Shantae: Risky's Revenge

- Reviewed on Switch 2 -

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge released on October 4th, 2010.

Developed by WayForward, this sequel in the Shantae series brings back the quirky half-genie heroine for another adventure.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

I really like the simple and sweet story the game tells. Shantae, the half-genie guardian of Scuttle Town, faces off against the villainous Risky Boots once again. 

The plot follows Shantae as she tries to stop Risky from unleashing dark magic that threatens her world. It’s lighthearted and charming, with just enough twists to keep things interesting.

Along Shantae’s journey, you’ll explore a variety of distinct areas including the bustling hub of Scuttle Town, the scenic cliffs of Mermaid Cliffs, and the eerie expanses of Pumpkin Fields.

You’ll trek through the sandy wastes of Baron Desert, weave your way into the dense Tangle Forest, and confront challenges in the mysterious Hypno Tower.

Other notable places include the twisting corridors of the Squid Baron’s Labyrinth, the underwater depths of the Sunken Cavern, and additional zones like the Lighthouse, Polyp Bay, Desert Passage, and Lilac Fields.

I also really appreciate the art style that older Shantae games have — the colorful, hand-drawn look fits the whimsical tone perfectly.

The combat and platforming controls feel tight and satisfying, making it fun to explore and battle enemies.

The enemy designs are creative and unique, which adds a lot of personality to the game world.

The music is pleasant and sets the mood well, though I found it lacking a truly memorable theme to stick with me long after playing.

Now for my biggest gripe: the game’s lack of direction. At several points, I was left unsure of where to go or what to do next, which forced me to rely heavily on online guides just to progress.

This lack of guidance really hurt my immersion and made it hard to stay engaged.

I also found myself taking multiple breaks before finally finishing the game.

Some rooms and NPCs felt pointless or confusing — I never quite understood their role or why they were there, which made parts of the world feel empty or underdeveloped.

Overall, while I enjoyed some of the gameplay and art, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge ended up being my least favorite Shantae game so far.

Pros: 

    - Simple, charming story with a fun villain
    - Classic, colorful art style
    - Tight combat and platforming mechanics
    - Unique and interesting enemy designs
    - Pleasant, if not memorable, music

Cons:

    - Lack of clear direction makes progression frustrating
    - Some areas and NPCs feel pointless or confusing
    - The game struggled to hold my attention consistently

    My Rating for Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (on Switch 2):

    3 / 5


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    Disclaimer

    All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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