Shantae: Risky's Revenge DS
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Nintendo Gamer
    Mar 17, 2011
    100
    Not a huge game but an intricate, sumptuous and reassuringly old-fashioned one. [Mar 2011, p.76]
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  2. Nintendojo
    Oct 21, 2010
    100
    Risky Revenge's soundtrack is phenomenal. Even with diverse settings, each music track complements the location you're in and seamlessly transitions into the next track as you travel the various locations.
  3. Nintendo Life
    100
    While we've seen a lot of titles released on DSiWare since its inception, very seldom have we encountered a game that features this level of polish and refinement in virtually every facet. From the gorgeous multi-layered visuals to the spot-on play controls, there's really not a single area of the game that won't wow you.
  4. Vandal Online
    Feb 18, 2011
    98
    A game that excels both technically and visually, and sets a new standard on DSiWare.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Feb 18, 2011
    95
    Take your Nintendo DSi, close your eyes and try to desire a platformer that takes you back in time, in years when the software house developed platformer based on the exploration of a world full of locked elements. Then open your eyes: with Shantae's Revenge Risky your wish has come true.
  6. Destructoid
    95
    More than just a great DSiWare game, Shantae: Risky's Revenge is a great DS game, period. One of the best, in fact. There's so much love and detail here that it would be criminal to let this franchise fall into obscurity a second time.
  7. 1UP
    91
    This is a beautiful, substantial, classic-style game, and it's a great deal to boot.
  8. Metro GameCentral
    Feb 13, 2011
    90
    WayForward's best work yet and more than just a love letter to 2D art and gameplay, but a hint of how it can continue in the future.
  9. GamesRadar
    90
    The perfect platformer. It's proof that the 2D side-scrolling formula still holds up after all these years. The characters are fun and quirky, the story is weird and loose, and the game as a whole is a pleasure to play. If you were waiting for this year's "must-have" app from DSiware, look no further.
  10. IGN
    90
    Shantae: Risky's Revenge is easily among the top DSiWare games. And just like the Game Boy Color version you'd be making a huge mistake by skipping over this excellent and ambitious action platformer.
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Shantae: Risky's Revenge has turned out to be one of the best games on DSiWare, and also one of the best reasons to own a DSi. The 1,200 Nintendo Point price might be hefty for some, but I can guarantee that this game is a bargain at twice the price.
  12. Games Master UK
    Apr 1, 2011
    85
    It deserves better than a cult following. [May 2011, p.93]
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  13. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 29, 2011
    78
    Not the fantastic retro platform that we expected, Risky's Revenge is a nice little metroidvania game that suffers from a just competent but far from stellar level and game design.
  14. games(TM)
    Mar 23, 2011
    60
    In the cold light of day, however, it's difficult to see what all the fuss is about. [Issue#107, p.117]
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  15. Eurogamer
    Feb 16, 2011
    60
    WayForward frequently sends you from one corner of the map to the other on simple fetch quests and back again, and with enemies respawning every time you pass from one area to the next, finding new secrets is much more of a chore than it should be.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Geekonomist
    10
    The best way to describe Shantae: Risky's Revenge is a 2-D version of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Incredible art, well developed and puzzled filled dungeons, and an emphasis on unlocking new items and abilities in order to progress. Yes, it can also be compared to Metroid or Castlevania, but to do ignores one of the games greatest strengths: its charm. This is the first game on DSiWare that is a must-own, which is not only an admission to the terrible state of the DSiWare store (it's terrible and filled with garbage), but also a celebration of the incredible value this game provides. It's easily the best $12 that can be spent on either the DSiWare or WiiWare stores.… Full Review »
  2. Mini
    10
    If you haven't played the original, Shantae was a Metroidvania released in 2002 by Wayforward Technologies. The plot was simple: Risky Boots the Lady Pirate/Leader of the Tinkerbat Army has stolen an ancient Steam Engine to use for a Doomsday device. Shantae, a Half-Genie, vows to to recover her Uncle's discovery and bring peace back to Sequin Land. Controls were simple: You could jump, whip, run, and use items bought from the shop. What made Shantae unique, however, was the Dance gimmick. It was very akin to how the Ocarina was used in the 3D Zeldas, but, instead of pressing the buttons at any rate, you had to wait for the beat to press the correct button. Shantae went over well with many review sites, getting 9's and 10's left and right. It became a smash hit...however, hardly anyone bought it. Matt Bozon, Creative Lead at WF, spent years trying to revive the series. GBA, Wii, DS, PSP, all didn't make it of the design floor, until last year that is, where Risky's Revenge was announced, and many rejoiced. Shantae: Risky's Revenge takes place presumably a couple months after the orginal. Shantae heads to her Uncle Mimic's presentation at the Relic Hunter's Expo after being told by her friend Bolo that she's late. At the speech, Mimic is given the honor of presenting the Mystery Auction Item, which is encased in hollow rock . It turns out that the Mystery Item is an Old Oil Lamp, which Mimic tries to hide and ignore. Just then, Risky drops from the ceiling and swipes it. Shantae chases her down to the bay, and is knocked unconscious by a unfair blow. Mimic wakes her up, and tries to keep her at her lighthouse, away from possible danger. Shantae refuses, and asks what the possible danger is. Mimic refuses to talk about it, but instead tells her how to stop Risky: by locating the 3 Magic Seals. Shantae heads out of town and seraches for the said artifacts. Shantae: RR's controls are as simple as it's predecessor's: you can jump (B), Whip (Y), Dance (X), Use Items (R), and do a backwards dash (L). Dancing has been simplified this time around: instead of using an OoT-esque code system, you just hold the button til the right formation, and then release. The item system has also taken a turn for the best, items can now be bought and used indefinitely, as long as you have Magic in your Meter. Items are also upgradable, but you must also pay in hidden objects known as Magic Jams, an item that's hidden in various nooks and crannies throughout the game. One major gripe the game has recieved is the map system. It is very simple: all it does is show you what room you are in, and that's it. At first, it seems like a problem, but it isn't. It's very hard to get lost, really. There's only one point in the game where you might get stuck, but that's it. Overall, Risky's Revenge can run you about 4-6 hours of gameplay, depending on whether or not you try to go 100% or not. Replay Value is really high, it's something you'd want to challenge yourself with for various runthroughs. If you are a fan of the Metroidvania genre, get it. If not, get it anyways. Shantae has returned from a 8 Year Hiatus, and she wants to show us who is the Princess of the Metroidvanias. Best 12 Dollars you shall ever spend on a Downloadable Title.… Full Review »
  3. Bones00
    10
    Shantae: Risky's Revenge is a 2-D adventure game in which you guide half genie, Shantae, on her quest to stop Risky the pirate. Shantae uses her hair as a weapon against her enemies but can also wield magic including types that can turn her into an animal to reach places otherwise unavailable. I particularly find it very fun to look for some of the hidden items necessary to further upgrade Shantae and her arsenal of magic. This is the best original game I've played from the DSiWare library. I have to give credit to the developer for making something from scratch just for the DSiWare when there's been other games ported from other portable devices and phones.… Full Review »
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