Princess Peach: Showtime! Review
Finally, Princess Peach takes center stage. No longer just Mario’s damsel in distress, she stars in her own game, Princess Peach: Showtime!. While it may lack depth, it’s an appealing and enjoyable platformer that’s sure to make you smile.
The story begins with Princess Peach’s theatre outing being interrupted by a masked villain. The actors are kidnapped, and Peach is locked in the theatre. It’s up to her to save the day by taking on leading roles in various plays, rescuing the actors, and ultimately defeating the villain.
The premise is a bit absurd, but it works. Levels are short, around 10 minutes each, and vary greatly because Peach assumes the roles of the actors she’s saving. One moment she’s a swashbuckling swordswoman, the next a ninja, or a master baker making beautiful cakes, or a superhero fighting bad guys.
Peach can transform into 10 different roles, and although she revisits them, they’re mixed up enough to keep things fresh. Each role comes with new skills and level designs. As a baker, levels focus on decorating cakes, while as a kung fu master, Peach kicks her way through enemies. As a ninja, she hides in shadows and strikes at the right moment.
Many roles emphasize timing. Sword fighting involves parrying enemy attacks, while as a thief, Peach dodges searchlights. Boss fights appear every few levels, each unique, often requiring trial and error. Typically, you dodge attacks, strike back, and repeat until the boss is defeated.
The game isn’t particularly difficult. Getting hit or caught usually just sets you back a few seconds. Playing through Princess Peach: Showtime! is a laid-back experience, best enjoyed in short sessions.
Visually, the game is stunning. Peach’s outfits are well-designed, but the environments truly stand out. Each level resembles a play, with props like cardboard cut-out buildings and foliage, reminiscent of Yoshi’s Woolly World. It may not be as adorable, but it still looks fantastic.
The main issue is the premise. Peach taking on multiple actor roles rather than being herself implies she can only fight bad guys in a make-believe setting. Why couldn’t the Mushroom Kingdom be in danger on Mario and Luigi’s day off instead? Nintendo should show little girls they can be just as heroic as their male counterparts, not just in a play.
VERDICT
Princess Peach: Showtime! feels like a safe bet from Nintendo. It’s fun, inventive, and visually impressive. The quirky level designs and Peach’s costumes are charming, but the game doesn’t offer much beyond that. It’s a pretty, if shallow, Nintendo adventure best played in 30-minute bursts.