Shantae: Half-Genie Hero an impressive 2D platformer, with an immersive soundtrack, very nice cel-shaded graphics and a solid gameplay. The game makes consistent us of backtracking and that doesn't always feel good, but we really appreciated its "old school" approach.

Despite some annoying backtracking Half-Genie Hero is one of those Kickstarter’s children you don’t want to drown after birth. [03/2017, p.72]

Exciting and really fun 2D action platforming experience. As good as previous entries in the franchise, but much more gorgeous looking.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a great metroidvania financed by Kickstarter, with a solid gameplay, a stunning art design and also exciting platform sequences.

Although some trouble or another always crops up in Half-Genie’s world, it’s still filled with cheer: people look ready to burst into dance at the drop of a hat, and Shantae keeps a huge smile on her face even in combat. To enjoy this upbeat world, you don’t need to know the first thing about it – even if you pay no attention to story and flat jokes, the game won’t lose any of its luster. [Issue#216, p.52]

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is pleasant but shallow. The initial “wow” factor of the wonderful aesthetics wears off once the backtracking starts, and the game never recovers. It looks wonderful, but no amount of prettiness can cover up gameplay that can’t come close to the quality of the visuals.