Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 76 | 58 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 85% | 78 | 141 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 83% | 77 | 19 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jun 8, 2026) · 19 reviews sampled · 19 total reviews in window · weighted 11.2 up / 2.3 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (29)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a well-made, quality game that'll prove mostly entertaining for fans well-versed in the series. But it reflects plenty of choices here that are tough to wrap one's head around, especially when other Shantae games surpass this one in both pace and polish. The restrictive 4-player mode disappointingly fails to live up to the hype. And the inexplicable lack of a map (or any typical hint system) makes this game feel antiquated next to its other entries. Thus, what should be a great game is just a good one. Wait for a sale, and make this Shantae your Half-Price Hero.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a fascinating trip down memory lane that will delight not only die-hard fans of the series but also all lovers of classic 2D platformers. It’s a game that should have been forgotten, but thanks to the developers’ care, it’s gotten a chance to shine. It offers fun mechanics, great humor, and gorgeous retro graphics. However, you should be aware that it also carries the quirks of its era, particularly in the form of a missing map and occasionally confusing navigation. If you can overlook these flaws, you’re in for about eight hours of pure, unadulterated fun with the most famous half-djinn in the gaming world.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is an interesting 'new' entry in the beloved indie franchise, a curious fusion of old and new design philosophies. Its creative world-cycling gameplay mechanic, sharp 32-bit visuals, densely packed overworld, and charming narrative all come together to make for a worthwhile experience, even if some more outdated elements like the lack of a map hold it back.I'd recommend this both to series veterans and to newcomers-even if this isn't Shantae at her greatest, Risky Revolution is a solid adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“A solid action-platformer with likable characters, irreverent writing, rewarding backtracking gameplay, and lovely art and music. With greater mechanical depth, a mapping system, and more to do and explore, it could be even better.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“While it’s nice to see Shantae “return” to the Switch, this resurrected title that was originally intended for handhelds is understandably less exciting”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution does a great job of feeling exactly like a Game Boy Advance game that holds up in the modern day. Despite limiting itself to the capabilities of a previous console, its presentation is incredibly charming even when not played in the modern style, and the game design on display is strong enough that Shantae Advance might actually surpass some of Shantae’s other recent outings. While some of its action-centric areas can get a little confusing to explore, and it never goes quite as cinematic in its set pieces as other games, the overall package is strong and series fans will not be disappointed.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Shantae Advance Risky Revolution isn't just a game, it's a piece of gaming history finally coming to life. For longtime fans, it's a unique opportunity to play a lost chapter of the saga. For new players, it's a great introduction to the world of Shantae, with its Metroidvania gameplay, unique art style, and lighthearted humor.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution delivers a vibrant blast from the past with endearing characters, colorful visuals, and the type of impressive gameplay that fans will adore.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Not exactly a retro throwback so much as pulling the past forward, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution mixes the best of classic charm and more modern design sensibilities to make for an outstanding game that's fun to play and is going to be amazing to speedrun.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“All in all, Risky Revolution is still a decently fun time for Shantae fans, but as a GBA kid I felt the overall experience could have been so, so much more than the weird chimera I played.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is more than just a lost relic; it’s a reminder of how timeless great game design can be. With its mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, transformations, and memorable characters, it feels both nostalgic and fresh. Sure, it has a couple of quirks like the lack of a minimap, but the vibrant visuals, clever mechanics, and infectious personality more than make up for it. For long-time Shantae fans, this release is a must-buy. For newcomers who just enjoy retro-inspired adventures, it’s a nice, colourful ride that proves some treasures are worth digging up.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“While the game could benefit from a map to view where you have been for the constant need to backtrack, there’s not too much to detract from this well-polished and delightful adventure platformer game. I question the decision to clash pixel with HD art. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is a game I would recommend to not only fans of the series, but to people interested in having their wish granted for a good adventure game.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Gaming Professors
Nintendo Life
VGChartz
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Gamesource Italia
Capsule Computers
GameLuster
Seafoam Gaming
LadiesGamers.com
Niche Gamer…and 17 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution Patch Notes for June 8, 2026Jun 8, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Version 1.0.2 LiveAug 28, 2025