Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Kickstarts HD ponytail-whipping action

WayForward is taking its hair-whipping, belly-dance transforming mascot to Kickstarter for a new beginning. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is the first crowdfunded project from the creators of DuckTales Remastered and Mighty Switch Force.

WayForward adopted a hand-drawn style with 3D backgrounds for its HD reboot on PC, PS3, PS4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Series fans can still expect the familiar chapter-based structure, but several bonus chapters are up for grabs if the Kickstarter clears its stretch goals.

The original Game Boy Color title is still heralded as an cult-classic platformer, and we saw Shantae: Risky's Revenge as the crown jewel of DSiWare. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse will complete the pixel-art-and-portable trilogy later this year on 3DS.

If Shantae seems a bit pale to you, you're not alone: WayForward responded to similar observations that the character's initial design and skin tone were left up to artist discretion and will be adjusted as the lineup is finalized. Rottytops is still lime green and Risky Boots is still grape purple, is all we're saying here.

WayForward is asking for $400,000 to make Half-Genie Hero happen, with about $48,000 pledged a few hours into its first day. A $15 minimum pledge will get you the game upon its estimated release in Oct. 2014.