Shantae Half Genie Hero on Vita with the half-genie in a colourful animated platformer. Creative transformations and light humour. One of the best independent platformers on the console.
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Category
Platformer1 player12+
Description
Half-genie Shantae uses dances and transformations to battle pirates in this colourful WayForward platformer. Published by WayForward, released in the United States in December 2016. Action platformer with animal transformations, new dances and skills, varied levels. US edition.
Shantae - Half Genie Hero review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Animated like a Saturday-morning cartoon, the half-genie moves through settings of warm colours and lively curves. Funny transformations and motley environments overflow with a joyful, polished energy. This proudly cartoon charm, lively and colourful, wins over nostalgics and newcomers alike.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A WayForward platformer, Shantae Half-Genie Hero stages the bouncy half-genie in a colorful world of refined pixel art, released in the United States in a limited Vita run. The format's physical scarcity and the indie series' aura make it a sought piece. Its interest lies in this assertive retro charm as much as in this reduced distribution.
Is Shantae - Half Genie Hero still worth playing in 2026?
The fourth entry of the WayForward saga, Shantae Half Genie Hero offers a 2D platformer adventure where young genie hero Shantae traverses a colourful fantasy universe with dance transformation system. The vibrant cartoon art direction, accessible handling and ever present humour make it an absolute indie 2D platformer reference on Vita. For anyone fond of Shantae or seeking a charming modern 2D platformer, a warm recommendation still valid today without any hesitation on the Sony portable machine truly here indeed.
