Customer Ratings & Reviews

This game being the third in the series is another step for way for wayforwards (the developer) shantae. This game is so much fun and allows you to get powers by turning into animals, which then help you get to areas that you couldn’t before. This is a classic metroidvania with big beautiful bosses, and an amazing cartoonish art style. The character animations are unique and detailed. I would highly recommend this game, don’t let the art cover full you into thinking it’s a kids game.

This is a solid entry in the Shantae series, complete with lighthearted writing and visuals, as well as challenging and fulfilling platforming action. The Ultimate edition includes several additional game modes allowing you to play as other characters in their own adventures.

Shantae games have been around for a while, but they had always been at the handheld level for graphics. This version made the leap from the DS to hand drawn glory, that was a kickstarter funded campaign. The game is gorgeous, the music fantastic.. and this version includes all of the DLC, and an artbook to boot! All for less than buying the game and the DLC separately.

I first played this game on PS4 and LOVED it: the visuals, the music, and of course, the adorably sexy half-genie main character. Don’t let the cute visuals fool you—the game offers some challenge, though it’s nothing an experienced gamer should worry about. I’m glad this game came to the Switch, and with all the DLC I never got to play on the PS4.

...and a great "special edition" to boot! The artbook is charming, the included CD features the amazing modern-retro soundtrack of the game, and the game pack includes ALL of the previously released DLC. Well worth the price of admission in my opinion, ESP. if you're a Gamer's Club member. Historically, these Day-One Editions for Shantae games go FAST and are then impossible to find. If you're interested in the series and enjoy charming visuals, great music, and solid platforming, give Shantae a shot!

*Review Note: I am a Backer of this game when it was in development. This does not alter my view of the game, but I felt I should make note.* The Ultimate Edition of a great platforming game from what I feel is a highly overlooked series. The game is colorful and beautiful, the characters are lively and likable, and everything has a charm to it that is getting harder to find in this gaming age. Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for something fun and varied with great writing and true heart put behind it.

I actually like this game better on the switch than on other consoles. Unfortunately mine had a slice in the box... I'm bummed about that because I'm a collector. So I'll be buying another copy. If you care about the condition of the packaging buy this in store. *Note to parents* This is a great game for kids. I know me and my brother would have had a blast with this game when we were kids.. but if you buy this edition keep the box and extras in good condition. Trust me when a new system comes along your kids will want it. You can sell stuff like this to people like me. Often special or limited edition Nintendo games will raise in value quite a bit. It definitely helps pay for the new stuff that comes out. I know from experience.

After waiting a few years and a few consoles, I finally purchased Shantae 1/2 Genie Hero. This is the definitive version with all the content that was previously only given to the kickstarter backers. With clean HD and a stellar soundtrack. The day one edition comes with an artbook and soundtrack CD, this is a must buy for Shantae/ platforming fans on the Switch.

This is truly the ultimate edition of Shantae: Half Genie Hero. Wayforward once again puts quality and presentation first with its game, the included art book and cd as well. Video game fans familiar with Metroidvania style platform games will truly enjoy this one and I highly recommend it to those looking to get into the genre.

I love the cartoon art style. The game play is challenging enough to keep me happy without driving me into a rage. The dialog between characters is entertaining enough that i actually read all of it and get a chuckle. Even the music stands out. Also it has all the dlc. Buy it if you like platformers even a littke.

A lot like Zelda but on a 2d platform. No roaming just side shots of interface interaction

This game is fantastic! I've loved Shantae, but this game has so much amazing content for plenty of gameplay. The controls are sharp and the mechanics are cute and fun. The music and visuals are also top notch. Honestly one of my favorite Shantae games to date, especially with all the included DLC.

This game is an amazing platforming game hidden under cutesy cartoonish story and visuals. Don’t get me wrong the story and visuals are great. The star of this game though is the soundtrack. Highly recommend this game, especially if you like platforming games.

I was very hyped for this game after playing the previous entry, Shantae and the PIrate's Curse. This game delivered on the platforming difficulty and fun. The story was not as cohesive as Pirate's Curse but nonetheless sufficient. There is content outside the main game that adds a lot of value: a campaign of the antagonist of the series, side stories of Shantae, and a campaign as Shantae's friends (that act out a scene from the main campaign). The side content provides different playstyles and are roughly as long as the main campaign (as many levels, but in the main campaign there is need for backtracking not relevant in all side content). This Ultimate Edition comes with an art book, which is nice and a soundtrack "Risky Beats." The music is by Jake Kaufman and very good, but a particular style that you may/may not enjoy.

Lots of goodies tagged along with a great game. The Switch is a port machine and this was one of the better ones compiled into an Ultimate Edition. Great fan service in the Art Book along with a super fun soundtrack as well.

This is an excellent game for this one who loves platform games. Fantastic graphics with good music create an amazing experience. Mechanics are just great. For bad things, in my opinion, is replaying the same levels too many times. In the Ultimate version, you have some other stories to discover and they are also remarkable.

Bought this on a clearance sale, and the contents of the box make the sub-$30 GCU price absolutely worth it. Wayforward makes excellent sidescrolling games, and HGH:UE is no exception. Highly recommended.

Were you around for the Sega CD era in the early 90s? "Shantae: Half-Genie Hero" feels like one of the games from that time–it's a just-below-the-radar platformer that seems to really emphasize sound and music into its presentation. The star of the show here is Shantae's signature ability to transform into different creatures, ala Kid Chameleon or Wonder Boy. While this isn't Shantae's first outing, it's her first widely distributed game across platforms–and deservedly so. Half-Genie Hero is beautifully-animated and has some light Metroidvania exploration that has you returning to previous stages in search of items. The levels aren't very long, so this makes for some repetition that borders on lawn-inducing...especially when you consider most of the included DLC has you retreading all of these locales over AGAIN in some form. I would have liked to see more effort into making some unique stages for the DLC content, but Half-Genie Hero is still a charming affair that looks and plays great. If want more 2D platforming action for the Switch, you can't go wrong with it.

I already own this game on PS4, but couldn't pass up the Switch version having all the DLC, the artbook and having it for on the go! Great game if you like good classic platformers.

I have seen this game years ago and never had a real interest in it until now. I picked it up late in the day and I could not put it down. Even though I am only a few hours in it there seems to be a lot to do, who would have thought. If you haven't purchased this game yet it is a must for any Switch owner. Plus all of the extras you get is kind of cool. I haven't listened to the CD yet, but hope to soon.