I only recently got into the Shantae series. I actually began by contributing to the kickstarter for the upcoming forth entry, Half-Genie Hero. I had always heard good things about the series. I started with the original- an odd game by any measure, being a Gameboy Color game released at the extreme end of that console's lifespan- 2002, so extreme in fact that it had code that enabledI only recently got into the Shantae series. I actually began by contributing to the kickstarter for the upcoming forth entry, Half-Genie Hero. I had always heard good things about the series. I started with the original- an odd game by any measure, being a Gameboy Color game released at the extreme end of that console's lifespan- 2002, so extreme in fact that it had code that enabled richer colors and additional gameplay features if played on a Gameboy Advance. Sadly, though that entry was eventually available as a digital download on the Wii, it has yet to grace PC, as this entry has.
Risky's Revenge is the sophmore entry in the series, also an oddball, being originally released as a digital download on, of all things, the DSi's download service. It subsequently made its way to iOS before find its true home here on Steam. Like its predecessor, Shantae: Risky's Revenge is a lighthearted metroidvania rich with the same quality of color, character design and music that characterized the console games that inspired it. The music in particular deserves special recognition, another striking example of Virt Kaufman's work- a chiptune luminary who has also worked on Shovel Knight, Scurge: Hive and Contra 4. Shantae herself is adorable and endearing, with her short temper and unconventional fighting style, using her hair to whip enemies and performing belly dances to cast transformation spells, allowing her to traverse walls as a monkey, crush rocks as an elephant or explore the depths as a mermaid. The game is alive with equally likable characters and great environments, and the fine detail down to individual enemies is notable. It also has surprisingly entertaining and occasionally risque dialogue. The PC controls are extremely solid and can be remapped to your liking, and support for several screen resolutions is available, so you can find the right balance between visibility and pixel quality. Risky's Revenge improves upon the original game in almost every category: previously disposable combat items now work off a Zelda style magic meter, the lives system is gone, falling in a pit now simply removes some health instead of killing you outright, enemies have much less health, there's an actual map, the dances are easier to perform, and generally, the cheapness factor is gone, though the loss of the bathouse in town is sorely felt, as this was the easiest way to get your health back in the original. However, for metroidvania standards, Risky's Revenge is very easy and also quite short, about five hours at even a leisurely pace, but for the price this isn't unforgivable. This PC Port is the "Director's cut" previously seen on iOS, and features an alternate costume for Shantae, unlockable after completing the game once. This outfit halves Shantae's magic usage but also her defense. This version also includes steam achievements and trading cards, if you're into that sort of thing. If you love metroidvanias or platformers of any kind, Shantae is well worth your time, and will delight you as it did me.… Expand
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