Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution (2025)

The long-lost sequel to the original Shantae, is back in development after being put on the shelf for nearly two decades. Building off the original game code from the early 2000s, this once-canceled title will be completed and released physically on a Game Boy Advance-compatible game cartridge.

Platform Adventure Action Fantasy unreleased games with an aftermarket releaseGame Boy Advance

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Nostalgic, plot-driven, unpretentious and earnest.

contemporarynostalgic
character-ledplot-driven
unpretentiousprestige
earnestironic
resolvedopen-ended

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From the critics

A few lines from each review; the whole review is on the critic's site. Not part of Tastebuds's numbers.

Niche GamerThrogmorton BelmontSep 20259/10
While the game could benefit from a map to view where you have been for the constant need to backtrack, there’s not too much to detract from this well-polished and delightful adventure platformer game. I question the decision to clash pixel with HD art. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a game I would recommend to not only fans of the series, but to people interested in having their wish granted for a good adventure game.
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Hey Poor PlayerJosh SpeerAug 20254.5/5
Put simply, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a ton of fun. Not only does it add neat little tricks like how dancing draws items closer to you, but it features challenging boss battles, clever puzzles, and an engaging cast of characters with stellar humor constantly on display. If I weren’t already a super fan of the series, this game would have helped make me one. It’s a blast from the past that’s perfectly suited for modern gamers, and a game I highly recommend you check out.
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EntertainiumEduardo RebouçasAug 20254.5/5 stars
One of the most colorful GBA games never released, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is very much worth letting the half-genie out of the bottle again for.
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CompletexboxDan BoiseSep 202555/100
Hate to say it, but I can understand why WayForward couldn’t find a publisher back in 2002. Shantae Advance is one of the weakest entries in the series. Irritating boss battles, lack of maps, boring levels and the “where the fuck do I go” kind of approach sucks the fun out of it. However, it’s great that WayForward and LRG were able to finish this project for long time fans of the Shantae series, but if you’re looking to dive into the purple hair protagonist’s adventure, try Shantae and the Seven Sirens instead.
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Nintendo LifeMitch VogelAug 20257/10
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is an interesting 'new' entry in the beloved indie franchise, a curious fusion of old and new design philosophies. Its creative world-cycling gameplay mechanic, sharp 32-bit visuals, densely packed overworld, and charming narrative all come together to make for a worthwhile experience, even if some more outdated elements like the lack of a map hold it back.I'd recommend this both to series veterans and to newcomers-even if this isn't Shantae at her greatest, Risky Revolution is a solid adventure.
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Snippets via OpenCritic, where 72% of critics recommend it.

About the game

Platforms: Game Boy Advance
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Publisher: Limited Run Games
Released: April 21, 2025
Modes: Single player
Perspective: Side view
Time to beat: 5 h main story · 7 h completionist

Screenshots

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