GAME REVIEW | Half-Genie Hero Leads a "Risky Revolution"
There was an eight-year gap between the first Shantae on Game Boy Color and its follow-up, Risky’s Revenge, on the Nintendo DS. However, we came very close to having the Half-Genie Hero appearing on the Game Boy Advance. But a problem arose: WayForward couldn’t find a publisher, meaning the planned game had to be canned. (After all, this was before the days when anyone could just self-publish the game online.)
Now, over two decades later, that fabled Game Boy Advance Shantae game finally arises, thanks in part to just how darn popular the purple-haired magical girl is. While Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution! is the sixth game in the series, it’s technically Number Two in terms of chronology. As usual, Risky Boots is the one causing trouble for Shantae and the folks in Sequin Land. Only this time, she’s got more than just treasure on her mind.
With the use of the Tremor Engine, Risky causes many of the towns in Sequin Land to get all mixed up. Where there should be hot weather instead has freezing tundras, dry mines are filled with seawater, and a beautiful kingdom is now covered in sludge. With the aid of Sky, Bolo, and their new friend Rottytops (yes, this is where she would’ve debuted), Shantae sets out to get the towns all fixed while seeking Uncle Mimic’s friends from the Relic Hunter’s Guild. But getting through the worlds won’t be so easy…until Shantae learns a few new magic tricks.
Like most of the games in the series, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution! plays like a Metroidvania. While the towns are more straightforward, the gameplay worlds can be traveled in a constant circle. However, in some areas, you’ll have to jump back and forth between the foreground and the background in order to access caves, crypts, and dungeons. As such, it can get a little bit confusing where you have been or where you have to aim to reach. (The fact that there’s no map available to check out in any of the worlds makes it even more difficult to traverse through.)
However, as you play through, Shantae will find and earn new transformations, many of which will help with making going through the areas much easier. Back from past games are the monkey, elephant, spider, and harpy powers, which help with climbing, flying, and smashing. New to Risky Revolution! are the mermaid (which allows for getting through seaweed and some blasting powers) and the crab (which can plant mines and crawl through tight spaces). While there are other Shantae games where she has more powers, one has to go into the mindset that this is supposed to be a Game Boy Advance game, meaning it must apply itself to the limitations of that handheld.
The transformations aren’t the only things in Shantae’s arsenal. On top of her trademark hair whip, the Half-Genie Hero can also equip fireballs, spiky balls, and even magic pants that help her run faster. While these come in handy as you run through the main levels, where they’re the most effective are in the boss battles. Whether it’s the mid-boss mummies or the main baddies, these assists will aid in taking down the toughest foes for when you’re close to saving a Relic Hunter or about to gain a new power.
Where Risky Revolution! shines is in its story. The narrative is chock-full of comedic moments that will make gamers laugh themselves silly. From Shantae stealing Bolo’s cousin’s toy to the reveal of the more “handsome” Relic Hunter, many of the game’s story beats have the heart and humor that’s stayed constant within the Shantae franchise. While it’s lacking the more heartfelt stuff that the last couple of games had (especially when it comes to the Half-Genie’s mother), it makes up for it by being an entertaining romp.
One nice bonus to the game is the Battle Mode. Four players can battle it out as the characters, as they attempt to be the last one standing. To do that, players must incapacitate their foes and throw them onto the spikes below. While it’s a fun game to play with friends, those who can’t get a couple of buds to come over in person will be out of luck, as there’s no way to experience this game either with online play or in a solo setting.
Beating Risky Revolution! will take you between 6-7 hours to complete. Those looking to 100% the game will need an additional two hours to get all of the weapon upgrades, extra heart containers, and the 50 hidden Secret Squids. (And if you find all fifty, you get a nice little bonus for the second play-through.)
PROS:
- Fun, imaginative levels
- Cute visuals
- Solid controls, transformations
CONS:
- Lack of map
- No single player/online option for Battle Mode
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution! may officially be the second game chronologically, but it’s not at all a Number Two. With its fun transformations, inventive levels, and Grade-A sense of humor, the missing chapter in the Half-Genie’s adventures is a welcome return to the Game Boy Advance era of Metroidvanias. While it’s not the best in the series (that title still belongs to Pirate’s Curse), Risky Revolution! is another feather in the cap of one of gaming’s best and cutest heroes.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by WayForward Technologies. Reviewed on the PC via Steam.
