Shantae is the titular protagonist of the eponymous video game series of the same name developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Capcom. She was created by Erin Bozon (wife of Matt Bozon, WayForward's creative director). She has been voiced by Cristina Vee since 2014's Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. Shantae is a half-genie, the daughter of a human father and a mother who was a Guardian Genie. She consequently has limited magical powers, including her signature whipping hair and magical dances that allow her to change into magical creatures, and has to rely on her skills and magical items that she acquires during her adventures to fight her adversaries. The character has been well-received and is featured in several lists of the greatest video game heroines. She has since become WayForward's mascot.