Nintendo’s leading heroes aren’t always wearing overalls or green tunics. They can also don power suits or casual red ties. But rarely, do they wear dresses. Princess Peach, gaming’s infamous damsel, has been slowly entering the limelight. Between joining the boys in recent Mario platformers like Wonder and 3D World, she embarks on an adventure of her own. Does the princess exude royal excellence? After playing two or so hours of the Princess Peach Showtime!, the answer is quite dazzling.

Taking off the Crown – Premise of Princess Peach Showtime!

Princess Peach receives an invitation to some performances at the Sparkle Theater. Naturally, the Princess takes her much needed break and is set to enjoy the show. The dastardly Sour Bunch cause mayhem and the royal finds herself trapped in the theater itself.

The theaters ribbon-themed guardian Stella asks for help to save the day. Peach offers to help and the duo venture through various plays to defeat this group of sour grapes.

What makes the premise itself exciting is how it transforms gameplay, as Peach dons various costumes. Embodying the spirit of various roles of the plays, she gets new abilities every level.

Donning Masks – Gameplay/Level Design

Starting a level, Peach usually starts out without any special abilities. She can jump and attack using Stella. Using Stella’s attack, Peach can interact with NPC’s and objects. It can double as an attack, fending off any Sour Batch fends in her way.

Every level mixes Peach’s moveset up, with the princess embodying the role of a hero of each show. She could be a heroic Sword Fighter, a rope-throwing Cowgirl, and many more roles.

Each role takes the simple two-button control set up and adds gameplay variety. In many ways, it channels the spirit of games like Kirby or more fittingly, the developers prior Yoshi titles.

The limited challenge comes from finding every Sparkle. They can be awarded for completing challenges, finding them hidden in plain sight or by collecting fragments ala Red Coin challenges in Mario 64. They keep the action moving and by collecting a specific amount, you can access the floors boss encounter.

Gotta Look the Part – Progression/Rewards of Princess Peach Showtime!

Peach uses the Sparkles collected to access the boss on each theater floor. I only completed one boss so far, which required one third of the Sparkles I collected (I had 30 or so). The boss itself was quite engaging, playing with the 2D and gravity mechanics.

In addition to Sparkle, Peach also collects currency, which can be used to buy dresses and ribbons. They change up the looks of both herself and Stella.

You can also earn these cosmetic rewards through challenges and gameplay progression, making them enjoyable bonuses.

Colorful, Expired Make-Up – Presentation

Princess Peach: Showtime! has a bright, vibrant art direction that makes every level pop off the screen in docked mode. Animations are expressive and show off Peach’s vibrant personality as well.

This title is one that shows the Switch’s age. Loading screens stutter and minor drops are apparent. And when playing in Portable Mode, the resolution takes a noticeable hit.

Overall Thoughts on Princess Peach Showtime!

While I have plenty of more game left to play, my time with Princess Peach: Showtime! surprised me. I originally got the title in the heat of the moment, picking it up on my way to Sacred Symbols 300 during the games launch event at the Nintendo Store.

But playing it for over two or so hours, I am having a great time with it. Channeling the timeless nature of Nintendo classics before it, the game is a quality adventure kids of all ages can enjoy.

Expect a full review here at Lords of Gaming in the future.

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