Princess Peach: Showtime! is an action-adventure game developed by Good-Feet and published by Nintendo. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Princess Peach Showtime! Review Overview
What is Princess Peach Showtime!?
Princess Peach Showtime! is an action-adventure game starring the Mario franchise’s most beloved royalty, Princess Peach! She visits the Sparkle Theatre after receiving a flyer; eager to enjoy a night of captivating plays. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when the sinister Wicked Grape and her sour army, the Sour Branch, launch a surprise attack, trapping Peach and the theater's performers inside. With the aid of Stella, the guardian of the theater, Peach must take center stage and rescue her fellow captives. After all, the show must go on in this thrilling tale, and Princess Peach is ready to steal the spotlight!
Princess Peach Showtime! features:
⚫︎ The first game to feature Princess Peach as the Main Character since 2005
⚫︎ Showstopping New Power-ups and Transformations
⚫︎ Customization Options to Personalize Peach’s Outfits
⚫︎ Action-Adventure Platformer With Theatre-Inspired Levels
⚫︎ Unique Mini-Games For Every Stage
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Princess Peach Showtime!'s gameplay and story.
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Switch |
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| $59.99 | |||||
Princess Peach Showtime! Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Bedazzling Wardrobe Fits Set Designs are Suberb and Stay True to the Concepts Lots of Fun and Unique Gameplay Variety Creative and Fun Boss Fights |
A Tad Bit Too Easy Some Noticeable Frame Rate and Resolution Issues Forgettable Music |
Princess Peach Showtime! Overall Score - 80/100
Let's give a standing ovation to Princess Peach Showtime! Peach gracefully takes the limelight once more after 18 years, this time without Mario by her side. While it doesn't stray far from the familiar Mario formula and encounters some frame rate hiccups, the game dazzles with its theatrical flair and diverse mini-game-like gameplay. Peach truly shines as the star of the show, effortlessly slipping into a variety of roles with charm and finesse. It's clear she was born to be the leading lady! This game is a Broadway show like no other, and here’s hoping for more leading roles for Peach in the future.
Princess Peach Showtime! Story - 7/10
The storyline takes a refreshing twist from the traditional Mario narratives. Here, Princess Peach isn't waiting in another castle to be rescued by Mario; instead, she takes charge as the fearless leading lady. Trapped within the confines of a theater by the villainous Wicked Grape, Peach showcases her independence and bravery as she battles against evil forces. It's a simple yet empowering tale where Peach shines as the star of the show, and the structured play-like narrative adds an extra layer of charm to the adventure.
Princess Peach Showtime! Gameplay - 9/10
While Princess Peach Showtime! may lean towards the easier side of gameplay, its charm lies in the diverse range of mechanics presented in each stage. Unlike traditional Mario platformers, where the formula can feel repetitive, this game injects creativity by tailoring Peach's abilities to suit the unique themes of each stage. From traversing the festival of sweets to overcoming ninjas in the land of the rising sun, the gameplay remains engaging and full of theatrical surprises.
Princess Peach Showtime! Visuals - 9/10
This game dazzles players with its stunning visual presentation, highlighted by its creative use of lighting. Each stage is meticulously crafted to resemble a high-budget theater production, immersing players in a world of theatrical grandeur. Peach herself shines as a versatile actress, effortlessly embodying each role bestowed upon her with grace and style. However, the visual spectacle is occasionally marred by frame rate drops and occasional dips in resolution, detracting slightly from an otherwise captivating experience.
Princess Peach Showtime! Audio - 6/10
This is definitely the weakest aspect of the game. While not necessarily problematic, it remains rather mediocre, with only a few standout tracks scattered throughout. Additionally, the lack of substantial dialogue from Peach herself, limited to occasional one-liners and grunts, feels like a missed opportunity.
Princess Peach Showtime! Value for Money - 9/10
Princess Peach Showtime! shines as a refreshing addition to the Mario franchise, offering Princess Peach the spotlight she deserves. Despite being relatively easy, the game boasts enjoyable gameplay and enough collectibles to justify its price tag. It's a perfect choice for young gamers, particularly young girls eager for a chance to play as the beloved badass princess.
Princess Peach Showtime! Review: A Round of Applause, Peach!
It's been a thrilling wait to see Princess Peach reclaim her rightful place in the limelight, free from being relegated to a mere side character or a damsel in distress. As a long-time fan of Peach, I was ecstatic to hear about her standalone game, and the fact that it's set in a theater only heightened my excitement.
Being a thespian myself since the age of 15, I had lofty expectations for this game, and I'm delighted to say that this game gave an outstanding performance. But let's not jump the gun; let's break this down into acts and begin with the story.
Act 1: The Story is Charmingly Simple
Even within its simple premise of Peach's entrapment in a theater play and her subsequent quest to rescue her fellow cast from the clutches of the villainous Grape, the game is surprisingly more story-driven than most Mario games except of course Paper Mario or Mario RPG. Here, Peach's character shines, showcasing her versatility and depth beyond the archetype of a damsel in distress.
She effortlessly transitions from a graceful princess to a formidable kung-fu master, revealing facets of her personality rarely explored in previous Mario games. This dynamic portrayal is complemented by her charming ribbon co-star, Stella, adding an extra layer of charisma and adorableness to the narrative. The story may be simple, but its charm and entertainment value kept me hooked until the curtains closed.
Act 2: A Visual Feast With Some Wardrobe and Stage Malfunctions
Whoever conceptualized the stages and their themes clearly had a deep understanding of theater or a profound passion for it, as the game exudes the grandeur of a theatrical production. Each stage feels dynamic and meticulously crafted, reminiscent of the elaborate sets and props seen in theater plays. From cardboard-like trees to characters suspended by strings, the environments perfectly capture the essence of theater.
Despite occasional frame rate drops and low resolution, the theater theme remains prominent, accentuated by fantastical elements characteristic of the Mario franchise. Every stage is visually stunning and complements Peach's vast array of costumes, each more incredible-looking than the last. Did I mention that Peach’s outfit is customizable?
Let's not forget about Peach's customizable outfits! Although it's limited to her default Princess dress and Stella the ribbon, it's still a delightful feature to see Peach adorned in various looks and patterns.
Act 3: Gameplay Alone Makes it Worth Checking Out
I really adore how this game transforms each stage into a unique mini-game experience. While the ultimate goal remains the same - completing the stage - each one offers a fresh and engaging gameplay mechanic. Gone are the repetitive Mario levels we're accustomed to; instead, we're treated to diverse challenges that keep the gameplay feeling exciting and new.
Whether it's engaging in combat as Swordfighter Peach or getting creative in the kitchen as Patissiere Peach, each stage offers a distinct experience tailored to its genre. The gameplay feels cohesive and purposeful, tied together by the overarching theater theme.
It's like witnessing a variety show starring Peach herself, showcasing the breadth of her acting talents. It's an absolute blast to play through.
Outside of replaying the main stages, there's plenty more to do in Princess Peach Showtime! You can engage in rehearsals, which involve revisiting specific sections of stages and completing tasks within a time limit. For example, Swordfighter Peach might need to defeat a set number of opponents within a certain time frame.
These rehearsals offer rewards like additional currency, making them worthwhile endeavors. Additionally, there are exciting boss battles and new levels to unlock in the basement area. While the game leans towards the easier side, its diverse gameplay and charming presentation make it a worthwhile experience. Here's hoping for future DLC or perhaps…an encore in the form of a sequel!
Pros of Princess Peach Showtime!
| Things Princess Peach Showtime! Got Right |
|---|
|
Bedazzling Wardrobe Fits Set Designs are Suberb and Stay True to the Concepts Lots of Fun and Unique Gameplay Variety Creative and Fun Boss Fights |
Bedazzling Wardrobe Fits
Peach showcases a remarkable sense of style with her diverse wardrobe changes. It’s fascinating and adorable to see how each costume brings out a different facet of her personality, almost as if she's embodying different characters on stage. Among my favorites are Ninja Peach, Dashing Thief Peach, and Detective Peach, as Peach exudes confidence and charm in each role. As a thief, she becomes more daring and adventurous, while as a detective, she becomes clever and inquisitive, adding depth to her overall character.
The customization options for her iconic toadstool dress, with different patterns and styles, are a welcome addition, although I wish we could also customize her stage outfits. Nevertheless, the costumes are visually stunning and complement both Peach and the stages she graces. It's refreshing to see these outfits featured across various stages, adding consistency and flair to Peach's performances.
Set Designs are Suberb and Stay True to the Concepts
The incorporation of theater elements into the visuals of Princess Peach Showtime! is nothing short of brilliant. Instead of taking the easy route, the developers stayed true to the theater concept, resulting in sets that are nothing short of spectacular. From the elegant opening of the curtains to the intricate details of the props and backgrounds, every aspect feels meticulously crafted, akin to the work of a seasoned set designer.
However, what truly sets this game apart is its masterful use of lighting. The strategic placement of stage lights adds depth and atmosphere to each scene, elevating both the visuals and the gameplay. Particularly noteworthy are the stages featuring Swordfighter Peach and Figure Skater Peach, which not only showcase the importance of lighting in theater but also evoke the magical atmosphere of a Disney on Ice performance.
Lots of Fun and Unique Gameplay Variety
This game is like a treasure trove of mini-games, with each stage offering a distinct experience that keeps things fresh and exciting. It's remarkable how seamlessly the variety is integrated, ensuring that no two stages feel alike. While all the stages are engaging, some definitely stand out. Personally, I found Detective Peach's gameplay reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series, with its focus on sleuthing and uncovering clues, to be particularly captivating.
On the other hand, Kung-Fu Peach showcases a more aggressive side of our protagonist, delivering exhilarating beat-em-up action that's a joy to play. From the culinary challenges of Patisserie Peach to the stealthy maneuvers of Ninja Peach, each stage offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience. I'd love to personally see these costumes make appearances for Peach elsewhere in the franchise!
Creative and Fun Boss Fights
Princess Peach Showtime! boasts a diverse lineup of bosses, each offering a unique and creative challenge. From parrying attacks to chasing bosses in scrolling camera sequences, the game introduces a variety of innovative boss battles that stand out even within the expansive Mario franchise. With their distinct mechanics and memorable designs, these bosses add depth and excitement to the gameplay experience, further solidifying the game's appeal to players of all ages.
Cons of Princess Peach Showtime!
| Things That Princess Peach Showtime! Can Improve |
|---|
|
A Tad Bit Too Easy Some Noticeable Frame Rate and Resolution Issues Forgettable Music |
A Tad Bit Too Easy
In the words of LE SSERAFIM, this game is EASY, and in the spirit of Hamilton, it won't leave you feeling HELPLESS like say, a Dark Souls game would. While it may not be DEFYING GRAVITY or a particular challenge to the conventions of Mario's typical ease, it certainly leans into the easier side of things more than a typical Mario game. Even for a child, this game might seem like a walk in the park. I wouldn't suggest picking up the charm that grants you three extra hearts because, frankly, you won't need it.
Some Noticeable Frame Rate and Resolution Issues
I sincerely hope the developers address this issue soon, as it can be quite bothersome, particularly during loading screens or intense boss battles. While it's not a major hindrance to the overall gameplay, it does disrupt the immersion from time to time. It's uncommon to encounter frame rate drops in a Mario game, so it's definitely something that needs attention.
Forgettable Music
Given the theatrical theme of this game, I expected a bit more. It was disappointing to find that the music here is rather average, with only a few catchy tunes to speak of. I had hoped for a full immersion into the theater experience with grand opera or classical melodies, or even spoken dialogue incorporated into the music. The exception to this is Mermaid Peach's stages, where we get a glimpse of this potential, but even then, it's not particularly memorable. It's a missed opportunity, especially when considering the memorable themes found in other Mario titles like "Jump Up, Superstar" from Mario Odyssey.
Is Princess Peach Showtime! Worth It?
Yes!
Princess Peach: Showtime! delivers a captivating performance that kept me engaged from Act 1 right through to the final curtain call. Despite being very easy, its $60 price tag is justified by the sheer entertainment it provides. With its imaginative and engaging gameplay, the game truly allows Princess Peach to shine like the star she is. Bravo, indeed!
Princess Peach Showtime! is now available on the Nintendo eShop for $59.99.
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switch |
|||||
| $59.99 | |||||
Princess Peach Showtime! FAQ
Does Princess Peach Showtime! Use Unreal Engine?
Yes, Princess Peach Showtime! marks the second Mario game to use Unreal Engine, following in the footsteps of "Yoshi's Crafted World." It stands as the third Nintendo title to utilize this engine, succeeding "Pikmin 4." Specifically, this game uses Unreal Engine 4.
What Are All the New Transformations of Peach?
⚫︎ Swordfighter Peach
⚫︎ Detective Peach
⚫︎ Patissiere Peach
⚫︎ Ninja Peach
⚫︎ Cowgirl Peach
⚫︎ Figure Skater Peach
⚫︎ Dashing Thief Peach
⚫︎ Mermaid Peach
⚫︎ Mighty Peach
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Princess Peach Showtime! Product Information
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| Title | PRINCESS PEACH SHOWTIME |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 22, 2024 |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Supported Platforms | Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | ESRB E 10+ |
| Official Website | - |
