This weekend’s discount heroine: Shantae!

(Quick disclaimer: These are direct links with zero “affiliate” status. e.g. I don’t make a dime of either one)

I hope you like genies, because WayForward’s adorable half-genie is a part of two ridiculous sales this weekend! “Risky’s Revenge”, an awesome platforming adventure that got its start on Nintendo DSi, is on sale for both PC on Steam and iOS on iTunes.

The PC game is a paltry $2.50, a 75% discount! Meanwhile, for those who don’t care about buttons (or overpriced “controllers”), her iOS release is completely free!

Mini-Review:

If you’re used to modern Metroid-like platformer releases (e.g. Mega Man Zero, DS-era Castlevanias, Super Metroid), you might find Shantae a bit “basic” for you needs. Her melee attack has the “Zero” flaw in that she can’t swipe while moving, and the special forms you’ll pick up as the game progresses have incredibly simple movement enhancements. The labyrinths are a smidgen too easy to get lost in (a flaw further amplified by a lack of maps available online for them), but the art is gorgeous and the story is endearing. If you need something to scratch that platforming “itch”, especially with its sequel (Pirate’s Curse) beginning to make the rounds and a fourth game on the horizon (Shantae got its start as a Game Boy Color title), Shantae makes a fine addition to anyone’s platform-adventure library.

Quibbles aside, there’s no good reason not to at least pick up the (FREE!) iOS release.