Shantae

Shantae is a 2D side-scrolling platformer with Metroidvania-style exploration and RPG elements set in the colorful world of Sequin Land. Players control the young half-genie Shantae as she dances and summons animal transformations (such as crab, elephant, and eagle) to access new areas, solve puzzles, and fight enemies using hair-whip attacks and elemental powers. The story follows Shantae protecting Scuttle Town from pirate villain Risky Boots, who steals a prototype steam engine from her uncle Mimic and plans to conquer the world using four elemental stones; Shantae must locate the stones across four labyrinths to stop her. Characters include the heroic Shantae, her quirky friend Bolo, the relic hunter Mimic, and the bird trainer Skye with her war bird Wrench. What stands out is the unique dance-based transformation system and lively chiptune soundtrack on the Game Boy Color.