Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

 PlayStation Vita
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 36
  3. Negative: 5 out of 36
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  1. Yanarchy
    Dec 21, 2016
    4
    Gaming at 7 FPS has never been less fun. I am a huge Shantae fan, having played every game in the series multiple times and I love every one. I was looking forward to this one for it's HD graphics, but I can confidently say I would rather have the pixel art any day if performance is the price I have to pay. I can only speak for the Vita release, but this game plays like crap! I haveGaming at 7 FPS has never been less fun. I am a huge Shantae fan, having played every game in the series multiple times and I love every one. I was looking forward to this one for it's HD graphics, but I can confidently say I would rather have the pixel art any day if performance is the price I have to pay. I can only speak for the Vita release, but this game plays like crap! I have experienced massive frame drops at even the most non-intensive sections of the game. It might be great on other platforms, and feel free to try this game on them, but don't even bother here. In regards to the gameplay itself, it behaves like classic Shantae: whip, jump, and transform your way through the various levels of the game. Unfortunately, the game decided to totally ditch the exploration element of it's Metroidvania style that made it so much fun to play. Rather than exploring levels room by room, you play through straight-forward left to right platforming levels with practically no exploration whatsoever. You can go back to levels to get new stuff with your new abilities and transformations, but since there is no segmented map to rely on this task becomes tedious and confusing, often requiring you to play an entire level again just for a measly health container or other non-essential power up. In summary, although Shantae has never looked better, this version of the game suffers from massive framerate issues, and the game itself is shallow and tedious. I can't recommend this game, but I might recommend other versions to only the most die-hard of Shantae fans.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. The Vita Lounge
    Jan 11, 2017
    90
    A charming action, puzzle, platformer that's competent in almost everything it sets out to accomplish. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a hilarious and tight experience with a very likable cast and excellent visuals, writing, dialogue, and voice-over. If there's one complaint to be had, it's that it's a little too easy.
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  2. Game Informer
    Jan 9, 2017
    78
    Shantae’s reliance on revisiting levels holds Half-Genie hero back, but the excellent platforming, myriad transformation abilities, and characters elevate it to an experience worth pursuing. The world of Sequin Land is a fun place to visit and I enjoyed my time there, even if I was forced to keep seeing the same sights.
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  3. Wccftech
    Jan 8, 2017
    90
    A true blast to play, thanks to a beautiful presentation, great writing and an excellent, varied gameplay experience that never feels stale, with plenty of optional content that makes everything even better.
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