Shantae Series

[SanoBaron]

#Shantae4Smash

 

[Osmiumsmith]

Played it. Looks beautiful:

Spoiler

That wiggle is hypnotic.

 

[Cas Chronon]

Heya guys I just played Risky's Revenge and literally went from not really knowing much about this series to "WOA OMG THIS IS AWESOME" in less than a week. I'm trying to make a Half Genie Hero model. Any suggestions so far?

edit: that post above is actually really helpful.

Spoiler: Blending up the place

 

[Zeriam]

Time For Some Leg Work!

ATTENTION! This update contains important info regarding PLEDGE PAYMENTS and REWARD LOCK DOWN ON AUG 17th

First, say hello to a new foe!

We’ve got a brand new enemy to show off today, Bonelegs, the 2nd backer-created enemy by Matt M.P.
Matt’s idea was to have a large arachnid that could respond to direct attacks, and strike upwards at players who attempt to leap out of range.
The design began with some very icky and more traditional giant spider shapes, and then evolved into something like a were-spider.
We worked with Matt to make sure that this spider would complement Shantae’s Spider Form (which is still a work in progress).
When players encounter this creature in-game, the powerful front legs will mash together to form a shield, which players will need to work around if they hope to strike at its weak spots. The arms will also be able to pierce upwards to catch overhead heroes unawares.
Don’t take this enemy lightly!
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Matt P. for bringing his vision to Half-Genie Hero!

Attack on Scuttle Town!

Since E3 the team has begun working on our first world in the game, Scuttle Town Main Street.
This isn’t the same hub of activity where NPCs wander (Scuttle Town Square), but rather the action–packed variety as seen in the openings of the original Shantae (Game Boy Color) and Pirate’s Curse.
For the first time ever, Scuttle Town’s Main Street will be a fully explorable environment, with secret areas accessible by using various transformations.
The design is a true return to form, with Tinkerbats looting and pillaging, cannonballs firing from Risky’s ship, ambushes, scimitars, rowboats, flaming cocktails... you know, pirate stuff! Check out the concepts... this is going to be awesome!

Backer Surveys and Reward Lockdown!

Now, down to some Backer Business. We need to cover a few crucial items with you:

SURVEYS:

Remember those surveys we sent out a few months back? We’re still missing input from roughly 60% of you.
We need to know stuff like T-Shirt sizes, platform of choice... miscellaneous info that is required for getting some of these rewards in motion.
Please check your inboxes and/or spam filters! If you’re concerned and can’t find an email, worry not.
We’ll reach out again in a new email (via BackerKit) in a few days.
And, you can always reach us at support@wayforward.com

CHARGES TO YOUR ACCOUNT:

First off, thank you very much for backing Shantae: Half-Genie Hero! We couldn’t have done any of this without you!

Due to the fact that we extended funding and enabled additional copies to be purchased through BackerKit, those who backed or added additional copies via BackerKit will need to make sure you have sufficient funds in your accounts by August 17th. Funds will be captured when we lockdown the reward tiers.

For those of you who made your donation through Kickstarter or Paypal, your money has already been processed, you just need to make sure you’ve answered your survey questions. If you have any questions regarding your funds or survey answers, please contact support@wayforward.com

LOCKDOWN ON GOODS:

This will also occur on August 17th.
Please complete your reward surveys and lock in your T-Shirt sizes, platform of choice, and any other information specific to your reward tier. Changes cannot be made after we lockdown the reward tiers--unless you contact support@wayforward.com.
Thank you!

RELEASE DATES:

We do not have a firm release date for the game yet because game development is going full speed and each day provides new challenges. However, it is likely the game will release in two "rounds" to relieve pressure on the development team because of the technical hurdles multiple platform launches entail. Steam/PC, PS4, Wii U, and Xbox One are in “Round 1”, and PS3, Xbox 360, and Vita are in "Round 2." We are confident that the time between rounds will be relatively short in game development terms (1-3 months, again only an estimate) and we wanted to be up front with you, the backers, about our plan in case it had some bearing on which version of the game you want to pick. Please keep in mind these plans are still tentative and are subject to change.

BACKER BUILDS:

If you’ve pledged at a tier that includes Backer Builds, you are able to choose any platform for the final version of the game, you’re not limited to PC. Don't worry, you’re not locked in to Steam/PC just because you received the code for the E3 2015 demo on Steam!​

 

[SanoBaron]

I for one welcome our sultry spidergirl overlords.

 

[DawnHibiki]

#Shantae4Smash

I'm down for it!

OT: I'm a big fan of the Shantae series, and Risky's Revenge is such an amazing game. I'm going to play The Pirate's Curse, and I can't wait until Half-Genie Hero comes out. Shantae is so beautiful and awesome!

 

[Magma442]

Honestly no hate on shovel knight but I fell like Shanate should be getting the popularity its getting. I mean shovel knight is in everything and we haven't seen Shanate appear as a guest for anything. Shanate4Smash

 

[Dr.Sanity]

Well to be fair Shovel Knight's been on more than Nintendo handheld systems which inevitably creates more people playing the game, but I agree with you. Shantae's easily the top indie character around. Few indies even get more than one game let alone 3 successful ones and one kickstarted in the process. I hope if anything else gets added to Smash that represents indies it's her. (I mean, sheesh, all 3 of her games are already on the Eshop. That's just a cash grab waiting to happen.)

I think with the new game coming out on more systems may cement Shantae as a much more popular video game character. Hopefully at Shovel Knight levels but hey, time will tell.

 

[SanoBaron]

 

[Dr.Sanity]

So, 27th's gonna be Nindie night or whatever where Nintendo hosts a bunch of announcements purely for indie games.

Think Shantae's gonna be there?

 

[Dr.Sanity]

I have no excuse

Spoiler

 

[Jutsei]

That remix is so powerful
Blocks pirates for over 18 hours

 

[Dr.Sanity]

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is going to be released via physical copy in Japan.

 

[Magma442]

Any word if there will be physical copies for the west like Skullgirls?

 

[Osmiumsmith]

Vote for Rotty Clothing:

Spoiler

Bonus:

 

[SanoBaron]

4C and 4D is best.

 

[Magma442]

im guessing we had to donate to vote?

 

[KaboomKid]

Judging by the poll, looks like she's getting 4D. I liked 2B myself.

Regarding the animation process, I wonder how involved Mariel was during later parts of production. They're still using her frames as a base, but at some point they decided to shift to the tweened approach. I think it looks good in-game next to the 3D backgrounds, but I don't think it holds up quite as well when you look at the animations up close. Ones like the belly dance are noticeably more rubbery, and lost some of their snappiness. I guess they gotta go with whatever keeps the workload manageable though.

I had fun with the demo, so I'm definitely looking forward to the update. Hope they don't run into too many delays.

 

[Magma442]

4C and 4E are my favorites

 

[ElementFree]

I personally prefer 3I.

 

[SanoBaron]

but... 3 is just a grascale version of her same accessories.

2 at least gets her a cute hat, and 4 gives her a nice headset.

 

[Osmiumsmith]

I wish I could change my vote.

I have voted 1D. But looking at the full models 4D looks the best to me (glad that is winning).

 

[SpaceCadetKeon]

I voted 4G, but 4D's fine too.

 

[Zeriam]

Shantae: Half Genie Hero Stage 4

WayForward updated the Shantae: Half-Genie Hero backer demo with a new level today. Footage from it is posted below.​

 

[Magma442]

Any word on which Rottytop costume won yet?

 

[SpaceCadetKeon]

Any word on which Rottytop costume won yet?

Also, backer enemy:

Check out this new enemy from Backer Ronald! Its official name is Cyclops Omicron Aquatis, but you can call it Omicron for short. These pesky enemies can be found on land or under the sea. The mischievous little starfish monsters will stick to any hero that wanders too close, limiting their movement until shaken loose! Speed Runners, beware and be aware! Thanks to Backer Ronald for this sticky new addition to the Shantae universe! We look forward to slaughtering Omicrons by the dozens.

 

[SanoBaron]

sweet, the design I wanted won. :D

 

[Zeriam]

Happy Halloween!

Ding Dong! Trick or Treat!

Oh look, you’re all dressed up like Shantae Backers! Isn’t that adorable!
Wait here on the porch while we go and get some treats!
Don’t go anywhere!
- (rustle rustle) -

Treat! A new Backer Enemy!

Introducing "Ikki", a brand new backer-designed enemy by Roger C!
This mischievous specter loves to hide in treasure chests to surprise unsuspecting heroes in search of goodies.
Once an Ikki has been released, it can turn invisible! When it re-materializes to fling ghostly goo, that’s your chance to strike!
Thanks Roger -- we love Ikki and can’t wait to get her in the game!

Treat! Creepy Crawly Concepts!

The fifth chapter of the game contains our most scariest enemies and locations... maybe even a zombie or two (or three!).
Above are some first looks at this new area. Enjoy!

Nikki from Swap Note has went to a better place,​

 

[Osmiumsmith]

Spoiler

Happy Halloween!

Ding Dong! Trick or Treat!

Oh look, you’re all dressed up like Shantae Backers! Isn’t that adorable! Wait here on the porch while we go and get some treats! Don’t go anywhere!
- (rustle rustle) -

Treat! A new Backer Enemy!

Introducing "Ikki", a brand new backer-designed enemy by Roger C!
This mischievous specter loves to hide in treasure chests to surprise unsuspecting heroes in search of goodies.
Once an Ikki has been released, it can turn invisible! When it re-materializes to fling ghostly goo, that’s your chance to strike!
Thanks Roger -- we love Ikki and can’t wait to get her in the game!

Treat! Creepy Crawly Concepts!

The fifth chapter of the game contains our most scariest enemies and locations... maybe even a zombie or two (or three!).
Above are some first looks at this new area. Enjoy!

Nikki from Swap Note has went to a better place,​

It is a ghost mimic!

 

[Magma442]

Rest in Peace Niki. She will haunt this realm till the people who closed swapnote are bought to justice!

 

[North888]

Am i the only one getting tired of the female enemies? Yah they were heavily present, but mixed in with a ton of actual monsters. Feels like all the backer enemies are just gonna be the same kinda thing...

 

[Osmiumsmith]

Am i the only one getting tired of the female enemies? Yah they were heavily present, but mixed in with a ton of actual monsters. Feels like all the backer enemies are just gonna be the same kinda thing...

Well, a lot of people who get hotny at women like this series.

Still, I could argue that at least once it is a game about a woman killing women instead of a man killing men.

Edit: On the next. A game about a couple killing an army composed half by men half by women.

 

[ElementFree]

I'd prefer either female or creatures you can't tell the gender of.
I don't need no man.

 

[Dr.Sanity]

Besides, females are statistically more likely to be the dominant "I KILL EVERYTHING BETTER" in natural animals, let's just have this once.

 

[North888]

Eh, its just that, while I'm fine with the Spider, Scorpion, harpy archer things, and number of other female monsters they've put in, this new one, the Ikki, really...doesn't quite fit with the other monsters, imo. At least we know some general monsters are gonna be in (like the Tinkerbats and those starfish things, and probably the scarecrows, hanging spiders, and fat flying demon things from Scuttle Tower outskirts areas).

Maybe I'm just getting annoyed at nothing, I just haven't quite felt any unique spark from these backer enemies save the Spider

 

[SanoBaron]

female creatures have always been abundant in Shantae.
that, and Wayforward has always liked to make cute girls.

and the tinkerbats can be deemed male.
and there's a lot of those guys.
so it can be deemed both.

 

[DukeMagus]

Ikki is a backer design, so it's unfair to add it to the "too many girls" complaint. It wasn't a way forward original

 

[Zeriam]

Happy 2016, Backers

The Last Backer Enemy is in Captivity… the Galaxy is at Peace.

This is it! The final Backer Enemy to appear in Half-Genie Hero! Say hello to Tuki, the sneaky, snakey seller of magical secrets by Backer Matt B!
Matt B worked with our Matt B on several designs, and eventually landed on this devious shop keeper rather than a traditional combat enemy.
Tuki will appear at various points throughout the game to offer the player new dances in exchange for old ones.
What could go wrong? Traditional enemy? - No. Interesting choice? Abso-slither-lutely!"

The Road to Pre-Alpha

So you ask yourself, when is this crazy game going to be done, anyway? I backed this when I was a child, now I’m a full grown adult with chest hair!
As with most game development, we carve the game into sections and work on them one by one.
Our goal right now is to get the game to Pre-Alpha status.
Pre-Alpha means that a person could experience the entire game from beginning to end, with a few temp objects here and there.

Today our Quality Assurance Team did a full play-through, debugging occasionally to bypass the incomplete portions of Chapter 5 and 6 (the Final Chapter), and a few rough spots that need extra love, namely boss battles.
We expect that it will take a couple of months to finish those chapters, and declare the game a Pre-Alpha.
From there we will adjust and fine tune the storyline and quest -- all that “meta” stuff -- to reach Alpha.
Then we’ll bug fix and polish our way to Beta, and finally 1st Party Submission.
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s going to take a big push to reach the end!

Did You Buy a New Console?

If you recently traded in that PS3 for a PS4, or got a Wii U or Xbox One over the holidays, we’d encourage you to update your Backer Rewards to reflect this!
Since Backer Kit is now closed, you can do this by contacting our Support Team at support@wayforward.com.
They'll be happy to help you switch your “platform of choice” to that shiny, new console.

Risky’s Revenge for Wii U

Breaking news today for Shantae fans!
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge Director’s Cut is moving into submissions at Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe.
Now Wii U owners will be able to play the most popular Shantae game on the planet, with all of those fancy bonus features like the new Warp System, improved balancing, HD illustrations, and the infamous Magic Mode Costume!

Even Breaking-er News!

The team handling the ports of Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse to PS4 and Xbox One are in the final stretch, and expect the game to reach North America and Europe sometime in March. We don’t have an exact release date yet, so just smear some Elmer’s glue all over late March and maybe early April, and cover it in purple hair so you don’t forget. 2016 is going to be a great year for Shantae fans!
Tons to do, back to work! Thanks for reading and see you next time!​

 

[SanoBaron]

I for one welcome our dancing snek overlords.

 

[Zeriam]

How can she be holding a snek when she is the snek?