"Defying the concept of conformity"

What is the norm? Is it what society deems as acceptable? And what if we stray from that norm? Do we become outcasts, misfits, or the misguided? These are questions that arise when we are in the presence of a game like Super Princess Peach. You look at the box cover and you see Peach in it, along with its many bright colors, and what is the first thought that comes to mind? It's for girls. And you would be correct on such a presumption. The sad fact is many people will look at this game and shun it due to its direction and how it strays from the norm. Let me ask you this. If the majority of the population deems theft and arson as the norm would you conform to the majority? For those that are willing to look past society's embedded messages, the answer is obvious. For the rest, well, that is a different story.

At first glance, your average gamer would probably look at Super Princess Peach and proceed to laugh.

Random customer – LOL that game is for girls!
Random customer 2 – Hell Yeah! We're manly men!
Random customer – I know what kinds of games don't let you shoot things?!?!
Random customer 2 - Fo Sho! We play games like 50 Cent!

Sure thing fellas…You guys go ahead with your 50 Cent game. I'll be taking part in a game that has something called fun. This is what is occurring in the gaming community nowadays, where anything that doesn't have blood and violence is deemed as uncool. Well, for those of us who aren't conformists will find much to love in Super Princess Peach. There are no guns involved, and there is no blood to be shed, the only things that this game provides is dynamic and old school gameplay with plenty of fun.

Coming into Princess Peach, several factors became imminent. Nintendo's imprint on 2d platforming would take center stage and the nostalgic theme would be overwhelming. Suffice it to say, these not so transparent factors became quite apparent from the very first stage. While nowhere near as polished as the Nes and Snes Mario Bros. games, this game still has plenty of charm, along with some well developed platforming. Mario enthusiasts would be hard fit to ignore this game.

During game sequences, the player will take Peach onto a journey that isn't befitting of a Princess, but to save Mario and the gang, this beloved Princess is going to have to kick some Koopa Butt! With Mario captured by Bowser and his tyrants, Peach must battle through 8 enemy filled regions to save her man. Luckily for Peach, she is armed with plenty of moves that were no doubt taught by Mario. Essentially it plays like any Mario Bros. games. With Koopas asking for a stomping, a unique use of the stylus that is followed by creative boss fights, and all of it in its 2d goodness, there really isn't much to complain about.

Peach being armed with a stomp, an umbrella, and several upgradeable moves gives added depth to the familiarity of Nintendo's platformers. Like Mario, Peach can stomp on an enemy and proceed to pick it up and toss it. And with shells, the after effects can be devastating, as an impressive pile of enemies could fall before your mighty heiress when you toss it. With a mistimed jump, Peach could take some damage, so the safer bet would be to smack those Koopas silly with your umbrella. But keeping those options open is always a good thing…

As you progress through the game, you will learn new abilities. Whether it is through advancing levels or purchase, these new moves bring depth to the game. But despite its enhanced mechanics, the relative ease negates it. Simply put, the moves only purpose is to look good, and in reality it doesn't provide an advantage over the enemy because the moves you're already equipped with are already sufficient enough. With that said, the new moves still enhances the experiences, even though it seems more like filter material rather than useful content.

Through the 8 filled worlds in Princess Peach, there is plenty of platforming goodness to be had. Backed by the emotion meter, it allows for some platforming and puzzle solving. While neither area is overly complicated, the fun and simplistic nature reinforces the simplicity of past games. The puzzles include the usage of the emotion meter to solve. The platforming was also enhanced by the abilities of the emotion meter. Unsurprisingly the game plays much like the 2d Mario games. With plenty of platforms to climb, koopas to kick, and bosses to defeat, Super Princess Peach brings plenty to the table. And even though the game is too easy for its own good, the amount of content, coupled with the nostalgic themes, brings a much needed revival to a barren genre.

With its colorful 2d backgrounds, along with its attention to detail, Super Princess Peach is a sight to behold. Showcasing what the DS can do, Peach throws plenty of abilities to amaze and astonish the player. With its beautiful animation, it brings a sense of cohesiveness and emphasis of the good ol' days. Along with its beauty, Princess Peach is backed by a solid soundtrack. The theme puts the game's atmosphere into perspective and further enhances the experience.

Albeit being a relatively short game, there are plenty of little nuances that will bring you back. For one, this game is quite familiar with past Mario games. And if there was one thing that those past games were good at, was its ability to capture the magical concept of replay value. Princess Peach is a bit too short for its own good, but this game serves as the perfect game to play in short bursts during trips. So honestly ask yourself this, do you want to play Super Princess Peach or 50 Cent? It's a simple question of having fun or not having fun. But of course, there are some who can't distinguish the two.

Random Customer – I'm a man, and I can prove it! *takes out copy of 50 Cent*
Random Customer 2 – No, really we are men and we like guns like all men do. Only girlie men play games like that. We're perfectly content with our masculinity because we are men!

Okay go ahead and hide behind your insecurities. As for the rest of us who are willing to embrace new concepts, bright colors, and a female protagonist, we can enjoy one hell of a game. In no way am I trying to downplay mature type games, as there are plenty of good ones out there, but instead I am trying to get a message across that games can also be fun without guns and tons of blood. Seriously don't be blinded by what society deems as cool, mature, or adulthood. Don't conform! Make up your own mind and you will be better off for it. Super Princess Peach is an absolute blast and if you are willing to embrace the game's direction, then you will love it even more.

Despite being plagued by short length and its relative ease, Super Princess Peach is still a worthy purchase. The necessity to collect all the toads can become a bit of a chore, but that is a small price to play to enjoy Nintendo's newest platformer. With plenty of nostalgic themes, platforming, and solid level designs, Nintendo further makes another statement that they are the kings of 2d platformers. You're probably thinking to yourself that the game's length and overall easiness makes the game an iffy purchase, but I can assure you that it will bring back plenty of memories and good times. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get Super Princess Peach immediately. And remember, real men play Super Princess Peach…

Pros
+ Nostalgic theme
+ 8 Koopa filled worlds
+ Solid soundtrack
+ Platforming
+ Creative boss fights
+ 2D goodness
+ Beautiful backgrounds

Cons
- Too short
- Relative Ease
- Needing to collect all the toads to finish the game

Final Score: 8

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/13/06