Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution

About Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a 2D adventure-platformer developed by WayForward, released on August 19, 2025, for PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch. It bridges the gap between the 2002 Shantae and 2010’s Risky’s Revenge. As the titular hero, you battle Risky Boots, who uses a subterranean device to twist Sequin Land’s geography. The game blends traditional side-scrolling combat with environmental puzzles, letting you manipulate rotated terrain to access new areas. It adds multiplayer and split-screen modes to the series for the first time, expanding on the franchise’s signature charm and magic-based mechanics.

Gameplay

You control Shantae in tight platforming sequences, dashing, flipping, and shooting magic arrows. The core twist is terrain rotation: Risky’s device lets you spin entire levels 90 degrees, turning vertical cliffs into horizontal paths or revealing hidden shortcuts. Combat uses a lock-on system for boss fights, with magic spells like fireballs and whirlwinds. Multiplayer lets two players team up locally, one controlling Shantae and the other a companion. Split-screen co-op adds a second character for simultaneous exploration. Sessions mix exploration, puzzle-solving, and boss battles, with a focus on fluid movement and creative use of shifting environments.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate it 4.7/5, with 85% completing the main story. Average playtime is 15.2 hours, and 32% of players hit 100% completion. Moods are 68% “fun,” 24% “challenging,” and 8% “frustrated.” One review: “Love the twist of rotating environments, it makes every level feel fresh.” Critics on Metacritic praise the “refreshing blend of nostalgia and innovation,” scoring it 89/100. Achievement completion is 92%, with 120 total trophies, including 10 secret ones tied to environmental puzzles. 42% of players finish in under 10 hours, while 18% take over 25.

PlayPile's Take

This is a must-play for fans of the series and 2D platformers. The terrain mechanics add depth without complicating the core gameplay, and multiplayer adds reusability. Priced at $39.99, it’s a solid mid-tier purchase with 120 achievements to chase. Not perfect, late-game puzzles feel repetitive, but the charm and innovation justify the cost. If you enjoy clever level design and co-op, this is worth the time. Skip if you prefer open-world over linear adventures.

Storyline

Filling in the gaps between the original Shantae (2002) and Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (2010), Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution sees Shantae protecting Sequin Land from a twisted new plot orchestrated by her nemesis, the pirate Risky Boots. Using a secret subterranean device, Risky is able to rotate and rearrange the continent, plunging it into chaos and giving her more coastal cities to plunder. Fortunately, by harnessing this technology and the knowledge of the Relic Hunters, players will be able to turn the tables on Risky, giving Shantae new paths through environments and a chance to thwart the villain’s scheme.