Torrance, Calif. — March 2, 2017 — XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that the critically acclaimed, crowdfunded action platformer developed by WayForward, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, will be receiving its first post-launch update in North America on March 6. Lovingly dubbed “Update 1.01”, the first update is primarily focused on addressing bug fixes and adding in PlayStation TV support for the PlayStation®Vita version of the title.
But wait, there’s more! WayFoward will also be adding in a “Hard Core” difficulty setting for the main “Shantae” mode in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. This mode is designed to provide an old-school, tough-as-nails challenge to players willing to test their mettle. There is no mercy to be found here – it’s hardcore, after all!
“Thank you for your ongoing support, and for waiting patiently while we continue production of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. And also thanks to everyone on Twitch, YouTube, and other social media for helping us make the game even better with this update,” said Matt Bozon, Creative Director at WayForward and creator of the Shantae series. “We hope you’ll enjoy Hard Core Mode while you wait for the bigger DLC packs to arrive. Remember, no throwing controllers, and please keep your hair-whipping in the game where it belongs!”
What to expect in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero HARD CORE MODE:
- Pain and suffering!
- Harder-hitting enemies!
- Faster enemy patterns!
- Faster scroll speeds!
- Remixed enemy locations, and more of ‘em!
- New boss patterns, attacks, and stats!
- Healing items capped at six!
- Re-balanced magic items!
- Poor Shantae!
Following three highly successful releases with Shantae, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, and Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero reacquaints players with the cast of Shantae in full HD. The magical world of Sequin Land is more vibrant than ever with high-definition graphics that retain the charm of the original 2D hand-drawn sprites the series is known for. Shantae, the spirited young half-genie, must once again defend Scuttle Town as the pirate captain and self-proclaimed Queen of the Seven Seas, Risky Boots, plots to steal a newly discovered limitless source of power.
Shantae has previously protected her hometown from all forms of evil including steam-powered pirates, undead evildoers, and militaristic madmen, and is ready to take on Risky Boots with her trademark Hair Whip attack and Belly Dance moves which give her the power to transform into eight different creatures. Non-stop action with immersive 2.5D environments and a new relic system give novice and expert players a uniquely tailored platforming experience. All of Sequin Land becomes a fully explorable world — after conquering massive bosses, the arcade-style action stages can be revisited to discover new items and secrets based on experience gained.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is developed by WayForward for PS4™, “PS Vita” and Wii U. XSEED Games has published the “Risky Beats” physical editions, which are packaged with a musical selections CD, for $29.99, as well as the digital “PS Vita” release for $19.99. More information on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero can be found at www.shantaehgh.com. This title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB with the descriptors of Cartoon Violence and Suggestive Themes.
For more information on XSEED Games products, please visit www.marvelous-usa.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XSEEDGames and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/XSEEDGames.