With all this buzz about Shantae + Mario, I don't suppose anyone has any ideas for a Shantae + Kid Icarus crossover?
That's another good choice, however more limited because I feel only Shantae herself has real chemistry with the Kid Icarus cast. They're by and large just too far above the rest to relate. Even Magnus.
That said, what chemistry
is there for Shantae is something special. She and Pit have tons in common which can lead to all kinds of funny scenarios (and though some people are loathe to think about such things... a special relationship). Palutena as well, one of the few women to have hair as winsome and colorful as Shantae's. Their interactions could get surprisingly emotional; beneath all the jabs and teasing is someone who really just wants the best for Pit, and seeing the friendship blossom between the daughter of the genies and her angel likely gives her happiness beyond words (see: her last line in ''The Reaper's Fortress''). Not to mention the insecurites they sometimes share when performing their duties, that have both threatened to consume them at certain points.
One crazy thing that could happen is if Viridi is still intent on wiping out humanity, Shantae whips out a surprise: the one & only genie lamp that drained her magic and turned her human, used on a goddess! No one is sure it'll work, but if it does it'll be one heck of a humbling experience for the goddess.
I dunno about story elements or anything, but stats and abilities I might be able to brainstorm a few.
Shantae probably be a bit more balanced then others, maybe later get better stats all round as story progresses. Heavy magic user, can use her Dance transformations as summon like magic and well as standard elemental magic.
Bolo would be a typical warrior like guy with higher attack and defense as well as abilities to raise those stats or debuff the enemy.
Sky maybe would be like a monk type affair with Wrench getting more powerful as she levels up without needing to buy weapons for her.
Probably high speed or the like.
Rottytops I like the idea of a tank like class for her. Maybe have a special skill of undying so she can tank multiple hits and like a provoke type thing
so attacks get drawn to her.
Honestly I could go on with this for other random characters but yeah you get the idea.
A cooler way to use Shantae's transformations would be as a way to shift her role in a fight. The elephant, for example, could turn her into a physical powerhouse just like Bolo.
Maybe the whole ''level up as Sky does'' could work for Wrench, but I just really want to see the bird-raising she does outside of him explored.
In addition to the abilities you mentioned for Rotty (basically can still be hit even when ''dead'' and taunts persist until they expire, and can auto-revive if not hit for a certain number of turns), she could have access to exclusive healing items (brains & coffee) that heal a lot for a low cost (but other food items are less effective on her).