Princess Peach Showtime: Nintendo Switch Review

Developed by Good-Feel
Published by Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch

For the first time in nearly 19 years, Princess Peach has broken free of Mario's world and got her own lead game.

And while it's not perfect, Princess Peach Showtime will charm many younger players rather than thrill an older generation of gamers.

When Peach is given a flyer for a talent show, she heads to attend, but finds the whole thing is a trap. Evil sorceress Grape launches a takeover of the theatre when she arrives, robbing her of her crown and trapping plenty of innocents within.

However, after meeting the Sparkle Theatre's guardian Stella, Peach is offered a chance to save the day and also perform.

There is a simplicity to Princess Peach Showtime that probably explains why it is more likely to appeal to a younger end audience. With the abilities to transform and also the colourful palette the game simply has a kiddy appeal.

But that's no bad thing.

The whole game romps along as Peach gets to dress up, play other characters and interact with the world around her. And while it does feel like a more female-led take on the Bowser takeovers of Mario's world, there's enough done here to give Peach a feeling of a spinoff rather than a simple pushing to one side.

What's good about it is how immersive it feels and how completely into the notion of performance it dives. From the shining spotlight to various backgrounds, it feels like a theatre show from beginning to end - there's a commitment to the magic here that's truly warranted.

With basic controls and an immense ability to withstand being hit, Princess Peach Showtime is clearly a family game - and with a lack of these generally on the market these days, it's perhaps pertinent that for the first time in 19 years, Peach gets to shine - and thousands of kids will be charmed by her on-stage presence.

From rhythm games to baking, there's something for all the family here - and Nintendo is to be commended for making a game that can be played during a family gaming night.