Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Reviews
If it was not for the music and the superior graphics, Half-Genie Hero would be viewed even less favourably for the simple fact it is not fun. Much of the goofy charm of the series has long been extinguished, and the main character is grating at this point. The platforming, despite having previous in the series that was great, is shockingly bad. Pretty graphics cannot hide the fact that after one too many trips to the bottom of the endless towers they climb, this game is simply not good, especially when the company, and the genre as a whole, offers so many better options.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero has an amazing presentation and precise platforming that will make gamers of all ages smile. If only the game stuck to its guns instead of devolving into a tedious collectathon that shatters the game's pacing.
Where some re-releases and remasters are content to add a single extra mode or a graphical face-lift, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Ultimate Edition aspires to more.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is an orchestra for the sense, yet a bully to the mind. While it's a delight to look at and listen to, much of the gameplay feels like it should have been left in the path. Fortunately, clever boss fights that manage to fuse simplicity with depth save this from being an otherwise tiresome affair. If difficulty is a turn-off, though, steer clear. Other than that one could do a lot worse than this little game.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a welcome arrival of the series to a new format. Thanks to an exquisite audiovisual environment, Half-Genie Hero's mechanics and overall charisma make this a fun and enjoyable game that could be better with some more precision in the controls on certain moments and some work on the level design.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
All told, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a very solid Metroidvania-esque platformer that caters to fans old and new. Everything that is loved about this series remains, while a brand new art style and a simple story put the barrier to entry very low. There's a lot of backtracking, and we found the combat to be a bit shallow, but the gameplay is largely very good, and you'll constantly be switching forms as you explore and hunt down everything the game has to offer. It's wonderfully light-hearted and doesn't take itself seriously, which is sadly quite rare these days. If you're after a tightly designed platformer with memorable characters and varied gameplay, Half-Genie Hero is here to grant that wish.
A light-hearted platformer, competent if not brilliant. The adorable transformation mechanic is a highlight, as are the customisable and upgradable abilities, the creative bosses and the quirky humour. Short-lived fun for all ages. For the tactile thinkers among you; this game tastes like bubblegum.
Shantae is visually pleasing and fun game, but it makes you repeat levels over and over again, especially when it comes to DLCs.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Plenty more than just your average genie in a bottle!
While I enjoyed my time with Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, I was left a bit wanting in regards to gameplay. It just wasn’t satisfying to engage with the platforming and enemies, it was too simple, too easy. I’m not looking for a punishing experience, but I do enjoy having my skills challenged in platformers. Regardless, the beauty on display and the energy in both the soundtrack and movement of each and every character impressed me. I just wish it had a little more bite.
There's a lot to like here, and I hope WayForward gets to keep making Shantae games. As long as they do, I'll keep playing them.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero provides the same great sidescrolling action and charm of previous entries, though it also retains the series' awkward progression mechanics and suffers from a short length.
Half-Genie Hero is a smooth platformer with a great sense of humor that recalls old-school platforming challenges
WayForward Technologies Shantae: Half-Genie Hero's experience remains this fresh platforming adventure that will not disappoint you, full of comedy and fun characters, topped by an exemplary design.
Although no Shantae game is really known for its deep plot, I felt that the plot in Half-Genie Hero was a bit haphazard compared to Pirate’s Curse, at least until the twist at the end of the game. I can’t explain why without going into spoilers, but I just felt it would have helped players to have a bit more backstory to push things forward. That said, I definitely enjoyed my time with Shantae Half-Genie Hero. I managed to beat the game in five and a half hours with 84% completion (though I did manage to get the good ending). There is some replay value for completionists, and there are also art pieces to unlock, Hero-Mode and even playing through the game as Risky Boots herself! Half-Genie Hero mostly made good on all of my vast expectations, though I do hope that the next game in the series is more like Pirate’s Curse. That said, if you’re a fan of Shantae, you can’t go wrong with Half-Genie Hero for $19.99, and I’m very happy to have finally been able to play this gorgeous HD game on my Wii U. Until next time, Tinkerbackers! And keep up the good work, WayForward!
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero was actually decent representative of the genre of platformer elements metroidvania are wisely mixed system backtracking, no bother, colorful art style mixed with great music is harmoniously interwoven into the game world, a world that the developers have filled not only a beautiful picture, but also the soul.
Review in Russian | Read full review
If you’re interested in 2D platformers or want to try out a unique new game, I highly suggest jumping on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero.
Unfortunately, Half-Genie Hero isn't Shantae's finest moment but that doesn't mean that it isn't a great game.
Old-school gamers and newcomers alike will find a lot to like in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. It’s unique blend of humor, detailed art style, creativity, and platforming will appeal to most any type of gamer.
After nearly three years of anticipation following the success of it's Kickstarter, Shantae: Half-Genie shows us why it was worth the wait.