PRINCESS Peach: Showtime marks the first time the iconic princess has had a solo outing on a home console.

Thematically, it plays to Peach’s strengths extremely well, adding a new dimension to a typical one-note Mario character.

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Each level is designed like a stage performance, with cardboard cutouts for backgrounds and glamorous costume changes in each level.

These costumes serve to give Peach unique abilities, such as becoming a master swordsman, ninja or detective.

It gives each level a special atmosphere, both in terms of atmosphere and gameplay.

One moment you’re heroically charging through a city and knocking UFOs out of the sky, the next you’re investigating a stolen artifact from a museum.

It provides a fast-paced experience, allowing you to switch between fast-paced platforming, stealthy stealth or relaxing baking.

Most levels are short – no longer than 10-15 minutes – but allow each level to be an contained experience, telling a quick but fun story before dragging you into the next stage.

The downside of this loop is that it makes the game exceptionally easy.

This game feels more kid-oriented than most of Nintendo’s other first-party titles, as it isn’t suitable for gamers looking for more of a challenge.

Where games like Super Mario Wonder balance simple stages with hidden challenges and collectibles, Showtime doesn’t fully commit to including these elements.

Each level has a range of unique collectibles, but they’re not at all difficult to find, and anyone with even a little video game experience will be able to spot the obvious hiding places.

Challenge levels make up for this a bit, but they suffer from being far too short and offering no meaningful rewards, so I often didn’t feel like doing them.

That said, the basic concept is enough to keep me coming back for more.

Each level has something new to offer that just makes me smile as I discover all the cute little details in every corner.

It’s so good that I’d say it’s worth playing just to see how much fun the team had creating a game specifically for Princess Peach. It finally sanctifies a lot of the personality that fans have injected into the character over the years.

Still, a full £50 is a lot to ask for a game this short and simple.

With main levels, a handful of boss battles and side challenges – most of which you’ll get through quickly – it can’t hold a candle to Mario’s recent adventures, or even other spin-offs like the Luigi’s Mansion games.

However, it does have something meaningful to offer, and while I don’t think the overall package fits together perfectly, I still had fun playing each level because of its charming design.

It won’t appeal to every gamer, but if you like Peach as a character, this game will do it justice.

Rating: 3/5

MARCH 10 is known as Mario Day, thanks to the way the abbreviation MAR10 resembles the plumber’s name.

Nintendo has picked up on the popularity and made a host of Super Mario-themed announcements to celebrate.

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We were treated to more footage of the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which fans can’t wait to play.

One of the most exciting announcements, however, is that three Super Mario games are being added to the Switch library for free.

All three games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online at no additional cost to subscribers.

Even if you’re subscribed to the cheaper tier of the service, you’ll still have access to all three games.

The three Super Mario games will be added to Nintendo Switch Online Tuesday March 12, 2024, so you don’t have to wait much longer.

Stands first Dr Mariothe version of the game released for the original Game Boy.

This is a falling blocks and tiles game where you destroy viruses by matching them with capsules of the same color.

Dr. Mario was extremely popular in arcades, and we expect it to be widely played upon release.

The following is the version of Mario Golf which was originally released for the Game Boy Color.

As the title suggests, this is a golf game featuring characters from the Super Mario series that was also very popular.

The latest game to be added to the roster is the Game Boy Color version of Mario Tennis.

One of the more popular Super Mario spin-off games, in addition to the usual tennis modes, there are a number of mini-games and challenges.

Once released, you’ll be able to play all of these games via the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy app.

Games added to the app tend to stick around, so you’ll have plenty of time if you want to play them.

If you want to read more about Nintendo, check out how to play Princess Peach: Showtime! asked.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.

NINTENDO isn’t the company you think of when it comes to discounts and sales, but there is a great deal that fans can grab right now.

Mario is one of the most iconic series on the platform, and as Mario Day approaches on March 10, Nintendo has a few tricks up its sleeve.

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One of March’s biggest releases is Princess Peach: Showtime!, the first game to feature Peach as the protagonist since the launch of Super Princess Peach in 2005.

Although Super Princess Peach didn’t get the best reviews, Princess Peach: Showtime! gives Peach a second chance to shine.

Things look promising so far, but don’t take my word for it because you can play Princess Peach: Showtime! for yourself.

Nintendo just released a demo for Princess Peach: Showtime!, so you can play the game two weeks early.

The blurb reads: “A mysterious, masked villain has taken over Sparkle Theater and it’s up to Princess Peach to save the play – and the day!

“Take center stage with a wardrobe full of spectacular transformations in Princess Peach: Showtime!”

The demo is completely free to play and covers the first part of the game.

This is a great way to discover Princess Peach: Showtime! your type of game and whether it’s worth going for the full release.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is the biggest game launching on the Nintendo Switch in March, and owners of the system will definitely want to try it out.

If you want to read more about the Nintendo Switch, check out Nintendo’s case against emulator Yuzu.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.

PRINCESS Peach's first solo game in almost a decade is almost here.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is a sidescrolling adventure for the Nintendo Switch, releasing on March 22, 2024.

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We got a chance to play the game early, and it's packed with all the charm you'd expect from the Pink Princess.

Peach changes into a different costume in each level, giving her a unique ability that will be tested throughout the level.

As a swordsman, she can destroy any enemy; as a cowgirl, she can lasso enemies and objects before throwing them; and as Patisserie Peach with the beautiful name, she can bake and decorate cakes.

It allows for great variety in the levels, as each level has a play ruined by dark magic.

You have to sneak through and defeat invading enemies as a ninja, chase bandits as a cowgirl or rescue fellow dancers as a figure skater.

While the light atmosphere makes for an enjoyable time, the game play is exceptionally simple.

Where a game like Super Mario Wonder has levels that are easy enough for kids, but extra challenges for more experienced players, Showtime doesn't target either demographic.

There are hidden collectibles in each level, but many of them are located directly on the path of the level, and even the secrets aren't that difficult to discover on your very first playthrough.

Nintendo has confirmed to me that the game will feature ten transformations, each with two main levels dedicated to them, plus some bonus challenge levels later on.

I really enjoyed bouncing through each of the first four levels I got to play.

As always, Nintendo's world-building is joyful, as I love the little details in every nook and cranny.

Since each level is presented like a play, the cute background design and the way the levels shift from screen to screen are great.

Even though I can breeze through it, I'm curious to see what the full game has in store, as each new transformation leads to fun moments.

Written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF.

By Madison Burgess

Published: 1:37 PM EST, January 30, 2024 | Updated: 05:43 EST, February 1, 2024

NINTENDO has given fans the chance to get a sneak peek at one of their big upcoming titles.

Mario fans have plenty to do in 2023 with Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario RPG, and there's even more to try in 2024.

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Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door, Princess Peach: Showtime! and Luigi's Mansion 2 HD are all coming this year.

But before all that we will see the return of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong franchise of puzzlers.

The upcoming Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remake of the Game Boy Advance original, made for the Nintendo Switch.

All puzzles have been redesigned in 3D, with each screen representing an individual level.

The blurb reads: “The toys are back in town in Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Nintendo Switch!

“Solve puzzles and test your platforming skills as you try to recover the stolen Mini-Marios.

“This remake of the Game Boy Advance game features brand new graphics, levels and other new ways to play.”

The first few levels of Mario vs. Donkey Kong is completely free to play for all Nintendo Switch owners.

All you have to do is navigate to the store page via the eShop on your console and download it from here.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong appears exclusively on the Nintendo Switch February 16, 2024.

To read more about game releases, check out the biggest video game releases in February.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.

THE start of the year is usually quiet when it comes to gaming releases, but 2024 feels a little different.

With so many incredible games coming out before the holidays, we didn't expect the first few months of the year to be so packed.

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But whether you like superhuman crime fighters or toy-based puzzles, there's something for you this month.

Here are all the biggest releases coming in February 2024.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

The villains transform into the heroes of the story as the Suicide Squad must defeat the Justice League.

Controlled by the ancient villain Brainiac, the team must kill the Justice League before they destroy the world with their superhuman powers.

In addition to the story, Suicide Squad has four playable characters, so you can try out different styles or play with friends.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be released on February 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Person 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload takes the classic PS2 game and gives it a new coat of paint, similar to the highly popular Persona 5.

As the Dark Hour arrives around midnight, you must storm the Tower of Tartarus while the world sleeps.

At other times of the day, you can interact with those around you to strengthen your bonds and awaken the power within you.

If you want to read more, check out our Persona 3 Reload review.

Persona 3 Reload launches on February 2 for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Foam stars

Square Enix has developed its own version of the popular third-person splatter Splatoon, except you spread foam.

There are both single-player and multiplayer matches where you can work together in teams of four to mark your territory.

Players will fight to cover the arena with mountains of foam while preventing others from taking the arena back.

Foamstars will be released on February 6 exclusively for PS4 and PS5.

Hell divers 2

While Helldivers was a top-down shooter, Helldivers 2 changes the formula, turning it into a third-person shooter.

With multiplayer for up to four people, you can team up with friends to find your way to your goal while keeping an eye out for friendly fire.

Helldivers 2 will be released on February 8 for PS5 and PC.

Skull and bones

Skull and Bones has been delayed so many times that people thought it would never be released.

However, it has a solid release date and soon everyone will be able to explore the high seas, play pirates and engage in naval warfare.

Based on the popularity of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, people were excited to see the idea expanded into a full game.

Skull and Bones releases on February 16 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong

A remake of the Game Boy Advance crossover Mario vs. 2024 Donkey Kong for Nintendo Switch.

Mario will chase Donkey Kong to retrieve his stolen toys through tight platforming levels.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong will be released on February 16 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

Nightingale

As you enter portals to other worlds, you must gather resources to build your home base.

The world around you is collapsing, but by finding rare materials from other planets you can rebuild your community.

Yes, it's another survival crafting game, but one that tries to offer you more freedom and with an emphasis on creation.

Nightingale will be released on February 22 for PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The second part of Cloud's journey is almost here and the gang will leave Midgar and enter the open world for the first time.

With new playable characters, players can finally explore the world, which features improved systems from the original.

It was named the most anticipated game of 2024 as people can't wait to see the sequel to Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be released on February 29 exclusively for PS5.

If you want to read more about game releases, check out our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth review.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.

Mario Lopez and his wife, Courtney Lopezhave filed a lawsuit against the construction company and real estate developer who built their Los Angeles home.

Mario, 50, and courtney, 41, claimed in court documents obtained by We weekly on Wednesday, December 13, that construction workers failed to disclose construction defects prior to the sale.

The Saved by the bell alum and his wife agreed to a home purchase agreement for their home in LA’s La Cañada neighborhood in May 2022. The couple claims that the seller Frederick C. Wang and General Grandway Construction had confirmed that they were not aware of any issues relating to “alterations or repairs not in accordance with building regulations, subsidence from any cause, or slipping, sliding or other ground problems, flooding, drainage or leveling problems.”

However, after Mario and Courtney moved in, they noticed an alleged “serious” leakage problem on the patio and exterior stairs following heavy rain. The Lopezes then hired a licensed contractor to inspect the property, who reportedly revealed several reasons why the leak could have occurred. Their inspector found there were improper landscaping slopes, “poor” waterproofing with “incorrect use of materials” and improper installation of railings.

The house leak reportedly caused more than $100,000 in damage and possible mold exposure. Mario and Courtney also claimed that the water damage destroyed their home theater equipment, claiming that the defendants “failed to disclose” their construction defects and “suppressed faces” to deliberately deceive and mislead potential buyers.

Mario and Courtney further claimed that they would not have purchased the home if they had known of the property’s “defective construction” and are seeking general damages of $400,000.

The actor and Courtney have been married since December 2012 and share three children: Gia, 13, Dominic, 10, and Santino, 4. Since finding fame as a child actor, Lopez has continued to act and host, but he considers his family his priority.

“I am most proud of my family. Both my parents, who recently just celebrated 51 years together, and my wonderful sister and her family and my wonderful wife and my children,” Mario shared exclusively We weekly in his October cover story. “Many things come and go in life, but having a wonderful family is priceless.”

He added at the time: “No matter what kind of day you’re having, you come home and you hear, ‘Daddy!’ and they open their arms and love you unconditionally. That makes it all worthwhile.”

Mario went on to say that some of his favorite moments are when the family of five is “all at home,” watching a movie, hanging out in the pool or making a TikTok group video.

We weekly has contacted defendants Wang and Grandway Construction for comment.

Just two months before her tragic death, her face appeared on newsstands around the world on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine.

And now, The Crown producers have recreated Mario Testino’s famous 1997 photo shoot with Princess Diana, transforming her image and showing audiences a different side of her.

Actress Elizabeth Debicki, 33, with the help of photographer Charlotte Hadden, recreated the glossy images for the final season of the hit Netflix show, which is released today.

The new photos, which will appear in the series at Diana’s Kensington Palace Apartment, show the actress in a beaded halter neck dress, with her blonde cropped hair straightened and relaxed.

“We had to try and strike a balance between our own interpretation and making sure it was still recognizable as the iconic Testino shoot with Diana,” Ms Haddon said.

‘I remember the original shoot so well. What always struck me was the simplicity of the shoot, the natural light, a sleek white space with a sofa.

‘Even some of the images are soft/blurred…the focus is on Diana and capturing her natural beauty and authenticity.’

Testino, who did not know Diana well at the time of the shoot, said she told him the photos were Prince William and Harry’s favorite.

“When we edited the photos and sent them to Diana for approval, she told me her sons told her they looked the most like her they had ever seen,” he said in 2005.

‘This was a great compliment, because of course I didn’t know her. I was just trying to grasp something on a whim.”

He said of the shoot: ‘We straightened her hair and did the simplest make-up. I think she thought she looked great.” The shoot was to promote a charity auction in New York of some of her evening dresses, but Testino wanted her to be wearing jeans in “her mind” when the photos were taken.

The sixth and final series of The Crown has sparked controversy over the decision to film scenes in the lead-up to and aftermath of the car crash that killed Diana.

‘It was difficult to recreate. It was hard and very manic, and incredibly invasive. And there was some pressure,” Ms. Debicki said.

Series creator Peter Morgan admitted he’s not “sad” that they’ve reached the end of the show because it’s “time” for it to be over.

“I’m probably not sad that we’ve reached the end. I think it was time,” he said on the first episode of The Crown’s official podcast.

‘I don’t really know [how to feel] anyway, but quite relieved. I mean, positive, relieved.’

Imelda Staunton, 67, who plays the queen, said the final episode was changed after her death from what was originally planned.

“I kind of vaguely knew what it was going to be, and you know, they’re going to change and I think there’s no question that the last episode was changed because of the queen’s death,” she said.

“Well, we had started filming in September and then the Queen died then, when we were, when we were filming that day, I remember, and um, and I came home and I was absolutely inconsolable and all that. ‘

On Sunday, the Australian actress channeled the princess’s famous revenge dress as she joined her fellow castmates at the LA premiere.

Elizabeth selected a little black dress from Bottega Veneta for the glamorous event at the Westwood Regency Village Theatre.

The sleek off-shoulder design comes from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection and featured a structured bodice and midi length, highlighting the actress’s statuesque frame.

Elizabeth added sheer black tights and pumps, echoing Princess Diana’s ensemble from her 1994 dinner at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens.