I have a bad habit of getting to the last stage or boss in a game and then putting it down. In this case, I was brought back to Shantae 2 by learning of a 3rd one coming soon to the 3DS eShop.
Let’s start by comparing it to the first one, on the GBC. Instead of finite items, you purchase spells with the same effects and then use your magic bar to cast them. I approve, I tend to never want to use numbered items but I like abilities. The traversable world is a bit more complicated, but I think easier to navigate due to a simple in-game map. It seems smaller, because there’s only one town and I got lost less often. The collectible system is very different, but I think I prefer it as it seemed easier to keep track of what you had and the rewards were less necessary for completion.
What I really liked about it was how it kept the feeling and details of the original but with a huge graphical improvement. Having said that though, the frame that the iOS version has makes it painfully obvious how direct a port that version is from the DSi one. A bit jarring, and they even kept this one building that detects other WayForward games you have installed in your DS that is useless now. Still, can’t complain too much, in general the game is very compelling and polished, plus it was cheap and we didn’t even get the DSi version here in Australia!
I personally don’t mind the on-screen button thing, I just love having “proper” games on the super-portable and convenient iPhone. The interface and software distribution platform is also leagues better than any dedicated games system I’ve ever played (not counting my old GBA, only online systems with apps and stuff).
The returning characters made me smile, it’s especially fun to see familiar people and settings with more detail. The dialogue was also very good, very funny. WayForward is very high in my personal estimation of developers, and they’re real small too. I loved the Boy and His Blob reboot immensely. There’s a great level of polish and love I can see, which is why I’m now looking forward to Shantae 3.
I think this game benefited a lot from me playing the GBC original first, it put the mechanics and plot in context so I’m very glad I did. It’s improved mechanically, as I’ve discussed. Also it got rid of the overcomplicated dance system.
So in all it’s a nice little game, and I would support WayForward developing a new 2D Metroid as has been rumoured. Shantae has rightly earned its status as an indie favourite. I think the best part is that it’s so full of character, it reminds me of a Rare game or a Paper Mario. Until Shantae 3 then.
agent-gold liked this
miloscat posted this