On the whole, theSuper Mariofranchise likes to stick to traditions. Lots ofSuper Mariogames use the same enemies, power-ups, and playable characters that have defined the franchise since its inception. They also have a long tradition of framing female characters like Princess Peach as damsels in distress. In more recent years, that pattern has changed somewhat. Titles likeSuper Mario 3D Worldnot only introduce tons of new concepts and mechanics, they’ve given Peach a greater role in the franchise.
While the steady change of focus isgood forSuper Marioon the whole, it would also be a breath of fresh air to get a game that focuses solely on the women who have largely played supporting roles to Mario and Luigi for so many years. TheSuper Marioworld has no shortage of charming female stars who deserve a day in the sun. The game could celebrate Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina’s contributions as princesses, while Pauline could round out the cast after her role as the mayor of New Donk City inSuper Mario Odyssey.
RELATED:Super Princess Peach Would Make An Excellent Switch Remaster
The Case for a Super Princess Game
Perhaps the most vital reason Nintendo should make aSuper Mariogame starring the princesses is they’re woefully underutilized in the main series so far. Peach, Daisy, and Pauline’s appearances are mostly defined by their being in danger, rather than having an active role in the story. WhileRosalina is a fairly active characterinSuper Mario Galaxy,she has since taken a backseat. Most of these characters are only ever playable inMario-related party games, if ever. Considering how distinct their personalities are from Mario and Luigi, they could bring a completely different energy to the nextMarioplatformer.
A game that’s about the princesses would also encourage Nintendo to innovate onSuper Mariogameplay. While the game could reuse classic items like Super Mushrooms, a game about the princesses would also encourage power-ups specific to those characters. Maybe Nintendo could introduce a series of crown-based power-ups that give the princesses new abilities, a sort ofspiritual successor to Toadette’s Super Crown. Even if Nintendo just reused oldSuper Marioitems, it would at least have to come up with some creative new designs for Daisy and Pauline, who don’t usually get their hands on items like Fire Flowers.
RELATED:The Nintendo Switch Needs Its Own Traditional 2D Super Mario Game
A New Chapter of Mario Games
If the princesses are at the heart of a newSuper Mariogame, it would inevitably have a non-traditional plot. It’s entirely possible that Bowser captures Mario and Luigi, for instance, trying a new strategy in his eternal quest to capture Peach. Alternatively, Mario and Luigi might just be out of the picture for some other reason.TheSuper Marioworld is silly enoughthat Nintendo could simply say Mario and Luigi are on vacation and can’t be reached when trouble comes to the Mushroom Kingdom. Either of these plot hooks are prime opportunities for Princess Peach to get her friends together and take matters into their own hands.
Nintendo has definitely taken theSuper Mariofamily of games in some creative directions lately.Bowser’s Furyserved asa valuable new look at Bowser Jr.in the Switch version ofSuper Mario 3D World,andSuper Mario Odysseyintroduced brilliant platforming mechanics as well as a new look at Peach’s agency. If Nintendo wants to keep exploring new directions for theSuper Mariogames, a “Super Princesses” title seems like an obvious candidate. It’s about time that Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, and Pauline got to be the heroes on their own.
MORE:The Mario and Luigi Series Should Return With a Bowser’s Inside Story Successor
