Shantae and the Pirate's Curse Reviews

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10
Dec 31, 2014

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a triumph for WayForward and a treat for gamers. Very minor issues aside, this is one of the strongest titles on Nintendo's eShop and should be looked at as an example of how polished and robust a downloadable game can be. We're glad to see Shantae expand her horizons with the multiplatform Half-Genie Hero, but it's going to be hard to top this excellent Nintendo-exclusive adventure.

Read full review

Mar 15, 2016

If you're looking for a great, retro-styled platformer/Metroidvania game, then you can't go wrong with Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. It stands out above the crowd, thanks to smart and polished gameplay, and is a welcomed addition to the Xbox One's library.

Read full review

9 / 10
Mar 21, 2018

We'd give this game a strong recommendation to anybody who hasn't played it yet and would still encourage veterans to consider double dipping.

Read full review

9 / 10
Jul 4, 2018

Shantae's arrival to the Nintendo Switch does not happen with an original game but rather with a direct port of Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. Nothing here is new other than the HD Rumble feature...but there is absolutely nothing to complain about, the game is as marvelous as it was and its superb visuals, level design and gameplay mechanics represent some of the very best to be found in the Metroidvania style.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Dec 31, 2014

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse works just as well on a console as it did on a handheld.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Feb 15, 2015

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a fantastic game. It’s a celebration of platformer and role-playing games but it doesn’t particularly attempt to copy other games of either genre. I especially enjoyed how Sequin Land has a sense of connectedness, containing large environments brimming with secrets. It makes the world feel real. It’s certainly a unique experience in gameplay and it is packed with quality content. Once you make it through the first dungeon, you’ll be hooked until the end.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Apr 9, 2018

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a brilliant platformer that's fun, challenging, humorous, and looks great. If you haven't already checked this out, I highly recommend that you give it a go!

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Mar 13, 2016

I would love to see Shantae released as a physical copy, due to my collecting habits, to put her newest adventure on the shelf with the greats, where she belongs.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Nov 12, 2014

These days, it’s pretty easy for me to tell a platformer to sashay away. The genre is feeling a bit tired overall, but WayForward managed to make their game feel fresh, while still pouring on enough nostalgic charm to make my ancient, decrepit gamer heart swell with happiness.

Read full review

9 / 10
Feb 6, 2015

Summary – No lamp or wishes required, it’s already just about perfect.

Read full review

9 / 10
Aug 1, 2016

Shantae and The Pirate’s Curse is another brilliant game from WayForward. If you’re a fan of the series, then you’re going to love playing this one as I did for my Shantae and The Pirate’s Curse review! It has a fun story, a new twist on gameplay and lots of content for you to enjoy. As always, the music from Jake “Virt” Kaufman is great, and you’ll definitely find yourself humming a song or two after you’ve finished this one!

Read full review

May 3, 2016

Platforming is tight and varied, and the plot matches the lighthearted tone of the rest of the game. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a spirited little game, and by far the best 2D platformer on the PlayStation 4 to date.

Read full review

Jan 5, 2015

Brisk and almost effortlessly pleasing, WayForward's Shantae returns in her richest adventure to date, with all of the personality intact.

Read full review

9 / 10
Mar 29, 2018

If you enjoyed Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, then chances are that you will take to this with a similar embrace. For those that have never played a Shantae game, it’s easy enough to get to grips with without knowledge of the series. On the whole, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a stylish and fun 2D platformer that fits as well, if not better, than it does on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Some of the backtracking may be a bit tedious for some and the save system in particular is less than desirable. These are only small criticisms in the grand scheme of things though because Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse as a whole is an absolute joy to play.

Read full review

Oct 23, 2014

So, in summary, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse was a fantastic game. It was a streamlined, beautiful and entertaining experience held back only slightly by some minor quibbles. It made me care about the world of Shantae much more than I thought possible, and managed to close the series on a decidedly high note. That’s a long way of me saying this — Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is the best game of the series. For $19.99, it’s a steal, and a game that belongs in any 3DS or Wii U owner’s library. So stop reading and go buy it! It will help pass the time until Half-Genie Hero finally releases, and gets me hooked on genie magic once more.

Read full review

8.7 / 10.0
Apr 25, 2016

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is one of the best 2D platformers out there.

Read full review

IGN
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Oct 29, 2014

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse succeeds by building a funny, gorgeous world around its tried and true Metroidvania gameplay. In the brief moments when the combat becomes exhausting, it’s the writing, in all its self-referential and juvenile glory, and its visual splendor that keep the pace going. Though it’s an unmistakable tribute to Metroid and Castlevania, infusing a sharp wit and bold style helps Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse stand above its retro-inspired contemporaries.

Read full review

Justin Celani
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2016

Shantae is a classic game in the right senses. It’s got a decent challenge, it’s fun, and seeing as it’s on almost every console now, there is no excuse not to try it. Players that grew up during the peak of this genre can surely appreciate what Shantae has to offer, and newcomers that have taken a liking to it need to give Shantae a go, it’s one of the better games the genre has to offer in today’s market.

Read full review

Ken McKown
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2016

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a gem of a game that deserves to get more attention on its second time around. Those that have nostalgia for platformers from the 16-bit era owe it to themselves to check out this quirky experience. There is a lot to love about the half-genie, and certainly not enough of these types of games currently available on home consoles.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jan 1, 2015

At the end of the day, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a very enjoyable game.

Read full review