Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Nov 02, 2021 5 years ago
Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! After three highly successful outings with Shantae, Shantae: Risky's Revenge, and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, Shantae and her friends finally get a full HD console-based sequel! Boasting vivid, detailed high-definition graphics that retain the 2D hand-drawn sprites the series is known for, this newest entry in the Shantae series almost looks like a playable TV show! Presented as a stage-based 2.5D platformer with heavy exploration elements, Shantae uses her trademark Hair-Whip Attack to dispatch enemies, then takes advantage of her Belly Dance Magic to transform into 8 different forms that each have their own unique abilities and move sets. As new forms are mastered, old stages can be re-explored to unearth new items and secrets, ensuring there's plenty of content on offer for novices and platforming gurus alike. Topple the villainous Baron behind each criminal caper afflicting Sequin Land, and prepare for the ultimate showdown against Shantae's arch-nemesis: that bodacious buccaneer, Risky Boots!
What it’s like
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero delivers a vibrant, high-definition Metroidvania experience that feels like playing through an animated television series. The game centers on Shantae’s quest to save Sequin Land from Baroness Balbina and the return of her arch-nemesis, Risky Boots. The core loop involves exploring stage-based levels, uncovering secrets, and utilizing Shantae’s transformative Belly Dance Magic. Players switch between eight distinct forms—such as a monkey, elephant, or fairy—each offering unique movement capabilities and combat styles essential for progression. The writing is widely praised for its humor and charm, with witty dialogue that enhances the lighthearted fantasy tone. Visually, the game retains hand-drawn sprite aesthetics while expanding into rich, detailed HD environments. The soundtrack complements the whimsical atmosphere perfectly. While the platforming mechanics are solid and the level design encourages thorough exploration to unlock new abilities, the combat remains relatively simple, focusing more on traversal and puzzle-solving than intense action.
Strong in Audio / MusicCharactersPolish / PerformanceVisuals / ArtWriting / DialogueAtmosphere / MoodExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsPacingProgression / ReplayabilityStory / Narrative
Keep in mind The combat system is lightweight and may feel repetitive for players seeking deep mechanical complexity or challenging boss fights. Some players might find the difficulty curve too gentle, lacking the punishing challenge typical of hardcore Metroidvanias.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, nichegamer.com, wccftech.com, gamespot.com, ign.com, opencritic.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201610 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201610 years ago |
| PlayStation Vita | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201610 years ago |
| Wii U | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201610 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201610 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 08, 20179 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Nov 02, 20215 years ago |
