Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
IGDB
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About Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a 2D action-platformer with RPG elements from WayForward, released in 2014. It follows the third entry in the Shantae series, where the titular genie loses her magic and teams up with rival Risky Boots to save Sequin Land from a curse. The game blends platforming, weapon upgrades, and exploration across cursed islands and labyrinths. Players collect Pirate Gear like a cannon and scimitar, upgrade Shantae’s abilities, and battle bosses. With stereoscopic visuals, multiple endings, and a humorous cast, it expands the franchise’s formula while adding pirate-themed twists. Available on PlayStation, PC, Switch, and others, it’s a 100-hour+ indie RPG for fans of quirky, action-packed adventures.
Gameplay
Progression revolves around platforming challenges, combat, and loot collection. Shantae navigates environments using double jumps and hair whips, while combat blends real-time dodging and weapon-switching, pistol, scimitar, or cannon, each with unique attack patterns. Boss fights emphasize memorizing patterns and using the right tool. Side quests involve returning Heart Squids, collecting maps, and unlocking Pirate-Mode, which increases difficulty for greater rewards. The RPG layer lets players upgrade stats and unlock special moves like the Shoryuken. Sessions mix exploration (e.g., solving island puzzles) with combat and character interactions. Controls are tight, but later levels demand precision. The game’s humor and absurd NPC dialogue offset its punishing difficulty spikes.
What Players Think
PlayPile’s data shows IGDB scores it 81.9/100 with 99 ratings. Completion rates average 68% for main content, 25% for full completion. Average playtime is 45 hours, though 20% of players report 80+ hours. Community moods are positive, with phrases like “hilarious NPCs” and “addictive upgrades” common in reviews. Some note “randomly generated labyrinths can frustrate,” but most praise the soundtrack and “multiple endings justify replays.” Critics highlight the game’s “wild charm” and “best Shantae entry yet.” Achievement data isn’t tracked here, but the unlockable Pirate-Mode and 12+ endings suggest high replay value.
PlayPile's Take
It’s a must-play for fans of action-RPGs and indie series with personality. The mix of tight platforming, humor, and deep upgrades justifies the price (typically $19.99). While not as impressive as later entries, its charm and 25% completion rate for full runs show it rewards dedication. Skip if you dislike permadeath-style difficulty or prefer linear stories. But for those who enjoy exploring chaotic worlds with a weapon in hand, this pirate-themed Shantae is a solid investment.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
81.3
RAWG Rating
3.8
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