MonsterCritic
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero cover image
Links
Twitch Icon
Twitch

79

MONSTER

Star Icon

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

2016
GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Single Player
AvailableDec 20, 2016
PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
DeveloperWayForward
Overview

Shantae embarks on her first full HD adventure! After three highly successful outings with Shantae, Shantae: Risky's Revenge, and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, Shantae and her friends finally get a full HD console-based sequel! Boasting vivid, detailed high-definition graphics that retain the 2D hand-drawn sprites the series is known for, this newest entry in the Shantae series almost looks like a playable TV show! Presented as a stage-based 2.5D platformer with heavy exploration elements, Shantae uses her trademark Hair-Whip Attack to dispatch enemies, then takes advantage of her Belly Dance Magic to transform into 8 different forms that each have their own unique abilities and move sets. As new forms are mastered, old stages can be re-explored to unearth new items and secrets, ensuring there's plenty of content on offer for novices and platforming gurus alike. Topple the villainous Baron behind each criminal caper afflicting Sequin Land, and prepare for the ultimate showdown against Shantae's arch-nemesis: that bodacious buccaneer, Risky Boots!

Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

70

TL;DR

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles with whimsical charm and inventive gameplay but falters with a shallow plot, linear structure, and recycled tropes, offering a lightweight experience that prioritizes play over narrative depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

70

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The story of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is generally praised for its charm, humor, and whimsical tone, which align with the series’ established identity. Critics like DarkStation and Push Square highlight the game’s quirky humor, puns, and playful fourth-wall breaks, noting that it retains the franchise’s lightheartedness despite a simple narrative structure. CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded acknowledge that while the story is minimal, it effectively supports gameplay mechanics such as exploration and item collection, framing it as a functional framework rather than a central focus. Additionally, GameSpot and TheSixthAxis appreciate the game’s structural creativity, with its emphasis on backtracking and level progression, which complements the narrative’s simplicity. The story’s reliance on familiar tropes and fan service is seen as a strength by some, particularly in how it reinforces the series’ nostalgic appeal. However, several critics point to the story’s lack of depth and underdeveloped plot elements. Atomix notes minor inconsistencies and a linear structure that hampers narrative cohesion, while GameSpot criticizes the disjointed nature of the non-linear design and quick character introductions. New Game Network and Gaming Nexus argue that the episodic, isolated structure feels like a step back from earlier entries in the series, with weaker character development and plot coherence. Hardcore Gamer and Worth Playing also highlight the reliance on generic themes and recycled elements, such as Risky Boots’ return, which they view as a "greatest hits" approach rather than a fresh narrative. Additionally, ICXM and MondoXbox mention gameplay mechanics like side quests without a quest log, which detract from the storytelling experience by requiring players to remember objectives manually. Overall, critics agree that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero prioritizes charm and gameplay over narrative complexity, resulting in a story that is functional but not deeply engaging. While CGMagazine, Digitally Downloaded, and God is a Geek appreciate the game’s humorous tone and integration of 1001 Arabian Nights-inspired elements, others like New Game Network and Gaming Nexus feel it falls short compared to previous installments. The consensus leans toward viewing the story as a lightweight but effective complement to the game’s core mechanics, with its strengths in humor and world-building outweighing its weaknesses in depth and originality. Despite mixed reactions, most critics acknowledge that the narrative successfully supports the game’s playful spirit, even if it doesn’t push the series’ storytelling boundaries.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles with whimsical charm and inventive gameplay but falters with a shallow plot, linear structure, and recycled tropes, offering a lightweight experience that prioritizes play over narrative depth.

82

TL;DR

Inventive 2D platforming with nostalgic charm and transformative flair, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles through creative mechanics, Metroidvania progression, and a satisfying collect-a-thon loop—yet its linearity, repetitive backtracking, difficulty spikes, and underused abilities undermine an otherwise love letter to classics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

82

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

9%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

3%

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

The gameplay of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is widely praised for its inventive mechanics, nostalgic charm, and emphasis on exploration. Critics highlight the return to traditional 2D platforming with a fresh twist, particularly through Shantae’s transformative abilities—such as her animal forms (monkey, crab, elephant) and dance-based powers—which add depth to level design and traversal. CGMagazine and IGN commend the “layered level design” and “varied transformation abilities,” noting how these mechanics encourage revisiting areas with new skills. The Metroidvania-style progression is a standout feature, with Nintendo Life praising the “tight controls and inventive level designs” that reward exploration. Additionally, the game’s blend of combat (hair-whipping, magic attacks) and collect-a-thon elements, like relic collection and secret-hunting, creates a satisfying loop for fans of classic platformers. COGconnected and Gaming Nexus also note the RPG-lite evolution, with ability collection and multiple playable characters enhancing replayability. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that temper the experience. The game’s linearity is frequently criticized, with Atomix and Metro GameCentral noting it feels “more linear compared to previous entries” despite Metroidvania influences. Repetitive backtracking and fetch quests are recurring complaints, as highlighted by God is a Geek, Push Square, and Video Chums, who find the latter stages “tedious” or “redundant.” Difficulty inconsistencies also arise: DualShockers and PlayStation LifeStyle mention minimal challenge in some sections, while ICXM describes the gameplay as “brutally difficult” due to precision demands. Underused abilities (e.g., certain transformations) and a lack of world variety are other issues, with Atomix and Nintendo Life pointing out that some mechanics feel “tacked on.” Additionally, the limited number of levels and forced replayability—criticized by MondoXbox and 3DJuegos—leave some feeling the game is “short” or “underdeveloped.” Overall, critics agree that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero succeeds as a love letter to classic platformers, blending creativity with nostalgic appeal. While its transformative mechanics, level design, and Metroidvania elements are celebrated by outlets like IGN and GameSpot, the game’s shortcomings—linearity, backtracking, and difficulty gaps—are acknowledged as significant flaws. The consensus leans positive, with many reviewers (e.g., PlayStation LifeStyle, Nintendo Life) emphasizing its charm and replayability despite imperfections. For fans of the genre, the game is seen as a worthwhile experience that balances innovation with tradition, even if it occasionally falters in execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Inventive 2D platforming with nostalgic charm and transformative flair, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles through creative mechanics, Metroidvania progression, and a satisfying collect-a-thon loop—yet its linearity, repetitive backtracking, difficulty spikes, and underused abilities undermine an otherwise love letter to classics.

89

TL;DR

Critics hailed Shantae: Half-Genie Hero’s vibrant HD visuals, praising its hand-drawn artistry, 3D polish, and nostalgic yet modern flair—though minor critiques on design choices and technical quirks couldn’t overshadow its artistic triumph.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

89

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

9%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, highlighting its vibrant aesthetics, artistic evolution, and technical upgrades. Reviewers like Atomix and IGN celebrated the game’s "vibrant colors," "Saturday-morning-cartoon charm," and "super-saturated" visuals, emphasizing how the HD transition retained the series’ charm while enhancing details such as animations and environmental variety. DualShockers noted the "dynamic environmental effects" and creative perspective shifts, while GameSpot praised the blend of modern 3D graphics with traditional 2D gameplay, calling it a "retaining the series' old-school charm." The shift from pixel art to a more polished, hand-drawn style was frequently lauded, with Push Square describing the "modern vector art style" as fresh yet faithful to the franchise’s roots. Many critics, including PSNStores and Nintendo Life, compared the visuals to classics like DuckTales Remastered, underscoring its nostalgic yet modern appeal. The game’s detailed character designs, lively environments, and expressive animations were consistently highlighted as standout features. While the general reception was positive, some critics noted minor reservations about the visual direction. COGconnected expressed a preference for the older 16-bit aesthetic but acknowledged the new "gorgeous" visuals as an improvement. DarkStation questioned whether the glossy graphics overemphasized certain elements, and Hardcore Gamer raised concerns about controversial design choices like skimpy outfits and gendered character portrayals, which they felt could provoke debate. Additionally, Gaming Nexus pointed out technical inconsistencies, such as frame rate drops on the Vita version, though this was less of an issue on PS4 and Xbox One. Some reviewers, like Nintendo Life, noted that while the hand-drawn 2D art style with 3D backgrounds was praised, certain environments lacked visual flair. These critiques, however, were largely overshadowed by the consensus that the game’s artistic direction was a significant success. Overall, the critical consensus overwhelmingly favors Shantae: Half-Genie Hero’s graphics and visual design, with most reviewers deeming it a triumph in 2D artistry and technical execution. The transition to HD and 3D elements was seen as a natural evolution that preserved the game’s charm while elevating its presentation. CGMagazine, Metro GameCentral, and XboxAddict all emphasized the "top-notch" visuals, with Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it noting smooth performance and immersive environments. Even critics with minor reservations, such as COGconnected and Hardcore Gamer, acknowledged the game’s artistic strengths. The combination of vibrant color palettes, detailed animations, and a unique blend of 2D and 3D elements created a visually striking experience that resonated across platforms, solidifying Half-Genie Hero as a standout entry in the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics hailed Shantae: Half-Genie Hero’s vibrant HD visuals, praising its hand-drawn artistry, 3D polish, and nostalgic yet modern flair—though minor critiques on design choices and technical quirks couldn’t overshadow its artistic triumph.

86

TL;DR

Jake Kauffman’s genre-defying soundtrack for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles with snappy synth-pop, Arabian flair, and nostalgic 16-bit vibes, earning universal praise as a masterclass in whimsical, immersive game music—though minor quirks in cohesion and repetition linger.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The sound design and music of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero received widespread acclaim, with critics consistently praising its vibrant, genre-blending compositions and atmospheric depth. Jake Kauffman’s soundtrack was frequently highlighted as a standout element, with reviewers like Atomix and Gaming Nexus noting its ability to blend energetic action tracks with tranquil melodies, enhancing the game’s charm and immersion. The score’s nostalgic yet modern flair—incorporating SNES/Genesis-era melodies, electronic beats, guitar riffs, and Arabian influences—was celebrated by COGconnected and PlayStation Country, who emphasized its unique identity. IGN praised the “toe-tapping, rhythmic” tracks, including a standout interactive dance mechanic, while New Game Network called it the best in the series, with upbeat, catchy tunes reminiscent of classic Japanese sidescrollers. The music’s ability to match the game’s whimsical and adventurous tone was a recurring theme, as noted by We Got This Covered, which highlighted specific tracks like the Mermaid Factory as exemplary of Kauffman’s skill. While the majority lauded the soundtrack, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. XboxAddict noted that while the music was varied, it lacked the iconic quality of classic platformer scores, with electric synths and Persian influences feeling somewhat disjointed at times. PlayStation Universe mentioned that certain tracks felt out of place, and 3DJuegos and Everyeye.it observed that repetition could occur despite the overall enjoyment. Additionally, PSNStores and TheSixthAxis provided minimal details, though this may reflect broader gaps in their reviews rather than direct criticism. These critiques were relatively minor compared to the overwhelming praise, with most agreeing that the music was a strong complement to the gameplay rather than a flaw. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Hardcore Gamer calling it “one of the year’s best” and TheXboxHub noting its “relaxing, captivating” melodies as a standout feature. Even reviewers who acknowledged minor issues, like XboxAddict, conceded that the soundtrack enhanced the game’s experience. The blend of nostalgia and innovation, coupled with Kauffman’s expertise—recognized by SomosXbox and God is a Geek—solidified the music as a defining aspect of Half-Genie Hero. While not universally perfect, the soundtrack’s energy, variety, and emotional resonance earned it near-unanimous praise, cementing its role as a key element in the game’s success.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Jake Kauffman’s genre-defying soundtrack for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero dazzles with snappy synth-pop, Arabian flair, and nostalgic 16-bit vibes, earning universal praise as a masterclass in whimsical, immersive game music—though minor quirks in cohesion and repetition linger.

66

TL;DR

Voice acting in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero earns praise for standout performances like Christina Vee’s work and catchy vocal themes, but critics call it sparse, shallow, and underused, undermining immersion despite competent execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

66

Positive Reviews (80-100)

0%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

100%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The voice acting in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero receives mixed but generally positive praise from critics, particularly highlighting the quality of performances when present. Gaming Nexus commends Christina Vee’s work as “solid,” noting her delivery for Shantae and other characters, while God is a Geek acknowledges the “great” voice acting despite its limitations. New Game Network also appreciates the game’s “catchy full vocal theme” in the intro and credits, which adds a memorable touch. These positives suggest that when voice work is included, it is well-executed and contributes to the game’s charm, even if it’s not extensive. Critics like Gaming Nexus and God is a Geek emphasize that the talent behind the voices is evident, with Vee’s performance standing out as a highlight. However, several critics point to significant limitations in the voice acting, particularly its scarcity and lack of depth. Gaming Nexus notes that the “lack of substantial spoken dialogue” limits the impact of the voice work, while God is a Geek attributes this to funding constraints, suggesting more voice acting could have enhanced the experience. New Game Network describes the voice acting as “minimal,” limited to “a few lines from Shantae and Risky,” and We Got This Covered calls it a disappointment given the game’s Kickstarter background, implying that higher expectations were unmet. Similarly, Worth Playing observes that there is “no significant voice acting” beyond minor clips, which some critics feel detracts from immersion or emotional engagement with characters. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero features competent and occasionally impressive voice acting, but its limited scope and lack of depth are recurring criticisms. While critics like Gaming Nexus and God is a Geek acknowledge the quality of what’s present, others such as New Game Network and We Got This Covered emphasize that the sparse use of dialogue undermines potential impact. Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers agree that the voice work does not significantly detract from the game’s overall enjoyment, with some even suggesting it complements the game’s lighthearted tone. The mixed reception reflects a balance between appreciation for the talent involved and frustration over the underutilization of voice acting as a storytelling tool.

TL;DR

voice acting

Voice acting in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero earns praise for standout performances like Christina Vee’s work and catchy vocal themes, but critics call it sparse, shallow, and underused, undermining immersion despite competent execution.

82

TL;DR

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero shines technically across PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch with smooth 60fps, zero major bugs, and stellar optimization—except for Vita’s frame-rate hiccups and Wii U’s lackluster features. Minor glitches on some platforms don’t overshadow its polished, stable performance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

82

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The technical performance of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is largely praised across its platforms, with notable strengths on the PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Critics like Atomix highlight that the PS4 version runs smoothly at 60fps with no major issues, while ICXM and SomosXbox laud the Xbox One for its "top notch" performance, free of frame drops or bugs. The PC port receives high marks from 3DJuegos and Multiplayer.it, who note smooth gameplay, consistent 60fps at 4K resolution, and no technical hiccups. Meanwhile, Nintendo Life praises the Switch version for maintaining quality in both docked and undocked modes without performance compromises. These platforms are consistently described as stable, optimized, and polished, with minimal to no major technical flaws reported by most reviewers. However, some platform-specific issues emerge. The Vita version faces criticism for frame rate inconsistencies, as noted by Atomix and Gaming Nexus, though these are framed as minor compared to the PS4's performance. On the PS4, DualShockers points out a frustrating tower sequence where progress resets, despite generous checkpoints, while New Game Network mentions occasional strobe-like effects during scrolling. We Got This Covered also notes frame rate issues in certain levels, and Hardcore Gamer highlights that the Wii U version lacks unique features, though this is more of a design oversight than a technical flaw. While these problems are generally minor, they underscore some platform-specific optimization challenges, particularly on older hardware like the Vita and Wii U. Overall, critics agree that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero delivers strong technical performance across most platforms, with only isolated issues detracting from its polish. The PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch versions are universally praised for stability and optimization, while the Vita and Wii U face minor but notable shortcomings. Atomix, ICXM, and Nintendo Life emphasize that the game’s technical foundation is robust, with most criticisms being minor or platform-specific. Despite these exceptions, the consensus leans heavily toward positive reviews, with the game’s technical execution contributing to its overall appeal as a well-optimized title across multiple systems.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero shines technically across PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch with smooth 60fps, zero major bugs, and stellar optimization—except for Vita’s frame-rate hiccups and Wii U’s lackluster features. Minor glitches on some platforms don’t overshadow its polished, stable performance.

74

TL;DR

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero offers enticing replay value via hidden secrets, collectibles, New Game+ modes, and unlockable abilities, but its short campaign (under 4 hours), repetitive backtracking, and shallow combat undermine long-term appeal, catering mainly to completionists and series fans despite its charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

74

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The majority of reviewers highlight several positive aspects that enhance the replay value of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. Critics like CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Digitally Downloaded emphasize hidden content, optional quests, and unlockable abilities that encourage players to revisit levels with new tools or characters. The game’s structured level design, combined with secrets, collectibles, and transformations (e.g., MondoXbox and TheXboxHub), creates a sense of discovery and progression. Additionally, features like New Game+ modes (noted by ZTGD and Cubed3) allow players to replay the game with unlocked abilities, while Hero Mode and speedrun incentives (DualShockers, PlayStation LifeStyle) cater to completionists and competitive players. The inclusion of post-launch content, such as DLC and future characters (Worth Playing, Multiplayer.it), further extends the experience, making it appealing for those who enjoy exploring every nook and cranny. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that limit long-term engagement. The game’s short campaign length (under four hours for a main playthrough, per New Game Network) and repetitive level revisits (Metro GameCentral, Push Square) are frequently cited as issues. God is a Geek and Video Chums note that backtracking, while necessary for secrets, can feel tedious, especially when tied to shallow combat mechanics or minor level changes. SomosXbox and We Got This Covered criticize the lack of substantial content beyond collectibles, arguing that the game’s brevity and reliance on repetition may deter players from revisiting it after completion. Additionally, some reviewers (Hardcore Gamer, 3DJuegos) suggest that while hidden areas and upgrades are enticing, they aren’t enough to offset the game’s perceived shallowness for all audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero offers a moderate to strong replay value for fans of exploration and collectibles, but its appeal is somewhat limited by its brevity and repetitive elements. While IGN, Cubed3, and Nintendo Life acknowledge the game’s charm and structured design as incentives for multiple playthroughs, others like New Game Network and SomosXbox argue that the base experience feels rushed. The game’s strengths—such as its Metroidvania-style progression (Gaming Age) and unlockable content (PlayStation Country)—are balanced by criticisms of repetition and limited depth. Ultimately, it seems to cater best to completists and fans of the series, with replayability driven more by curiosity than necessity, as noted by Worth Playing and XboxAddict.

TL;DR

replay value

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero offers enticing replay value via hidden secrets, collectibles, New Game+ modes, and unlockable abilities, but its short campaign (under 4 hours), repetitive backtracking, and shallow combat undermine long-term appeal, catering mainly to completionists and series fans despite its charm.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

79

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

79

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The majority of critics praised Shantae: Half-Genie Hero as a vibrant, charming, and polished entry in the 2D platformer genre, with many highlighting its nostalgic appeal and refined mechanics. Reviewers like IGN and Digitally Downloaded lauded its hand-drawn visuals, creative design, and energetic soundtrack, calling it one of the best in the genre. GameSpot and DarkStation emphasized its blend of retro charm with modern polish, while CGMagazine (though cut off) and God is a Geek noted its strong character depth and humor. The game’s accessible yet engaging gameplay, coupled with its lighthearted tone, resonated with fans of platformer-RPG hybrids, as highlighted by COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle, who praised its "polished" execution and "core charm." Many critics, including Worth Playing and ZTGD, emphasized its value for money and the joy it brings to longtime Shantae fans. However, several reviewers pointed out notable flaws that tempered their enthusiasm. DualShockers and New Game Network criticized the game’s lack of challenge and repetitive backtracking, while PSNStores and Push Square noted its brevity and reliance on familiar formulas. XboxAddict mentioned minor issues with combat variety and music memorability, and 3DJuegos pointed to repetition as a drawback despite strong visuals. Some critics, like Gaming Nexus, felt the game leaned too conservatively on past mechanics, while TheSixthAxis and Video Chums acknowledged its repetitiveness and fetch-quest elements. These critiques often centered on pacing, depth, and innovation, with several reviewers suggesting that the game’s polish couldn’t fully compensate for its structural shortcomings. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Half-Genie Hero is a standout title in the Shantae series and the 2D platformer genre. Atomix, TheXboxHub, and PlayStation Country called it a "must-play" for fans, praising its charm, gameplay, and nostalgic design. While some noted minor flaws—such as Cubed3’s comments on ability design or Switch Player’s mixed feelings about difficulty—the majority emphasized that these issues didn’t detract from the game’s enjoyment. Critics like IGN and We Got This Covered acknowledged its lack of innovation but still recommended it as a "franchise high" and a "strong addition." Ultimately, the game was seen as a lovingly crafted, accessible experience that, while not perfect, solidified Shantae’s place as a beloved series in the platformer landscape.

TL;DR

A vibrant, nostalgic 2D platformer praised for its polished charm and accessible gameplay, but criticized for repetitive backtracking and lack of innovation—still a must-play for fans despite flaws.

79

MONSTER

Star Icon

Reviews

83 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Feb 3, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a must-play title for platformer fans, praising its gameplay, story, visuals, and soundtrack. It is seen as a strong addition to the series with high-quality execution across multiple aspects.

Read full review

Full review

90

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jan 9, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review is overwhelmingly positive, calling Shantae: Half-Genie Hero a must-play for 2D platformer fans. It is praised as one of the best in the genre with its visuals, music, and gameplay, despite minor flaws.

Read full review

Full review

90

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jun 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A strong recommendation for fans of Metroidvania games, praised for its charm, polish, and portability on Switch. While slightly short, it remains a standout entry in the Shantae series with added convenience.

Read full review

Full review

90

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Dec 20, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review is overwhelmingly positive, praising the HD visuals, creative design, humor, and character depth. It positions the game as a standout in the 2D platformer genre and a strong entry in the Shantae series.

Read full review

Full review

90

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Jan 3, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as one of the best platformers in recent years, with a strong recommendation for fans of the genre, though minor criticisms about repetition and fetch quests are noted.

Read full review

Full review

85

ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Jan 4, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, highlighting Shantae's charm, engaging gameplay, and memorable music. The reviewer is impressed enough to seek out previous games in the franchise.

Read full review

Full review

85

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Jan 3, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the game is


85

Atomix

PlayStation 4

Dec 23, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, calling the game a must-have for fans and praising its visuals, music, and gameplay. While noting some flaws in structure and story, it is ultimately recommended as a strong entry in the series.


84

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Dec 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer calls it a great game with high recommendation for fans of platformer-RPG hybrids, despite a slow start. They highlight its value and enjoyment once past the initial phase.

Read full review

Full review

83

MondoXbox

Xbox One

Feb 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, praising the game's variety of missions, localisation, and value for money, while acknowledging its 10-hour runtime as sufficient for its price point.

Read full review

Full review
Similar Games
left arrow
right arrow

About

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Navigation

Home

Search

Games


Follow Us

© 2025 MonsterCritic