So the game was just announced on Nintendo Direct by Reggie himself and just released in the e-shop. What do you guys think? Has anyone plonked down 9.99 yet and is it worth it?

$15.00 in Australia.
I was a little worried at first considering the negative impressions I've read (particularly about the controls), but about 15 minutes of playing the game and I'm already getting used to them and the game seems like it's going to be a bit of fun.
Still very expensive for an eShop title considering I've downloading quality titles like Pullblox and Zen Pinball 3D for less, but if it lasts for over 20 hours like they said in the American Presentation then I'll be satisfied that I've spent my money reasonably well.
Now back to playing!

How are controls is it stylus only? I'm not really much of a fan of tower defense games like Crystal Defenders but I do like Plants vs Zombies which I think is considered a tower defense game do you think I would like Dillon's Rolling Western?

I'm not sure... I haven't downloaded it yet, I did grab the Sakura Samurai though, and am currently loving it. I'm not one for "tower defense" type games, either, but I did love Starship Defense. So I think it really could come down to, how fun is the game to play?

I've been playing for an hour or two and I'm having quite a bit of fun with it at the moment.
You use the stylus to move around and attack and the circle pad to control your direction.
As for the gameplay, it's pretty simple early so I don't know how strategic it'll turn out later on, but I've been having fun even just rolling around the map collecting stuff before the sky turns red and you have to protect the village.

I got it, because it has impressed me enough to warrant my purchase. It is quite expensive - but so is Shantae for DSiWare - and for all we know this may be the Shantae of 3DSWare.

Trying the game out I have to say it's amazing. It requires a lot of strategy and provides sufficient challenges. There are different areas to protect and you unlock more after performing well in previous areas. You protect each area for 3 nights (days too - but thats just the exploring/preparing) and you can take on optionally 3 quests (you choose which ones you want) for extra reward, but penalty if you cant complete them in the 3 days as well.

The controls are good except for the fact that lefties will need to hold the stylus with their right hand for optimal conrol. It's an annoyance - but I got used to it over time, and im sure others will too. The graphics are great and the 3D is amazing. You can tell the obvious graphic style is similar to Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, but it looks awesome. They even added a slight zelda-like theme tune to finding a secret area. Not to mention the hidden chest noises and heart pieces

not for lefties, then?

Nope, and there's no options to change the controls at all that I'm aware of.
I guess all the lefties will just have to get used to it.
A few hours in and it's still seeming like it's going to be a pretty fun game, I'm glad I bought it.
Going to bed now so I'll have to wait till the morning to play some more.

I'm lefty, but I don't care, I'm not missing out on one of the best eshop games so far!

I'm a lefty, and switching between stylus/circle pad was pretty easy. Battle is mostly stylus, while field movement is both. What I really find difficult is getting enough money/resources to build defenses.

is there a way to control the game without the stylus? cant you attack with the face buttons??

I hope this is as great as it looks. Seems like a great twist on the tower defense genre. I'm waiting for some reviews to pop-up though.

I'm loving the game at the moment but seriously (I'm a lefty) it doesnt handle well for us. Theres no option to change and thats a major downside.

No unfortunately. You move with the circle pad or dpad but rolling and attacking needs the touch screen. It works well - but not for lefties...

Love it. It's a bit differant than usural controls, and that might be what you say as confusing or hard controls. I've paid for it, I'm glad I did.

My first impressions are very positive. Great artstyle, and controls seems fine. Gameplay also seems interesting, although I haven't played too much yet. It seems pretty deep for a downloadable title.

Oh, and the 3D is AMAZING in this game.

Gaaaah, that is disheartening. I know, personally, I cannot hold the stylus in my right hand for any game. Sorry, Nintendo, but I regretably will be passing on this one.

No complaints about it being $9.99 like when Mutant Mudds had its proposed price revealed? I'll pick it up tomorrow, and hopefully by 20 hours to complete, they don't mean it's going to drag on itself. I'm hoping that it will provide stimulating gameplay challenges continually for what it's releasing at. Anything priced above Mudds in the shop warrants skepticism and high expectation.

By that do you mean "Best game ever!" or "Overpriced, a bit meh with nice GFX" because opinions seem to be one or the other for Shantae?