Shantae and the Seven Sirens
Fifth Shantae game, returns to metroidvania style.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a 2019 platform game by WayForward, the fifth entry in the Shantae series. It follows half-genie Shantae as she explores the tropical Paradise Island to rescue fellow half-genies kidnapped by the Seven Sirens. The game returns to the metroidvania style of the first three series entries and features hand-painted 2D artwork designed for 4K resolution.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Shantae and the Seven Sirens
- Developer
- WayForward
- Publisher
- WayForward · Crunchyroll (mobile)
- Series
- Shantae
- Platforms
- Android · iOS · macOS · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Windows · Xbox One
- Genre
- Platform, Metroidvania
- Modes
- Single-player
- Director
- Matt Bozon
- Producer
- Mo Sabawi · Glenn Seidel
- Programmer
- Walter Hecht
- Artist
- Chris Drysdale
- Composer
- Kentaro Sakamoto · Mark Sparling · Maddie Lim · Gavin Allen
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Shantae and the Seven Sirens was developed over roughly 18 months, the shortest development cycle of any game in the series according to director Matt Bozon. The game's instant transformation mechanic, called 'fusion magic,' was a feature Bozon had hoped to integrate since the original Shantae in 2002. The Monster Card system was inspired by Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. The decision to launch on Apple Arcade stemmed from connections made during development of Watch Quest for the Apple Watch. The game was revealed under the working title Shantae 5 on March 25, 2019, with the official title and gameplay details confirmed the following August. The opening sequence was animated by Studio Trigger and features an original song, 'Rise and Shine Shantae,' with vocals by Cristina Vee.
Reader's Guide
Shantae and the Seven Sirens is notable for returning to the metroidvania style of the first three Shantae games after the more linear Half-Genie Hero. Its fusion magic system allows instant creature transformations via a button press, similar to the Pirate Gear in Pirate's Curse. The Monster Card system, with 50 collectible cards that augment abilities, adds a customization layer. A free November 2021 update added four alternate modes: Definitive Mode (harder), Beginner Mode (no losing), Full Deck Mode (all cards from start), and Rule Breaker Mode (unlimited card equips). The game received 'generally favorable' reviews on Metacritic. Its release strategy was unusual: the first part launched on Apple Arcade in September 2019, with the rest added via update in March 2020, followed by console and Windows versions in May 2020, and a PlayStation 5 version in March 2022. An Android version and iOS re-release via Crunchyroll Games Vault followed in November 2024.
Did You Know?
- Director Matt Bozon had wanted instant transformations since the original Shantae in 2002.
- The game took roughly 18 months to develop, the shortest cycle in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shantae and the Seven Sirens and when did it come out?
It is the fifth main installment in the Shantae franchise, built by WayForward and first released on Apple Arcade in September 2019. The game casts the half-genie Shantae on a quest across Paradise Island to free her friends from the grip of the Seven Sirens.
What is the main story of Shantae and the Seven Sirens?
A group of half-genie friends have been snatched by the Seven Sirens, and Shantae must travel through several hand-painted regions of Paradise Island to rescue them. Her journey weaves through an interconnected world filled with puzzles, combat encounters, and lore about the Sirens' schemes.
How is Shantae and the Seven Sirens different from Shantae: Half-Genie Hero?
It deliberately returns to the open, metroidvania-style level design that characterized the first three Shantae titles instead of the more linear structure of Half-Genie Hero. Visually, it swaps the cel-shaded look for hand-painted 2D artwork rendered at 4K resolution.
What platforms is Shantae and the Seven Sirens available on?
The game runs on iOS, macOS, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Android. After its September 2019 Apple Arcade debut, it expanded to consoles and PC in May 2020 and reached PS5 in March 2022.
What can Shantae do in combat in Shantae and the Seven Sirens?
Shantae swaps between multiple hair colors, each unlocking a distinct set of melee combos, range attacks, and special moves she can chain together in real time. She also wields her signature whip and a variety of magical abilities to take down enemies and clear challenging platforming sections.
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