The upcoming fifth installment in the Shantae series has finally been given an official title as well as a handful of new screenshots to show off. The game will from here on will be titled Shantae and the Seven Sirens. The details and screenshots shared by developer WayForward showcase new labyrinths to explore, new magical transformations, and hint at much more to come with this new installment.  WayForward listed some of the game’s new key features as:

  • Explore an interconnected world using new Fusion Magic creature transformations, including a newt and other aquatic forms!
  • 4K-resolution hand-painted visuals (on 4K devices only)!
  • All-new characters and returning favorites like Rottytops, Sky, Bolo, and the nefarious Risky Boots!
  • Collect and power up with monster cards!
  • Enjoy minigames, acquire magic and items, and uncover secrets!
  • Gorgeously animated TV-style cutscenes!

Shantae and the Seven Sirens will follow Shantae and her cast of friends traveling far from their familiar home and recurring series setting of Scuttle Town to a new and mysterious tropical island in search of other Half-Genies. Shantae is then tasked with exploring the large, interconnected and non-linear island to uncover its secrets and to once again triumph over evil. The game will feature dungeon-style labyrinths again after their absence in the previous installment Shantae: Half-Genie Hero and will feature mini-games and multiple towns to play and discover since the original game on the Game Boy Color back in 2002.

Other new features include “Fusion Magic” creature transformations, which may be a new twist on the established animal transformation dances the series is known for, allowing players to mix and match abilities similar for combined effects, similar to Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. The game also promises 4K resolution on compatible devices, and “TV-style cutscenes”, which we can only hope will be animated by Studio Trigger, seeing how they were responsible for animating the opening cutscene for the game.

Shantae and the Seven Sirens is planned for release on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Apple Arcade later this year.