"Shantae and the Seven Sirens"

"Shantae and the Seven Sirens"
Reviewed by: Carless Yen
Publisher: WayForward
Developer: WayForward
Platforms: Switch, PC, XBOX , PS4, Apple
Release Date: May 28, 2020
Price: 29.99

If you have been following us for any time at all and watch or read my reviews, you already know how big a fan of Shantae and WayForward I am. I've played every installment to date and consider them some of the best games this Gen. I consider Wayforward to be one of the best publisher/Development teams as well. Every thing they release I seem to love. They just have that classic feeling you got from the 8bit and 16bit generations down. Every single game feels like it could have been a hit on the retro consoles we all know and loved. These are games I may get a review copy of, but still grab the physical collections when they become available. So you probably already know where this review is headed so let's switch lanes real quick. Let me go completely off topic and talk about something different for a second.

As soon as you see the fifth installment loading intro you instantly appreciate the animation. It's just really well put together. Shantae deserves her own animated adventure rather it's in the form of a few movies, or even a series. Shantae is a treasure, and so is the supporting cast. I would buy or watch this day one. The talent to do this is already there. The animation in this title is just top notch, and it feels like it should already be in the works as you watch the watch the beautiful cut scenes. Please make this happen. You are already in the merchandise game with figures and plush characters. Get the movie or show going. I have no doubt it has a strong enough fan base to do really well. I also know with the quality of animation I've seen in this game a new fan base would join right in as well. I hope it happens. Shantae deserves to be even more popular than she already is.

So let's talk about the fifth installment of the game. It's awesome saved you some time if you don't feel like reading on. Everything you know and love from the originals is still there. Special skills, weapons, healing tubs, hidden heart upgrades, the amazing cast of characters, puzzles, traps, exploding white screens, and so much more. They even added fusion magic so that you can change into different animals to make your way into areas you couldn't before. Think "Monster Boy" it has that same type feeling, and way of getting to new areas in locations you've been to before. I love when a game does that. You can see spots on the map you can't reach, and you know you will have to find something and learn a new skill to get there. it really makes it interesting, and makes you go back after you completed the game or before you go fight the final boss.It really adds to the length of the game, and gives it replay value if you forgot something.

There is more than one new addition though. This time monsters will drop monster cards. You collect them, and if you get enough of a certain type they will give you additional boosts to skills. You can equip three at a time. Things like finding more coins, attracting jewels so you don't have to chase them, breaking pots just by walking into them, moving faster swimming or crawling there is so, so many. It is really fun going back looking for cards as well. It is another great addition to encourage replay or longer play times.

The areas in Shantae are just so beautiful, and so is the music. One song really gave me a "My Prerogative" Bobby Brown feel. I didn't ask about it even though I'd like to know. I'm sure they are to busy with the launch of the game, but if any one knows if it was inspiration let me know. Not only are the areas, music, and animations beautiful, but so is the bosses and level designs. Every area has spots you will have to revisit, and every boss has really awesome attack patterns. You will have to learn the way they move, and master it for harder skill level play. The first time through it's a breeze though which is good because most of your time will be admiring the beauty in the game. Everything just looks and feels flawless and perfect. It's just a modern retro masterpiece and the best Platform game I've played this year no question about it. I've sit here and talked about everything , but the story of the game. So let's dive into that.

You play as Shantae which I'm sure every one already knew. You are on vacation with your friends at Paradise Island when you are asked by the town mayor to take part in a festival. The festival is celebrating the half genies like Shantae. Suddenly the rest of them are kidnapped, and Shantae must battle her way through the sunken city defeating the Seven Sirens to get them back. As she rescues each one they combine powers to make you stronger. You will get things like lightening dance for electricity, a earthquake dance to shift platforms, a seeing eye dance to find hidden objects and more. It is such a quality adventure with all your favorite characters like Rottytops, Bolo, Squid Baron, and even your nemesis Risky Boots. I couldn't step away from this game. I played 70% of it probably in one sitting. I think most will be hooked like this as well. It's just such great development quality i have little doubt people and reviewers will all love it.

Beautiful areas and great level design.
Wonderful New and returning characters.
Epic Bosses and Enemies.
Really cool old and new skills and abilities.
Delightful Soundtrack.
Challenging traps and puzzles.
Some the best game animation I've seen.

There isn't a movie or series yet.

Overall: 10

Wayforward and Shantae even after 5 adventures keep it fun and fresh. I can say with ease the best platform adventure so far in 2020. Everything you know and love from the previous installments makes a return, but still find a way to pump a lot more new freshness in there as well. "Shantae and the Seven Sirens" is a can't miss title. So don't miss out on it.

Video Review below: