Introduction
Basic information
- Developer Name: CM9 Animation
- Full Name: Another Princess is in Our Castle
- Release Date: March 7, 2024 (latest update)
- Released on: PC (available on Itch.io and Game Jolt)
- Cross Play: Not available
- Additional information: This is a demo version.
Initial thoughts
Having seen various gameplay videos of Another Princess is in Our Castle, I was instantly intrigued by its eerie and nostalgic twist on the beloved Super Mario 64. The idea of transforming a childhood classic into a survival horror experience was too captivating to ignore. To decide whether to review it, I created a poll in the Discord community. The response was positive, pushing me to play the game and record my experience with a video and microphone. The community’s enthusiasm pointed out that this was a game worth diving into.
Story and setting
Plot overview
Another Princess is in Our Castle places Mario back in Princess Peach’s castle, but this time it’s a haunted version filled with dark, ominous vibes. The once familiar and cheerful environment has been turned into a nightmarish landscape where Peach herself has become a ghostly antagonist.
World building and immersion
The game excels in creating an immersive environment, using the familiar setting of Peach’s castle to evoke nostalgia while twisting it into something deeply unsettling. The eerie atmosphere is a testament to the developers’ ability to blend the familiar with the horrifying.
Character development
While the game focuses more on atmosphere than deep character development, the transformation of Peach into a ghostly, malevolent figure is chilling and adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
Emotional impact
The constant threat of being discovered by Peach creates an atmosphere of dread, keeping players on edge. The emotional impact is significant, especially for those who remember the original, happier version of the castle.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with a 7.
Time to turn your nostalgia into horror!
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
The gameplay centers around stealth and survival. You must explore the castle, collect souls, and avoid detection by hiding in various chests scattered throughout the environment. The simplicity of the mechanics does not detract from the intensity of the experience.
Difficulty and balance
The game presents a moderate challenge, with the difficulty primarily coming from the tension of avoiding Peach. The balance is fair, though the short length of the demo may leave some unsatisfied.
Pacing of the game
The pacing is brisk, keeping the tension high from start to finish. However, the game’s short length means that it’s over almost as soon as it begins.
Innovation and uniqueness
While the core mechanics are familiar to fans of horror games, the unique setting within the Super Mario 64 universe adds a fresh twist that sets it apart from other titles in the genre.
Controls and user interface
The controls are intuitive, and the user interface is minimal, allowing players to focus on the game’s atmosphere and challenges without unnecessary distractions.
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Microtransactions
There are no microtransactions, as the game is currently a free-to-play demo.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with a 6.5
While very fun and intense, it does not last for long, this rating can skyrocket if the full game comes out!
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The graphics are designed to mimic the style of Super Mario 64, but with a darker, more sinister twist. The art direction effectively balances nostalgia with horror, creating a visually engaging experience.
Technical performances
The game runs smoothly with no significant technical issues, maintaining a stable performance throughout the demo.
Environment and design uniqueness
The design of the haunted castle is both familiar and unsettling, making it a unique and memorable environment that enhances the overall horror experience.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with an 8.0.
Nostalgia meets horror!
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
The soundtrack plays a crucial role in setting the game’s tone. Familiar tunes are distorted and twisted, creating an unsettling atmosphere that complements the gameplay perfectly.
Sound effects quality
Sound effects are sharp and effective, especially during the game’s numerous jump scares. The sudden noises add to the overall tension and fear factor.
Voice Acting
There is minimal voice acting, but what is present is used effectively to enhance the ghostly atmosphere of the game.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 9.
The atmosphere is haunting!
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
The game’s primary drawback is its short length. The demo is brief, offering only a small slice of what could be a much larger experience.
Extra Content
There is little to no extra content available at this stage, further limiting the game’s replayability.
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Replay value
Replay value is low, as once you’ve experienced the scares and explored the environment, there’s little incentive to return.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Another Princess Is In Our Castle with a 5.
If you are looking for some fun with a cat-game, then this is the one you are looking for!
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
Future updates should focus on expanding the game’s content, introducing new mechanics, and possibly different enemies or puzzles to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Comparisons
Compared to other horror games like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Another Princess is in Our Castle stands out due to its unique setting. The nostalgic appeal, though it falls short in terms of content and replayability as of now with the demo.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
One of the standout moments for me was the first jump scare—Peach’s sudden appearance, accompanied by a sharp, jarring sound, genuinely made me jump. The game’s design plays with your expectations, especially if you’re familiar with the original Mario games, making the horror elements even more effective. The demo’s ending, which hints at a terrifying encounter with a possessed Luigi, promises that future updates could be even more intense.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Another Princess is in our Castle, I give it a personal rating of 8.
Scream like Peach!
Last words
Pros
- Nostalgic yet terrifying reinterpretation of a classic game
- Highly effective jump scares and eerie atmosphere
- Excellent sound design that enhances the horror experience
Cons
- Very short and currently incomplete
- Low replay value
- Limited gameplay mechanics that may not satisfy all players
Another Princess is in Our Castle offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a standout horror game. While the demo is short, it effectively blends nostalgia with genuine scares, making it a must-play for fans of both Super Mario 64 and horror games. I eagerly await future updates that will hopefully expand on this promising concept.
Final Rating
7
Please let me know what you think of Another Princess is in our Castle in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
If you liked reading this review, maybe you would like to share this review with your friends.
FranckCastle
Nice review! I think this mod was a great idea, haha. Not sure to have understood; since it's on itch.io, this mod doesn't require owning the original game to play, right?
I also find it interesting that the first person view doesn't even seem weird since it's a survival horror game, but when you think about it, Mario games aren't first person view!
Delicious Bacon
It also makes me wonder how does Nintendo allow a mod like this, given that they are on the hunt for any copyright infringement (and they are very harsh once they declare something an infringement). GMod creators had issues with Nintendo for using their models/props.
supersven
The problem with Gmod, as I understand, is a program allowed by Steam. Itch is a separate platform, this is made without pirating ROM content, so it goes below the radar. Also, the older the assets, the slower Nintendo is. If you hack Super Mario Odyssey and broadcast it, chances are high they will be on you like a falcon hunting for prey.
supersven
You can freely download it, since this is a fangame, fangames are made with the assets, but without altering the ROM. That would be a ROM hack. So, a fangame is free to download since, copyright.
fano23
It's a good idea to make something new and so different from the original game but keeping the old style
supersven
Yeah, they created a fine balance!
Silentrets
I liked this game even old game. Thanks for the review!
supersven
I am glad you liked the review!
Alamar
Already had saw one of your videos playing on new channel, game is simple, but it look and sounds nice for this idea. However im not familiar with Peach Castle, so overall effect is different without nostalgia i guess. Nevertheless i like stealth games and although simple it is fine game.
supersven
I think the full game will be much longer, and it should have more gameplay mechanics, but the concept laid out here is a good foundation to build on.
Twigas_Hobbes
interesting concept... maybe we get to know why luigi is always a bit freaked out? ^^
I don' like jumpscares though ó_ò
supersven
Luigi was right all along!
Jumpscares aren't my favorite either, as you might have seen in the video!
Blink
the sound and music section must be superb
supersven
It makes or breaks a game in the horror genre!
ellemby
i didn't expect it to be scary like this
supersven
Me neither!
Vibe
A nice twist on a classic! Can't wait to see how the final game turns out 😉
supersven
I am also curious to see how the full game turns out!
Vitalikboykiller
I like this rewiew. This indie-game give nostalgic feelings and horror experience.
supersven
It is a great mix!
Nicole
This looks really cool! I love stealth kind of horror games where you can hide in a chest or locker and see the monster patrolling! Creative take on a very nostalgic Mario game that I could see getting very popular! I hope they make it a fairly long game with a bunch of transformed characters, levels and bosses!
supersven
I am curious to see what the full game will entail!
emperoru
Amnesia : Mario Edition.
supersven
I never actually played Amnesia, might get around to it one day.