Stuff Verdict

a fairly brief and unchallenging solo outing, but transformations make Princess Peach: Showtime! one that remains fun and fresh throughout.

Pros

Transformations add a lot of variety

Very easy to play, so ideal for younger gamers

Imaginative bosses – and refreshingly no Bowser

Cons

Not one of the Switch’s graphical showcases

over a bit too quickly

Customisation options aren’t very compelling

Princess Peach has been around for nearly as long as video games have, but hasn’t always had the best time of it. Whenever Mario heads off on another adventure, it’s usually because poor old Peach has been kidnapped again. And while Bowser’s mediocre villainy track record means she probably doesn’t get too worried, it can’t be much fun either. More of a goal than a character in her own right. 

But we appear to be entering a new Peach era. The Mushroom Kingdom’s most famous monarch was as much as an action hero in The Super Mario Bros. Movie as the titular plumber. Anything but a damsel in distress, it’s unlikely Nintendo’s moustachioed mascot would’ve got far without her help. Roll on a year and Peach now stars in her own game (the first since 2005), and neither Mario nor his arch nemesis have been invited.