Princess Peach: Showtime!
MSRP $60.00
“Princess Peach: Showtime! is a charming start to a new series, even if it feels like a dress rehearsal for the real show.”
Pros
- Inventive powers
- Lots of collectibles
- Charming visual touches
Cons
- A few dud abilities
- Slow pace hurts level replays
- Underused theater gimmick
The Nintendo Switch’s life may be moving towards its end, but Princess Peach: Showtime! arrives at the dawn of a new era. The Mario series is experiencing a renaissance, and Nintendo is capitalizing on its success. With a flood of game ports, remakes, and spinoffs, the Mario universe is expanding, preparing its heroes for their Hollywood spotlights. It’s showtime for these once sidekick characters.
Princess Peach’s first solo adventure since 2006 is essential in establishing her as a central character in the series. While Princess Peach: Showtime! may not be the most thrilling spinoff, it gives Princess Peach the spotlight she deserves, showcasing her personality beyond the typical damsel in distress role. This foundational move sets the stage for further character development, positioning Peach as a mainstream role model.
As the first installment in a new series, Princess Peach: Showtime! is a solid foundation despite its unevenness. It offers a creative and endearing adventure tailored for young audiences, allowing Peach to shine. However, the game’s underutilized theater gimmick and simplistic gameplay suggest it is still in the early stages, serving as a warm-up before the main event.
The many roles of Princess Peach
Princess Peach: Showtime! is a puzzle-platformer with a creative twist. Trapped in a theater controlled by the sorceress Grape, Peach must navigate a series of plays to save the acting troupe. Each play she stars in unlocks a new power, providing variety throughout the game’s runtime. The initial stages of each power offer a delightful experience, showcasing Peach’s versatility and charm.
Each power introduces a unique gameplay mechanic, reminiscent of minigame gimmicks expanded into full-fledged levels. The variety and charm of each power add a layer of fun to the platforming experience. While some powers lose momentum in later stages and others fall short as duds, overall, Princess Peach: Showtime! delivers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience.
Princess Peach: Showtime! is designed as a kid-friendly game, emphasizing simplicity and repetition to cater to its young audience. While this design choice may not appeal to older players, it creates a breezy and charming adventure suitable for younger gamers. The collectibles and hidden stars scattered throughout each level offer value and incentive for exploration.
Despite its minor flaws and the need for refinement, Princess Peach: Showtime! serves as a promising introduction to a new series. By giving Princess Peach a platform to shine, the game sets the stage for her growth as a character and role model. With further development, Princess Peach is poised to steal the show in future installments.
Princess Peach: Showtime! was tested on a Nintendo Switch OLED in handheld mode and on a TCL 6-Series R635 when docked.
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