The BEST Way To Play Shantae

[@MiharuTheFox]

Got a few comments about how TPC banks on you having played Risky's Revenge. And yes, there are some story points that you won't fully understand, but that is okay. Shantae is a gameplay-oriented series that doesn't rely that much on knowledge of the story, and I highly encourage you to go into it with that mindset.

[@epicness877]

But DA LO0,OO0o0OOOo0ORE (which you commented at the end as a main / surprisingly deep factor?)

[@MiharuTheFox]

@@epicness877 I agree, but who says you have to learn it all in order?

[@epicness877]

@@MiharuTheFox i know I was half-genie-joking

[@GoldLight73]

So like Persona, the series begins with 3.

[@Vik1919]

Still nice to play from the beginning. The series, in fact did start from Persona 1. Just because it isn't the best doesn't mean it didn't start with it. Persona 3 wouldn't exist without Persona 2, which wouldn't exist without Persona 1. Not giving them respect is lame if you consider yourself an actual gamer. I have played Persona 1 and the story was nice, I have heard Persona 2 has an even better story so I will play it sometime. I just can't' skip them, the characters, the story, the music... everything just because it isn't the best? BAH. I genuinely love games, you see. Can't say the same about people like you.

[@GoldLight73]

@@Vik1919 My friend, I was making a joke. I don't have anything against the first two Persona games, and I recognize and understand their significance. Doesn't change the fact that Atlus tends to completely ignore their existence in favor of propping up 3, 4 and 5. If you wanna get mad at anyone about it, I'd suggest directing your anger toward them.

[@Redder_Creeps]

I mean, honestly the only things I know about the first 2 Persona games are these: - P1 has a 2nd story route - Both P1 and P2 involve Philemon, which the modern trilogy just never does??? And that's it

[@draccqueen1770]

I think a modern remake of the first game could be one of the best in the series. The game it's solid, conceptually it's all there, it's just majorly held back by the hardware.

[@1Synner]

Personally, I started with the original, mostly because I AM so fascinated by how this series got its start and to experience some truly excellent spritework for such an aging handheld (even at the time of the OG Shantae's release). On top of that, playing the game showed off just how much love and care went into the project (that seemingly is still felt to this day through the rest of the series), and how everything about the character Shantae and her world is so full of charm and personality. Even the somewhat combersome dancing mechanic for the transformations felt that way for me. I actually LOVE it, because of how the character seems to approach dancing. It wasn't just a necessary step for using her transformation magic. It was her passion and hobby. Her playful movements and behavior showed how proud and joyful she was moving to the beat, enough to the point that I couldn't help but feel a little bit the same way (even though I am, personally, a terrible dancer and have no pride or joy in the activity). It just ended up being such a charming game with a charming cast of characters in a charming world, and If this was the series weakest link, I can't help but feel truly enchanted and excited for more once I've completed the OG game. I held off playing the other four (at the time) games specifically to play this one, and I'm glad I did. And, considering Advance is also getting released soon, I'll gladly do it again. I cannot wait to have all six games on my shelf, side by side.

[@darthtom100]

You described the dancing in the first game perfectly! Sometimes I would chain different moves together before transforming just to make it feel like a full dance. I also really like the labyrinths more than any other dungeons in the series but I can understand why some people might not like them. They are just so dark and mysterious, and have some interesting puzzles.

[@1Synner]

@@darthtom100 I have to agree. I actually quite enjoyed the puzzle labyrinths in the game. They also have a bit of a "Zelda" feel, where the labyrinth you're currently in basically revolves around your transformation and a certain gimmick, and basically has you test different combinations of how it would work, work against you, and work in your favor.

[@sanctherion4468]

Agreed about the first game. It's been years since I beat it, but I remember one major problem was how hairwhip and running were tied to the same button, which made the avoiding of enemy attacks hard, because Shantae would always stop and do the attack animation before being able to run backwards. Add that to the small screen, where enemies would only appear once youre very close to them. Pirate's Curse is probably the favorite of the fanbase, but not mine actually. I consider its story and music the best in the series, with great gameplay as well. Despite all that, even Pirate's Curse has some pacing problems, requiring you to backtrack to previous areas at early game just to get one or two specific items and since you haven't got all the pirate gear yet, you're not able to explore those previous areas much more than the first time. Also, while I get why they were absent, I much prefer the animal transformations over the pirate gear. Shapeshifting is part of the series main appeal for me and fitting for a protagonist who is half genie. Seven Sirens is my favorite for its world design, instant animal forms, customization and enemy/boss roster. Looking forward to Risky Revolution and the future of the series after that.

[@faereman]

I wouldn't skip the first one, but I definitely understand skipping Risky's Revenge, which felt like a step backwards imo.

[@TheKsalad]

Pirates Curse had some crazy difficulty spikes because of the pirate gear, i heard a lot of reviews saying that the difficulty of the later stages of Pirates Curse put off a lot of people around its original release

[@chaudspieler]

If you're talking about IGN and Kotaku then those reviewers are no good and fake gamers! Don't trust reviewers like them! Play the game for yourself!

[@nerdodragonnerdpl4167]

What i learned playing different series was that not just knowing it's roots but also expiriencing them improoves on later instalments and allows orginal games to stand out...And science this aren't to long games...this is what i think about this one to

[@carlos-x1z3p]

I would never skip the first Shantae. Use maps, guides, cheats, save states if you want but play the first Shantae. Don't ignore the origin of the franchise, that's where all the ideas for future games come from, there are even elements that were never used again.

[@MiharuTheFox]

I believe you can appreciate what it has to offer without actually playing it.

[@TwisterTH]

Wonderful video! I remember discovering Shantae series, when I came across Risky’s Revenge (with out knowing, that it was a sequel), which makes me at the time wanting more and trying out the first game, despite the mention flaws (mainly the lack of navigation and backtracking), managed to beat it on a good note, before Pirate’s Curse came out. Now I can’t wait to finally play Shantae Advance (if it’ll has a digital release that is, hopefully)

[@twinkling_topaz14]

Risky Revolution is coming to modern platforms after the GBA version releases. With that release coming through LRG, I'd rather get the game digitally.

[@TwisterTH]

@@twinkling_topaz14 that’s the thing, I wanted to order, since I still have a GBA, but it’s available for Russia, so I can only hope for a Digital Version via Steam.

[@meti326]

I played Shantae using an emulator to be able to save the Game at the same Spot you lose everytime was a gift of the gods

[@twinkling_topaz14]

I discovered the series back in 2017 with Pirate's Curse. I've been hooked ever since. Definitely some of my favorite platforming titles. I also agree with what you said about the original GBC game. With the transformations in that game, you needed to do button combinations for the animal you need to move on. I really want the first game to be remade with the quality of life changes that would come with its successors.

[@chaudspieler]

I love Pirate's Curse! I beat the game over 150 times and it's RARE for me to beat a game that many times or more!!

[@EmeraldKeys]

I played through the series relatively in order. I started HGH first, went back and started Shantae 1, beat both at the same time, and went forward from there. It was really charming to see the series and its world evolve with this order, and it made moments like going through Sequin Land in the beginning of Pirate's Curse feel much more impactful due to how different, but familiar it was.

[@crashtefano]

I'm conflicted about starting a series from the game that basically takes away the most iconic abilities of the titular character. It feels like a weird idea, as if I wanted to start getting into Crash Bandicoot by playing Crash of the Titans first or having The Legend of Spyro as my introduction to Spyro

[@MiharuTheFox]

I don't think it's the same. Unlike those examples, TPC still feels like a Shantae game, it's just the black sheep.

[@crashtefano]

@@MiharuTheFox I see, at least it keeps the core gameplay intact despite the lack of Shantae's powers

[@SuperLegendOf364]

I'm surprised you'd advise to skip the OG game completely. I'm still a Shantae noob, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But I started getting into the series just last year; I bought the first two games on the 3ds before the service closed. And I thought the 1st game held up pretty well; I had a great time playing it. Although maybe I didn't have as difficult a time as most do with me being a veteran of older 2d platformers and metroid/vanias. Although, I didn't like the 2nd game as much, so maybe you're spot on at that one. I hope Pirate's Curse is as good as everyone talking it up makes it seem.

[@kendricktruong5886]

A few years ago, almost 5 actually, during a trip i look up a bit of Shantae because of shantae. I decided when i got back home i would find a shantae game and play it. So when i went to gamestop one day, i got Shantae and the pirate Curse, and till this day, it is my favorite Shantae game of all time. Up until the new shantae game, i have beaten 4 of the first 5 shnatae game, with the first one i haven't beaten yet since i played it through other means. I am happy to have play the shantae series Now watching this video, I now want to replay the entire shantae series to get a new point of view on the games than i originally did when i first play them

[@MrGamer07100]

My first Shantae game was Risky’s Revenge. From there I played Pirate’s Curse, jumped on new releases since. But I was just so surprised for Pirate’s Curse that it became my favorite in the series to this day. Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoyed every game. I even played the original game for the first time last year. And still enjoyed it despite its dated setbacks.

[@loyalwolf8383]

I'm actually really enjoying the first one.

[@metageek7878]

I started with the first game on 3ds virtual console so save states really helped and playing with everything unlocked via debug is kinda like the hero mode that would be added in later games so it's still fun to go back to from time to time still having some of my favorite dungeons. But, I'll be honest the character designs drew me in, cute and let's be honest a little bit sexy for most of the women. There's some cheeky humor on that note too. But the lore and charm of the world are a big factor and the animal transformations. Shape shifting has always been one of my favorite powers (thank you beast boy from teen titans) Just a good charming package for many reasons. And we can all agree Shantae herself is just adorable. Also side note nice to see an Arabian-ish setting, not a very common one outside of single levels usually in most games. In

[@epicness877]

Lore?

[@metageek7878]

@@epicness877 there's a lot implied and hinted at. The history of the genies, how different artifacts work, how the inhabitants and towns exist and interact. That's all lore. The sunken city in seven sirens, the history of the pirate master. It's not quite as deep as say Zelda games but there is lore. And don't get me started on the implications of the village of lost souls

[@A-Nationverse]

As someone who currently plays the 1st Shantae game, I agree that the enemy placements are unforgivable and getting all of the warp squids are very hidden in each dungeon. I feel like Shantae 1 was kind of like a side scroller Zelda game. Given that this is an only Shantae game I’ve played, I’m looking forward to playing the later games.

[@1Synner]

I was actually more reminded of Castlevania II, at least in terms of map design philosophy. I mean, Shantae 1 is a WAY better game by large margins, but still.

[@greek1237]

Think your hard on Shantae 1, but it is a game of its time.

[@theotherky]

I still haven't played the OG Shantae yet. That's all I need to have the full collection before Advanced comes out.

[@johnhorne3052]

Ram Ranch really rocks.

[@Zenlore6499]

I gotta play these sometime soon, I love the art and designs!

[@cherrina44.]

in Gameplay the best to start it is indeed Pirate's Curse. Though im more on the story side of a franchise and would love to know from the beginning, I did started with th gbc and was Fascinated with it~ especially the dance transformations I Love them!! so sad to see them go away - A-; but well I understand why they had to take it away (ppl want faster ways) for me it feels amazing to see progress in each game, the sprites, the attacks the mechanics the easier it gets, the story, the extras ect. Though honestly a full Remake of the first Shantae game would be like the BEST! to start from 0 to polish the story to add extras to get cutscenes ect it would be wonderful indeed I want that Why is there no remake yet?! it be perfect to introduce anyone to the franchise aaaaaah!

[@Vik1919]

Meh, a true gamer would play from the beginning, if they can. I did it in order. You can also see how better the game gets with each entry. Without the first one, we wouldn't have any other so give it respect. My favorite ones were Pirate's Curse, Half-Genie hero and Seven Sirens.

[@MiharuTheFox]

Just because I don't like how the game is designed doesn't mean I'm disrespecting it. Plus this is a _casual_ gaming channel, and I'm simply trying to offer an alternate starting point for those looking to try out the series for the first time.

[@zorro727]

​@@MiharuTheFoxyou are disrespecting the game that started it all

[@MiharuTheFox]

@@zorro727 I'm really not.

[@terabitez3374]

I recommend risky revenge First specifically for context

[@thepikminbrawler1746]

My only issue with playing Pirate’s Curse first is that is still feels like there is an established world already and you’re living through a random period. It also doesn’t help that pirate’s curse is the “breaking the status quo” game where Shantae loses her genie powers and works with Risky. Since people who start with PC don’t experience the norm, the 2 main plot points are kind of meaningless

[@MiharuTheFox]

But see here's the thing... Shantae is a gameplay-centric series, therefore not getting the "full story" doesn't matter. Any game where you can jump in at a seemingly random point and still have fun should be seen as a good thing.

[@FukuritaMariko]

I remember I first played Risk’s revenge first because back then it was literally the only available shantae game to play and because this was a game released on the DsiWare shop it is really short so to make it long they put in so much enemies that can kill you in like three hits or more not to mention the many bottomless pits they have in there all for more game time I don’t remember having that much fun the few things I remember is the pixel art is great and really want to see shantae in a bikini And the original gameboy color game of course it did came out on the 3ds Eshop but it was using a gameboy color emulator so you can’t even get the bonus transformation without debug mode and I ended up being one of the very few folks who cough up a fat stack of cash to a seller just to get my hands on the original game and…yeah I don’t remember having a lot of fun in that one ether without a guide 😅 The only one I did have fun is when the newest at that time Shantae and the pirates curse at least that one chill out with the tough enemies and bottomless pits 😅

[@RatchetMiner]

Was thinking about starting off playing a Pirates Curse first and then on.

[@diamondtron01]

Half Genie Hero was my first, then Seven Sirens 🥰

[@segaherman_twitch]

Awesome stream last time miharu 👍

[@marcoalves9029]

I started with Risky's Revenge a while ago, found it alright ig but yea, wasn't really too sure about playing the other games; ended up giving Seven Sirens a try last month tho and loved it guess I'm playing Pirate's Curse next then, thanks I actually thought of starting with the first game at some point, glad I didn't lol; I guess starting a series with the first game really isn't a good idea most of the times xd

[@azurecorviknight4189]

Whats next, Shantae 1 gets a remake?

[@eduardoaguero1220]

I actually started with the GBC Game, and it wasn't the worst thing ever but as you said it aged a bit badly Pirate's Curse is good but warning to comment readers, Mud Bog Island kinda sucks, mainly cause it brought bcak my biggest gripe with OG Shantae with an unintuitive invisible block puzzle, overall as I comment I only just made it to propelor town so idk if I'm just inexperienced but I felt for a first playthrough the difficulty was a little unbalanced, you have the Run Run Rotty level come in before Tan Line Temple even though the temple felt less difficult, it's def a good game otherwise though, just that one level is a blemish.

[@uberfreak2]

The only two games I've played are the ones you said to skip

[@MiharuTheFox]

Well now you can play Pirate's Curse!

[@larshmallows]

The only game I haven't finished is the original but I'll say half genie hero is probably my least favorite nowadays... It makes me feel oddly empty whenever I play it or even just think of it 💀

[@9-VoltGaming]

Why would you call the one game without the main gimmic of the franchise (transformation) the ideal starting point tho?

[@MiharuTheFox]

Did you... watch the video? Because I'm pretty sure I explained it. I even said starting with Seven Sirens is good too because it still has the transformations.

[@nintendosegafan4935]

Simple and overshadowed by Triple A titles. Wayforward's flagship always have a way to climb herself back into the limelight. I was introduced to her in the 3ds's prime and played the series. I'm busy to not play her games, but will return every now and then. With Risky Advanced coming in October, I'm excited to play the unreleased sequel to the GBC. Though, I feel bad since people with an actual GBA will play it first.

[@pascalgagne221]

I play the first and second as my first Shantae game and beat them in order and love both game and follow the story, Pirate curse, I do like it but hate fact she lost her magic and is remove what her what and who she is, Sure we learn more the former boss of Risky and the fact she betray him, the final battle when you regain her magic, the boring part is only your Hair attack become crazy more powerful, instant of let her use magic spell, like Lightning and Fire. Oh a thing I away hate in Shantae series is the fact your hair attack do more damage then your magic or Pirate gear(in Pirate curse), Is make no sense, because Shantae is a Magic user and magic user have weak close combat but their magic attack give more damage but no, Your magic give 3 a 5 damage, when your hair attack in max upgrade give 8, that make no sense, her hair should not be only thing you can upgrade, her magic attack too, yes the limit of mana do not very help but is useful but is still annoying me of the Damage she give, She a half-Genie she should give more damage on her magic not her hair attack, sure is very helpful but Magic is should your best tool to beat your foe but no, is your Hair attack and is magic no (censored) sense, I have play many game when you play magic user like a Wizard or a sorceress the close combat is weaker then the magic spell like in Diablo, the magic user is strong in magic then close attack. This is why is annoying me and I am sure I am not the only be annoy by it but how side this flaw in Shantae series, the game is really funny to play. But still the first game is a really nightmare for your hands for transformation dance but ones you beat it, anyone who beat this game scream YES! the other game is not a problem anymore, yes they're flaws but is a fun game and story, a other last thing i will like is the game is more long to beat it, Risky revenge is the Shantae game you can beat the fastest

[@Toshiro93]

Thanks for the tips. To tell the truth, I started the series with Risky's revenge and, although I had to orient myself a bit at the beginning, I must say that it is a very fun title even after years and I think I will continue to recover the series.

[@touhoutrash2436]

It all begins with pirates curse!

[@BEExPyro]

You would like Blasto.

[@jimmygimmy4420]

skip the 2nd game. i loved the first

[@scantyer]

Makes me glad I stared with pirates curse all these years ago