Super Princess Peach

A unique twist on the Mario formula

Released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, Super Princess Peach put the spotlight on Princess Peach, the often-damsel-in-distress character of the Mario franchise. This time, she was the hero of the story, embarking on a daring adventure to rescue Mario and Luigi from Bowser’s clutches. With its refreshing gameplay and charming design, the game offered a new perspective on the Mario universe, putting Peach at the centre of the action.

Emotions as powers

One of the game’s unique mechanics was its use of emotions, which Peach could harness to aid her in her journey. By tapping into her emotions, players could use powers like “Gloom” to make enemies cry, “Joy” to make Peach fly, and “Calm” to heal herself. These emotions were controlled through the DS’s touch screen, adding a fun, interactive layer to the platforming gameplay. Each emotion helped Peach tackle different obstacles, making puzzle-solving and combat more dynamic.

Fun, lighthearted platforming

Super Princess Peach kept the platforming action simple yet engaging, with colourful environments, fun power-ups, and plenty of enemies to defeat. The game also included a variety of mini-games that further expanded its gameplay, adding extra challenges and replayability. With its playful art style, catchy music, and the unique role reversal of Princess Peach as the hero, it became a standout DS title that offered a fresh twist on the Mario series.

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