The WhatsNext verdict
If you want a colorful, tightly polished 2D platformer with expressive pixel art and excellent music, this is an easy recommendation. Players seeking a larger world or longer adventure may find its compact scope and confusing map frustrating.
What it does best
A remarkably polished handheld platformer
A soundtrack that gives every region its own pulse
Beautiful, expressive pixel art with a vivid identity
What might put you off
The map can make progress confusing
The adventure is over quickly
The setup
What you are walking into
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Shantae is here! Fans asked, and WayForward has answered with a powder keg of high-octane, hair-whipping, hip-shaking action available only on the Nintendo DSiWare service. Shantae: Risky's Revenge sets the bar even higher with thousands of frames of animation, huge multi-sprite bosses and a quest so big it's bursting at the seams. Guide "half-genie" Shantae through haunted wastelands, burning deserts, enchanted forests, dripping caverns and deadly labyrinths. Discover magical attacks, brew zombie coffee, save golden babies and master the art of belly dancing to transform Shantae into more powerful creatures. Use your powers to foil the lady pirate Risky Boots and save Sequin Land from certain doom. With its infectious characters, flirtatious humor and deliciously outlandish action, Shantae: Risky's Revenge offers up all the hair-whipping, belly-dancing action you can handle.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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