Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda

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"Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda" is a musical fantasy game where players, either in single-player or 2-player co-op, explore a randomly generated overworld and dungeons to protect Hyrule from a villainous threat that uses enchanted music to spread chaos. As Cadence, Link, or Princess Zelda, players must keep the beat to defeat enemies and save the kingdom, visiting memorable locations from the Legend of Zelda series. The game is known for its fantastic gameplay and outstanding music.

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Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda screenshot

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 49 reviews

music13 positive mentions

The game features an incredible soundtrack with fantastic remixes of classic Zelda themes, enhancing the overall experience.
Gameplay is engaging and addictive, combining rhythm-based mechanics with classic Zelda exploration and combat.
The procedurally generated maps and two-player mode add significant replayability and fun, making it enjoyable for both solo and cooperative play.

The game is relatively short, with some players wishing for more levels, dungeons, and collectibles.
Difficulty can be uneven, with some players finding it too easy later on or lacking the challenge expected from a roguelike.
Certain items and weapons may feel superfluous, and the game may not fully capture the traditional Zelda experience for some fans.

music
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
45%
10%
The music in the game is widely praised for its fantastic remixes of classic Zelda tunes, enhancing the rhythm-based gameplay and creating an engaging atmosphere. Players appreciate the dynamic soundtrack that shifts from adrenaline-pumping to mellow after defeating enemies, adding depth to the experience. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, making the game a celebration of Zelda's musical legacy while providing addictive and enjoyable gameplay.
- “The music is as infectious as ever, and the remixes and remakes of familiar songs breathe life into what could have been a somewhat boring retread of songs we've heard in games for like 30 years.”
- “Music is a big part of this game, as this is a rhythm-based game (the fighting mechanics utilize the music's beats to inform the player when they can attack).”
- “Cadence of Hyrule is a lovingly crafted, challenging, but rewarding ode to 30 years of music.”
- “Attacking enemies to the beat of the music has a bit of a learning curve; I died a lot in my first hour of gameplay before I figured it out.”
- “By allowing a talented indie developer to play in the universe, Nintendo has gained a fantastic entry in the franchise that feels like a celebration – specifically of its music, a part of the series destined to take a back seat as the majesty of Hyrule is increasingly conveyed through the scale of its world rather than melodies from the days when the 'kingdom' was really a walled garden.”
- “Cadence of Hyrule might not be the challenging follow-up that Necrodancer fans were looking forward to, but it serves as a charming homage to the music of the Legend of Zelda series, and as a celebration of its classic 2D formula.”
gameplay
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
The gameplay in "Cadence of Hyrule" is a unique blend of rhythm-based mechanics and classic Zelda elements, making it accessible yet challenging. Players must attack to the beat of the music, which adds a learning curve but ultimately enhances the experience with its engaging and addictive nature. While the game offers a vibrant soundtrack and replayability through semi-randomly generated maps, some may find it a bit short and the roguelike mechanics less appealing.
- “Easy enough to learn the game mechanics, but the game can be challenging.”
- “Cadence of Hyrule is a perfect blend of classic Legend of Zelda adventure with roguelite rhythm gameplay.”
- “Attacking enemies to the beat of the music has a bit of a learning curve; I died a lot in my first hour of gameplay before I figured it out.”
- “Zelda fans who haven't played Crypt of the Necrodancer might not enjoy this style of gameplay.”
- “Fairly short; forgiving roguelike mechanics might turn off genre purists.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
20%
The graphics of the game are praised for their vibrant visuals and a successful blend of 2D and 3D elements, reminiscent of classic Zelda aesthetics. Reviewers appreciate the engaging art style and the fresh take on familiar locations, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The combination of appealing graphics with excellent music contributes to the game's fun and replayability.
- “I enjoyed the art style, and it's difficult, which I like a lot.”
- “Expertly combines rhythm mystery dungeon gameplay with classic Zelda aesthetics, vibrant visuals, and top-notch tunes. Lots of fun items and secrets to find.”
- “Rhythm-based gameplay provides a fresh take on the classic Zelda formula. Iconic locations from the Zelda series feel familiar but unique, controls are snappy and responsive. 2D and 3D visuals blend brilliantly together.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the remixed songs and exhilarating gameplay that enhance replay value, others find it lacking in substantial challenges and length. However, the inclusion of semi-randomly generated maps and cooperative play offers a fresh experience that can keep players engaged.
- “This adds massive replayability to the game and will certainly give you some more hours on your Switch.”
- “Rhythm-based gameplay provides a fresh take on the classic Zelda formula. Iconic locations from the Zelda series feel familiar but unique. Controls are snappy and responsive. 2D and 3D visuals blend brilliantly together. Ultimate replayability with semi-randomly generated maps and 2-player cooperative play.”
- “It's a bit too short and the replay value isn't substantial, but the remixed songs and exhilarating gameplay are too good to pass up.”
- “Necrodancer veterans may be disappointed by the lack of additional challenges; it's rather short with little replay value.”