When comparing Shantae: Risky's Revenge vs Axiom Verge, the Slant community recommends Axiom Verge for most people. In the question“What are the best metroidvania games for PC?” Axiom Verge is ranked 2nd while Shantae: Risky's Revenge is ranked 13th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great graphics and soundtrack
Pixel art graphics are top quality, soundtrack is superb.
Pro Great controls
Controlling Shantae feels just as tight as a game like this should feel.
Pro Great variety
Both in terms of upgrades you get and areas you can explore.
Pro Free version on iOS
If you're feeling cheap.
Pro Great soundtrack
Pro Retro feel with a modern spin
Provides a good change of pace to what many modern titles offer. Axiom Verge is a well crafted combination of the original Metroid 2D platformer style, with unique game mechanics that make it refreshing.
Pro Somewhat complex story
While maybe not necessarily mind-blowing, it does have some interesting twists that one usually is more likely to find in movies rather than games. Also multiple endings.
Pro Tons of power ups to collect
In addition to having lots of things to find, the power ups give you diverse abilities that allow you to interact with the world in new unique ways.
Pro Beautiful art and environments
Cons
Con The depiction of female characters is hyper-sexualized
The designs and even the animations for the female characters in this game are all hyper-sexualized, which makes it difficult to take this game seriously and may be distracting.
Con Poor weapon design
There are a ton of weapons, but most of them lack purpose. You end up sticking with just a few.
Con Not modern enough
It's intentionally retro style makes the world monotonous and dead compared to modern Metroidvania's.
Con Soundtrack can feel repetitive
While the soundtrack has some great electronic music, it can start feeling repetitive over long play sessions, especially when you find yourself just wandering around, looking for items or the next destination.
Con Too short
And no reason to replay.