Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Peach proves there's more to her than gowns and crowns.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Princess Peach Showtime!
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
PRINCESS PEACH SHOWTIME! begins with Nintendo's famous princess visiting a renowned theater, hoping to take in a play or two. But when she arrives she discovers that it's been taken over by the villainous Grape. Grape's minions have kicked the actors off all the stages and taken their places, turning every story into a tragedy. The theater's residents and performers -- called Theets -- enlist Peach's help, asking her to star in each play and bring back their happy endings. That means Peach gets to take on a lot of different roles. She becomes a cowgirl, a figure skater, a singing mermaid, a ninja, and a sci-fi hero, among other personas. And each role gives her special powers. As a detective, she examines crime scenes, looks for clues, and makes deductions. As a chef, she puts together delicious food. As a sword fighter, she duels onstage enemies. As Peach works her way through each of the shows, she unlocks new gowns and ribbons for herself and her helpful friend, Stella the Star.
Is It Any Good?
It's nice to see Peach given the spotlight, and even nicer that she's doing it in such a fun and unique adventure. Princess Peach: Showtime! makes the most of its theatrical theme. There are all sorts of clever indications that she's in a play, from cardboard cutout props to audience applause at the end of each show. And the stuff players do in each show is wonderfully varied. You'll be lassoing bad guys one minute and stealthily sneaking past them as a ninja the next. Plus, levels are short and sweet, so there's little chance to grow bored.
It all comes together in a very cheerful and accessible package. The story is filled with themes of positivity and empowerment, showing players that girls can do anything they want and can have plenty of fun while doing it. It's perhaps a smidge easy, even for younger players, but this isn't the sort of game played for a challenge. The activities are meant to be cool, imaginative, and entertaining rather than difficult. Princess Peach Showtime! doesn't exactly break the mold for action and adventure games, but it does give Nintendo fans a fun way to spend a little more time with their favorite royal character in a more dynamic way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender roles in games. In the past, Peach was sometimes depicted as a stereotypical damsel-in-distress, but in Princess Peach: Showtime! she's as capable as her male friends Mario and Luigi. What sort of game would you like to see Peach star in next?
Talk about how much time you spend playing games. Princess Peach: Showtime! Is broken into short stages, making it easy to take breaks and do other things. How do you set healthy playtime limits when playing games that don't have as many natural pauses?
In this game, Princess Peach shows perseverance and empathy. Why are these important character strengths?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Pricing structure: Paid ($59.99)
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: March 22, 2024
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Empathy , Perseverance
- ESRB rating: E for Fantasy Violence
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 23, 2024
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