Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse Review: WayForward’s Metroidvania Gem Shines on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse: WayForward’s Metroidvania Adventure Continues on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Since her debut on the Game Boy Color, Shantae has stood out as a rare example of a strong female protagonist in platform games—a welcome departure from the clichéd damsel-in-distress narrative.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, the Shantae series has consistently delivered engaging adventures with memorable heroines.

The third installment, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, continues this tradition, impressing fans on Nintendo 3DS and, with a forthcoming release, on Wii U via the Nintendo eShop. A Powerful Heroine Returns For players new to the series or just joining with Pirate’s Curse, the story picks up after the events of 2010’s Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, originally released on DSiWare.

At the conclusion of Risky’s Revenge, Shantae lost her genie powers due to a magical artifact wielded by her longtime rival Risky Boots.

With her powers gone, a new ancient evil threatens to consume Sequin Land, forcing Shantae to confront this danger using inventive new abilities and the unexpected assistance of a familiar foe. Dynamic Metroidvania Gameplay Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse delivers a side-scrolling action-platforming experience with unmistakable "Metroidvania" influences, reminiscent of classics like Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Players traverse a sprawling interconnected world filled with hidden secrets and challenging dungeons.

Shantae’s signature hair-whip attack serves as her main method of defeating enemies, and as the adventure progresses, players unlock pirate relics—each granting new movement options and combat enhancements.

These upgrades empower players to revisit previously inaccessible areas, encouraging thorough exploration and rewarding perseverance. One of the hallmarks of Pirate’s Curse is its witty and charming dialogue.

WayForward’s writing injects humor and personality into every interaction, with quirky NPCs and playful references that break the fourth wall.

The banter is consistently entertaining, making conversations with Sequin Land’s residents as memorable as the platforming action itself. Vibrant Visuals and Stereoscopic 3D Visually, Pirate’s Curse stays true to the series’ pixel art roots, offering beautifully animated sprites and lush environments.

The Nintendo 3DS version enhances this with stereoscopic 3D support, adding a subtle sense of depth to characters and backgrounds.

Character portraits during key conversations stand out, featuring detailed illustrations that come to life with the 3D effect engaged.

Fans of pixel art will appreciate how Pirate’s Curse raises the artistic bar compared to its predecessor, Risky’s Revenge. A Soundtrack That Resonates Longtime series composer Jake Kaufman once again delivers a phenomenal soundtrack for Pirate’s Curse.

His chip tune music scope ranges from tranquil town melodies to energetic action themes, always complementing the gameplay and environments.

The soundtrack stands as an exceptional component of the experience, contributing to the game’s high replay value.

Players will find themselves humming along and wishing the tracks would never end. Challenge and Accessibility While Pirate’s Curse provides a satisfying adventure, the difficulty curve remains approachable for most players.

Boss patterns are intuitive, and generous item drops make progression smooth.

Some may find the game’s challenge spikes notably at the finale, but overall, the title strikes a balance that welcomes newcomers while rewarding completionists eager for 100% exploration. Verdict: A Must-Play Nintendo eShop Platformer As Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse launches on Wii U later this winter following its acclaim on Nintendo 3DS, it stands as a testament to WayForward’s craft in creating engaging Metroidvania experiences on modern Nintendo hardware.

With its captivating protagonist, clever writing, vibrant visuals, and superb music, Pirate’s Curse is highly recommended for fans of platformers seeking adventure and personality.

The Shantae series’ legacy continues to grow, and this entry more than lives up to its high expectations.

Nintendo 3DS Nintendo Wii Wii U 3DS Xbox Series X|S WayForward Metroidvania Shantae Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse U Pirate’s Curse Risky’s Revenge DSiWare Jake Kaufman Nintendo eShop