XSEED Games and WayForward have announced that the first game stability update for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero will arrive on March 6, 2017. The free update 1.01 will include a new Hard Core Mode, bug fixes for all platforms, as well as PlayStation TV support for the PS Vita version.

Introducing Hard Core Mode:

Hard Core Mode is a new difficulty setting for the main “Shantae” mode in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. This mode is designed to provide an old-school, tough-as-nails challenge to players willing to test their mettle. There is no mercy to be found here – it’s Hard Core!

What to expect in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Hard Core Mode:

Pain and suffering!

Harder hitting enemies!

Faster enemy patterns!

Faster scroll speeds!

Remixed enemy locations, and more of ‘em!

New Boss patterns, attacks, and stats!

Healing Items capped at six!

Re-balanced magic items!

Poor Shantae!

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is available for PS Vita, PS4, Xbox One, Wii U and Steam. In our review, we gave the action-platformer an 8.5/10.