Shantae: Risky's Revenge
Common Sense says
- Nintendo DSi
- $12
- 2010
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Shantae: Risky’s Revenge is a downloadable platformer for the Nintendo DSi with noticeably suggestive themes. Many of the game’s female characters -- including the game’s hero, Shantae -- are scantily clad, showing off large bosoms that jiggle as they move. The fighting, meanwhile, is relatively mild; the player’s main weapon isn’t a gun or a sword but rather Shantae’s long hair, which she uses like a whip. Plus, bad guys are fantasy creatures that simply disappear when defeated. Note that this game is only available via download through the DSi shop.
Wondering if Shantae: Risky's Revenge is OK for your kids?
Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Good for most to all ages, great game.
Sexy Female Characters Might Be The Problem With Some Parents.
What's it about?
SHANTAE: RISKY’S REVENGE is the long-awaited sequel to Shantae, a much-loved platformer released for Game Boy Color nearly a decade ago. It follows the story of a sexy half-genie who uses her hair as a whip to beat up enemies including skeletons, zombies, and pirates. She can also shape-shift into animals -- like an elephant -- to gain access to new areas in the game, and players can buy special attack abilities such as spiked balls and fiery magic. Parents should note that it’s only available for the Nintendo DSi; kids with older model DS consoles that don’t have access to the web-based DSi Shop will not be able to purchase it.
Is it any good?
There’s a lot to like about this polished, innovative platformer. Its lush environments are alive with colorful vegetation, beautifully drawn structures, and detailed characters, making it one of the prettiest downloadable games yet developed for the DSi. What’s more, some parts of the game allow players to not just move left and right but also use special pads to dive deeper into the screen to explore-able areas that can be seen in the background. It’s a clever way to avoid repetitive side-scrolling navigation.
However, this layered effect also makes it easy to get lost in some places. It can be easy for a player to lose track of where she is and where she needs to go next in order to progress. This, combined with some needlessly juvenile humor, keeps Shantae: Risky’s Revenge from becoming the exceptional platformer it could have been. It’s one of the best downloadable DSi games to date, but it’s not perfect.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about women in games. Can a highly sexualized female character be a good role model for girls?
Families can also discuss violence in games. What criteria do you use in determining whether a game is too violent for the children in your family?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo DSi
- Price: $12
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Way Forward
- Release date: October 3, 2010
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Last updated: August 30, 2016
Our editors recommend
For kids who love playing handheld games
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.