I’ll start off by saying that I am new to the Shantae series as I missed the original game Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, so as a result, the sequel, Shantae and the Pirates Curse is my first entry into this beloved pixelated platforming series. So here’s a catch-up to the game’s story (for my benefit if nothing else). Shantae is a genie, well that was until she lost her powers following the events of the first game. Now she must rely on her hair-whipping abilities in order to gain back her powers and save her homeland, Sequin Land, from an evil curse. But in order to do so, she must join forces with her arch nemesis, Risky Boots! But can she trust her sworn enemy?
Shantae and the Pirates Curse is taken straight out of the old school gaming manual with its platforming gaming mechanics. At first glance, it reminded me a lot of the classic Wonder Boy series, which earned the game instant plus points in my book. While I’ve grown a little tired of the over-saturated pixelated visuals that seems to accompany many an indie game in this day and age, Shantae and the Pirates Curse does have an instant likable charm to it with its vibrant locations, colourful characters and odd-ball enemy types. I also appreciate the good old end of the level boss system, for which developers Way Forward have come up with some superb boss designs.
To begin the game, Shantae will have the most basic of powers, with the ability of whipping her enemies with her long lashing hair. But as you delve deeper into the game, you will unlock added abilities, which will become essential in defeating end of level bosses as the game progresses. For example, later in the game you will acquire Risky’s Risky Boots, which will grant you super speed as you chain together lethal attacks with added leaping ability. Or take, for example, the Flintlock Pistol – perfect for killing enemies from a safer distance, which comes in handy when you’re low on health, and you’ll be able to hit hard to reach switches in some of the game’s many well thought-out puzzle sections.
Of course there are plenty more abilities to unlock as you progress through the game and you do this by clearing each island by defeating the end of level boss. Each of the six islands will have their very own quests, many of which will grant you valuable items in order for you to progress through the game, as well as, of course, unlocking extra skills and abilities. Hidden throughout each island will be heart pieces called Squid Hearts (which upon collection has a nice little nod to The Legend of Zelda series) and each time you collect and cash-in four Squid Hearts, your permanent health will be increased.
When you first finish Shantae and the Pirates Curse, you will be well within your rights to be done with the game, but then you wouldn’t be getting the most out of it. One of the ways to get the most out of the game, will be to earn one of its multiple endings. To do this, you must track down 20 enemy types called the Cacklebat. Once you kill this enemy, you will be able to extract its Dark Magic into your lamp and if you manage to find and gather all 20 of them, you will be gifted with the best ending, which unfortunately I’m yet to achieve personally. Upon your first completion of the game, you will also unlock the Pirate Mode, which will unlock Shantae’s abilities from the off-set, so basically it’s a New Game+.
In conclusion, Shantae and the Pirates Curse is a decent little platforming adventure title, with a surprising level of depth with its power-ups and puzzle sections. In a gaming world congested with pixelated titles, the latest Shantae outing does more than enough to separate itself from the crowd. If you’re looking for a fun indie title to sink your teeth into as a step away from a big budget AAA’s, the latest Shantae and the Pirates Curse is well worth your consideration at the right price and you might just find yourself having a little genie of a gem on your hands.