Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution Reviews
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.
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 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packed overworld, and charming narrative all come together to make for a worthwhile experience, even if some more outdated elements like the lack of a map hold it back.I'd recommend this both to series veterans and to newcomers-even if this isn't Shantae at her greatest, Risky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.
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.
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 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.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a good action platformer that manages to present a world filled with charm and worth exploring. Though a few details may be inconvenient for those already used to modern games in the genre, the experience balances out the effort.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The competition that Shantae is up against on the Switch means it doesn't stand out as a release compared to when it was released on GBA. There are so many great metroidvanias on Switch that I don't know if the title is as valuable on Switch as compared to its release on GBA, where there are so few metroidvania-type games.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a marvel and a dream wrapped up in a promise kept to fans the world over. Keeping the original game alive and delivering it, even decades later, shows a dedication to their fans that WayForward continues to delight.