Super Princess Peach
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| Super Princess Peach | |
| Developer | TOSE |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | Nintendo DS |
| Release Date | JP October 20, 2005 US February 27, 2006 AU March 30, 2006 EU May 26, 2006 |
| Gallery | GH Gallery |
| Rating | ESRB: E |
Super Princess Peach is a spin-off of the Mario series starring Princess Peach in a platforming adventure that was released for the Nintendo DS.
Story[edit]
Bowser has set up a summer villa on Vibe Island and discovered the Vibe Scepter, a weapon that affects people's emotions. His minions unleash it within Princess Peach's Castle, and with everyone emotionally distressed, the Koopa Troop are able to easily capture Mario, Luigi and various Toads. The only people spared from this ambush are Princess Peach, Toadsworth and several other Toads, who were out on the princess's regular walk.
Though distressed at first, the princess soon decides to set out to rescue the Mario Bros. in return for all the times they rescued her. Toadsworth reluctantly allows her to do so and entrusts her with a mysterious talking umbrella named Perry. Perry acts as Peach's traveling companion, and snippets of his past are revealed throughout the ensuing adventure on Vibe Island.
Gameplay[edit]
The game is a sidescrolling platformer, like the Super Mario games, where Peach navigates her way through levels with the aid of her umbrella weapon as well as her emotional powers. Peach can stun, pick up and toss enemies, similar to the gameplay of the Wario Land games, and Peach has a Zelda-like heart meter. Each level also contains three hidden Toads that Peach can rescue.
One unique addition are her emotional Vibe powers which are activated by tapping one of four heart icons in the touch screen. Rage causes Peach to be surrounded by a fiery aura which destroys nearby enemies and certain obstacles. Gloom makes Peach cry, with her tears being capable of making certain plants grow and allows her to run faster. Joy surrounds her with a cyclone that can clear certain obstacles and allows Peach to fly. Finally, with Calm, Peach will slowly regain health while standing still. The usage of all four vibes are limited by the Vibe Meter, which can be replenished by collecting blue crystals.
Peach also has a variety of other abilities that she can use during the game. Several are available in the beginning, but more can be unlocked by buying them in the Toad Shop. The Toad Shop also sells several power-ups and items for the game's extra features, which are bought using the coins collected in each level. The game also contains several other features, such as a Glossary of enemies, puzzles and a Music Room.
Legacy[edit]
This was notable as the first game starring Princess Peach as the main character. It received some criticism for its low difficulty (though it could be considered to be targeted more towards beginners and casual gamers) and the association of Peach with emotional powers (which games criticized as being an extension of stereotypes involving women and PMS). The game has been referenced in the Super Smash Bros. series through Perry appearing as a trophy and Spirit.
While the game never received a direct sequel (nor any continuation/resolution of Perry's story), Peach would later receive a new spin-off in the form of Princess Peach: Showtime! for the Nintendo Switch in 2024, nearly twenty years after Super Princess Peach. The only connections between the two games are of a general nature: both games star Peach, represent her health through a heart meter and are considered to be simpler than other Mario games.