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Shantae technical data
Name | Shantae |
System | Game Boy Color |
Year | 2002 |
Developer | WayForward Technologies |
Genre | Action |
Shantae is an action-adventure platformer video game developed by WayForward Technologies and released for the Nintendo Game Boy Color in 2002. The game was one of the most successful games on the system, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide, and has since become a cult favorite among fans of classic gaming.
The story takes place in the fictional land of Sequin Land, where Shantae, a half-genie who works as a belly dancer to pay her rent, must save her home from an evil pirate named Risky Boots. In order to do so, she must collect magical items that will give her the power to defeat Risky and restore peace to Sequin Land.
Gameplay involves guiding Shantae through various levels while avoiding enemies and obstacles. Along the way she can use magic spells and special abilities to help her progress. Shantae can also use certain items that are found throughout each level in order to progress further or gain access to hidden areas. Additionally, there are boss fights at the end of each level which require players to employ strategies in order to defeat them.
Shantae features colorful visuals and an upbeat soundtrack composed by Jake Kaufman, making it one of the more aesthetically pleasing games on the Game Boy Color. It also features voice acting from characters such as Risky Boots and Uncle Mimic as well as animation sequences during some cutscenes that were created using rotoscope technology.
The game received generally positive reviews upon its release with critics praising its graphics, level design, soundtrack and replay value. Many reviewers also thought it was an impressive achievement for a handheld title given its scope and ambition. It has since become a beloved classic among fans of retro gaming for its charming visuals, catchy music and unique gameplay elements like item collecting and transformations sequences.
In 2011 WayForward released a sequel titled “Shantae: Risky’s Revenge” for Nintendo DSiWare which expanded upon many aspects of the original game including new environments, enemies and bosses as well as additional transformations for Shantae such as a mermaid form or monkey form that allowed her to traverse specific areas in different ways than before.. This sequel was met with even more praise from critics than its predecessor due to its improved graphics, controls and overall presentation which made it an instant classic among fans of classic gaming yet again.
Since then there have been two other sequels released on various platforms; “Shantae & The Pirate’s Curse” (2014) which was released for 3DS systems and “Shantae: Half-Genie Hero” (2016) which was released for multiple consoles including Xbox One & PlayStation 4. Both these titles added new mechanics like weapon upgrades as well as more detailed visuals compared to previous entries in the series while still maintaining their core elements intact making them just as enjoyable experiences as their predecessors.
Overall Shantae is one of those rare gems that stands out amongst other titles from its time period thanks to its unique visuals, charming characters and varied gameplay elements all coming together into one cohesive experience that appeals both old school gamers looking for something nostalgic but also modern gamers looking for something fresh yet familiar at same time.