Every Shantae Game, Ranked - Investment Policy

Summary

Shantae struggled with mainstream success despite critical acclaim.
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution” will finally be released in 2025, plagued by technical limitations.
Shantae has a dedicated fanbase and all previous entries are playable on Nintendo Switch, making it a must-play for Metroidvania enthusiasts.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the whimsical world of Sequin Land and its half-genie heroine Shantae, I can confidently say that my favorite game in this captivating series is undoubtedly “Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse.” Having grown up with a love for platformers and action-adventure games, this title resonates deeply with my gaming sensibilities.

Shantae, a beloved character from WayForward’s indie series, hasn’t quite reached the widespread popularity it should have, despite each installment receiving high praise for its groundbreaking mechanics. After 23 years, Shantae has faced challenges related to creative choices and platform availability, resulting in only five games in the series. The initial sequel, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution, was initially put on hold due to technical constraints that prevented designer Matt Bozon from fully realizing his vision for a perspective-shifting gameplay experience. However, this game is now set for release in 2025 for the GameBoy Advance with assistance from Limited Run Games.

Although Shantae hasn’t reached widespread popularity, it has garnered a loyal fanbase, with some of its early titles fetching thousands on the collectors’ market. Fortunately, thanks to re-releases and ongoing support from Nintendo, every previous installment can now be played on the Nintendo Switch. Fans of Metroidvania games shouldn’t miss out on this series. Here is a list, ranked, of all the games available.

5. Shantae

The Shapeshifting Half-Genie

Shantae was a trailblazer in its day, introducing Shantae’s unique shape-shifting capabilities. Similar to the metroidvania genre, discovering one of the animal transformations enables Shantae to explore areas that were previously off-limits. Each animal also provides an extra combat option, although her standard hair whip attack, when upgraded, proves more effective in most situations.

The unique mechanics set the series apart, while the vibrant, playful environment created by WayForward through Sequin Land served as the foundation for the series’ endearing appeal. However, due to its age and origin as an early 00s indie game, it doesn’t hold up particularly well over time. It’s missing a clear map, and the textures can sometimes make it challenging to discern backgrounds from platforms in crowded areas, resulting in a less smooth gaming experience for contemporary players.

4. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge

The Story Begins

Platforms: Nintendo DS, IOS, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Windows
Released: 2010-10-04
Developer: WayForward Technologies

The gap between the first two Shantae games was about eight years. The original sequel from 2005 was put on hold, and development resumed for a third installment. WayForward published this game, signifying their full ownership of the franchise. They worked diligently to create an appropriate successor, as evidenced by the impressive sprite artwork that vividly portrays the world and the diverse range of enemy characters.

Additionally, it transformed into a storyline heavily centered around narrative. Interestingly, the creators chose to present it as the intended third installment, which continues the untold tale from Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution. This setup might be confusing for newcomers, but Risky’s Revenge does lay the groundwork for the main characters and the overarching plot revolving around Shantae’s quest to uncover her ancestry.

3. Shantae And The Seven Sirens

Dance Through The Danger

As a gamer, I was thoroughly impressed by how Shantae and the Seven Sirens cranked up the quality, evident right from the catchy trailer that showcased the melodious voiceovers of none other than Cristina Vee, who lends her talents to Shantae herself. With WayForward teaming up with Studio Trigger, we got fully voiced, anime-esque cutscenes that significantly enhanced the narrative flow. The downside was that there weren’t enough of these captivating scenes. Moreover, the story took an unexpected turn, leaving some unanswered questions about the series arc mysteries still hanging in the balance.

In “Shantae and the Seven Sirens,” a fresh batch of transformation skills and a card-based character development system were introduced, offering additional complexity. Shantae acquires different advantages and enhancements by collecting cards scattered across the map. However, since some of these cards have random locations, completionists and enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive experience faced a somewhat challenging task. Nevertheless, for those eager to swiftly advance through the campaign, this new feature is an exciting addition to the series.

2. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

The Definitive Genie Experience

In the initial Shantae game designed for home consoles, the creators of “Shantae: Half-Genie Hero” leveraged the extra capabilities to provide a top-notch overall performance. While it steered the franchise from a Metroidvania style to a more linear one, this decision was met with mixed reactions. Nevertheless, the game showcases stunning animations, an array of fresh enemy types, creative level designs, intriguing animal transformations, and what many consider the finest boss battles in the series.

This narrative offers a generous serving of backstory for established fans, yet remains approachable enough to introduce newcomers to the series. It clarifies Shantae’s position as a guardian, her responsibilities within this world, and the presumed extinction of genies. As it turns out, Shantae’s mother was one of the last known living genies, implying that Shantae, being half-genie, is one of the final defenders against supernatural malevolence in Sequin Land.

1. Shantae And The Pirate’s Curse

A Pirate’s Life For Me

Interestingly, the standout game in the series is the one where Shantae temporarily loses her iconic abilities. This daring decision was made for the third installment, and it surprisingly worked well. The game has a maritime theme that dominates its setting, particularly with the primary villain being the ruthless pirate Risky Boots. In this title, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, Shantae must gather legendary pirate artifacts to replace her typical transformations.

The Pirate’s Curse edition of the game swaps harpies and mermaids for firearms and swords, giving it a unique twist in the Shantae series. WayForward has skillfully balanced keeping the essence of the original while introducing new elements, ensuring fans don’t get overwhelmed yet still receive something fresh. With Shantae recovering her powers and future games building upon traditional gameplay, this title stands out as the most challenging in the series, which is one reason it remains popular among fans. It’s the only Shantae game that demands precise platforming skills, and its boss battles are more difficult than those found in similar games.

2024-12-20 00:05