Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut Reviews

I played the first Shantae game and the 3rd (Pirate's curse). Out of the 3, Pirate's curse is better, but it might be a good idea to do this one first and then play #3 so you don't get disappointed with this one. Do the 1st game after you appreciate the series.

Ok, there's a thumbs up here on the review, but my opinion is a bit more complicated than that. Yes, it's a Shantae game, so there's a lot of quality and heart put into it. It's funny, it's memorable, the art is great- overall, it's a good time. However, without a doubt, Risky's Revenge is probably the least interesting Game in the series. If I'm being honest, there's not much special about it, esepecially when compared to the other titles in the series. It just feels like a remastering of the original Gameboy Colour Game for the DS, and that game could get repetetive very, VERY quick. But wheras the original game had all sorts of interesting things to find across the map like the Zombie Caravan, the gambling mini game, and the equippable items, Risky's Revenge has pretty much nothing. Sure, it introduces some of the best characters in the series (Rottytops' brothers, the Barons, etc,) but you can find them in the better games that come after it. I'm not saying in any way that this game is bad, but if this is your first Shantae game, you're probably not gonna want to stick through the entirety of the game. If you need an intro to the series, go play Half Genie Hero Deluxe edition.

GBC Shantae was a psychological abuse of a game. Risky Revenge feels like GBC Shantae but with modern design. It doesn't deviate too much from that philosophy but sure threw out elements that didn't work. Shantae cute. Visuals awesome. Audio awesome. Girls cute. Like using magic. The problem is that it feels like old licensed game. Unambitious? Unfinished? Just feels like it's not allowed to have any climax and is more of a teaser for the next game setup. Not much of thrill, the end doesn't even ramp up properly. Just no epic feeling or drama feeling, something that old 8-bit and 16-bit adventure games would do with little resources. On a good side the game is constantly cozy. Unthrilling but cozy. Also, yes, the Import room in town is useless in PC version.

Really good, short, and simple Metroidvania with however very easy bosses especially when going for 100%, music was amazing tho. I'll say however, if you ever wanted to get into the genre, this can be a good entry point. 7/10