Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
"Shantae: Half-Genie Hero"
Reviewed by: Carless yen
Shantae: Half Genie hero is one of those games that really pulled me out of a gaming drought. Some times games get a little stale, and you start games to just not finish them , and go on to something else. Shantae just like the edition before this one had me glued to the television from start to finish. Rarely does a game really beg to be finished in one sit down. Shantae had that effect on me. Started playing it late last night, expecting to start it , and finish it some time today. I just couldn't put the controller down. As the credits started to roll, I looked outside to see the sun coming up, so figured might as well finish it off and go after these last few achievements.
Shantae is just a beautiful platformer/side scrolling arcade title.The visuals are just amazing to the eyes. So bright and colorful like a well drawn cartoon, the images are just so crisp and perfect. They really did a good job on the design of this game. So many beautiful different level designs, just gorgeous locations. The characters, and enemies are just really created well, and unique. Each with it's own personality, and look. I really can't do justice in words to how beautiful this is, for a Indie/Arcade title.
The music, and sounds were just amazing. Usually in a review you bring it up, because it is just part of it. not with Shantae i couldn't wait to mention it. The songs are so fitting to the environments, and really add to the game. They are really top notch, almost feel like they could sell themselves on a soundtrack. Almost feel like a MegaMan or Sonic game. The whole game though adds up to the quality of those franchises. I really feel Shantae would have made its way among those classic titles if released in that time period. It looks, sounds, and feels like everything you remember about your favorite NES and SNES titles.
The controls are spot on, and the games layout is just a blast. You have a TON of unlockables, and the word ton sums it up nicely. You have magics and relics galore, all with very different styles. They are all upgradeable that makes it change a lot as well. There is no way i could talk about each one while keeping this a review, and not a novel.I will throw out there some of my favorites. You have fire that goes from single ball of fire to a spread shot, and then to a huge flame thrower. You have Warp that let's you skip through areas you already beat when going back , and trying to get items you missed. Very useful. You even have a magic that turns you into a ceramic pot that has a very surprising reward. Another magic I love is the shield. you start out with a single spiked ball rotating around you hitting enemies, by the time your upgrading you have a ton of swords going around you making it almost impossible for enemies to get to you. That is just some.
You can also buy items to upgrade your attack, as well as speed it up. One of my favorite things was the ability to morph into crazy creatures to help you get to areas of the map you couldn't before. each one has it's unique purpose, and it's own attack. They don't start with an attack though you have to find it as well, all the more reasons to keep you going through levels again for hidden items. Like the magic there is far to many to name so I'll just go through a few of my favorites. You can turn into a little mouse to get into small areas, most the time these are fun little mini mazes that are really enjoyable. You have a Crb and Mermaid that lets you go deep in the waters below. You have a cute little monkey that can leap really high, and climb up walls. A Spider that shoots its web up, to climb ceilings. Once again that is just a few. There are so many hidden unlockables, that makes this game so fun and addictive. The way you use each of these creatures really adds to the game, and makes each level a new experience each time though.
The story is comical, and fun. I was almost wishing it had voice actors, but that would take away from the retro feel I guess. There are tons of surprises and laughs to be found on your journey, because these characters are just a blast. So many jokes, and puns thrown in there. Even a few jokes at itself, and the gaming industry.If your looking for something retro, or looking for something that takes you back in gaming history a bit. Shantae is a can't lose. You, or your kids will love it without a doubt. It is truly near perfection as it gets.Would be even better if it was Coop to enjoy with them like sonic and Tails kind of. Shantae really is a can't miss game in my opinion. I hate I waited so long to play this really. Rather your a old school retro gamer, or new schooler that enjoys games with a arcade feel. Shantae will leave you satisfied. It will probably actually leave you wanting more. Good thing "Shantae and the Pirate's Curse" is also available on the Xbox One and Steam as well.
Pros: BEAUTIFUL environments
Epic Soundtrack
Tons of replay value, and unlockables
Cool and comical story
Awesome and unique characters/enemies
A decent challenge, and fun Achievements
Fun, and unforgettable Boss battles.
Cons: Tad Short beat it about 6 hours first play thru, but can be speed run in under two hours with experience.
Overall: 9.6 A really unforgettable journey, and game. A can't miss for any Arcade/Retro gamer. Would gave it a 10 no question if it had been a tad longer.
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