Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution Finally Arrives on Nintendo Switch After 20-Year Hiatus

After more than two decades in limbo, WayForward’s beloved half-genie hero makes an anticipated comeback with the release of Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution on Nintendo Switch, set for August 19, 2025.

Developed and published by WayForward, this lost chapter in the Shantae series was originally conceived shortly after the successful debut of the original Shantae on Game Boy Color.

Initially planned for the Game Boy Advance, Risky Revolution was expected to be the second adventure in the franchise, but it was put on indefinite hold due to development challenges and evolving video game platforms.

Over the years, many design concepts from Risky Revolution were repurposed for subsequent titles like Shantae: Risky’s Revenge and Shantae: Half-Genie Hero.

Series creator Matt Bozen consistently expressed a heartfelt desire to see this vision fully realized, a dream finally fulfilled for longtime fans. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution follows the events of the original game, thrusting Shantae into a battle against her notorious adversary, Risky Boots.

Plotting to usurp Sequin Land’s throne, Risky hatches a scheme to destabilize the world from within.

Accompanied by familiar allies, eccentric acquaintances, and her ever-inventive Uncle Mimic, Shantae journeys across varied landscapes, helping affected towns and inhabitants.

The engaging writing and delightful cast inject the experience with ample personality.

Every conversation, whether with major characters or quirky townsfolk—like game-collecting werewolves and icebound maidens—offers a uniquely charming flavor. Gameplay-wise, much of what has defined the series returns.

Shantae’s signature hair-whip attack brings a nostalgic echo of classic platformers, and her transformative dance abilities allow morphing into various creatures.

Returning forms like Monkey, Elephant, and Spider—alongside abilities intended to debut in Risky Revolution—expand her capacity to solve puzzles and navigate intricate stages.

Powering up Shantae can be achieved through in-game currency exchanged with her zombie friend Rotty Tops for upgrades and elemental attacks, or by uncovering Heart Holders to increase her health.

Explorers are also rewarded, with fifty Secret Squids hidden across Sequin Land for dedicated players. A standout feature is Risky Revolution’s background-shifting mechanic, allowing Shantae to traverse between different layers of each level—adding complexity and depth to puzzle and platform design.

The difficulty escalates naturally through its 7–8 hour core campaign, with additional content available for completionists. This Switch release modernizes the shelved GBA title with two display options: an updated Story Mode sporting polished pixel art and HD illustrations, and a Classic Mode that authentically recreates the original Game Boy Advance visual style.

Notably, save data is separate between the two modes, and manual saving is handled via the recurring Save Guy character, thoughtfully placed to minimize risk of lost progress. Composer Maddie Lim returns to helm the soundtrack, infusing the adventure with energetic tunes and crisp sound design reminiscent of past Shantae entries such as Shantae and the Seven Sirens and Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

While Shantae is less vocal in this installment—a decision reflecting its GBA roots—the whimsical character animations and vibrant world sustain the franchise’s trademark charm.

A newly introduced four-player battle mode adds further replayability, inviting players to explore Sequin Land together. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution stands out as a masterfully crafted platformer whose creativity and spirit transcend its protracted development history.

This long-awaited addition to the Shantae series not only preserves the essence of what made the franchise beloved but also demonstrates the enduring appeal of WayForward’s commitment to inventive, character-driven gameplay.

Now that the adventure has finally landed on Nintendo Switch, both returning fans and new players can experience a true piece of video game history.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Game Boy Game Boy Advance Switch WayForward Revolution Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution Shantae Shantae Advance Shantae Advance Risky Revolution Matt Bozen Maddie Lim Sequin Land Nintendo eShop Save Guy Rotty Tops