WayForward Technologies sent out the following

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

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 who miss the days of rage-quitting and throwing controllers. This mode offers a stiff challenge to any player daring to test their mettle. The same studio that developed such unforgiving brutal bliss as Contra 4, Bloodrayne Betrayal, Double Dragon Neon, and the original Shantae has returned to its roots, preparing for you a scalding hot platter of anger food. Trust us, there is no mercy to be found in this new mode, and if you want to survive you’ll need to master the game completely. There is no mercy to be found here – it’s Hard Core!

Warning! This new mode is not for everybody! On the other hand, it IS for everybody since it will be FREE to Backers, and anyone who bought the game.

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!

 

This is quite the update for the game. Shantae 1/2 Genie Hero is a great game that has received excellent reviews and deserves the praise it gets. Whatever WayForward has planned for the game, can only be a good thing. Hard Core Mode sounds like the perfect mode for gamers who need a challenge in their life.

Source: PR Email.