Reviews// Super Princess Peach (DS)

The game follows the classic platform game structure. Hop your way through eight worlds (divided into sub-levels) based around earth-shatteringly original themes such as Lava, Ice, Desert etc. Once you've beaten the boss at the end of each world, it's onto the next one. The big twist on how you negotiate the game though, is in using Peach's four different 'Vibe' states: Calm, Gloom, Rage and Joy. Is it a coincidence that when Ninty switch the protagonist to a woman, raw emotions suddenly become a control mechanic?

It's somehow comforting that cultures on the other side of the planet also typecast women as irrational lunatics. However, for once, these mood swings are a benefit! You have an emotion meter, which fills up by either collecting crystals or getting Perry to 'eat' enemies which consist of entirely new creations, and classic Mario ones like Bullet Bills and Kooper Troopers. Rather obviously, this meter drains when you engage these Vibe states. 'Calm' relaxes peach, which restores her health. 'Gloom' turns on the waterworks, which makes her run faster, or causes plants to grow. 'Rage' makes her so infuriated she self-combusts, making her immune to damage, incinerating certain materials in close proximity. 'Joy' makes Peach so happy she elevates, a la Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins.

As well as Peach's pendulum-swinging emotions there is of course Perry, your trusty talking umbrella. To begin with, you can use him to swipe and scoop enemies, plus he'll turn into a makeshift boat when entering water. But you can also upgrade him with new skills, by trading with Toad shops found at the end of levels, using any coins you happen to collect.

The important thing is, it all hangs together rather well. SPP has that unmistakeable, ultra-slick Nintendo aura about it. The controls are very tight and assured, and the level design in places is intelligent and non-linear. As mentioned earlier in the review, the pleasant colour schemes and quaintness of it all is saccharine almost to the point of nausea.

Ah. we know what you're thinking, "SPOnG is heading straight for the old 'Nintendo's for kids' trap!". Ha! We're not. No siree! We love Ninty here, probably more than is healthy. You see, SPP isn't for kids because of its sugary coating, it's because the game is just so unbelievably easy. We probably only died half a dozen times in the time it took to complete, and that includes half asleep, 7:30AM sessions on the train. The thing is, is that necessarily a bad thing?

Don't kids (and we mean five year-olds and upwards here) need some decent gaming action too? Way back in the day when this reviewer first started gaming, all games were simple enough for kids to pick up. Pac-Man didn't require pre-action strategic placing of troops. Space Invaders didn't require you to anticipate alien patrol routes in order for you to time when to dart for cover. So this is a kid’s game, and although it won't challenge hardened Lost Levels experts, it's an accomplished platformer that’s pleasing while it lasts.


SPOnG Score: B-

Super Princess Peach is a polished platformer, with the customary Nintendo sheen. However, its low difficulty level will only provide a challenge to young children or inexperienced gamers. It's a shame, as the Vibe concept is a smart one, and a selection of difficulty levels would've opened it to a wider audience.