Princess Peach: Showtime! Review

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Release: March 22, 2024
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Reviews, Switch Reviews
PEGI: 7
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Princess Peach finally takes center stage in “Princess Peach: Showtime!”, a delightful but uneven platformer for the Nintendo Switch. This game marks Peach’s first solo adventure in nearly two decades, and while it doesn’t quite hit a standing ovation, it’s a charming and colorful romp that’s sure to entertain younger gamers and some curious adults.

A flyer lands in the Mushroom Kingdom, piquing Peach’s interest in a show at the legendary Sparkle Theater. She sets off with some Toads for a fun night out. Disaster strikes during the performance! A villainous sorceress named Madame Grape and her sour-faced minions, the Sour Bunch, invade the theater and turn the show upside down. In the ensuing mayhem, Peach gets separated from her friends and encounters Stella, the guardian spirit of the theater. Stella reveals the importance of the Sparkle Theater and pleads with Peach to help. Thus begins Peach’s heroic journey! She teams up with Stella to navigate through the theater’s many themed floors. Each floor features a different play overtaken by the Sour Bunch, requiring Peach to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and even participate in the performances to progress. Along the way, Peach discovers a magical ribbon from Stella that grants her various theatrical-based abilities. She can swing from curtains, unleash soundwave attacks, and use props to her advantage. By rescuing the imprisoned stars of each play, the Sparklas, Peach gathers allies and weakens Grape’s influence.

Showtime!’s biggest strength lies in its presentation. The game world is brought to life with a vibrant theatrical theme. Levels resemble elaborate stage sets, complete with shifting scenery, costume changes for Peach, and even the occasional spotlight. It’s a joy to explore these environments, and the constant genre-switching keeps things visually interesting. One moment you might be scaling a glittery skyscraper as Mighty Peach, the next you’ll be gliding across the ice as Figure Skater Peach.

Peach’s repertoire of costumes isn’t just for show; each one grants her unique abilities. The aforementioned Mighty Peach can punch through obstacles and unleash powerful jumps, while Baker Peach can whip up bombs and exploding cupcakes. These abilities are well-integrated into the level design, encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Unfortunately, Showtime!’s greatest weakness lies in its accessibility. The difficulty curve is incredibly gentle, with very few opportunities to truly challenge yourself. While this makes the game perfect for younger players, seasoned platforming veterans might find the experience a bit too easy. Boss battles, in particular, feel like glorified cutscenes with minimal challenge.

Performance can also be a bit of a letdown. The frame rate occasionally dips during more chaotic moments, and the controls can feel a tad sluggish at times. While these issues aren’t game-breaking, they do detract from the overall polish of the experience.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is a game brimming with charm and creativity. The theatrical presentation is a joy to behold, and the variety of costumes keeps the gameplay fresh. However, the easy difficulty and occasional technical hiccups hold it back from being a truly great title. If you’re looking for a delightful and accessible platformer for a younger gamer, or simply a charming diversion for yourself, then Showtime! is worth a look. Just don’t expect a curtain call for the ages.

Trailer