Since 2005, we’ve been able to play as Peach exclusively in her own game. She was previously known as Princess Toadstool. Princess Peach Showtime has a unique adventure and a lot of interesting mechanics. However, it doesn’t reach the same platforming levels as other Nintendo characters.
The overall concept of Showtime is one highlight. It creates a visually interesting world which can look and feel different from level to level, but maintains a constant and inviting style. The Sour Bunch attacks a theatre while you are watching a performance. Their motives may not be important. Peach, who is present and able to do so, is given the task of restoring everything back to normal.
Every level is designed to fit the theme of the play. A spotlight follows Peach’s progress, new set pieces are used as markers, and the strings hanging from the ceiling make it look like elements are floating in the air. Even though the themes are repeated, it’s fun to see how each new set looks. However, Peach’s costumes changes take center stage.
Peach’s costumes are varied and each one has a different ability. They aren’t all the best, but they all work. The ninja outfit is my favorite, with its easy combat and silly stealth. But I also found costumes like detectives to be difficult to operate. Costumes like the cowboy and dashing thief, which both cast a rope with grappling guns, feel completely different because of the levels in which they’re placed.
Showtime is a simple game by design, so it’s not that the game was difficult. But I found certain jumps or minigames frustrating to complete. Showtime was designed to be an easy-to-play game, but I did find certain jumps and minigames frustrating. The game is a good first one for new players to play with their parents, but it has some areas where you have to be careful to timing your attacks or jumps. It is a difficult challenge that’s not too hard for beginners, but also not too easy for veterans.
Also, the rewards of collecting coins are disappointing. The levels were fun to watch Peach in different styles and outfits, but I was disappointed that the only unlockable options outside of the levels involved different patterns for Peach’s iconic dress. There aren’t any options to choose from for different styles of dress.
Showtime’s performance also distracted me at times. This game is not very good at maintaining frame rates. I would prefer 60 frames per second, but I will accept 30 as long as they are consistent. It’s not uncommon for Showtime to lag, but it doesn’t happen often. It happens when the game is relaxed in the main halls of the cinema. Showtime, a console-wide problem that is becoming more commonplace on the Switch’s hardware, is another example.
Princess Peach Showtime is a good first game, especially for younger Peach fans. But older Nintendo gamers who are looking for a Princess equivalent to a Kirby-style platformer may be disappointed. The game’s style is impressive, and it has a thrilling ending, as Nintendo would have you believe. Just wish that the level of difficulty was more evenly distributed.