Players will follow Rayman as he joins forces withRabbid Mario and Rabbid Peachto take on a mysterious new adventure, according to early teasers.
Sparks of Hope’s DLCs should bring engaging content to fans, and Rayman’s DLC has the highest potential to stick with a growing audience. However, it can’t be the only stand-out content. The first two packs must bring their own unique appeal to not be completely overshadowed, or result in the game dropping off entirely before it gets to Rayman.Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeunderperformed based on expectations, and the game is under a bit of pressure to turn the tide amidUbisoft’s plummeting stock. However, given the quality of previous DLCs in the franchise, players can hopefully expect another batch of top-tier content.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis available now for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:The Case for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC to Bring Back the Yoshis
