Review: Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse

The original indie darling is back in her biggest adventure yet! Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is the pinnacle of this fan-favorite series. This title is the sequel to Shantae: Risky’s Revenge. Those familiar with the series will be thrilled to know that Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse has more than double the content of the previous title. Let’s explore why you may want to make this game part of your Wii U library.

30 Second Review

+ Humorous game that doesn’t take itself too seriously

+ Fun and engaging

+ Platformer lite

– Suggestive themes

– No tutorial

Notable Features

• Character portraits by Mega Man developer IntiCreates!

• Unlockable Pirate mode

• Multiple endings

• Epic original soundtrack by Jake “Virt” Kaufman

Shantae goes pirate?

Shantae is back in an all new adventure. The hair-whipping, belly dancing genie has lost her magic. Shantae will have to team up with her nemesis, the nefarious pirate Risky Boots, in order to save Sequin Land from an evil curse. As a pirate, Shantae will gain access to new weapons in order to advance along in her quest. You will get to slay monsters, battle epic bosses, and hopefully regain her magical abilities.

Beyond Sequin Land lies cursed islands and labyrinths, each of which is hiding a new piece of pirate gear. You’ll have to find the flintlock pistol, pirate hat, scimitar, Risky’s boots, and even gain access to a cannon. You will also be able to upgrade Shantae’s hair and weapons, as well as unlock advanced fighting moves. You locate maps, return lost heart squids, collect rare loot, and laugh out loud at the weird, wild, and wonderfully humorous cast of characters.

How about a little platforming?

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is an excellent platforming lite experience. Anyone can pick this game up and start having fun with it immediately. I have not played many platformers the last few years, and now that I’ve returned to Nintendo, I’m playing several platformers at once. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a great game to ease back into the platforming genre.

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is a fun gaming experience filled with multiple wacky and zany characters. The story line has several funny moments, and I find myself smiling fondly in remembrance of my time spent with Shantae and her quirky friends. It is such a fun and engaging title. With multiple endings, there is also quite a bit of replayability as well.

Risky Boots or risky business?

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is simplified in the controls department. While not having a tutorial is not a big deal, since you will pick up on things easy enough, it is still kind of a shame that the first mission wasn’t a little more helpful. I was given items at the very beginning and was thinking to myself, “okay, that’s nice, but how do I use them?” Luckily, Nintendo has a digital manual attached to the home button that you can activate from any launched title. It is very helpful; be sure to use it for this and other titles.

The suggestive themes in Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse are almost a little over the top. Especially the High Res images. At one point in the game, Shantae has been captured in a bubble bath trap and her nemesis Risky Boots asked Shantae how she likes her booby trap? I think they were being a little too literal with that one. It’s not to the point where it’s offensive, but it is pushing it at times. Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse in some ways is kind of like watching a kids movie, where everyone laughs because it’s funny, but the adults will pick up on some of the humor a little bit better than the children will. This product is rated E for ages 10+.

Verdict is in…

If you’re new to the platforming genre, or if you’re like me and are a little rusty, then Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse has a great and memorable experience waiting for you. It is available as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop for both the Wii U and the 3DS. Be sure to check it out for further details.