Princess Peach Takes the Stage in Princess Peach Showtime!
In Princess Peach Showtime!, the beloved Nintendo princess finally steps into the spotlight. Known for her recurring role alongside Mario and Luigi, Peach has rarely starred in her own game. But now, Princess Peach Showtime on the Nintendo Switch changes that by giving her a stage all her own. This magical theater-themed adventure presents Peach as a multi-talented heroine ready to save the day.
A Simple Story and Sparkling Powers
The story in Princess Peach Showtime is light and approachable. Peach heads to the Sparkle Theater for a day of fun, but trouble arrives when the witch Grape and her masked minions take over the stage. With the help of her star companion, Stella, Peach gains a Sparkle Power that lets her interact with various objects and enemies within the levels, from making flowers bloom to taking down foes. The game’s story may be simple, but it’s brought to life with charming cutscenes and an engaging, playful tone.
A Princess of Many Talents
Developed by Good-Feel, known for games like Yoshi’s Crafted World, Princess Peach Showtime! combines 2D platforming elements with fresh twists that set it apart from traditional jump-and-run games. Peach’s journey spans 30 levels across six floors of the Sparkle Theater, and each floor introduces a new performance style. Peach takes on various costumes—like swordswoman, ninja, cowgirl, and even pastry chef—each giving her unique abilities suited to the specific theme of that level.
These roles add variety to the gameplay, but you can only use one costume per level. Each costume, from decorating cakes as a pastry chef to riding a horse as a cowgirl, offers Peach new abilities that keep gameplay fresh. Some costumes have overlapping mechanics, however, making them feel a bit repetitive. Still, the unique twists and gameplay variations bring surprises, such as an auto-runner sequence as a ninja or guiding fish to open clams as a mermaid.
Fun but Not Too Challenging
Princess Peach Showtime targets a younger audience, and the gameplay reflects this. The game’s mechanics are straightforward, with each costume using just two action buttons, keeping controls simple. While accessible, this simplicity means the controls feel less precise than in Mario’s platformers. Some jumps feel slightly clunky, especially with the game’s fixed camera. Despite minor trial-and-error moments, the game is easy to pick up and provides just enough variety to stay engaging.
Fresh Boss Battles but Short Gameplay
One standout feature in Princess Peach Showtime is its creative boss battles, which come at the end of each theater floor. Each boss fight brings unique, visually fun challenges—such as dodging a disco-ball bird or avoiding the gaze of a deadly snake. These bosses are some of the game’s most enjoyable moments, though there aren’t as many as fans might hope.
With only 30 levels, Princess Peach Showtime feels too short. The main story wraps up in about 6-7 hours, and while there are hidden stars and costume upgrades for completionists to find, the adventure is over too soon. A co-op mode would have also extended the fun, but unfortunately, this adventure remains a solo journey.
A Stylish Adventure with Theater Charm
Princess Peach Showtime brings its theater theme to life with stylishly designed sets and plenty of animated flair. Good-Feel’s attention to detail shines in everything from intricate backgrounds to Peach’s costume designs. Small details, like Ninja Peach breathing through a bamboo shoot underwater, add humor and charm.
However, over time, the theater backgrounds can feel repetitive, and some character animations lack consistency. For instance, Peach’s graceful ice-skating contrasts with more stiff animations in other costumes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the music—complete with tracks tailored to each setting—is delightful.
Final Thoughts on in Princess Peach Showtime!
Princess Peach Showtime is a charming showcase for Peach, offering family-friendly fun with creative levels and an adorable theater theme. While the adventure feels short and some costumes lack depth, younger players and families will enjoy Peach’s magical theater. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another 20 years for Peach’s next starring role.
Get the game here.
