Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution Reviews
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is an interesting 'new' entry in the beloved indie franchise, a curious fusion of old and new design philosophies. Its creative world-cycling gameplay mechanic, sharp 32-bit visuals, densely packed overworld, and charming narrative all come together to make for a worthwhile experience, even if some more outdated elements like the lack of a map hold it back.I'd recommend this both to series veterans and to newcomers-even if this isn't Shantae at her greatest, Risky Revolution is a solid adventure.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a well-made, quality game that'll prove mostly entertaining for fans well-versed in the series. But it reflects plenty of choices here that are tough to wrap one's head around, especially when other Shantae games surpass this one in both pace and polish. The restrictive 4-player mode disappointingly fails to live up to the hype. And the inexplicable lack of a map (or any typical hint system) makes this game feel antiquated next to its other entries. Thus, what should be a great game is just a good one. Wait for a sale, and make this Shantae your Half-Price Hero.
A solid action-platformer with likable characters, irreverent writing, rewarding backtracking gameplay, and lovely art and music. With greater mechanical depth, a mapping system, and more to do and explore, it could be even better.
A fantastic follow up to the Gameboy Color classic two decades in the making.
While the game could benefit from a map to view where you have been for the constant need to backtrack, there’s not too much to detract from this well-polished and delightful adventure platformer game. I question the decision to clash pixel with HD art. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a game I would recommend to not only fans of the series, but to people interested in having their wish granted for a good adventure game.
A lost Shantae adventure that’s retro, quirky, and still worth the wait
The lost Shantae game has finally gotten a chance to shine!
As a big-time Shantae fan, I’ve loved having the opportunity to fill in the gap for the game in the seies that we very nearly didn’t get. It’s more a curiosity than something essential – more recent titles in the series are definitely better, but if this continues to breathe life into the series, then I’m all for it.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is the must-have lost chapter for fans and a good entry point for those wanting to explore the franchise. Playing it evokes a nostalgic feeling, partly thanks to its pixel art style, but at the same time, we know it's something new. Its simple story features entertaining dialogue and an interesting and organic exploration, but the lack of a map is sometimes missed.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
This long-lost chapter of the Shantae series provides more of the hair-whipping and belly-dancing action that it's known and loved for. Some might get a little frustrated by the amount of backtracking that's required, though, as well as navigating some of its maze-like locations without a map.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution does a great job of feeling exactly like a Game Boy Advance game that holds up in the modern day. Despite limiting itself to the capabilities of a previous console, its presentation is incredibly charming even when not played in the modern style, and the game design on display is strong enough that Shantae Advance might actually surpass some of Shantae’s other recent outings. While some of its action-centric areas can get a little confusing to explore, and it never goes quite as cinematic in its set pieces as other games, the overall package is strong and series fans will not be disappointed.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution does so much right that it's easily one of the best games that the franchise has ever had. It just goes to show that old-school approaches to making a memorable game doesn't mean that its quality will suffer. 🧞♀️
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution delivers a fine recovery of the franchise's legendary lost masterpiece. While it's not the best game in the series, and its age often works against it more than for it (see the lack of a map), it's undoubtedly positive that fans can finally play the title they were promised back in the early 2000s. Furthermore, while we don't see a new chapter in the journey of gaming's most beloved half-genie, revisiting the past proves that, in this case, it was worth the wait—here's to the next adventures.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
WayForward and Limited Run Games have dusted off a new Shantae adventure that seemed to have been forgotten.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is more than just a lost relic; it’s a reminder of how timeless great game design can be. With its mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, transformations, and memorable characters, it feels both nostalgic and fresh. Sure, it has a couple of quirks like the lack of a minimap, but the vibrant visuals, clever mechanics, and infectious personality more than make up for it. For long-time Shantae fans, this release is a must-buy. For newcomers who just enjoy retro-inspired adventures, it’s a nice, colourful ride that proves some treasures are worth digging up.
After so long in limbo, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution has finally arrived with a fun adventure. Focused on the platforming genre — improved with elements like combat and metroidvania — the experience is colorful and humorous, as well as it has a good dose of challenge. While the game is very good overall, unfortunately, the "restriction" of producing a title compatible with an older console limited a release that had the potential to be amazing.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution delivers a vibrant blast from the past with endearing characters, colorful visuals, and the type of impressive gameplay that fans will adore.
One of the most colorful GBA games never released, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is very much worth letting the half-genie out of the bottle again for.
Not exactly a retro throwback so much as pulling the past forward, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution mixes the best of classic charm and more modern design sensibilities to make for an outstanding game that's fun to play and is going to be amazing to speedrun.