Half-Genie, all action, and plenty of reason to play it!
Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a 2D Metroidvania by WayForward. A hybrid of the 2D side-scrolling and exploration mechanics from the Metroid and Castlevania series, Shantae brings players into side-scrolling overworlds and branching labyrinths. Dating back to the series’ origins, on the Game Boy Color, in 2002, Shantae has evolved considerably over the course of five games. What started as a humble 8-bit indie title has grown into an anime-themed love letter to Metroidvania fans with its charming monster design, catchy monsters, cute character designs, and even animated cutscenes!
For what it’s worth, I like the direction Seven Sirens takes. This title features a new setting, Siren Island, which introduces new characters to the series. It features the tried-and-true Shantae gameplay which allows her to whip with her hair, transform into animals, solve puzzles, and make new progress as she gains new abilities. However, Seven Sirens suffers from some of the same flaws as its more recent predecessors, such as its ridiculously easy difficulty. I’ll go into depth on what makes Seven Sirens special…
