Welcome, hero!

All Nintendo Switch users looking for a new game should check out Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.

Released on Oct. 20, the game is the sequel to the 2017 game, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Nintendo’s Mario and Ubisoft’s Rabbids come together once again to defeat Cursa, the game’s main antagonist.

The solo action-adventure strategy game was developed by Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Paris and published by Ubisoft for the Switch.

Players have the option to create an account or login with their existing account. Those who created an account can enjoy Ubisoft’s Connect benefits which include unlocking rewards by completing challenges and access to a network of Ubisoft players.

The very first warm-up mission is finding Rabbid Mario’s overalls in trees or bushes. Players can enjoy the nostalgic music of Super Mario 64 – Inside the Castle Walls, as they search the exterior of the castle.

Upon completion, things take a turn, as a large flying manta ray, Manta, flies over and plagues the castle with Darkmess. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and their Rabbid counterparts, Beep-0 and Starburst, watch as Manta flies over, absorbing Rabbid Peach. In an attempt to save her, Mario and Rabbid Peach are transported into another dimension.

Players will have to explore and get through five planets — Beacon Beach, Pristine Peaks, Palette Prime, Terra Flora and Barrendale Mesa —  before saving the galaxy.

The graphics of the game are pretty good, along with the animations, sound effects and music.

Throughout the game, players have the option to choose from nine different characters — Mario, Luigi, Peach, Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Luigi and Rabbid Peach. Those who excel at the game can later unlock new characters such as Edge, Rabbid Rosalina and Bowser.

After completing the first three warm-up rounds, players can choose from three levels of difficulty for the first mission.

Players who are new to the game may want to choose relaxed. Those with a bit more experience can choose average, and those who are up to the challenge can choose demanding. If it gets too hard, don’t worry, players can change their minds throughout the game.

After defeating Wildclaw on the first planet, Beacon Beach, players will unlock Edge. Upon this, players will be able to compete against enemies with a trio, instead of a duo.

A piece of advice, make sure to take cover before attacking your opponents. Once you attack, you can no longer move to seek cover, so choose wisely. This is something players can enjoy, as it makes one think strategically.

Overall, the sequel is one that any Mario fan can enjoy. It is certainly a switch from typical Mario platform games. Having to think strategically may frustrate players, but nonetheless, it is worth playing.

Players can purchase the game physically or digitally for $59.99.