![]() ![]() ![]() One flaw is that it's not fun when you're forced to return to previous levels. I largely like the level-based structure of Half-Genie Hero, but it has its share of flaws. They're almost all fun to play and filled with nooks and crannies that reward eagle-eyed players. As a result, I think Half-Genie Hero has some of the strongest level design in the franchise's history. This is largely in Half-Genie Hero's favor because it gives them more strict control over the obstacles and dangers in a level. Instead, you visit linear levels and can revisit them once you're done hunting down bonuses. Unlike recent Shantae games, Half-Genie Hero isn't a Metroidvania title in the traditional sense. It's not the end of the world, but rather than every transformation feeling distinct, there are a handful you'll only use to solve a puzzle and nowhere else. If you pick the wrong one before hopping beneath the water, you have to swim back up and change to get the correct one. This is most noticeable with the crab and mermaid, who both have different ways of destroying obstacles. They're not identical, but they fill redundant niches. For example, you have a bat and a harpy transformation as well as a crab and a mermaid transformation. The other flaw is that some transformations are redundant. Considering how often you need to transform, it would be better if it wasted less time. A simple radial menu might be less thematic, but it would improve the pacing. You can get an item that reduces the time it takes to scroll, but there's no good reason for it. Rather than choosing a form and going, you must rotate through three different sets of four transformations that automatically scroll. One thing I'm not fond of is a legacy Shantae mechanic that feels even more frustrating here. There are also several helpful transformations, including a healing dance and a seemingly joke form called blobfish, which is actually one of the strongest combat options! You gain these abilities by defeating a boss or exploring levels to find hidden treasure chests, which either contain new forms or upgrade existing forms. The monkey form can climb walls and jump extra high, the elephant form can smash through big stone walls and is too heavy to be pushed by winds, and the harpy form can fly. She gains the ability to take on different animal forms, each of which has its own distinct abilities. Shantae's biggest advantage in exploring levels is her transformations. As such, it's a good game for players of all skill levels since it's challenging enough to be fun. Once you find a few health-increasing items scattered throughout the levels, you'll probably never be at significant risk of dying, short of choosing to tank a boss's attacks. Occasionally, it can trend toward too easy, as it absolutely throws healing items at you. Checkpoints are frequent, and the game is good about making sure that you don't repeat too much. It had some nasty jumps here and there, but it's generally quite forgiving. Shantae is a simple platforming game by most standards. ![]() Think of them like sub-weapons in Castlevania rather than something you have to save for special occasions. They drain magic, so you can't use them willy-nilly, but the magic cost of most spells is low enough that you're not limited to only using them regularly. As you progress, you can unlock magical spells that offer more flexibility, including fireballs, lightning clouds and rotating defensive scimitars. ![]() By default, Shantae can only attack by whipping enemies with her long ponytail. Shantae jumps, crawls and fights her way through swarms of adorable, evil monsters. If you've never played a Shantae game before, it's an SNES-era style platformer. Shantae has to find out what is causing this sudden influx of attacks before it's too late. After a strange dream lanced with foreshadowing, Shantae finds Scuttle Town under attack by ne'er-do-wells ranging from a vengeful spirit to her longtime enemy, Risky Boots. Half-Genie Hero doesn't follow a specific plot so much that it's a greatest hits. Shantae games follow the titular half-genie, Shantae, who serves as the guardian spirit of Scuttle Town, which is under a near-constant threat from pirates, monsters, evil barons and countless other dangers. The latest title in the franchise, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, is another testament to the franchise's strengths. It's a combination of cute presentation, strong graphics, and enjoyable gameplay. It's easy to understand why the obscure franchise has fans. Since then, the franchise has popped in and out, with new games coming out every so often. The original was one of the rarest and most sought-after titles, both due to its late release and that it was perhaps the best-looking game on the handheld. The franchise began its life during the dying days of the Game Boy Color. Shantae Is the little platformer that could. ![]()
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