Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution

The main pros of the game

• Art and Design: The game features charming graphics and beautiful pixel art, with character designs that resonate well with fans of the series.
• Gameplay: Many users found the gameplay to be enjoyable, reminiscent of classic Shantae titles, with smooth platforming mechanics and engaging transformations.
• Humor and Writing: The dialogue is noted for its humor and charm, providing entertaining interactions and comedic moments throughout the game.
• Nostalgia Factor: As a long-lost sequel, many fans appreciated the nostalgic return to the GBA roots of the series, with a gameplay style that aligns with earlier titles.
• Unique Mechanics: The introduction of the foreground/background switching mechanic added a new layer to exploration, although it was met with mixed reactions.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Many users reported frequent freezing, crashing, and performance slowdowns, which significantly detracted from the experience.
• Level Design: Some players found the labyrinthine level layouts confusing and criticized the lack of a map, making navigation tedious.
• Repetitive Content: Several bosses were noted to be reused without variation, leading to a feeling of repetitiveness in gameplay.
• Short Duration: The game was perceived as being on the shorter side, with some players feeling that it did not justify its price point compared to other entries in the series.
• DLC Controversy: The Deluxe Edition costumes were criticized for being locked behind a separate purchase, frustrating players who wanted access to those features after buying the standard version.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Map System: A common complaint was the absence of a map, which would have helped with navigation in the multi-layered environments.
• New Game Plus (NG+): Players were disappointed by the lack of a NG+ feature, which would have added replayability.
• DLC Accessibility: Users expressed frustration over the inability to purchase the Deluxe Edition costumes separately after buying the standard edition, viewing this as a negative business practice.
• Optimization: Many reviews highlighted the need for better optimization to improve performance and reduce bugs, especially given that the game is based on GBA technology.
• Variety in Boss Design: Players noted a lack of creativity in boss designs and encounters, with some bosses being reused multiple times without any changes.

Summary

• Overall, while Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution has been praised for its charm and nostalgic elements, it faces significant criticism due to technical issues, design choices, and pricing strategies that have left some fans feeling disappointed.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025