Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle surprised everyone in 2017, when developer Ubisoft Paris delighted us with a mix of whimsical characters, a gorgeous cartoon-like aesthetic, and surprisingly hardcore turn based tactics that could challenge even the most resolute of genre fans.

Fast forward five years, and Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope is here to push the concept even further. We spoke with associate producer Cristina Nava to learn more about this upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive, and she gave us five ways Sparks of Hope is working to surprise players, challenge expectations, and keep the wonder alive.