Our toadstool princess has finally gotten a game of her own and she's taking on all sorts of roles to save Sparkle Theater. Princess Peach Showtime takes the traditional sidescroller to the theater for one fun, family-friendly adventure!
Thank you to Nintendo for sending over the game. All opinions are our own.
Princess Peach Showtime Review
Each Super Mario Bros. spinoff game gives its leads a special job. Luigi hunts ghosts, Captain Toad finds treasure, and Yoshi is just super cute no matter what he is doing. But what about Princess Peach? She's just as iconic as the plumbers and their dinosaur so what could her special ability be? 35 years ago, Peach became a playable character in Super Mario Bros. 2. Then 19 years ago, Nintendo released Super Princess Peach, a game that saw her saving Mario and Luigi instead of being the damsel. Now she's back in Princess Peach: Showtime! And Nintendo has given her the roles of a lifetime.
Fans of the Toadstool Kingdom's Monarch will be delighted that she truly gets room to shine in this game. She is a real hero, one that can do it all, with some of the most awesome outfit changes out there. Sorry Mario, your Raccoon and Cat suit transformations are no longer the coolest. One minute she's a chef the next a super sleuth detective before taking to the ice as a figure skater. Then there is my personal favorite– Ninja Peach, and that's just a small taste of what awaits in Showtime. Rated E for everyone, the game is accessible for all skill types which makes it a great pick for families and anyone looking for a fun gaming experience. Heavy emphasis on fun.
The theater setting for this game makes it unique and utterly delightful. Here, there is no threat of Bowser, no need to climb flagpoles or use a fire flower. Showtime's story begins with Peach going to the Sparkle Theater to enjoy a play or two. But unfortunately, a nefarious Madame Grape and her minions have taken over the place, capturing the Theets (little creatures that run the show) in order to turn everything into a tragedy. Teaming up with the magical Stella, Peach takes on the power of each main character of the plays (10 in total) in order to defeat Grape and save the theater.
Gameplay
Animated cutscenes show Peach transforming like Cinderella meets Sailor Moon, showing off her new accessories like a magnifying glass, kunai, skates, and more. With each costume change, Peach gains a new set of abilities. That means she is sneaking through the grass or along walls to attack baddies with her kunai blades or going under the sea to swim her way to victory. Each floor of the theater consists of 4 plays that need Peach's help. Each play tells a story across three acts, giving Peach new abilities to use. They all feature distinctive sets and music to fit whatever the theme happens to be. Because of that, every new area feels distinct from the others ensuring that Showtime never feels boring.
During the 8 hour-ish campaign, Peach transforms into 10 new versions of herself: Swordfighter, Ninja, Patissiere, Detective, Figure Skater, Kung Fu, Mighty (Metroid anyone?!), Cowgirl, Dashing Thief, and Mermaid. Peach fights, bakes, lassos, leaps, detects and more as she works through each floor and the plays that are featured. As she goes she collects “sparkles” used to unlock the boss battles. A lot of these sparkles are attained by using her powers to make flowers grow, save Theets, or successfully defeating enemies. Some however are hidden in the level and you have to know where to look and when to press ZL or ZR to access the secret areas. Hint: Look for seemingly random “spotlights” on the stage. Remember you're part of the show!
Gameplay utilizes two buttons (attack and jump) along with the analog stick to move her throughout the levels. Boss battles are fairly easygoing, as this is a game made with all ages in mind. For any levels that seem super difficult, the game gives you an option to spend coins to complete them. For most players, this isn't necessary but it's nice to have for the youngest members of the family. After all, Peach can handle five hits (or eight with the optional Heart Charm that is freely given from the start) before the game over screen pops up.
Graphics
Showtime takes what I love about theater and games and combines it into one. Every level leans into the idea that this is a theatrical production. Peach always has a spotlight on her as the main character. As you move around you interact with cardboard props and experience rotating stages, where the camera doesn't move but the scenery does. The backgrounds also have a homemade feel, as if you are watching a local high school or community theater play. One of the coolest details is that some of the characters are clearly puppets, moved around by the strings attached to them. And I would be remiss to all my fellow thespians if I didn't mention that one of the bosses looks like Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. The designers really thought of everything.
Every time a new transformation is introduced is exciting. Peach arrives in her iconic dress (which can be slightly customized in the theater gift shop) before getting acquainted with what is happening. Then Stella pops in and gives our girl the outfit she needs to complete the mission. Whenever she returns to a role, the transformations are shorter, another nod to the way theater works in the real world. None of the levels overstay their welcome but there are several I wish had more stages to play on. As to be expected on an almost 8 year old gaming system, the graphics aren't always the crispest. It's more so noticeable in certain cutscenes but it doesn't really detract from your overall enjoyment of the game.
Verdict
Despite minimal controls which will not be challenging for more experienced gamers, Princess Peach: Showtime! is a lot of fun. The theatrical setting and different costumes make each stage feel unique, almost like playing several mini-games inside a larger one. There are so many smaller details that it will take more than one play through in order to spot them all. Some of my favorite moments playing happened while observing how Peach moved within the set pieces. Such as when Ninja Peach pulls out a piece of wallpaper to sneak past a bad guy but when she gets caught turns into a piece of bamboo and rolls back to safety. Or when Swordfighter Peach does an embellished pose after fencing with an enemy.
Princess Peach: Showtime! is the game I wish I had as a kid. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed playing as Mario, Luigi, and even Yoshi (Yoshi's Island is iconic) but I always wanted something more for Peach than just floating through the air. Showtime not only gives Peach the spotlight but also lets her have something that is wholly unique. Aside from scratching an itch for gamers like myself, Showtime is a platformer the whole family can enjoy no matter their skill level. It's entertaining, lovingly detailed, and above all fun. Nintendo has certainly put on a great show with this one and I hope Peach gets another game like it soon.
Princess Peach: Showtime! is available now wherever games are sold.
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