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

A marriage made in heaven, Cadence of Hyrule is a toe-tapping, monster slaying groove-fest.

Cadence of Hyrule successfully earns its place in the pantheon of Zelda adventures by carving a distinctive rhythmic path that brings new ideas to the series while also hitting the right nostalgic keys.

It takes the best parts of Crypt of the NecroDancer and makes them more accessible, which really comes with the territory when you're paying homage to The Legend of Zelda.

Cadence of Hyrule is the Legend of Zelda game I didn’t know I wanted, and now can’t live without. It’s perfect for both bus rides and extended eyebleed caliber play sessions has the raddest soundtrack of the year, and is randomly generated to ensure infinite replayability. It’ll be in my rotation for a good long while, and deserves a place on your Switch wishlist, Zelda fan or not.

Cadence of Hyrule didn’t click with me at first but the Fixed Beat Mode really helped. Without that mode, I don’t think this game would have as much appeal but the developers were wise to include it. With such a great visual presentation and an excellent soundtrack, players need to check out Cadence of Hyrule even if they’re just a little curious. The gameplay may trip you up as it did for me, but check out the Fixed Beat Mode–you’ll be glad you did!

Cadence of Hyrule transforms Crypt of the NecroDancer in a more accessible and adventurous title, a nearly perfect rhythmic Zelda spin-off.

Serving as both a quirky Zelda spinoff and a sequel to 2015's rhythm-action indie hit Crypt of the Necrodancer, Cadence of Hyrule is a polished and charmingly inventive game sure to appeal to fans of either franchise. From the Rougelike dungeon and item design to the inspired musical remixes, this crossover has worked out better than anyone could have expected.

Cadence of Hyrule is a startlingly successful remix of the classic Zelda template, bringing a whole new rhythmic core to the Hyrule we all know and love.

Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda is a game I didn’t know I wanted until I’ve seen it for the first time. By (re)mixing the visuals, soundtrack and structure of a Zelda game with the gameplay from Crypt of the NecroDancer, it creates a unique experience – one that is faithful to the Zelda series at the same time it stands out as a superb spin-off.

The pulse-pounding, toe-tapping remixes of fan-favourite themes from across the franchise's history, combined with a host of Easter Eggs, make this a joy for long time Zelda fans. This coupled with the solid, innovative mechanics, create an absolute must-buy for anyone with a Switch. Even though there is just four-five hours of playtime to 100% clear the game, there are leaderboards for steps and time to aim towards, multiplayer, and replays with the other characters.

Cadence of Hyrule is the dream crossover you didn't know you wanted. It's an absolutely brilliant mashup that'll have you tapping your toes and humming along to the music for hours on end.

For Zelda fans who have been desperate for a fix since they finished their seventh run of Breath of the Wild, Cadence of Hyrule is like having a refreshing drink at the bar after hours of dancing. Its engaging mechanics, beautiful pixel art, and stunning soundtrack make it a joy to play. Cadence of Hyrule is an immensely successful spin on Zelda, and I hope that Nintendo takes more chances like this with other franchises. And as for the future of the Crypt of the NecroDancer games? Hmm... I wonder if Samus has a sense of rhythm?

Cadence of Hyrule is a miracle project, birthed from an indie developer given the keys to Hyrule Castle and surpassing everyone’s expectations. Brace Yourself Games has managed to compose its own worthy Zelda adventure, incorporating its own rhythmic roguelike gameplay with fantastic remixes. The end result is a unique musical experience that’s hard to put down. Needless to say, the game may not be as inviting to those unversed with The Legend of Zelda. But for big fans seeking a new tempo, Cadence of Hyrule hits all the right beats, and I look forward to an encore.

Any fan of Zelda will be able to enjoy this digital title thanks to its optional modes, although the best experience will be embracing its rhythm elements that make it so unique.

Nintendo’s bold gambit of trusting one of their most precious franchises with Brace Yourself Games has paid off in creating an essential Switch experience. Cadence of Hyrule is a wonderful musical adventure, giving The Legend of Zelda series a delightfully fresh perspective. Also, if you didn’t already know Danny Baranowsky, you do now. It’s a bloody good time to be a Zelda fan.

Cadence of Hyrule is the Legend of Zelda and Crypt of the NecroDancer crossover we never knew we needed, but now that it's here, we want the song to go on forever. Brace Yourself Games' expert handling of the Zelda property is commendable. Here's hoping we get an encore with some DLC.

Cadence of Hyrule is a brilliant but short adventure that expertly blends the Legend of Zelda series with the intensity of a rhythm-based game. The characters are great, drawing off iconic people from the Zelda series, while also feeling refreshing in the minds of the players.

Cadence of Hyrule offers the rhythmic gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer, wrapped into the Zelda franchise. That is truly something special, though the game gets a bit too easy after a very challenging start.

Cadence of Hyrule is much more than Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring a The Legend of Zelda skin. From the classic Zelda art style and staple items to the addictive, pulsating NecroDancer gameplay and soundtrack of delightful remixes, this mash-up takes the best of both worlds and combines them brilliantly.

Cadence of Hyrule is every bit a classic Zelda adventure with the added wrinkle of a rhythm puzzle game. It's not overly long, but Cadence of Hyrule is the kind of game that will kill you over and over again, and you'll still keep begging for more.

If you are a Zelda fan, then Cadence of Hyrule should be a no-brainer. For anyone who likes great music, fun gameplay, and action RPGs, this one is for you.

There could not be a better successor to Crypt of the NecroDancer. Cadence of Hyrule takes all the mechanics of gameplay from the prequel and perfects them to the point where you never get tired of playing. One of the best indie experiences of the market along with the most prestigious sagas from Nintendo.

Crypt of the Necrodancer seems like a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. However, Cadence of Hyrule isn’t that. It feels more like a traditional 2D Zelda adventure than it does a roguelike and has a myriad of options to get the type of experience you want out of it. Cadence of Hyrule is a Zelda game that any fan of the franchise will appreciate.

Brace Yourself Games has crafted a unique Zelda game which fits in perfectly with the rest of the family. A transfusion from Crypt of the NecroDancer gives the old top-down template a fresh spin but it still manages to feel like Zelda. 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 is not just a brilliant game, it's a brilliant Zelda game - one that you won't want to miss.

Cadence of Hyrule is a game that requires a minimum of investment, from several points of view: you need a little patience, a little good will and a bit of concentration (at least at first!) to get into the right mood.

Despite using procedural generation, its semi-randomized map evokes the charms of Hyrule, and inspires the same wonder. I think the nicest thing I can say about Cadence of Hyrule is that it absolutely deserves to stand in the Zelda canon alongside the best of its 2D games.

Cadence of Hyrule is a fresh take on the the Legend of Zelda series: visuals are great as the Baranowsky's soundtrack and it feels like a proper Zelda game, but indie. It's a win-win situation.

This is a stunner. The merger of Crypt of the NecroDancer and Legend of Zelda is a blast to play (as was to be expected) and looks like it jumped straight from the SNES into this era.

Cadence of Hyrule might be THE surprise release of the year. Not only Nintendo let third-party studio to use its IP, but the result is on par with mainstream releases of the big N. [Issue#239, p.67]

Cadence of Hyrule ends up being a shocking blend of a rhythm game, action game, puzzle game, dungeon crawler, and roguelike, all in one. It's actually pretty stunning how well the developers have managed to blend all of these elements together and still come out with a cohesive and refined experience. The game looks amazing, plays marvelously, and the music is not only the most important part, but it's the part that delivers the best. The Crypt of the NecroDancer formula isn't for everyone, but this game is borderline unmissable.

Cadence of Hyrule is a complicated game that's worth learning how to play, because getting into the rhythm can't be beat! [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 24]

A fantastic demonstration of an impossible but incredible union: Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer. A great fusion for a varied, challenging and innovating game.

Cadence of Hyrule is great fun that skillfully stages the catchy melodies of the series, adding new elements and a totally fresh challenge with its dance mechanics.

Cadence of Hyrule is a lovingly crafted, challenging, but rewarding ode to 30 years of music.

Cadence of Hyrule is a perfect blend of classic Legend of Zelda adventure with roguelite rhythm gameplay. It’s a short adventure that can sometimes feel too difficult and chaotic for its own good, but it’s worth sticking through to the end. Not only is it a tremendously fun game, its new take on Hyrule is a joy to explore.

Cadence of Hyrule is a well-paced and joyful ride. Great soundtrack and amazing pixel-art visuals are enough to have us forget the trip is a bit too short.

Cadence of Hyrule should prove to Nintendo that handing off iconic IPs to different developers can lead to outstanding results. Even after one playthrough, I’m itching to go back and play Cadence of Hyrule some more. I never knew I wanted a Zelda/rhythm game hybrid before. Now I’m hoping this is the start of a wonderful string of Zelda spinoffs to hit the Switch. Do yourself a favor by grabbing a set of headphones and immerse yourself into the world of Cadence of Hyrule. You won’t regret it.

Cadence of Hyrule is the best unexpected spin-off that we could hope.

Perhaps a little short for its price, Cadence of Hyrule is nevertheless very addictive. Once good habits have been (re)established it's difficult to put the controller down, thanks to Danny Baranowsky's brilliant compositions and the "real Zelda" structure coated in roguelike action. You may be disappointed by your dungeons, but apart from this little faux pas, CoH really ticks all the boxes of good old Zelda 2D, with a map full of secrets and dozens of interesting items to find.

Crypt of the Necrodancer and The Legend of Zelda come together in a wonderful crossover. Both essences mix very well in a video game that is fun, addictive and challenging. Once you pick up the rhythm you can't stop.

As unique and original as Crypt of the NecroDancer, but set in the world of Zelda. It’s easily one of the best spin-offs of the franchise, and one of those games everyone should, at least, try.

This is a short game under 10 hours with replay value for speedrunners but for those expecting a lot after their first play then you’re going to find the only reasons to return being another playthrough. There are also not as many puzzles as a Zelda game and with the heart of this game being the strategic combat that might not be a huge draw to some. But with that said it is also a Zelda game at heart and a great time for fans of the series looking for something different or another couch co-op game to play. Newcomers will also not feel left out so if you can’t wait for a sale then check it out.

Crypt of the NecroDancer brings randomly generated dungeons and rhythm-based gameplay to the exploration and adventure of The Legend of Zelda. While it doesn’t feel like total chemistry, Hyrule is faithfully represented, and Zelda fans will be able to enjoy a different type of gameplay. It’s not a masterpiece, but if you can catch the beat, there’s a lot of fun to be had.

Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring The Legend of Zelda is the perfect example of how to mix wonderfully two distant worlds.

This charming, eccentric mash-up is well worth a spin. [Issue#335, p.112]

Cadence of Hyrule manages to elegantly combine Crypt of the Necrodancer’s unique rhythm-based combat and procedurally generated level design with The Legend of Zelda’s grandiose open world adventuring to create a remarkably unique experience. The combat may be difficult for some to grasp and the puzzles are a little lacking, but overall Cadence of Hyrule is a fun, compelling adventure that should not be missed.

As far as The Legend of Zelda franchise is concerned, Cadence of Hyrule is a definite spin-off, and it has no designs to be anything but. However, the game is far more than just Crypt of the NecroDancer with a Zelda skin slapped on top. The addictive feel of classic Zelda is here in spades, just executed a little differently. To prepare for this review, I cleared normal mode, then started a new game to just try out the additional modes. What was meant as nothing more than a quick foray to test out all available options quickly turned into a second full playthrough. The music, the enemies, the world — it all feels unmistakably Zelda, even if Link now has a bit of added pep in his step.

The charm and charisma of The Legend of Zelda, fused with the rhythmic gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer, gives life to a hybrid that maintains the essence while also offering a new and fresh take of both games. Cadende of Hyrule is, quite literally, a link between worlds.

In Cadence of Hyrule two games meet on the dance floor and their dance is awesome. As roguelike this might not be as convincing, as the rhythmic gameplay is too easy. It works for Zelda though.

Cadence of Hyrule is a fun time if you know what you’re getting into. This isn’t an average Zelda spin-off, so if you’re awful at keeping a beat and don't want to use the Fixed Beat Mode. But, Cadence of Hyrule is worth a try if you don’t mind going to the rhythm and dealing with a couple of rogue-like elements.

Cadence of Hyrule is a strong and inspired crossover between The Legend of Zelda and Crypt of the NecroDancer. By mixing the beloved world of Hyrule with the rhythm-based strategy of Brace Yourself's game, the studio delivers a colorful but brief adventure, served by a pleasant and varied soundtrack all along.

Cadence of Hyrule successfully mixes the gameplay from Crypt of the Necrodancer with the Zelda universe in a very nice game that only suffers from being quite short.

A clever mash-up of two very different games that perfectly evokes the best of 2D Zelda while integrating the surprisingly tactical rhythm action combat of Crypt Of The NecroDancer.

Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda manages to present a Zelda game with a Crypt of the NecroDancer gameplay and it works like a charm. Not only is the kingdom of Hyrule portrayed in a marvelous way, the rhythm-based gameplay and concept are implemented flawlessly and the entire experience will entice players of all kinds.

Cadence of Hyrule might be short, but every second of the game is jam-packed with exciting gameplay and there is never a dull moment to be had in the musical episode of Hyrule. Cadence of Hyrule is worthy of being considered a true entry in The Legend of Zelda series and longtime fans of the series will love every moment of this new incarnation of Hyrule, for as long as the journey lasts.

Cadence of Hyrule is a fantastic Zelda game in its own right, even though it adopts the gameplay mechanics of another series. Beyond the aesthetics, it nails the satisfying sense of exploration and increasing power, and it revels in the joy of discovery, as all the best Zelda games do. It's an extremely successful melding of two great game series and an experience that makes you feel eager for Nintendo to do more interesting things with their major licenses.

Cadence of Hyrule is an ingenious crossover that shows that the saga of The Legend of Zelda still has a lot to say. Its musical mechanics inherited from Crypt of the Necrodancer and the wonderful folklore of the Nintendo franchise combine perfectly to create an unrepeatable experience.

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.

Cadence of Hyrule is a wonderfully unique experience for anyone looking to dive into something a little different, and is a fun new way for fans of Necrodancer to try a completely different style of dancing to the beat.

With a terrific soundtrack and clever rhythm mechanics, Cadence of Hyrule is the best Zelda spin-off yet.

It’s pretty fantastic...The crossover I didn’t know I needed until I played it. Save for a few hiccups, this rhythmic take on the popular Nintendo series is a wonderful surprise. It’s proof that smaller studios like Brace Yourself Games can take beloved franchises, flip them on their head, and make something undoubtedly refreshing. I won’t say I want to see Crypt of the NecroDancer mechanics in all of Nintendo’s franchises, but I would like to see Nintendo commit to more collaborations like this.

Cadence of Hyrule features incredibly appealing visuals and music as well as a gameplay dynamic that's fresh and exciting. That being said, once you're done with its somewhat short campaign, there isn't really much else to do.

The mashup of rhythm and adventure works in Cadence of Hyrule, even if not all of the elements from Zelda and Necrodancer intermingle well. The spirit of the Zelda series, including its wonderful sense of exploration, iconic music, and fun combat are alive and well here, enhanced by a killer set of songs that both celebrate and elevate one of gaming’s most enduring soundtracks.