Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
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About Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
WayForward released Shantae and the Pirate's Curse in late 2014 as a standalone entry that expands the series beyond Sequin Land. This title launches across eight platforms including Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam. You play as the genie hero Shantae who loses her magical powers after crashing on a pirate island. The story forces you to ally with your arch-nemesis Risky Boots to stop an ancient curse from swallowing the region. Instead of relying on hair magic alone, you wield Flintlock Pistols, scimitars, and even cannons to clear out enemies. The game mixes traditional side-scrolling action with light RPG elements as you hunt for Pirate Gear pieces scattered across dangerous labyrinths.
Gameplay
Sessions involve exploring pixel-perfect islands where you toggle between Shantae's human form and her genie half. Human mode lets you use your new pirate arsenal to blast through foes or smash open locked paths. Genie mode brings back the hair whip for grabbing items or hitting distant switches, though it consumes magic instead of health. You will spend hours hunting down lost Heart Squids and reading maps to find hidden treasure rooms. Combat feels punchy as you dodge cannonballs while firing your pistol at flying enemies. The game rewards exploration with upgrades that unlock advanced Fighter's Moves like the dash attack or double jump. Multiple endings await depending on how many secrets you uncover before facing the final boss.
What Players Think
The PlayPile data shows this title holds a solid reputation among players who value tight platforming. IGDB lists 101 ratings for an average score of 81.3 out of 100. Community moods lean heavily toward Nostalgic and Satisfied with high completion rates reported on forums. Players log an average playtime of roughly 12 hours for a standard run, though completionists often push past 25 hours chasing every Pirate Gear piece. Review snippets frequently praise the soundtrack and the humorous dialogue between Shantae and Risky Boots. Some users note that the difficulty spikes during boss fights require careful pattern recognition. The game has not lost its appeal since launch despite being over a decade old.
PlayPile's Take
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is worth your time if you enjoy Metroidvania structures with quick combat loops. You can pick it up for $14.99 on Green Man Gaming or find it cheaper during sales. The 81.3 score reflects a game that respects player intelligence while delivering consistent fun. It features over 50 achievements for those who want to track every collectible and secret ending. This is not a flawless title since the camera angles can feel cramped in tight corridors, but the core loop remains engaging. Buy this if you like games where exploration feels rewarding rather than tedious.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
81.3
RAWG Rating
3.8
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