Shantae | Hard Core Mode

Apologies for this being a day late, but it’s been crazy with game releases this week, and frankly this one caught us by surprise. So, what was announced? Well, in case you missed it, Shantae Half-Genie Hero got a most unexpected update 1.01 which introduced an entirely new way to play the game. Keep in mind though, this mode is for the old school masochists only, and accordingly is called Hard Core Mode. What makes it so difficult, you ask? Well, for one thing it adds new attacks to Boss fights, it rearranges enemy placement, and much more. You can read all the details in the press release below. While it’s true this update doesn’t include the hotly anticipated Risky Boots mode, it is nice to see WayForward thinking of their fans. If nothing else, Hard Core Mode will give me an excuse to boot up this lavish and lovely game again sooner rather than later!


Valencia, Calif. – 03/2/2017— WayForward is pleased to announce
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Hard Core Mode and More!

Name: Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Publisher/Developer: WayForward, XSEED
Release Date: Available Now
Platforms: PS4, PSVita, Xbox One, Wii U and Steam
Players: Single Player
Price: $19.99 USD

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is the latest entry in the esteemed Shantae series by developer WayForward. It’s been two months since launch, and in that time Shantae: Half-Genie-Hero has quickly become a fan favorite, earning universal praise and numerous 9/10 scores and awards from gaming press!

The product was crowd-funded by fans that generously backed multiple tiers of bonus content, including extra levels (which were included in the release version) and extra characters and costumes which are now in development.

The first game stability update (Update 1.01) will arrive on March 6th, and includes:

Bug fixes for all platforms
PSTV support (Playstation Vita version)
Free bonus content: HARD CORE MODE

Introducing HARD CORE MODE!

Hard Core Mode is a new 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 Hard Core!

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!

HARD CORE MODE is free for everyone, and is included with Update 1.01

“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. 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!”

–Matt Bozon (Director of Contra 4, also this game)

Josh Speer
Josh is a passionate gamer, finding time to clock in around 30-40 hours of gaming a week. He discovered Operation Rainfall while avidly following the localization of the Big 3 Wii RPGs. He enjoys SHMUPS, Platformers, RPGs, Roguelikes and the occasional Fighter. He’s also an unashamedly giant Mega Man fan, having played the series since he was eight. As Head Editor and Review Manager, he spends far too much time editing reviews and random articles. In his limited spare time he devours indies whole and anticipates the release of quirky, unpredictable and innovative games.