-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse |OT| An Eye-Popping 3D Bouncyvania (3DS/Wii U)
- Thread starter PixyJunket
- Start date
TheFLYINGManga_Ka
Member
I can understand that.
I think it's worth $20. I see it like a old GBA or retail DS/3DS games. I would've certainly bought it for $29.99 or even $39.99 if it was retail.
But as a download, I can see how it can feel expensive.
Finished, clocking in at 6:31 with 100% of items. Loved the whole thing, the only part that dragged on a bit was the
, since I spent a while trying to uncover the whole map there. That part in the top-right was sneaky!
The series always had some lighthearted cartoon horror element, but here,
wouldn't feel out of place in a Castlevania for me! It's been said before, but I'd love to see a Wayforward take on that series, even though the tone is different from their usual stuff.
The level design for the temples was pretty good, open ended enough to feel somewhat free but still with enough guidance so as not to get completely lost like in Shantae 1. The map helps, too, though I'm not sure if it's still unprecise by design or because the system isn't fleshed out. I wonder how much it'd hurt the game to have a metroid-like element, like a circle, added on a map square when you've discovered an upgrade, but can't get to it yet. Or just let us add custom markers on the map, or something. You can't even really tell if some of the white borders are actually passable or not - that helps hide some things, sure, but most of the time you've seen that there's an exit already, so I can't think of a reason why marking that would hurt the experience. Small nitpick, sure, but small nitpicks is all I have here :-D
The mechanic highlight of the game were definitely the bosses, though. I had a spot of trouble on the
one, as I could've sworn
Still, liked the design of each of them,
being probably my favorite, along with the last one. Those patterns felt genuinely threatening and satisfying to overcome, and made good use of the upgrade items. And
never hurts either.
As for the music, great as always, though clearly veering more towards Mighty Switch Force - not that it's a bad thing. My personal favorite: http://virt.bandcamp.com/track/rave-in-the-grave-zombie-island closely followed by http://virt.bandcamp.com/track/darkest-night-village-of-lost-souls. Absolutely loved the
, too :-D
I've also found plenty of passages that screamed "this is for speedrunning" so I'll probably try my hand at that at some point!
? It can still save some time when wrapping up for 100% I guess, but it'd be less useful at the end of the game. Also, pirate flares for time saving!
Finally... the kick upgrade. What was the point? For the cost, it does marginally better raw damage than the whip hair, and considerably less overall considering the wind-up time (and it's the only animation in the game that I found off and a bit stiff - all of the others don't have any windup, only recovery, so maybe that's part of it?). And the range is terrible, too! I thought it'd be used on a special element somewhere, but.. didn't find anything like it. Even for speedrunning, due to the cost, I fail to see how hair whipping wouldn't always be a preferable solution. Anyone knows any use for that one?
desert temple you're supposed to escape from
The series always had some lighthearted cartoon horror element, but here,
Spiderweb Island and last tower especially
The level design for the temples was pretty good, open ended enough to feel somewhat free but still with enough guidance so as not to get completely lost like in Shantae 1. The map helps, too, though I'm not sure if it's still unprecise by design or because the system isn't fleshed out. I wonder how much it'd hurt the game to have a metroid-like element, like a circle, added on a map square when you've discovered an upgrade, but can't get to it yet. Or just let us add custom markers on the map, or something. You can't even really tell if some of the white borders are actually passable or not - that helps hide some things, sure, but most of the time you've seen that there's an exit already, so I can't think of a reason why marking that would hurt the experience. Small nitpick, sure, but small nitpicks is all I have here :-D
The mechanic highlight of the game were definitely the bosses, though. I had a spot of trouble on the
Abandoned Factory
I tried hitting the three buttons with the cannon, but it appears I only repeatedly hit the same two so I never saw the light turn green before quite a while into the fight.
Dargon
dealing 999 damage
As for the music, great as always, though clearly veering more towards Mighty Switch Force - not that it's a bad thing. My personal favorite: http://virt.bandcamp.com/track/rave-in-the-grave-zombie-island closely followed by http://virt.bandcamp.com/track/darkest-night-village-of-lost-souls. Absolutely loved the
throwback to the night theme of Shantae 1 on the last segment of the game
I've also found plenty of passages that screamed "this is for speedrunning" so I'll probably try my hand at that at some point!
Though I wonder how much of that is possible only in Pirate Mode where you have every mobility upgrade from the start
Finally... the kick upgrade. What was the point? For the cost, it does marginally better raw damage than the whip hair, and considerably less overall considering the wind-up time (and it's the only animation in the game that I found off and a bit stiff - all of the others don't have any windup, only recovery, so maybe that's part of it?). And the range is terrible, too! I thought it'd be used on a special element somewhere, but.. didn't find anything like it. Even for speedrunning, due to the cost, I fail to see how hair whipping wouldn't always be a preferable solution. Anyone knows any use for that one?
aesupreme1
Member
After some play time with Bayonetta 2 tonight, I plan on purchasing this from the E shop. I can't wait to see Way Forward's terrific pixel art and animations in 3D.
AcademicSaucer
Member
By looking at the miiverse community, it seems that the game sold well even with that price, i guess the thirst was real for a metroidvania
twothunder
Member
Wayforward seems to be busy with quite a few projects already.
Also. It took a year for them to port RR to IOS and about more than 3 years for a Steam release.
You might need to wait awhile...
PixyJunket
Member
I'm on the second island now (not counting Scuttle Town) and I can safely say that I will probably have gotten my money's worth out of this. It already feels like the biggest game WayForward has made and, if I dare say, it feels like this is the game that they probably wanted to make with Risky's Revenge (which I surmise was something of a learning experience for them as one of their first in-house, self-funded indie projects).
And if their claims of designing things for speed running and sequence breaking are legit, I couldn't see how any fan of the genre would want to pass it up.
My only (very minor) niggle so far is that your bottom screen shifts to the Key Item screen every time you pick up a new item, if I'm on the map or inventory screen, I'd probably like to stay there.
And if their claims of designing things for speed running and sequence breaking are legit, I couldn't see how any fan of the genre would want to pass it up.
My only (very minor) niggle so far is that your bottom screen shifts to the Key Item screen every time you pick up a new item, if I'm on the map or inventory screen, I'd probably like to stay there.
OrbitalBeard
Member
To be fair, it was stuck in Greenlight limbo for a looooong time.
SerTapTap
Member
Just going by their twitter account they seem pretty upbeat about it. Have no problem dropping $20 on it myself, but will definitely be waiting for the Wii U version.
Wayforward pretty much always gets amazing music for their own games.
Ah, excellent. Thank you.
As for Pirate's Curse, I'm having a blast with it. But as for Risky, considering what she has done in the past, I'm not entirely convinced that she's telling the whole truth. It wouldn't surprise me that she will double-cross Shantae later in the game.
PixyJunket
Member
I just beat the second dungeon, it was actually fairly large in comparison to the first one and the boss fight was quite good.
Also, Rottytops is the best.
Also, Rottytops is the best.
Finally put some good time in. Only just finished the second island. Couldn't figure out how to get some of the chests and Heart Squids that were under the ground, most didn't seem to have a path or anything that lead to them... including that one squid inside the wall in the dungeon. Either there's a tool or technique that'll allow me to grab those later... or I'm getting real bad at sussing out hidden passageways.
Also wasn't aware that you could head left from Scuttle Town and find the mayor. Apparently he gives you gems when you bring him enemy drops like Flesh Pops... hopefully I didn't miss out on anything good.
Also wasn't aware that you could head left from Scuttle Town and find the mayor. Apparently he gives you gems when you bring him enemy drops like Flesh Pops... hopefully I didn't miss out on anything good.
twothunder
Member
That's true. Maybe they'll do a port after HGH is finished or something?
Frankly. I think Pirate Curse will stay Nintendo only for quite a while.
biggkidd32
Member
I just finished it 100%. It took me about 9 hours, some of those cacklebats took me a long time to find. I found the game to be more enjoyable than Risky's revenge. Not too much because of the gameplay itself I think that it was mostly due to the increase in difficulty.
Lost Cloud
Member
I'm absolutely loving this game! I've played about 2 hours so far
and it's everything that I'd hoped it would be. It also just seems and feels so much more like the original GBC game than Risky's Revenge did, and to me, that's awesome; it's exactly what I wanted.
And I can't believe how amazing the sprite work is! The detail on the characters is stunning, they have so much personality for such small sprites. The music is, not surprisingly, wonderful, and the voice acting is great too. I think that Shantae's voice really suits her, and it works out well in actual gameplay. The game also seems harder initially than I remember Risky's Revenge being with some tricky platforming, and I definitely had a bit of trouble with the first boss.
I'm nowhere near done with it yet obviously, but so far, I'm totally happy with it, worth $20 easy. And now I'm looking forward to Half-Genie Hero even more! Can't wait to see what they do with the series next.
(just got done running Rottytops to her house)
And I can't believe how amazing the sprite work is! The detail on the characters is stunning, they have so much personality for such small sprites. The music is, not surprisingly, wonderful, and the voice acting is great too. I think that Shantae's voice really suits her, and it works out well in actual gameplay. The game also seems harder initially than I remember Risky's Revenge being with some tricky platforming, and I definitely had a bit of trouble with the first boss.
I'm nowhere near done with it yet obviously, but so far, I'm totally happy with it, worth $20 easy. And now I'm looking forward to Half-Genie Hero even more! Can't wait to see what they do with the series next.
that1dude24
Member
buying as soon as it comes out on wii u. i thought it was coming out this week 
foxuzamaki
Doesn't read OPs, especially not his own
Im loving that gif
Killer Yakuza B
Member
The 3D in this game looks great, from what I've seen. Miiverse is great for checking out 3D pictures of 3DS games, it's one of the main reasons I use it for. Not everyone plays in 3D but it's easy to find someone who does and check their pictures.
This is seriously what is wrong with gaming today, it's not some IOS dollar game you're paying for here. The original GBC game was like $30.
GrotesqueBeauty
Banned
I would gladly pay a premium for a physical version, but given some of the inherent limitations of digital gaming I'm reluctant to drop $20, especially when there are two versions coming out and no cross buy promotion of any sort. Not to mention Risky's Revenge felt a bit half baked.
Storm Kyleis
Member
Waiting for the European release.
My 3DS and my headphones are ready.
My 3DS and my headphones are ready.
I don't know. I never tried any of the previous games and that's why I said it looks interesting. As a gamer I can see its gameplay strenghts but as a potential buyer I find it too pricey for what it is. A 2D game with an artstyle every single indie developer seem to be stuck on. 3DS and Wii U are literally the same except for HD HUD and portraits.
PixyJunket
Member
One of the villagers gives a pretty direct clue about the number of endings, although that was probably safe to assume given Risky's Revenge (and the Metroid influence).
If the different endings are pinup portraits again, I hope they get saved to a gallery or something.
There are four, based on combinations of time completed and item collection.
If the different endings are pinup portraits again, I hope they get saved to a gallery or something.
Strange reasoning. I tend to buy games based on gameplay and content, not whether they are 2D or 3D.
About 70% complete and loving it. The third wall breaking dialogue can be extremely funny and the platforming/combat is satisfying. It is a bit on the easy side, haven't died yet, but it's starting to ramp up in the bog.
I'll probably clock 100% around 7-8 hours, but you can feel that the game was built for speed-running and replays. I'll definitely be playing again in the future and will have to go back and buy Risky's Revenge since I never played that.
I'm with the user above me, Risky seems too eager to help. I'm preparing myself for a betrayal, albeit hilariously scripted.
I'll probably clock 100% around 7-8 hours, but you can feel that the game was built for speed-running and replays. I'll definitely be playing again in the future and will have to go back and buy Risky's Revenge since I never played that.
I'm with the user above me, Risky seems too eager to help. I'm preparing myself for a betrayal, albeit hilariously scripted.
CommandThrower
Member
I backed the Kickstarter for "Half Genie Hero", but I've never played a Shantae game. I will be getting this in the future, but first I want to beat "Risky's Revenge", which I bought earlier today.
Looking forward to getting to know these characters and story!
Looking forward to getting to know these characters and story!
They're made available as alternate title screens.
PixyJunket
Member
Nice. Thanks for the tip.
I believe most of the backstory is actually in the first game (which is also on 3DS through Virtual Console).
In that regard, starting at Pirate's Curse is about the nearly same as starting at Risky's Revenge in terms of characters/lore.
The only real take-away from Risky's Revenge is
Shantae losing her genie powers
But Risky's Revenge is pretty short, so by all means play through it.
My feelings exactly. I'd gladly pay $40 for a physical release that I can actually own, but seeing as how it's digital-only riddled with DRM, I will not pay more than $10 for a glorified rental.
Lost Cloud
Member
I was just going to ask this thread for help, because I was seriously stumped, and I had just spent an hour running around talking to everyone I could, and doing everything I could... but I don't need help anymore, because that bug report explains everything!
I didn't give the travel brochure to the character at the palace, I went straight on to the next island. Ran past the 2nd Labyrinth, but pressed the button on the door out of curiosity, it used the Travel Brochure and it let me in, but I ran back out and finished the current quest. Then I found a certain character,
(Poe)
with Rottytops in your arms
I'm not exactly looking forward to starting my game over, but at least I was only a couple hours in. I'm really surprised that WayForward just missed this bug entirely. It was so easy to just keep the Travel Brochure with you and leave to go to the next island, and no one even noticed that the brochure was set as a Key? Pretty disappointing. Oh well, so much for my total glowing praise for the game, but I'm not really upset or anything. Time to start a new game I guess.
I look at the whole package and like I said, with every indie game looking the same, I find it hard to justify its $20 price tag. Maybe because of the IP itself? dunno.
I'll probably get it if they drop the price a little.
If you like metroidvania stlye games and enjoy a well written script you'll enjoy it. The story is basic but the dialog and character interactions are fantastic. It's got that goofy Paper Mario sense of humor mixed with some funny self deprecating humor (making fun of video game tropes) and a bit of adult humor.
Right now for indie metroidvania's I'd put it up at the top, but just under Guacamelee. Definitely better than games like Strider and Dust. Guacamelee had much better combat and platforming but Shantae's has much more charm. For fighting, Shantae plays more like a poor mans iga-vania while Guacamelee was more of an arena brawler. I wouldn't even really put it in a category with games like Shovel Knight since the mood and exploration are pretty different.
If you have the money I'd say just splurge and grab it. It'll have some good replay value with ng+ and speed-running if that's your thing, but it's essentially a $2/hr game.
Edit: To be clear it pales in comparison to the DS trilogy of Castlevania games for gameplay but I enjoy the lighthearted and funny story much more. If you hold it to the iga-vania standards for gameplay you'll probably be disappointed.
I hadn't played a Shantae before. There's some references to past events they make and a clear back story with the characters that I imagine would make it better but the plot is so basic it doesn't matter. Come for the dialogue not the story. From what others have said in this thread most of the story comes from the GBA games if you want to go back and play those first I think they are available on VC.
Chû Totoro
Member
I'm in EU, should I buy Risky's Revenge so I can play this one before Pirate's Curse is out here?
I don't know since 19.99 could be ok for a new game for me but Risky's Revenge is still 11.99 :/
Is there some kind of sale in US on previous Shantae games? Maybe I should just wait and buy both... dilemma
I don't know since 19.99 could be ok for a new game for me but Risky's Revenge is still 11.99 :/
Is there some kind of sale in US on previous Shantae games? Maybe I should just wait and buy both... dilemma
Lost Cloud
Member
Do you have access to either Steam or iOS? Risky's Revenge is available on those platforms too and is cheaper there as well (at least here in the US it is). And at the moment, no, there isn't any sale in the US for any Shantae games on the the Nintendo eShop.Chû Totoro;135987163 said:I'm in EU, should I buy Risky's Revenge so I can play this one before Pirate's Curse is out here?
I don't know since 19.99€ could be ok for a new game for me but Risky's Revenge is still 11.99€ :/
Is there some kind of sale in US on previous Shantae games? Maybe I should just wait and buy both... dilemma
If you haven't played it yet, you could try getting the original Shantae for the GBC on the eShop if you'd just like to try a game in the series. It's only €4.99, and it's a better game overall in my opinion than Risky's Revenge.
The issue is that it's a download on a Nintendo platform. It's the worst possible DRM situation. You're basically paying $20 to rent the game for as long as you want.
It's a shame they haven't put together a Shantae Collection retail cart for the 3DS. I would buy that in a second.
I'll probably pick this up at some point but $20 is too much for anything on Nintendo's digital service even though I'd happily pay $40 or possibly more at retail.
Chû Totoro
Member
I'll go for the GBA version then. I hope it won't "fell" strange since it's kind of old now but great games stay great forever
Bought !
Lost Cloud
Member
I adore the GBC Shantae, but you don't have to just take my word for it! Read/Watch some reviews of it, or watch a part of a let's play (if available) to see if it appeals to you as much as Risky's Revenge. RR is a good game too, it's just that to me, the GBC Shantae is a better overall experience in terms of game length, variety, and polish.Chû Totoro;135996505 said:I'll go for the GBA version then. I hope it won't "fell" strange since it's kind of old now but great games stay great forever
Bought !