Shantae

[Maximum Bert]

I have just finished Shantae Risky Revenge and Shantae the Pirates Curse and absolutely loved them has anyone else tried this series?

I kinda wanted to play some metroidvania platformers after Ori and the blind forest (which I liked but did not think was great) and decided to try Shantae Risky Revenge mainly because of the colour in the main character (I like strong bold colours in design) and the fact it was cheap and I really kind of liked it. The characters were all well designed the dialogue kinda slapdash but intentionally funny in places and the sprite work was gorgeous also the animations were top notch for a DS port reminded me of Metal Slug only with better colour and worse spriting.

The enemy design was also really nice simple but strong however there was no getting away from the fact it felt like a DS port as well which was a shame. Mainly it was down to the handling which was solid but felt very clicky like I was playing on the DS D pad even though I wasnt (played it on PC).

It was strong enough to get me to try Shantae and the Pirates Curse on WiiU a download game for 16 quid which normally I would not even consider but damn that game just nailed it the handling felt great and the dialogue was much better with tighter design all around. Not going to say its a masterpiece but its definitely one of the most charming games I have ever played I just beat the final boss after getting everything yesterday and aside from the difficulty on the very last section of the last level it had a great learning curve not an easy game but not a difficult one either.

Anyway just wondering if anyone else has played any of the games maybe even the original GBC title (which I havent tried yet). I heard they had a successful kickstarter for a further game (wish I knew and could have backed it) Shantae 1/2 genie hero so im looking forward to that. The two games I mentioned seem to be received pretty well especially the latter one (which is far superior) but yet I have hardly heard any discussion on them anywhere I didnt even know if Risky Revenge was any good I just took a risk and luckily it payed off.

Also Shantae, Risky Boots and Rottytops have probably become my favourite platforming character ever especially the former two really wish there were more games with them.

 

[joest01]

Thanks for the review! They had a sale recently and I was thinking about Shantae but decided on mighty switch force instead, which if you like a challenging puzzle game is recommended too. I'll consider Shantae if I ever complete all the levels

Wayforward have really carved out a strong niche for themselves. I think the Ducktales remake is also by them, right?

 

[Maximum Bert]

Thanks for the review! They had a sale recently and I was thinking about Shantae but decided on mighty switch force instead, which if you like a challenging puzzle game is recommended too. I'll consider Shantae if I ever complete all the levels

Wayforward have really carved out a strong niche for themselves. I think the Ducktales remake is also by them, right?

lol its not really a review just my own opinion. I was just surprised at the strong quality of the games and the awesome characters, artwork and spriting and was impressed enough to post about it (which does not happen often).

I just had a look at what they have done and it looks like they have been saddled with a lot of shit through the years but have also made some great games in there as well hopefully they get to continue with their original creations like Mighty Switch Force and of course Shantae which it looks like was their first original Ip. They did indeed do the ducktales remaster they also did Double Dragon Neon which I never knew and I love that game but now I know I can see the connections in humour and nice touches between that and Shantae.

They also did Bloodrayne Betrayal which was the 2D platformer which got good reviews but I have never tried so yeah they definitely have the ability to create gems they remind me of treasure in that way.

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

I like the Shantae games a lot. I think Pirates Curse is the best one yet, and hope 1/2 Genie Hero continues the trend of being better than the last. My only real issues with Risky's Revenge were the short length (DSi limitations?) and the lack of a map for the dungeons.

I've only watched the Brainscratch Comms LP of the first game and played a little of it myself. It's definitely like the first games in many series (Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, tons of franchises that started on the NES) in that it is good in its own right, but the sequels made much needed improvements. It's worth checking out if you're a fan of Shantae or Game Boy Color games.

Wayforward is one amazing developer. Their licensed titles are usually incredibly solid, and, when they get a chance to make their own stuff, they hit home runs every time. It's a shame it took until the Kickstarter for their one of their original IPs to get such a wide simultaneous release.

 

[Grahav]

Big fan of the series. I have also donated to the Kickstarter.

Recent updates on that:

I am just sad that Pirate's Curse is DS only. I played Risky's Revenge on the PC.

 

[Guffe]

So the Shantae Pirate game on the Eshop is a good buy?
Been wondering about getting it... apparently it seems like a buy at some point with glowing criticism like that

 

[DrOswald]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

 

[Islandbuffilo]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

 

[Tilly]

I'll consider Shantae if I ever complete all the levels

Haha, I finished all of the levels in MSF 1&2 within about 3 hours. Got all of those secret kickable babies too. Brilliant game, needs a lot more replay value though.

 

[DrOswald]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

The thing about Shantae is the sexy feels natural to me, as in it feels like the people who made the game like sex and genuinely thought their game would be better for the inclusion of sexy. It therefore feels like a natural part of the game. It is not the same thing as a game that cynically adds sexy costumes for every female character because boobs sell.

 

[EternallyBored]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

Cultural connotations my ass, that doesn't explain Risky, Rotty, or Sky, not to mention the entire level in Pirate's curse revolving around all the female characters being kidnapped and put in metal bikinis, and the 3DS making the 2d character portraits pop out the female characters breasts specifically to create a bouncy effect.

Don't get me wrong, the games are fun, if painfully short for their price, but trying to justify the last two games rather blatant fan service under cultural contexts is silly. The game features purposely sexualized female characters and situations and poses that would be right at home in the average Japanese dating game. I wouldn't call it overboard or even detracting from the game, it's a fun game world to play around in and shantae is fantastically animated for a handheld platform game but let's not make up lame excuses for the fan service in the last two games

 

[Post Tenebrae Morte]

Love Shantae, a wonderful series that deserves more spotlight. I reccommend it for anyone that loves a quirky and original title. All three games are great, with a clear improvement from each one.

 

[DrOswald]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

Cultural connotations my ass, that doesn't explain Risky, Rotty, or Sky, not to mention the entire level in Pirate's curse revolving around all the female characters being kidnapped and put in metal bikinis, and the 3DS making the 2d character portraits pop out the female characters breasts specifically to create a bouncy effect.

Don't get me wrong, the games are fun, if painfully short for their price, but trying to justify the last two games rather blatant fan service under cultural contexts is silly. The game features purposely sexualized female characters and situations and poses that would be right at home in the average Japanese dating game. I wouldn't call it overboard or even detracting from the game, it's a fun game world to play around in and shantae is fantastically animated for a handheld platform game but let's not make up lame excuses for the fan service in the last two games

The current atmosphere of gaming is highly hostile to the expression of sexuality in games, especially when it comes to female sexuality. The prevailing point of view, especially endorsed by the current crop of gaming feminists, is that female sexuality in games is something that must be justified (by coming up with a good reason it has to be there) or earned (by making sure the game offsets sexual content with non sexual content.)

Which I personally think is highly problematic. That attitude basically makes female sexuality a dirty subject that people are looked down on for enjoying or expressing. Making female sexuality a taboo subject again hardly feels like a step forward for women.

 

[hybridial]

it's a fun game world to play around in and shantae is fantastically animated for a handheld platform game but let's not make up lame excuses for the fan service in the last two games

I think it's about time the notion that it needs excused is dispelled altogether. It's so utterly silly that people make such a big deal out of some sexualised art.

And I like these games, and WayForward a lot. Shantae is a very fun character, and the games have lots of variety to them. They don't take themselves too seriously, which is perhaps a lesson for some.

 

[Zeraki]

So the Shantae Pirate game on the Eshop is a good buy?
Been wondering about getting it... apparently it seems like a buy at some point with glowing criticism like that

If you enjoy Metroidvania and tons of tongue-in-cheek humor, fourth wall breaking, fantastic music, great level design and fun gameplay I definitely recommend it. It's a bit on the short side, but it's such a fun and charming game.

 

[Grahav]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

The thing about Shantae is the sexy feels natural to me, as in it feels like the people who made the game like sex and genuinely thought their game would be better for the inclusion of sexy. It therefore feels like a natural part of the game. It is not the same thing as a game that cynically adds sexy costumes for every female character because boobs sell.

I have that feeling too. Basically, I think they have the same mindset of the Skullgirls creators. They like sexy girls, they have a true love for the design instead of it being just somethig to sell.

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

Cultural connotations my ass, that doesn't explain Risky, Rotty, or Sky, not to mention the entire level in Pirate's curse revolving around all the female characters being kidnapped and put in metal bikinis, and the 3DS making the 2d character portraits pop out the female characters breasts specifically to create a bouncy effect.

Don't get me wrong, the games are fun, if painfully short for their price, but trying to justify the last two games rather blatant fan service under cultural contexts is silly. The game features purposely sexualized female characters and situations and poses that would be right at home in the average Japanese dating game. I wouldn't call it overboard or even detracting from the game, it's a fun game world to play around in and shantae is fantastically animated for a handheld platform game but let's not make up lame excuses for the fan service in the last two games

The current atmosphere of gaming is highly hostile to the expression of sexuality in games, especially when it comes to female sexuality. The prevailing point of view, especially endorsed by the current crop of gaming feminists, is that female sexuality in games is something that must be justified (by coming up with a good reason it has to be there) or earned (by making sure the game offsets sexual content with non sexual content.)

Which I personally think is highly problematic. That attitude basically makes female sexuality a dirty subject that people are looked down on for enjoying or expressing. Making female sexuality a taboo subject again hardly feels like a step forward for women.

I think what some people don't like is when men like the sexiness of women. Which is really weird. Some say that women dress sexilly for themselves. But sex is something social, and even masturbatory fantasies have an imaginary third party. This attitude not only dirties female sexuality (equaling women to whores) but it also dirties the male one (equaling men to rapists).

 

[DrOswald]

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

The thing about Shantae is the sexy feels natural to me, as in it feels like the people who made the game like sex and genuinely thought their game would be better for the inclusion of sexy. It therefore feels like a natural part of the game. It is not the same thing as a game that cynically adds sexy costumes for every female character because boobs sell.

I have that feeling too. Basically, I think they have the same mindset of the Skullgirls creators. They like sexy girls, they have a true love for the design instead of it being just somethig to sell.

Wayforward is a good developer, and Shantae is basically their big IP. Many people dismiss the franchise without ever giving it a chance because Shantae is blatantly sexy. Many people take this as a signal that the game is inferior and just cashing in on sex appeal. Which is really to bad.

As business as usual, which is a real shame. It's maybe "blatantly sexy" but there are cultural connotations for that, people really like to ignore. She is a bellydancer after all.

Cultural connotations my ass, that doesn't explain Risky, Rotty, or Sky, not to mention the entire level in Pirate's curse revolving around all the female characters being kidnapped and put in metal bikinis, and the 3DS making the 2d character portraits pop out the female characters breasts specifically to create a bouncy effect.

Don't get me wrong, the games are fun, if painfully short for their price, but trying to justify the last two games rather blatant fan service under cultural contexts is silly. The game features purposely sexualized female characters and situations and poses that would be right at home in the average Japanese dating game. I wouldn't call it overboard or even detracting from the game, it's a fun game world to play around in and shantae is fantastically animated for a handheld platform game but let's not make up lame excuses for the fan service in the last two games

The current atmosphere of gaming is highly hostile to the expression of sexuality in games, especially when it comes to female sexuality. The prevailing point of view, especially endorsed by the current crop of gaming feminists, is that female sexuality in games is something that must be justified (by coming up with a good reason it has to be there) or earned (by making sure the game offsets sexual content with non sexual content.)

Which I personally think is highly problematic. That attitude basically makes female sexuality a dirty subject that people are looked down on for enjoying or expressing. Making female sexuality a taboo subject again hardly feels like a step forward for women.

I think what some people don't like is when men like the sexiness of women. Which is really weird. Some say that women dress sexilly for themselves. But sex is something social, and even masturbatory fantasies have an imaginary third party. This attitude not only dirties female sexuality (equaling women to whores) but it also dirties the male one (equaling men to rapists).

I agree with that point of view, which is why I specifically noted both how people are looked down on for both enjoying and expressing female sexuality.

Now, I get what people are trying to do here. Prevent objectification, blah blah blah. But their actions are to go after the most superficial signs of objectification, assume the worst, and then loose their minds. I really have to question how much people actually care about their ideals when they put so little thought into it.

 

[Islandbuffilo]

snip

First of all, spoilers brother.
Secondly, why not both?
Thirdly Sky and Rotty? Seriously? Those two a pretty minor compared to risky and shantae.
Speaking of whom, Risky's looks are mainly played for laughs (A lot people seem to ignore the humor aspect and auto assume it's just sex appeal.)
Besides you'd flip your lid if you saw what Shantae does for money at night if the above examples are "blatant fanservice"
Disregarding that I was talking about strictly about Shantae, so its hardly a lame excuse and more so something that's, you know, true.

 

[SweetShark]

I have baked the new game and played the first Shantae game for PC, Shantae Risky Revenge.
And I have mix feeling about this.
It was indeed a good game, but that it. It was very short, not many powers, the traveling between different places was somehow painfull, confused sometimes for where to go next, the map is a piece of sh*t and a unsatisfying ending.
It is like it was design just to be a Prologue for the game "Shantae the Pirates Curse"

I hope the new one I wait to be 100% more cooler than the one I played.

 

[Maximum Bert]

I am just sad that Pirate's Curse is DS only. I played Risky's Revenge on the PC.

Its on the WiiU as well via the E store but yeah no PC release im afraid which is a shame as its far superior than Riskys Revenge.

I have baked the new game and played the first Shantae game for PC, Shantae Risky Revenge.
And I have mix feeling about this.
It was indeed a good game, but that it. It was very short, not many powers, the traveling between different places was somehow painfull, confused sometimes for where to go next, the map is a piece of sh*t and a unsatisfying ending.
It is like it was design just to be a Prologue for the game "Shantae the Pirates Curse"

I hope the new one I wait to be 100% more cooler than the one I played.

I actually agree with your criticisms about Riskys Revenge the game is very short but really for what I paid and the nature of the game itself I feel it was a good length think it took me about 7 hours to get everything. But the confusion about where to go was a big issue for me for a while until I started to get the games logic maybe it was just me not used to metroidvania titles as I will admit im not a huge fan of them usually but I did get stuck on where to go next a few times and that was the worst part of the whole game for me.

The ending did not leave me unsatisfied I mean I would not say it was great by any means but it settled the story nice enough bit like a mario game in that respect I suppose only it has a little more effort put into it than that.

Shantae and the pirates curse is far superior in every regards to Riskys Revenge it is still fairly short though took me about 8 and a half hours to get everything but the navigation is a lot clearer and the levels much more varied and interesting although there were a few places I got stuck on what to do next although to be fair the first time was me being braindead.

You dont get magic in this one (because she lost her powers in Riskys Revenge) you get pirate items which do the same sort of job but in a much more flowing way imo and they work very well.

I paid 16 pounds for it (GBP) and did not regret it in the slightest but ofc I cant say for certain you will feel the same. The dialogue is also much improved and some of the joke references are genuinely funny I would actually look forward to what the characters would say much more than I would than in Riskys Revenge.

Surprised so many people have played the games though but im glad hopefully they continue to improve and bring us more games in the franchise.

aside: I was wondering what you meant by baked for ages then I realise you meant backed