Shantae, the Half Genie Protector of Scuttle Town! (A Switch To A New WayForward)

[meleebrawler]

Yeah, mine is without a doubt Pirate's Curse. I'm a pretty big Super Metroid guy, so it's kinda a no brainer. I liked Half Hero Genie as well, but the DLC got a bit repetitive for me. I feel like I want a more connected world to explore and that's why I don't like how they did the level select. Though I guess Pirate's Curse kinda did a level select with the ship. But they're both great platformers regardless.

Now that I think about it, those DLC modes were basically the same idea as those alternate post-game modes you often find in the metroidvania styled Castlevania games (stuff like Richter mode, Sisters mode, Old Axe Armor mode, Julius mode...). The reason I had more fun with Half-Genie Hero's DLC was because they played to the strengths of the level's linear design, thus making speedruns a fun and intuitive challenge.

I hope the next Shantae game brings the best of both Pirate's Curse and Half-Genie Hero's worlds. Have a more explorer-friendly environment for the main campaign, revamp the transformation mechanics to be more dynamic like the Pirate Gear (as in have basic exploring abilities available on tap, but maybe have the option to dance and fully transform for additional combat capabilities) and a more fleshed out story... but also still have more action-based, alternate campaigns with different characters.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Now that I think about it, those DLC modes were basically the same idea as those alternate post-game modes you often find in the metroidvania styled Castlevania games (stuff like Richter mode, Sisters mode, Old Axe Armor mode, Julius mode...). The reason I had more fun with Half-Genie Hero's DLC was because they played to the strengths of the level's linear design, thus making speedruns a fun and intuitive challenge.

I hope the next Shantae game brings the best of both Pirate's Curse and Half-Genie Hero's worlds. Have a more explorer-friendly environment for the main campaign, revamp the transformation mechanics to be more dynamic like the Pirate Gear (as in have basic exploring abilities available on tap, but maybe have the option to dance and fully transform for additional combat capabilities) and a more fleshed out story... but also still have more action-based, alternate campaigns with different characters.

Let's just hope they can earn the budget to make use of enough possibilities like that. Outside of helping on Bloodstained, I have no idea what WF is going to do next until then. They haven't put out much new games in the last two years, and one of them wasn't even made by them to begin with.

 

[meleebrawler]

Let's just hope they can earn the budget to make use of enough possibilities like that. Outside of helping on Bloodstained, I have no idea what WF is going to do next until then. They haven't put out much new games in the last two years, and one of them wasn't even made by them to begin with.

I am fairly certain they're brainstorming ideas for the next Shantae at the very least. Whether they want to pull a Nintendo and not reveal their hand until they have something concrete to show remains to be seen, but I doubt that their straits are dire enough that they can't develop at all.

 

[Teeb147]

Hey a few more pages, What'd I miss?

any shantae news these days?

 

[Shadowknight1]

Hey a few more pages, What'd I miss?

any shantae news these days?

Not as yet. Also, no idea why I haven't mentioned it yet, but that avatar is adorable!

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Hey a few more pages, What'd I miss?

any shantae news these days?

Nah, though I suspect that won't happen until later this year or so.

 

[Teeb147]

Nah, though I suspect that won't happen until later this year or so.

For a new possible game you mean? I think they could consider releasing little tidbits of something too. Maybe more shantae mini-games somehow

Not as yet. Also, no idea why I haven't mentioned it yet, but that avatar is adorable!

Oh, thanks I was actually thinking of changing it for a while, but maybe i'll just do that if I'm back more on the forums.

hard to believe it's been over a month since the release of ultimate now.

 

[Deleted member]

Hey a few more pages, What'd I miss?

any shantae news these days?

Yes this will be the year when indivisible comes out

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Maybe more shantae mini-games somehow

Nah, I rather doubt that. This would fly in a Wario Ware kind of game, but they know fans expect more than that.

Yes this will be the year when indivisible comes out

With any luck, yeah.

 

[Teeb147]

Nah, I rather doubt that. This would fly in a Wario Ware kind of game, but they know fans expect more than that.



With any luck, yeah.

I'm just saying, on the wait to something bigger, it'd be cool to have nice little tidbits to play with.
re-releases are cool in a way, but I like new things

 

[meleebrawler]

Nah, I rather doubt that. This would fly in a Wario Ware kind of game, but they know fans expect more than that.

If a franchise is going strong I don't see why fans should be too angry about spin-offs. Not many people batted an eye at Metroid Prime Pinball when that series was in it's golden age.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

If a franchise is going strong I don't see why fans should be too angry about spin-offs. Not many people batted an eye at Metroid Prime Pinball when that series was in it's golden age.

That is fair, but the closest thing it had to a spin-off appearance was the microgame in Warioware DIY, and that's not available anymore.

WF in general has to make licensed games to make enough bank to afford making their original stuff, so I'm honestly not sure if they have the resources to make spin-offs like that, even a pinball game ala Senran Kagura: Peach Ball.

 

[Teeb147]

That is fair, but the closest thing it had to a spin-off appearance was the microgame in Warioware DIY, and that's not available anymore.

WF in general has to make licensed games to make enough bank to afford making their original stuff, so I'm honestly not sure if they have the resources to make spin-offs like that, even a pinball game ala Senran Kagura: Peach Ball.

If you look at how fast it can be to make spin-offs (at least in certain cases), it can be well worth it to make and sell those things, so long as the fans want it.

 

[Dukefire]

Again, all we can for now is wait utill news from Wayforward and possibly Nintendo is shown.

Also, here is another Shantae art I found.

Artist: JaysonBlade

 

[DoctorFate]

Hey guys, go vote for Shantae to be the subject of Lindsey Stirling's next cover video!

I think it’s time to do another video game cover. Any suggestions of what game I should pick?

— Lindsey Stirling (@LindseyStirling) January 13, 2019

 

[Wademan94]

Again, all we can for now is wait utill news from Wayforward and possibly Nintendo is shown.

Also, here is another Shantae art I found.

Artist: JaysonBlade

View attachment 186670

Now I need a big band version of “Dance Through the Danger” with Cristina of course.

Hey guys, go vote for Shantae to be the subject of Lindsey Stirling's next cover video!

I think it’s time to do another video game cover. Any suggestions of what game I should pick?

— Lindsey Stirling (@LindseyStirling) January 13, 2019

I doubt this series is on her radar but a cover from her would boost Shantae’s popularity considerably.

 

[KoopaSaki]

As a Geno supporter, I heavily relate to you guys.

These two characters and their supporters get a lot of **** from detractors on sites like GameFaqs

Us Isaac Guys don't got it any easier either. We get a lot of bashing for wanting a character thats already an assist trophy, but we sure as hell ain't giving up on our golden boi until its over!

 

[Deleted member]

Us Isaac Guys don't got it any easier either. We get a lot of bashing for wanting a character thats already an assist trophy, but we sure as hell ain't giving up on our golden boi until its over!

That's speculation for ya. People take immense glee in seeing a wanted character not get into a Nintendo game marketed towards kids and adults makes me think these detractors are no older than 10

 

[Teeb147]

I wonder if a lot of people heard about the datamined data for the new next character.
I just made a new thread for speculation about it, because up to now it's only been talked about in threads around Square Enix games.

https://smashboards.com/threads/brave-new-character-datamined.470443/

 

[meleebrawler]

I wonder if a lot of people heard about the datamined data for the new next character.
I just made a new thread for speculation about it, because up to now it's only been talked about in threads around Square Enix games.

https://smashboards.com/threads/brave-new-character-datamined.470443/

Going beyond Joker and Plant for speculation is pretty risky. As we all know Plant was initially slated to be the slowest runner in the game before this. Now, he's most likely very close to completion so what we have now is more likely to be accurate. Next up to be worked on is Joker; while as subject to change as any other it's safe to assume the general trend for his stats will remain based on what we know about him.

That leaves ''Brave'', the unrevealed and latest addition. These traits make his stats possibly the most unreliable of all; in fact, it may be possible that they are complete bogus, mere placeholders designed to throw dataminers off the trail. Since the apparent rate of development makes it unlikely that his or her's has started, it wouldn't be hard for them to completely overhaul those parameters when the time comes.

 

[Teeb147]

Going beyond Joker and Plant for speculation is pretty risky. As we all know Plant was initially slated to be the slowest runner in the game before this. Now, he's most likely very close to completion so what we have now is more likely to be accurate. Next up to be worked on is Joker; while as subject to change as any other it's safe to assume the general trend for his stats will remain based on what we know about him.

That leaves ''Brave'', the unrevealed and latest addition. These traits make his stats possibly the most unreliable of all; in fact, it may be possible that they are complete bogus, mere placeholders designed to throw dataminers off the trail. Since the apparent rate of development makes it unlikely that his or her's has started, it wouldn't be hard for them to completely overhaul those parameters when the time comes.

Well the landing frame data is placeholder if what I saw was right, because it's the exact same as joker's right now.
Since we're in the shantae thread right now tho, I'll venture the idea that brave could be about her How? Well, the pixar movie called brave has to do with a girl doing some brave stuff, and shantae is one of the only new girls to put in, and it'd be brave of nintendo to go with an indie rep
That's all I got for now. Oh, that and the character data right now makes it out to be not a really tall character, and shantae could easily fit that. Well, that's all I got

 

[RockOfMind]

Gonna bring this topic up cause I thought it was interesting. What would you like to see out of a Shantae Spin-Off game? I know I would like to see more side characters get a little more spotlight. Perhaps a party type game? Seems kinda the go to answer for these kinda things. Perhaps others can think of something better.

 

[Biometal]

Gonna bring this topic up cause I thought it was interesting. What would you like to see out of a Shantae Spin-Off game? I know I would like to see more side characters get a little more spotlight. Perhaps a party type game? Seems kinda the go to answer for these kinda things. Perhaps others can think of something better.

Tuki. More Tuki. Just Tuki. Just more Tuki. Tuki.

 

[meleebrawler]

Gonna bring this topic up cause I thought it was interesting. What would you like to see out of a Shantae Spin-Off game? I know I would like to see more side characters get a little more spotlight. Perhaps a party type game? Seems kinda the go to answer for these kinda things. Perhaps others can think of something better.

An easy way to get more character development is through an RPG. The cast is varied enough in abilities and skills to make a diverse party.

Shantae the hero (balanced between magic and physical attributes), Bolo the warrior, Sky the rogue, Rottytops the tank... and probably an original full-blooded genie as a magic specialist.

 

[Deleted member]

Uh oh his shift started again

Everyone be carful when commenting to whoever has a yt account that means you to Biometal

 

[RockOfMind]

An easy way to get more character development is through an RPG. The cast is varied enough in abilities and skills to make a diverse party.

Shantae the hero (balanced between magic and physical attributes), Bolo the warrior, Sky the rogue, Rottytops the tank... and probably an original full-blooded genie as a magic specialist.

I didn't know how much I wanted a Shantae RPG until this post. Thank you! The wacky fights would probably remind me of what Paper Mario used to be like.
I can see the last fight being impossible but then Shantae gathers energy from her friend's wishes and unlocks her true powers for the rest of the fight.
Or something like that.

 

[Hadokeyblade]

An easy way to get more character development is through an RPG. The cast is varied enough in abilities and skills to make a diverse party.

Shantae the hero (balanced between magic and physical attributes), Bolo the warrior, Sky the rogue, Rottytops the tank... and probably an original full-blooded genie as a magic specialist.

Oh dang, someone should pitch this concept, it sounds great.

 

[meleebrawler]

I didn't know how much I wanted a Shantae RPG until this post. Thank you! The wacky fights would probably remind me of what Paper Mario used to be like.
I can see the last fight being impossible but then Shantae gathers energy from her friend's wishes and unlocks her true powers for the rest of the fight.
Or something like that.

The charm even extends to the gear they use: Shantae could equip different brands of shampoo, Bolo would have different flails/bolo balls, and Rottytops would use different legs to bludgeon with. Sky would be a bit special in having two parts to her ''weapon''; different whistles and the ability to hatch and raise various birds to fight with (Wrench being a mainstay). As for that genie newcomer, maybe it could finally be her mother; seems appropriate for a mid-game twist/wham event anyway.

Funny that you bring up Mario RPGs, because I feel that the Mario & Luigi universe could mix pretty well with Sequin Land in a Paper Jam-style crossover.

 

[Wademan94]

Gonna bring this topic up cause I thought it was interesting. What would you like to see out of a Shantae Spin-Off game? I know I would like to see more side characters get a little more spotlight. Perhaps a party type game? Seems kinda the go to answer for these kinda things. Perhaps others can think of something better.

I’ve brought that up before as well and we started brainstorming some ideas for a Shantae RPG and I could definitely see that working out, there’s a ton of potential in that idea.

The only other idea I had in mind was a rhythm game in the same vein as the Persona dancing games.

 

[Dukefire]

The charm even extends to the gear they use: Shantae could equip different brands of shampoo, Bolo would have different flails/bolo balls, and Rottytops would use different legs to bludgeon with. Sky would be a bit special in having two parts to her ''weapon''; different whistles and the ability to hatch and raise various birds to fight with (Wrench being a mainstay). As for that genie newcomer, maybe it could finally be her mother; seems appropriate for a mid-game twist/wham event anyway.

Funny that you bring up Mario RPGs, because I feel that the Mario & Luigi universe could mix pretty well with Sequin Land in a Paper Jam-style crossover.

I could view how it can begin.

Mimic has uncovered another ancient artifact and brought it back to Sequin Land to study it. Before long, Shantae and her friends came over to view the new artifact that her uncle found. During the viewing, tinkerbats and Risky barged in to steal this new item for her own use to rule the seven seas.
Meanwhile in the Mushroom Kingdom, a artifact in the castle's vault begins to glow and one of the toads along with peach and toadworth discovered it. (How the artifact looks like, I'll leave it up to you and everyone else. I will put it as a old GBC lost in time in my eyes.)
Before long in Sequin Land, a fight breaks out and eventually the artifact begins to act strange and soon engulfs everyone in a blinding light. Peach's Castle soon emits a bright light and follows with an explosion as toads and unknown people start flying out of the castle. The Mario Bros notices the disaster and soon heads out to see what is going on.

(this idea was mixed with Paper-Jam's beginning plot for the two worlds to collide. You can add more to it.)

 

[meleebrawler]

I could view how it can begin.

Mimic has uncovered another ancient artifact and brought it back to Sequin Land to study it. Before long, Shantae and her friends came over to view the new artifact that her uncle found. During the viewing, tinkerbats and Risky barged in to steal this new item for her own use to rule the seven seas.
Meanwhile in the Mushroom Kingdom, a artifact in the castle's vault begins to glow and one of the toads along with peach and toadworth discovered it. (How the artifact looks like, I'll leave it up to you and everyone else. I will put it as a old GBC lost in time in my eyes.)
Before long in Sequin Land, a fight breaks out and eventually the artifact begins to act strange and soon engulfs everyone in a blinding light. Peach's Castle soon emits a bright light and follows with an explosion as toads and unknown people start flying out of the castle. The Mario Bros notices the disaster and soon heads out to see what is going on.

(this idea was mixed with Paper-Jam's beginning plot for the two worlds to collide. You can add more to it.)

Not bad, but I have something funnier in mind.

Like in Paper Jam, we don't see anything of Shantae's universe until they merge. As it's been established the guardian genies are doing just that against other worlds, perhaps the cause of the merge would be some kind of portal/gate that is uncovered and tampered with by some hapless explorers (either Mushroom Kingdom or Koopa Troop affiliated). This results in the Shantae cast scattered all across the kingdom (and maybe some other places like Sarasaland, Yoshi and DK islands). The main town is then under attack, spurring the Mario Bros. into action. We find out it's Risky and her Tinkerbat crew to their collective surprise (Risky was in the middle of attacking Scuttle Town when the warp happened, and it has coincidentally mixed with Toad Town). The brothers repel her attack, but then find out the princess has gone missing; we then cut to Bowser making off with her in his clown car. However, he doesn't get far before he's intercepted by none other than Shantae! After a brief tutorial skirmish, she manages to rescue Peach, while Kamek flies in and convinces Bowser to call off his attack due to all the chaos currently happening. Back at the castle, the brothers are just getting ready for the usual kidnapping song and dance until everyone there is surprised by Peach's return alongside Shantae.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Not bad, but I have something funnier in mind.

Like in Paper Jam, we don't see anything of Shantae's universe until they merge. As it's been established the guardian genies are doing just that against other worlds, perhaps the cause of the merge would be some kind of portal/gate that is uncovered and tampered with by some hapless explorers (either Mushroom Kingdom or Koopa Troop affiliated). This results in the Shantae cast scattered all across the kingdom (and maybe some other places like Sarasaland, Yoshi and DK islands). The main town is then under attack, spurring the Mario Bros. into action. We find out it's Risky and her Tinkerbat crew to their collective surprise (Risky was in the middle of attacking Scuttle Town when the warp happened, and it has coincidentally mixed with Toad Town). The brothers repel her attack, but then find out the princess has gone missing; we then cut to Bowser making off with her in his clown car. However, he doesn't get far before he's intercepted by none other than Shantae! After a brief tutorial skirmish, she manages to rescue Peach, while Kamek flies in and convinces Bowser to call off his attack due to all the chaos currently happening. Back at the castle, the brothers are just getting ready for the usual kidnapping song and dance until everyone there is surprised by Peach's return alongside Shantae.

And now I'm already disappointed that this probably won't happen.

 

[Dukefire]

And now I'm already disappointed that this probably won't happen.

We can all hope and dream for something. Just don't let the imagination die.

 

[meleebrawler]

And now I'm already disappointed that this probably won't happen.

That'd be a shame, because each of the main members has a place in the Mario universe. Bolo could create a dojo to try and train the Toads, which would be the setting for the special attack minigames, and Mayor Scuttlebutt would be in a town of lookalikes. Sky could help the Yoshis take care of their eggs and young (dinosaurs are related to birds, no?), another potential minigame. Rottytops and the whole zombie caravan would end up in a haunted forest where Professor Elvin Gadd is reasearching, along with Uncle Mimic (the former even knows how to make coffee for them!)... and if they were feeling really amibitious, the Kremling Krew would make a surprise appearance teaming up with Techno Baron and Techno Grunts, leading to another team-up in Shantae and Dixie Kong! Oh yeah, and a dual boss fight with fellow recurring bosses Wiggler and Squid Baron.

Then again, if Nintendo could see fit to team up the Mario crew with a bunch of deranged rabbits...

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

That'd be a shame, because each of the main members has a place in the Mario universe. Bolo could create a dojo to try and train the Toads, which would be the setting for the special attack minigames, and Mayor Scuttlebutt would be in a town of lookalikes. Sky could help the Yoshis take care of their eggs and young (dinosaurs are related to birds, no?), another potential minigame. Rottytops and the whole zombie caravan would end up in a haunted forest where Professor Elvin Gadd is reasearching, along with Uncle Mimic (the former even knows how to make coffee for them!)... and if they were feeling really amibitious, the Kremling Krew would make a surprise appearance teaming up with Techno Baron and Techno Grunts, leading to another team-up in Shantae and Dixie Kong! Oh yeah, and a dual boss fight with fellow recurring bosses Wiggler and Squid Baron.

Then again, if Nintendo could see fit to team up the Mario crew with a bunch of deranged rabbits...

Considering that Ninty higher-ups came to the Starlink staff themselves for the Star Fox crossover, it may not be entirely outside of the realm of possibility to support WF in this way.

 

[RockOfMind]

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.

 

[smashkirby]

With all this buzz about Shantae + Mario, I don't suppose anyone has any ideas for a Shantae + Kid Icarus crossover?

 

[meleebrawler]

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).

 

[RockOfMind]

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.



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).

I suppose it would be cool to have Shantae transform into different things and them having their own stats and abilities. Probably take up a turn to do so though. As for Sky, I guess a side quest of Bird Raising so she can get her Ultimate Weapon could be neat, reminds me of Chocobo Raising.
Rottytops could also be the only one that can eat rotten food lying around. Kinda like Earthbound with Poo how he can only eat certain foods. Man there is a lot of options for this kinda game, isn't there?

 

[meleebrawler]

I suppose it would be cool to have Shantae transform into different things and them having their own stats and abilities. Probably take up a turn to do so though. As for Sky, I guess a side quest of Bird Raising so she can get her Ultimate Weapon could be neat, reminds me of Chocobo Raising.
Rottytops could also be the only one that can eat rotten food lying around. Kinda like Earthbound with Poo how he can only eat certain foods. Man there is a lot of options for this kinda game, isn't there?

From the very beginning and for the entirety of the series, Shantae has been built on the strength of it's cast and ensuring no one is left behind. Not even fan creations. Friendship is the central theme and is directly responsible for greater feats than any amount of magic or technology has ever achieved. Wayforward's commitment to developing all of these characters is what makes all of this possible.

This is why I'm pretty adamant that something like this be her final smash.