'Shantae: Half-Genie Hero' release date news: Game launches Sept. 27

Shantae: Half-Genie HeroWay Forward Technologies

"Shantae: Half-Genie Hero" will officially launch this coming Sept. 27, as announced by developer WayForward Technologies via Twitter. The announcement also confirms that the game can be pre-ordered via GameStop.

According to a report from Hardcore Gamer, a physical copy of the game will be available at retail stores and this will be for the Nintendo Wii U, Playstation 4 and PS Vita versions of the game. A digital release is also confirmed for the Playstation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and the PC.

It is expected that the PC version will be available both via Steam and GOG given that the most recent game in the franchise, "Shantae and the Pirate's Curse," was available on both platforms and due to the fact that Steam members can now transfer purchases to their GOG account.

Nintendo Life reports that the physical copy of the game may be more expensive but it does come with its own set of incentives. According to the report, publisher XSEED has confirmed that physical copies will come with a special soundtrack CD that has 20 songs from the new game.

"Shantae: Half-Genie Hero" is the fourth game in the series and, unlike previous games, will be discarding the traditional pixel-art visuals for an HD redesign. The game is a continuation from the last game which means Shantae will once again have her genie powers and the ability to transform into animals.

It is noted that the game originally began as a Kickstarter project and due to its success it will have much more content than previous games in the series. Players will not only be able to play as the titular half-genie, Shantae, but also as her rival, the pirate Risky Boots.

"Shantae: Half-Genie Hero" launches Sept. 27 with a $29.99 price tag.