For the parkour and environment this game is great and was quite groundbreaking when it was released. I just wish that this version had the DLC. The combat and shooting is pretty bad. I generally avoided that altogether and just ran.
The main game is excellent, with colourful environments, excellent art direction and OST. I don't think I've ever seen such a well animated hand drawn game. However, the DLCs are just padding. They reuse the same levels of the main game with different characters, altering the gameplay just a little bit. And some of those are really uninspired, too. I mean, c'mon: Pajamas mode? Seriously? This should be something you unlock for free. And Beach mode? Just for the fan service? Not to mention that Shantae herself has the best moves and maneuverability. So all of the modes feel like a step down.
This is an excellent - and difficult - puzzle game. The story is engaging and has great twists, and the OST is excellent. That being said, it is pretty short and has no replay value once you finish it. So if you like puzzle games you should get it at a discount.
The writing, mystery, voice actors and setting are all great. It feels like a novel straight out of a Stephen King book. The lighting and shadow effetcs are stellar for a 2012 game, specially a console port - although the characters faces sometimes feel a little "dumb". The weakest part is the gameplay, as there's very little you can do to make it diverse. Shots don't even cause less or more damage depending on where you hit your enemies. Also, the collectibles are not worth it, and there are many. So this is more of a onetime experience.
