Crypt of the NecroDancer

 PC
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. The A.V. Club
    Dec 8, 2015
    It requires careful, attentive play and won’t hesitate to punish you for not giving it what it wants. It remains a loving relative to its ultra-hard brethren like Spelunky and The Binding Of Isaac, even as it departs from them in form. But unlike its kin, NecroDancer’s style and songs encouraged me to try again every time I failed.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PC Game of 2015
86
#86 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
77
#77 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 234 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 166 out of 234
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 234
  3. Negative: 28 out of 234
  1. Crowrevell
    Apr 23, 2015
    9
    I have 125 hours play time in the early access version of Crypt of the Necrodancer

    Crypt of the Necrodancer is a marvel of a game in    I have 125 hours play time in the early access version of Crypt of the Necrodancer

    Crypt of the Necrodancer is a marvel of a game in concept and, most importantly, execution. A turn-based dungeon rogue-like with permi-death that requires only directional keys and is designed to be played on a dance pad. The beat of the music provides the time for each turn as the player make their way through the crypt. Cadence and others will have access to an array of weapons, armors, spells and items to help them battle the various monsters and bosses. Necrodancer is tough but fair.

    While the mechanics are simple, the game is challenging. Each enemy has an attack pattern that allows even the weakest of weapons (base dagger) to defeat them. How you clear a room will be based on knowing the patterns, prioritizing enemies. and adapting to the items you have while maintaining the beat. The minimalist controls and over-head view give the player maximum control of game play. If you die (and you will... a lot) it will be the players fault. To this end, the game provides a training ground to test any combination of character, weapons, and monsters, so the player can hone their skill.

    Necrodancer has a lot of replay value. The zones are procedurally created and items are randomly found via purchase, opening chests, creates, and barrels or through the use of shrines. So every game is different. There are 10 playable characters providing addition variety. Cadence is the base character, but you can also play her grandmother, Aria, who dies whenever you miss a beat and cannot upgrade her weapon. Monk dies whenever he picks up gold and Bolt plays at double speed. If one finds all of this to be too difficult, Bard ignores the timer, allowing the player to dance as slow or as fast as they wish.

    The game is viable for casual play, speed racing, or score running. And, as stated, is perfectly suited to be played on a dance pad.

    The great music was composed by Danny Baranowsky (Binding of Isaac, Super Meat Boy). And the game includes 2 remixes provided by A_Rival and FamilyJules7x. Furthermore, you can import mp3s into the game and play to almost any song you desire. You can also create your own maps as well as customize and re-skin any of the sprites.

    Crypt of the Necrodancer is a rare game that is challenging, fun, and open to a multitude of playing styles. I thought the game was worthwhile before the final release which added another zone, some new bosses, a story, and 2 additional soundtracks.    … Full Review »
  2. superflou
    Apr 24, 2015
    10
    A dungeon crawler mixed with a rythm game: An interesting concept. But this game is not JUST a concept but a fantastic game, with a lot ofA dungeon crawler mixed with a rythm game: An interesting concept. But this game is not JUST a concept but a fantastic game, with a lot of complex mechanisms, rich bestiary, hundred of items, more than 10 characters who have their own gameplay...The music, which is a key point for a rythm game, is absolutely perfect and the final game includes 3 soundtracks ! A must have… Full Review »
  3. AthanasiosT
    Apr 24, 2015
    10
    Exactly what a game should be !! Fun - fun -fun. Move and fight in dance rhythms and fight bosses in their own music styles. Plenty of weaponsExactly what a game should be !! Fun - fun -fun. Move and fight in dance rhythms and fight bosses in their own music styles. Plenty of weapons and upgrades. Rogue style playing is equalized with keeping some abilities-items. I bow to the programmers for simplicity and ingenuity and pray that more games like it show up.… Full Review »
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