Princess Peach

## Princess Peach (Formerally Princess Toadstool)

*The beloved princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach is always ready to jump into action.*

## Overview

Princess Peach, also known as Princess Toadstool in some early American releases, is a fictional character in the Mario franchise created by Nintendo. She is the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom and is often portrayed as the damsel in distress, frequently kidnapped by the game series’ antagonist, Bowser. Despite her frequent abductions, Princess Peach is known for her kind and empathetic personality, making her a beloved character in the Mario series and beyond.

## Early Game Appearances

Princess Peach’s first appearance in a Mario game was in the original Super Mario Bros. released in 1985. In the game, Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach, and it is up to Mario to rescue her. Princess Peach’s role as the damsel in distress has been a common theme throughout the Mario franchise, appearing in the majority of Mario games. However, in some games, she is portrayed as a playable character, empowered with her abilities.

## Design

Princess Peach’s design has remained similar throughout the Mario franchise. Initially, she was designed with pink and white clothing with long blonde hair. Later, designers gave her a more youthful look with shorter hair and a more prominent tiara. Throughout the series, her dress changes colour, and she is sometimes outfitted with a parasol to protect herself from enemies in certain games.

## Occupations

Princess Peach has had various professions throughout the Mario series. In Super Mario RPG, she becomes a playable character and fights alongside Mario and his team while carrying a parasol. In Super Mario Sunshine, she becomes the primary judge of the game. In later Mario Party games, she also becomes the hostess and judge of many of the game’s events. In Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, she replaces many computer systems as an emergency backup option.

## Movies and TV Shows

Princess Peach has also appeared in several movies and TV shows. She made an appearance in the 1993 film Super Mario Bros., played by Samantha Mathis. In the animated TV show The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, she was the co-star alongside Mario and Luigi in animated sequences. She makes several cameos in other animated series such as Captain N: The Game Master and The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3.

## Peach's Impact on Gaming

Princess Peach's role as the damsel in distress has been criticised by some gamers, calling for a more active role for the character. However, Princess Peach has also been a positive influence on gaming, being one of the first female characters to appear in a mainstream video game. She has also served as a role model for many gamers, standing up for herself and fighting alongside Mario and the other characters in various games.

## Personality

Princess Peach is known for her kind and empathetic personality, making her an essential character throughout many games. Her kindness has been shown by the way she treats her subjects and the people she meets throughout her various adventures, treating everyone equally and with respect. Additionally, her strength has been displayed when she has to confront Bowser and other enemies in the games.

## Conclusion

Princess Peach has been an integral part of the Mario franchise since her first appearance in Super Mario Bros. in 1985. As a playable character in various games and her presence as the franchise's leading lady, Princess Peach has won over the hearts of many gamers worldwide, making her a timeless character. Her character has also been successful in influencing the development of more female characters in the gaming industry. With new Mario games always being released, it is safe to say that Princess Peach will continue to be a beloved character in the Mario universe for years to come.