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MONSTER

Shantae and the Seven Sirens

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shantae and the Seven Sirens
Item: Shantae and the Seven Sirens
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableMay 28, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperWayForward

Overview

Formerly referred to as Shantae 5, Shantae and the Seven Sirens sends the belly-dancing, hair-whipping, half-genie hero to a tropical island where Shantae and her friends encounter other Half-Genie allies, but they soon learn there’s trouble in paradise. As Shantae gets caught up in the island’s sinister secrets, she’ll use all-new dance abilities and instant-transformation Fusion Magic to explore the nonlinear, interconnected world where she’ll visit multiple towns, overcome treacherous labyrinths, and battle dastardly bosses. The game also features a new collectible card system that grants players the freedom to augment Shantae’s powers to suit their own style of play. Key Features: - Explore an interconnected world using new Fusion Magic creature transformations, including a newt and other aquatic forms! - 4K-resolution hand-painted visuals (on 4K devices only)! - All-new characters and returning favorites like Rottytops, Sky, Bolo, and the nefarious Risky Boots! - Collect and power up with monster cards! - Enjoy minigames, acquire magic and items, and uncover secrets! - Gorgeously animated TV-style cutscenes!

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a charming, humor-packed romp with quirky characters and nostalgic flair, but its lightweight, formulaic story lacks depth, emotional stakes, and originality—prioritizing platformer fun over narrative ambition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of reviewers praise Shantae and the Seven Sirens for its lighthearted, humorous tone and engaging narrative framework, even if it lacks deep complexity. Critics like Hobby Consolas highlight the game’s "light storyline" and "humorous NPC dialogues," while Critical Hit commends its "fun, quirky characters" and "fast-paced humor." The story’s focus on Shantae’s quest to rescue her friends during a tropical festival is seen as charming and nostalgic, with Nintendo Life noting its "snarky dialogue" and "self-aware humor." Several reviewers, including GameGrin and Comicbook.com, emphasize the game’s efficient storytelling, which balances adventure tropes with a sense of whimsy. The narrative’s emphasis on exploration and character-driven moments—such as returning fan favorites like Sky and the Squid Baron—adds to its appeal, as noted by NintendoWorldReport and Worth Playing. However, many critics point out significant shortcomings in the story’s depth and originality. Eurogamer Italy and COGconnected describe the plot as "typical for the series" and lacking a detailed backstory, while Destructoid criticizes it for being "flat and underdeveloped," with characters that fail to resonate emotionally. The narrative is often seen as a vehicle for gameplay rather than a compelling story, with Digitally Downloaded noting that platformer constraints limit character interaction, and Slant Magazine calling the plot "repetitive" and reliant on "fetch-quest-driven backtracking." Cubed3 and Metro GameCentral also criticize the generic, formulaic structure, suggesting it fails to surprise even seasoned players. Additionally, several reviews, including those from New Game Network and 3DJuegos, highlight a lack of tension or dramatic stakes, with the story feeling "shallow" despite its charm. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shantae and the Seven Sirens delivers an enjoyable, nostalgic experience for fans of the series but falls short as a groundbreaking narrative. While it excels in humor, character quirks, and playful exploration—praised by Hobby Consolas, Critical Hit, and GameGrin—its lack of innovation and depth is a recurring critique. IGN Italia and New Game Network acknowledge the story’s role as a "mere appetizer" for the game’s metroidvania mechanics, while NintendoWorldReport and Worth Playing note its strengths in maintaining the series’ charm despite formulaic elements. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that while the story is competent and accessible, it prioritizes fun over narrative ambition, making it a solid but unremarkable entry in the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Shantae and the Seven Sirens delivers slick Metroidvania fun with inventive mechanics and accessible charm, but its safe design, repetitive dungeons, and recycled ideas dilute its impact, leaving a polished yet unambitious experience that prioritizes familiarity over innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Shantae and the Seven Sirens receives praise for its engaging Metroidvania foundations, creative mechanics, and accessibility. Critics like PC Invasion and Gameblog.fr highlight the game’s fluid exploration, interconnected maps, and innovative features such as fusion magic, monster cards, and transformative abilities that add variety to platforming and combat. Hobby Consolas and NintendoWorldReport commend the game’s emphasis on player-driven exploration, with mechanics like dance-based attacks and customizable skill systems offering depth. The streamlined progression, including easy-to-obtain upgrades and health regeneration (noted by GameMAG and Universo Nintendo), appeals to casual players, while Switch Player and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the satisfying blend of challenge and creativity in tasks like secret hunting and ability acquisition. These elements collectively create a welcoming experience for both newcomers and series veterans. However, several critics critique the game’s repetition, lack of innovation, and structural issues. Slant Magazine and Destructoid lambast the gameplay for its formulaic design, citing tedious backtracking, forgettable dungeons, and a linear structure that feels derivative. Impulsegamer points to technical flaws on the Nintendo Switch, such as frame rate drops during combat, which disrupt immersion. New Game Network and Metro GameCentral note the game’s low difficulty and overuse of recycled content, with transformations feeling like reskins from previous titles. 3DJuegos and Cubed3 criticize the repetitive enemy encounters and lack of earned challenge, while Noisy Pixel and Vandal mention frustration from unclear ability indicators and underwhelming boss fights. These issues collectively undermine the game’s potential to feel fresh or deeply engaging. Overall, critics acknowledge Shantae and the Seven Sirens as a polished but somewhat safe entry in the Metroidvania genre. While GameGrin and TheGamer praise its creative mechanics and accessible design, many agree that the game prioritizes comfort over risk, resulting in a experience that feels familiar yet unambitious. The balance between accessibility and challenge remains contentious: Universo Nintendo and Worth Playing appreciate the customizable difficulty, while Slant Magazine and Impulsegamer argue it sacrifices depth for ease. Despite mixed reception, the game’s charm, creative exploration, and nostalgic nods to classic Metroidvania elements (as highlighted by Hobby Consolas and Comicbook.com) ensure it resonates with fans of the genre, even if it falls short of pushing boundaries.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Stunning visuals, nostalgic Arabian Nights flair, and fluid animation steal the show, but repetitive assets, clunky load times, and lackluster innovation hold it back—a charming yet flawed adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Shantae and the Seven Sirens are widely praised for their vibrant, colorful, and charming aesthetic, with many critics highlighting the game’s artistic strengths. Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded lauded the "delightful," "polished," and "opulent" visuals, emphasizing the 1001 Arabian Nights-inspired art style and its nostalgic appeal. Meristation and Vandal commended the animated cutscenes and character designs, noting that Shantae’s transformations and expressive animations add charm. Critics like GameGrin and TheXboxHub praised the game’s "sharp," "stylized," and "fluid" visuals, with the latter highlighting the "stunning anime-style animation" and detailed backgrounds. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Universo Nintendo appreciated the cohesive 2D art direction and the contrast between gameplay and cutscenes, which they felt enhanced the overall experience. The game’s hand-drawn style, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, was often described as "cutesy," "whimsical," and "memorable," with many reviewers noting its ability to immerse players in a vibrant world. However, several critics pointed out recurring issues with repetition and technical limitations. Meristation, Vandal, and 3DJuegos criticized the reuse of assets from previous games, arguing that environments and enemy designs felt unoriginal or derivative. Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel noted long load times between areas, which detracted from the experience despite otherwise "excellent" graphics. Slant Magazine and Metro GameCentral questioned the lack of depth in 2D backgrounds, with the former calling them "flat" and the latter comparing the game’s visual identity to earlier entries as "sterile." Additionally, Eurogamer Italy mentioned fluidity issues, while Cubed3 found the art style "unoriginal" despite its aesthetic appeal. Some reviewers, like IGN Italia, noted that the shift from pixel art to a modern polygonal engine slightly diminished the series’ charm, and others, such as GameMAG, pointed out navigational challenges due to the absence of map markers. Overall, critics largely agree that Shantae and the Seven Sirens excels in its visual design, with its colorful, stylized art direction and animated cutscenes standing out as major strengths. While some reviewers, like Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded, emphasized the game’s charm and nostalgic appeal, others, such as Meristation and Cubed3, acknowledged its lack of innovation compared to earlier entries. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with most critics recognizing the game’s artistic identity as a key highlight despite minor criticisms about repetition and technical shortcomings. The mix of praise for creativity and acknowledgment of limitations reflects a balanced view, where the visuals are celebrated as a strong suit but not without room for growth.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Praise for chiptune charm and atmospheric vibes clashes with criticism of forgettable tracks and missed potential, as Shantae and the Seven Sirens’ soundtrack leans on retro nostalgia but lacks the punch of its predecessors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Shantae and the Seven Sirens received generally positive reception, with many critics praising its chiptune-inspired style and atmospheric contributions. Multiplayer.it lauded the soundtrack as "eccellente" (excellent), noting its effective use in different game areas, while Eurogamer Italy called it "assoluta qualità" (absolute quality). GameGrin highlighted the music's ability to elevate each zone’s atmosphere, particularly praising the intense boss battle tracks and vocal performances. TheGamer noted the "solid tropical feel" with memorable themes like Dungeon and Coral Mine, and Nintendo Life acknowledged the energetic and catchy melodies that blend chiptune with pop elements. Even critics who critiqued the soundtrack acknowledged its functional and pleasant qualities, such as Nintenderos’ praise for cheerful, matching melodies and well-crafted sound effects. The inclusion of an original song like "Rise and Shine Shantae" by Cristina Vee (COGconnected) also stood out as a unique touch. However, several critics pointed to the soundtrack’s lack of memorability and distinctiveness compared to previous entries in the series. Meristation and Vandal both noted that the chiptune style, while jovial, lacks the catchiness of earlier games, with Vandal specifically citing Jake Kaufman’s absence as a key factor. Slant Magazine criticized the music as "worse than elevator music" outside the game, while Metro GameCentral called it "unimpressive and forgettable." FNintendo and Gameblog.fr highlighted the retro-inspired but generic nature of the score, contrasting it with Kaufman’s signature Arabic influences in Pirate’s Curse. Additionally, some critics, like GameMAG and Hobby Consolas, found the soundtrack dull or repetitive, with GameMAG noting a single reference to Super Metroid as its only standout moment. The shift away from Kaufman’s style was a recurring point of disappointment, with Atomix and NintendoWorldReport mentioning the absence of his creative flair. Overall, while the soundtrack received mixed reactions, the consensus leaned toward it being a solid but less impactful entry in the series. Many critics acknowledged its functional chiptune aesthetic and atmospheric contributions, particularly on platforms like Nintendo Switch (e.g., Nintenderos, Nintendo Life). However, the lack of memorable compositions and the departure from Jake Kaufman’s signature style were significant drawbacks, as noted by Meristation, Vandal, and Gameblog.fr. Despite these criticisms, several reviews—such as those from GameGrin, TheGamer, and Worth Playing—highlighted its energetic and playful tone as a strength. Ultimately, while Shantae and the Seven Sirens’ music was praised for its charm and atmosphere, it fell short of the series’ previous high standards, leaving fans divided between appreciation for its retro vibe and frustration over its lack of originality.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Shantae and the Seven Sirens shines with charm, humor, and standout performances—especially Cristina Vee’s Shantae—but suffers from limited scope, minimal English dialogue, and uneven depth, balancing whimsy with constraints.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Shantae and the Seven Sirens receives widespread praise for its charm, character fit, and contribution to the game’s lighthearted tone. Critics like GameGrin highlight the cast’s “top-notch” performances, noting how they enhance the game’s charm and immersion. Atomix specifically commends Cristina Valenzuela’s (as Shantae) and Risky Boots’ lively, expressive delivery, while Comicbook.com and DualShockers praise the comedic timing and authenticity that align with the game’s whimsical style. COGconnected and ZTGD emphasize how the voice work complements animated cutscenes, with Nintendo Life describing it as “top-notch” with hammy, over-the-top performances that match the game’s tone. The Spanish localization also garners positive remarks, with Meristation and SomosXbox noting its improved naturalness compared to prior titles, even if some translation issues persist. However, several critics point out limitations in the voice acting’s scope. Meristation and Vandal both note that English voice work is minimal, restricted to brief lines, while PC Invasion observes that only a small portion of dialogue is voiced outside cutscenes. Universo Nintendo mentions that the dubbed lines resemble Fire Emblem Awakening’s style but aren’t universal across all dialogue. Additionally, some reviews, like Nintenderos, acknowledge that voice acting quality isn’t deeply explored beyond Cristina Vee’s performance as Shantae, suggesting a lack of depth in other characters’ portrayals. These critiques highlight a balance between the voice work’s strengths and its constrained execution. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with critics agreeing that the voice acting is well-suited to the game’s whimsical aesthetic and enhances its charm, particularly through standout performances like Cristina Vee’s Shantae. While some note limitations in scope and depth—especially regarding English dialogue and secondary characters—the majority view it as a strong, fitting component of the experience. Atomix, Comicbook.com, and Nintendo Life underscore its role in amplifying humor and character, even if it isn’t exhaustive. The Spanish localization’s improvements further bolster the voice work’s appeal, making it a notable strength despite its occasional constraints.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Shantae and the Seven Sirens delivers solid technical performance across platforms, but load times and design flaws plague its flow. PS4 and Xbox One shine with smooth mechanics and 4K support, while PC struggles with frame drops and backtracking. The Switch version, despite hybrid play, faces brutal load times and hardware limitations. All platforms grapple with persistent issues that undermine immersion, making technical execution a major letdown.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Shantae and the Seven Sirens varies across platforms, with several positives noted. On PS4, Meristation highlights smooth gameplay without major flaws, while Multiplayer.it acknowledges stability on the PS4 Pro despite long load times. PC sees praise for fluid mechanics from GameGrin and Eurogamer Italy, who note sporadic frame drops but expect fixes. Xbox One receives positive remarks for 4K support and stable performance (SomosXbox) and smooth gameplay (Nintenderos). The Nintendo Switch version, while criticized for load times, is praised for fluid animations (Gameblog.fr) and hybrid play support (Nintenderos), with some reviewers acknowledging its technical competence despite hardware limitations. Negatives are more pronounced across platforms, particularly regarding load times. On PS4, critics like Multiplayer.it and PlayStation Country cite "long and tedious load times" between areas, disrupting immersion. PC faces criticism for poorly designed backtracking (3DJuegos) and sporadic frame drops (Eurogamer Italy). Xbox One reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and ZTGD, highlight excessive load times that undermine the experience. The Switch version struggles most: Atomix and FNintendo note 10–20 second load times, while Universo Nintendo mentions frame rate drops during complex scenes. These issues are consistent across platforms, with critics like Cubed3 and IGN Italia emphasizing how load times and design flaws detract from the overall flow, even if technical stability is generally maintained. Overall, the consensus leans toward moderate technical performance with platform-specific challenges. While PS4 and Xbox One versions benefit from smoother mechanics and better optimization (e.g., 4K support on Xbox), all platforms face criticism for load times and minor bugs. The Switch version, constrained by hardware, faces the harshest scrutiny, with reviewers like Atomix and GameSkinny pointing to its limitations. Despite these issues, most critics agree that the game is technically stable, with only minor flaws detracting from its core experience. The recurring theme of load times as a persistent flaw—particularly on Switch and PC—suggests that while Shantae is well-crafted, its technical execution falls short of expectations, especially for players seeking seamless gameplay.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Shantae and the Seven Sirens offers decent replay value through collectibles, New Game+ challenges, and hidden secrets, but its 10-hour runtime, repetitive combat, and formulaic design limit long-term appeal—replayability hinges on specific mechanics for completionists, not a cohesive post-game experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge several positive aspects of Shantae and the Seven Sirens’ replay value, particularly its collectibles, New Game+ mode, and exploration-driven design. Critics like Multiplayer.it and Vandal highlight that trophies, hidden secrets, and multiple endings encourage players to revisit the game, while GameGrin and XBLA Fans emphasize the Monster Card system and speedrunning incentives as key motivators. The New Game+ mode is frequently praised for introducing increased difficulty and additional challenges, with Hardcore Gamer and SomosXbox noting its role in extending gameplay. Additionally, Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport commend the game’s concise yet engaging design, which supports multiple playthroughs through unlockable content and varied mechanics. These elements collectively create a foundation for replayability, especially for completionists or those seeking efficiency-based challenges. However, several critics point to significant limitations that hinder long-term replay appeal. The game’s short length—often cited as under 10 hours—is a recurring criticism, with Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network arguing it undermines its value proposition. Repetitive combat mechanics and overpowered progression are also highlighted as drawbacks, with Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded noting that the lack of depth and repetitive structure diminishes engagement on subsequent playthroughs. Meristation and Atomix point out that the ease of progression and minimal incentives for exploration reduce the motivation to revisit the game, while IGN Italia and Cubed3 criticize its formulaic design and generic structure. Even DualShockers, who praise the game’s exploratory nature, acknowledge that its core loop remains predictable, limiting its ability to sustain interest beyond the initial run. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replayability driven by specific mechanics rather than a robust post-game experience. While collectibles, New Game+, and hidden content provide enough incentive for some players—particularly speedrunners or completionists—others feel the game’s brevity and repetitive elements significantly curtail its longevity. Vandal and ZTGD argue that the combination of secrets, multiple endings, and Monster Cards justifies repeated playthroughs, but Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network counter that these features aren’t enough to offset the game’s short runtime and lack of meaningful challenges. Ultimately, Shantae and the Seven Sirens offers a decent replay value for fans of its genre, but it falls short of being a must-replay title due to its structural limitations.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Shantae and the Seven Sirens highlights its strengths in charm, accessibility, and nostalgic appeal. Many critics praise its vibrant visuals, engaging gameplay, and strong character design, calling it a "delight" (Digitally Downloaded) and "a brilliant 2D platformer with metroidvania elements" (COGconnected). GameGrin hails it as the best in the series, while TheXboxHub and XBLA Fans commend its exploration, progression, and "must-buy" status. The game’s lighthearted tone, humor, and creative level design—particularly praised by DualShockers and Nintendo Life—are frequently highlighted as standout features. Critics like Pure Nintendo and Switch Player emphasize its "delightful platforming," "vibrant design," and "core strengths," positioning it as a strong entry for both fans and newcomers to the genre. However, several critics note significant shortcomings that temper its appeal. The game is often criticized for lacking innovation, with Multiplayer.it calling it "overly conservative" and Slant Magazine deeming it a "missed opportunity." Repetition in metroidvania mechanics, technical flaws (e.g., "padded content," "minor technical issues," as mentioned by PlayStation Country and 3DJuegos), and a lack of challenge are recurring complaints. Destructoid and Meristation describe it as "competent but unremarkable," while Eurogamer Italy and IGN Italia criticize its "limited longevity" and "apathetic" feel. Critics like Cubed3 and GameMAG argue it fails to evolve the series, offering a "familiar yet uninspired experience" that feels stuck in its own formula. Even positive reviews acknowledge minor issues, such as "uneven difficulty" (Hardcore Gamer) or "underwhelming Monster Card mechanics" (Comicbook.com). Despite mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward Shantae and the Seven Sirens being a solid, accessible entry that satisfies fans of the series while falling short of groundbreaking innovation. While critics like GameGrin and Nintendo Life celebrate its polished gameplay and nostalgic charm, others like Destructoid and Eurogamer Italy feel it lacks the ambition to elevate the franchise. The divide reflects differing expectations: for longtime fans, it’s a welcome return with "quality-of-life improvements" (Universo Nintendo) but not a leap forward, while newcomers may find it an enjoyable, if unoriginal, metroidvania experience. Ultimately, the game is seen as a competent, if not exceptional, addition to the series, with its charm and accessibility outweighing its flaws for many reviewers.

TL;DR

A polished yet unoriginal metroidvania that charms with nostalgia and charm but lacks the innovation to elevate the series.

MONSTER

Reviews

80 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Aug 26, 2020