Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Graces Pure Nintendo Magazine Cover Ahead of Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam Release

For more than two decades, WayForward has established itself as a leading independent game developer with a strong pedigree in creating memorable platformers across a variety of consoles.

One of its most enduring creations is Shantae, the half-genie hero who debuted in 2002 on the Game Boy Color.

Since her introduction, Shantae has become a mainstay character, headlining several sequels, with a notable presence on Nintendo’s handheld and home platforms. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, the highly anticipated fourth entry in the series, builds on this rich legacy.

The game was successfully funded via Kickstarter in 2013, raising $776,084—excluding additional pledges received through PayPal—a testament to the franchise's passionate fanbase.

Now, three years since that landmark crowdfunding effort, excitement is reaching new heights as Pure Nintendo Magazine (PNM) features Shantae: Half-Genie Hero as the cover story for its 27th issue. In this issue, PNM offers readers an exclusive, in-depth interview with Matt Bozon, WayForward’s Creative Director and the creator of Shantae.

Bozon shares insights into the evolution of both the character and the series, reflecting on her humble origins in Scuttletown and the journey to becoming an indie gaming icon.

"We’ve always aimed to keep Shantae at the forefront of creativity," Bozon notes, underlining WayForward’s commitment to delivering vibrant platforming adventures for fans old and new. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is scheduled for release later in 2016 on Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Steam, marking the first time the franchise will launch simultaneously across multiple consoles and the eShop.

This multi-platform debut underscores WayForward’s growth as a developer and Shantae’s rising profile among indie platformers. The 27th issue of Pure Nintendo Magazine doesn’t stop at Shantae.

Trevor Gould delves into the upcoming Nindie title Soul Axiom for Wii U, providing readers with developer insights and exclusive concept art.

Additional features include retrospectives on overlooked Nintendo history, community contributions, and fan art, as the magazine continues its mission of supporting the Nintendo fan community both in print and digitally via iOS and Android apps. As Nintendo enthusiasts look ahead to an eventful year—heralding not only new software but also the anticipation of potential hardware announcements—Shantae: Half-Genie Hero stands out as one of the most anticipated titles of 2016.

With robust developer support and a vibrant fan community, the series’ legacy is stronger than ever, and its future looks promising.

For ongoing updates on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero and the latest from the world of Nintendo, keep an eye on Pure Nintendo Magazine’s dedicated coverage throughout March.

Nintendo Wii Wii U Steam Xbox Xbox One PS4 WayForward Pure Nintendo Hero Shantae Pure Nintendo Magazine Nintendo Magazine U Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Shantae Half-Genie Hero Matt Bozon Game Boy Color PNM Half-Genie Hero