Playing Super Smash Bros as Princess Peach offers a unique perspective on feminist critique and theory within the realm of gaming. From my experiences playing as Peach, I have found that the game both reflects and falls short of feminist ideals in various ways. By examining specific interactions and gameplay elements, I can highlight where the game succeeds and where it can be improved from a feminist standpoint.
As Princess Peach, my experience often highlights the strength and versatility of female characters in the gaming world. Peach is not merely a damsel in distress; she is a powerful combatant with a unique set of abilities. Her floaty jump, Toad counter, and turnip toss provide a distinctive playstyle that allows for both offensive and defensive strategies. For example, in a recent match, I was able to outmaneuver a particularly aggressive Captain Falcon player by using Peach’s float to stay just out of reach, countering with well-timed turnips and Toad defenses. This showcased not only her strength but also the necessity of tactical thinking and precision, traits often attributed to male characters in the gaming world.
Moreover, Peach’s aesthetic—while undeniably feminine with her pink dress and crown—subverts the typical notion that femininity equates to weakness. She stands tall alongside traditionally masculine characters like Mario, Link, and Ganondorf, proving that power and effectiveness in combat are not restricted by gender stereotypes. This aligns with feminist theories that advocate for the representation of women as equally capable and multi-dimensional. While this is true, it is still notable that her aesthetic is feminine, even in her attacks. When I was playing against a friend who was playing Mario, Princess Peach’s dress noticeably did a little twirl and she flailed her arms in a “feminine” way. So, even though Princess Peach does stand tall and strong amongst male characters, she still has many traditional female characteristics in her actions.
Super Smash Bros does have more areas where it falls short from a feminist perspective. One significant critique is the limited number of female characters compared to their male counterparts. While the game has improved over the years by adding more female fighters, the roster is still predominantly male. This imbalance perpetuates the notion that male characters are the default heroes, while female characters are supplementary.
Additionally, the portrayal of female characters can sometimes rely too heavily on traditional gender roles. For instance, Peach’s moveset includes pulling out a frying pan and summoning hearts, which can be seen as reinforcing domestic and nurturing stereotypes. While these elements are playful and add to her charm, they can also be viewed as limiting the scope of how female characters are imagined within the game.
Super Smash Bros does incorporate some elements of feminist theory, particularly through its diverse character roster that includes strong female fighters like Samus, Zelda/Sheik, and Bayonetta. When choosing characters to play some games, Samus was my favorite, due to her cool fight moves and blasts.
These characters break the mold of the traditional damsel in distress and instead embody the “woman warrior” archetype, which is a powerful feminist symbol. For example, playing as Bayonetta, with her provocative confidence and formidable skill set, I felt empowered and in control, challenging the typical submissive female stereotype.
However, the game often fails to fully embrace intersectional feminism. Most female characters are designed with a Western beauty standard in mind, and there is a noticeable lack of racial and ethnic diversity among them. This narrow representation excludes many players from seeing themselves reflected in the game, which can be alienating and reinforces a limited view of what female strength and beauty look like.
To better align with feminist perspectives, Super Smash Bros could take several steps. First, increasing the number and diversity of female characters would provide a more balanced representation. Including women of various ethnic backgrounds, body types, and abilities would reflect a broader spectrum of female experiences and capabilities.
Additionally, the game could evolve beyond traditional gender roles in character design and movesets. By giving female characters abilities and characteristics that are not tied to stereotypical feminine traits, the game can challenge and redefine what it means to be a female hero. For example, a female character who embodies attributes typically assigned to male characters—such as brute strength or stoic demeanor—would disrupt conventional gender norms.
Furthermore, incorporating narratives or backstories that highlight the struggles and triumphs of female characters could deepen players’ connection to them. This approach would not only enrich the game’s lore but also provide a platform for exploring feminist themes such as empowerment, equality, and resistance against patriarchal structures.
In conclusion, playing Super Smash Bros as Princess Peach offers a complex interplay of feminist critique and affirmation. While the game makes strides in representing strong female characters, it still has room to grow in terms of inclusivity and breaking away from traditional gender roles. By adopting a more intersectional and nuanced approach to character design and representation, Super Smash Bros can become a more progressive and inclusive platform that better reflects feminist ideals.
Discussion question:
How can game developers further improve gender representation and inclusivity in future iterations of the game? Discuss specific changes that could be made to character design, storylines, and gameplay mechanics to better align with feminist ideals.
