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

 Switch
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 304 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 242 out of 304
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 304
  3. Negative: 44 out of 304

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  1. acoolguy
    Jun 13, 2019
    8
    A fun game that does both franchises justice. The gameplay is tight like the original NecroDancer, but now features an overworld that gives things a new spin. The graphics are improved from the original, and the remixed Zelda music tracks are absolutely fantastic. Co-op is also a nice addition that works surprisingly well.
    Despite all the praise I can give it, I do think $25 is a little    A fun game that does both franchises justice. The gameplay is tight like the original NecroDancer, but now features an overworld that gives things a new spin. The graphics are improved from the original, and the remixed Zelda music tracks are absolutely fantastic. Co-op is also a nice addition that works surprisingly well.
    Despite all the praise I can give it, I do think $25 is a little but too hefty of a price tag for a game like this. It's very enjoyable, but the adventure won't take you anymore than 5-10 hours to beat. It should be noted that the overworld is randomly generated with each new save file you create, and dungeons are upon entry as well, but at the end of the day the general structure remains the same.
    In the end its still a nice game, especially if you liked the first NecroDancer, but it might be worth waiting for a sale.    … Expand
  2. Meon1845
    Jun 14, 2019
    8
    This is definitely a game made for people who played Necrodancer and wished it had a story mode, or a hook for people who like Zelda, because it has enough polish and rhythm fighting that both groups would leave satisfied. It's a lot more forgiving than Necrodancer, so you don't have to completely restart each time you die, but makes use of its mechanics to full effect, with various enemyThis is definitely a game made for people who played Necrodancer and wished it had a story mode, or a hook for people who like Zelda, because it has enough polish and rhythm fighting that both groups would leave satisfied. It's a lot more forgiving than Necrodancer, so you don't have to completely restart each time you die, but makes use of its mechanics to full effect, with various enemy attack patterns that you need to be aware of at all times, so playing with your brain off will only lead to being killed over and over.

    My only complaint would be that the 4 hours it took me to complete it didn't exactly warrant the full price tag. But the game definitely has replay value, especially in speedrunning and co-op, so if that's what you are looking for, I can definitely recommend it. The game definitely has a lot of love and passion behind it and made me want to play Necromancer a lot more than before.    … Expand
  3. Derped_Crusader
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    Amazing game, basically a LTTP randomizer with sick beats. i played and beat it in one 5 hour sitting, and then saw the high score at 30 minuets, and knew this was going to be a great game to replay. and then, i called up my brother and we sat down and beat it in 3 hours. great game with great replay ability. I love it to bits
  4. Americana_Z
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    One of the most refreshing new games I've played in a long time. Blends the Zelda aesthetic with a wholly unique style of gameplay. Well worth the price. Completely killed my weekend
  5. Observable
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    El cross-over perfecto. Mezcla la rítmica y adictiva base jugable de Crypt of the necrodancer con un mundo, con ambientación, exploración y secretos de un Zelda 2D. Artísticamente es muy bonito y la banda sonora es una pasada.
  6. ethanfel
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    if you love crypt, like i do, play thios game on permadeath, random char and maybe double tempo.

    Cadence of hyrule became insanely good for rogue like lovers. Each run is different, there isn't any progression between run but the amount of item you have to randomly choose from feel exactly like any rogue like game.
  7. PenguinZach
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    Making a Zelda, rhythm game is so obvious and also combining it with a great Indie game was a great decision. This game has great music, fun game play, and an addictive play style. You wont regret picking it up.
  8. LindenX
    Jun 15, 2019
    9
    Cadence of Hyrule brings to Switch players a lot of the retro charm of the forefathers of the Legend of Zelda franchise and tugs at one's nostalgia heartstrings in the most endearing ways, while at the same time bringing the renowned gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer into it. Not only is the game thoroughly challenging for those unused to rhythm games or even roguelike games, but itCadence of Hyrule brings to Switch players a lot of the retro charm of the forefathers of the Legend of Zelda franchise and tugs at one's nostalgia heartstrings in the most endearing ways, while at the same time bringing the renowned gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer into it. Not only is the game thoroughly challenging for those unused to rhythm games or even roguelike games, but it also has high replayability thanks to the fact that it's a brand-new layout for the world and dungeons every time you start a new playthrough (thanks to procedural generation). Also, thanks to a feature found in the 'Options' section of the menu, players have the ability to turn off the rhythm limits, meaning that the enemies will only move when you move...that way, you can focus more on the gameplay and less on keeping beat with the rhythm (which can get extremely hectic in later parts of the game). The story is not too convoluted, and is quite simplistic (which works as both a plus and a negative depending on who you ask).
    I would say my greatest gripe with this game (and the only reason it doesn't get a 10/10 from me) is the difficulty I mentioned earlier.
    The game has a VERY steep learning curve, and doesn't pull any punches. From the moment you leave the tutorial dungeon and step out into Hyrule at large, the enemies come at you in droves, bent on your destruction.

    All in all, while the difficulty of the game may turn some people off, if they can find the enjoyment in the challenge, this game truly shows itself for being one of the best 'side' Zelda games, as well as a thoroughly addicting and excellent second chapter in the Crypt of the Necrodancer series.    … Expand
  9. Mrelectricc
    Jun 18, 2019
    9
    Wife and I enjoy this game tremendously. Developers did great job capturing the zelda feel. Music is great. Wish it had more dungeons, but still great game nonetheless.
  10. Nordic624
    Jul 3, 2019
    9
    You’ll quickly forget it wasn’t made by Nintendo! Short game with a light story, but excellent gameplay. Replay value is high. Multiplayer is a massive plus!
  11. Darkgamer923
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    If you love rhythm games, adventure games, zelda, and crypt of the Necrodancer- then this is the game for you! Amazing soundtrack and endless fun!
  12. Julpyz93
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    The music... The world... And it's so fun omg
  13. jkapps
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    An amazing game! It may take a while to get the hang of the gameplay at first, but once you get it down it feels great to explore Hyrule in such a unique and creative way. The dungeons and bosses give some really good challenges, but it never feels unfair or too difficult. By far the best part of the game is the amazing soundtrack, and I can't wait till we get an official release of theAn amazing game! It may take a while to get the hang of the gameplay at first, but once you get it down it feels great to explore Hyrule in such a unique and creative way. The dungeons and bosses give some really good challenges, but it never feels unfair or too difficult. By far the best part of the game is the amazing soundtrack, and I can't wait till we get an official release of the music. If you liked Crypt of the Necrodancer or 2D Zelda games, I urge you to pick this game up.… Expand
  14. abowman
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    What an absolute hidden gem. I was initially hesitant on purchasing this game as I haven't be too into rhythm games in the past. Oh boy am I glad I decided to pick this up. Easily one of the best titles for the switch, and personally for me one of the better games of the year so far. There is lots of Zelda in the game design and the added rhythm mechanics are simply a blast. The music isWhat an absolute hidden gem. I was initially hesitant on purchasing this game as I haven't be too into rhythm games in the past. Oh boy am I glad I decided to pick this up. Easily one of the best titles for the switch, and personally for me one of the better games of the year so far. There is lots of Zelda in the game design and the added rhythm mechanics are simply a blast. The music is phenomenal as well of course.

    For 25 bucks I absolutely would not hesitate on picking this up.    … Expand
  15. Emilerules97
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    Really awesome game. Blends together open-worldish exploration, weapon and gear unlockes, unique gameplay, and Zelda formula into a great game. Also, its not expensive.
  16. ckbucu
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing. Brilliant crossover between Crypt of Necrodancer and Legend of Zelda. Fantastic music, amazing gameplay that is little different than Crypt of Necrodancer (in my opinion, better), because we got open, static world, shrines, puzzles etc.
    Must have, 10/10
  17. VideoGameLover
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Wow, wow, just wow! This is a FULL original Zelda game. Without a doubt. This is a rhythm game. And it's a wonderful challenging game! And the music, oh boy, that great music!

    Just buy this now (and, if it's still on sale, STEAL the original for $3.99. Though play the "easier" Hyrule version first!) (and those PRAISING the game though complaining about a 10 hour game being    Wow, wow, just wow! This is a FULL original Zelda game. Without a doubt. This is a rhythm game. And it's a wonderful challenging game! And the music, oh boy, that great music!

    Just buy this now (and, if it's still on sale, STEAL the original for $3.99. Though play the "easier" Hyrule version first!)

    (and those PRAISING the game though complaining about a 10 hour game being $24.99, what is wrong with you? U spend that much for a dumb 2 hour movie and popcorn. When you beat this game, there is a ton more content to do and replay at greater challenging levels to give you 30 hours of play)

    And, I truly want to attack this DUMB 1/10 review below, because, the person is simply lying so many times. He says:

    The level design,music and graphics are great. (So you give it a 1/10 even though you say these are great? SMH)

    The map has that Zelda feel to it. (lol)

    The enemies feel like they belong in a zelda game. (ok, and??)

    Problem is the playability of the game rivals that of StarFox Zero. (STZ is pretty darn good)

    Players are forced to move and attack only when the rythm allows them to. (you are lying. You are not forced to do this. You can drop bombs, move away, go in another area, just a bad lying comment)

    You have no clue when enemies will attack. (are you kidding me? That is part of the joy of the game! You have many clues on how creatures move. And when they will attack, like holding up there hands! Stop lying)

    Forcing the player to guess and take damage. (another lie. there is no guessing in this game. You see the pattern of an enemy, you move to the beat to find a space to get in your attack. )

    Waiting to move and attack only when the rythm allows makes the gameplay feel slow and restricting. (lol. It's quite the opposite. It makes u make fast decisions and blast through some areas at a breakneck speed. See Youtube for Speed Runners who have defeated this game in under 40 minutes then come back and apologize for you lie)

    With the rythm mechanic their is literally only one way to play this game. (and yet another horrible use of the word LITERALLY. Literally means this is fact. Which is not. It's a lie. There is many different ways to attack. To explore. To mix and match weapons. smh)

    There is no freedom for the player and basically turns the game into a on rail experience. (lol. This is too a lie. ON RAILS means the game forces you to go down a set path. I would dare say that there is over 1,000 different paths one can use to beat this game. Especially as each overworld and dungeons are randomized. Change that number from 1,000 to 1,000,000. People like this Reviewer987 need to be banned from posting reviews that prove they lie and never really played the game    … Expand
  18. BIGBenY
    Jun 13, 2019
    9
    Great game so far. It has tons of content and is semi-random generated. I love it. It feels definitely very much like Zelda
  19. aariciae
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    100% worth the price. Wonderfull soundtrack. Cadence of Hyrule is really fun.
  20. austinhelli
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    Perfect mix between crypt of the necrodancer and legend of zelda! Loved every minute of it!
  21. danielhadley
    Jun 17, 2019
    10
    Fantastic game. Cracking soundtrack. Zelda and necrodancer mixed perfectly!!
  22. IAmNotARobotto
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Easily the best Switch game of the year.
    Simply amazing game blending the innovative gameplay of NecroDancer with all the lovable aspects of The Legend of Zelda. I have seen no collaboration to date done so well.
    The music is unquestionably amazing, the graphics are some of the best sprites I've seen in ages, the varying challenge levels are great for any kind of player, and the simple    Easily the best Switch game of the year.
    Simply amazing game blending the innovative gameplay of NecroDancer with all the lovable aspects of The Legend of Zelda. I have seen no collaboration to date done so well.
    The music is unquestionably amazing, the graphics are some of the best sprites I've seen in ages, the varying challenge levels are great for any kind of player, and the simple but surprisingly interesting story elements are hidden within the dialogue.
    Exploring the overworld is a lot of fun, and going through the dungeons and fighting a ton of enemies and bosses is extremely entertaining.
    One of the only games worth playing again and again.    … Expand
  23. jomorazero
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    A perfect blend of what made Crypt and classic Zelda games so special. I am in love with this game. It's also great for couch co-op with a friend.
  24. Nicotupe
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    An unique add to the already great crypt of the necrodancer. A must have on the switch
  25. UncleHank
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    Take Crypt of the Necrodance, a roguelite/rhythm game hybrid, and one of the best indie games of this generation(it holds a 96% user score on Steam). Then combine it with A Link to the Past, one of the best Zelda games ever, and you get an instant classic. By default this plays like A Link the the Past with a rhythm element thrown in. However, you can remove the rhythm element, addTake Crypt of the Necrodance, a roguelite/rhythm game hybrid, and one of the best indie games of this generation(it holds a 96% user score on Steam). Then combine it with A Link to the Past, one of the best Zelda games ever, and you get an instant classic. By default this plays like A Link the the Past with a rhythm element thrown in. However, you can remove the rhythm element, add permadeath, and add a completely randomized world to make it almost like a true roguelike. It's all up to you. Crypt of the Necrodance is currently on sale for $4 down from the usual $20, but it feels like a tech demo compared to this. This is well worth the $25, it's more on the level of a $40 1st-party Nintendo handheld game rather than an indie game.

    While Necrodancer was a simple dungeon crawler, Cadence of Hyrule throws in traditional Zelda puzzles. You generally kill all the enemies while trying to move only on the beat, then the rhythm section goes away and you solve the puzzles. There are also towns, stores, and a story(albeit not that much). It may be tough keeping the rhythm at first, but the only benefit is increased loot so you'll have plenty of time to learn it. And if you don't like the rhythm element, the standard roguelike turn-based system is an option. That said, the "dancing" is the main gimmick of this game, and I would try to learn it. By default the world is not completely randomized, and death penalties are comparable to a standard Zelda game. It starts off pretty tough, but it does get easier, maybe a bit too easy compared to the beginning. That said you can increase the difficulty significantly by adding in roguelike elements, and randomly generated levels should ensure plenty of replay value. I should also mention that the music is freaking amazing.

    This game was a complete surprise, and it's a must-own for Switch owners. You may also want to snatch Crypt of the Necrodancer while it's $4. But if CotN is at the full $20, this is more than worth the extra $5.    … Expand
  26. UnionJack0714
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    The game has been out for two hours now... I haven't put it down other than to write this small review. Cadence of Hyrule is... fun, really really REALLY fun. The music is absolutely amazing, the gameplay is well serviced and the visual design is beautiful. I found it to be quite hard at first, but more time spent learning the rhythm of different songs and using different elements to killThe game has been out for two hours now... I haven't put it down other than to write this small review. Cadence of Hyrule is... fun, really really REALLY fun. The music is absolutely amazing, the gameplay is well serviced and the visual design is beautiful. I found it to be quite hard at first, but more time spent learning the rhythm of different songs and using different elements to kill certain enemies has made it a very challenging but fair experience. The price may be high for what is an indie title... but so far I think its worth every pound, dollor or euro. Do yourself a favour, and buy this game. 10/10… Expand
  27. Tripalink
    Jun 13, 2019
    10
    Amazing gameplay, Soundtrack, and artstyle. It takes a good 15 minutes to get the rhythm movement down but after that it is a Joy to play. 100% worth the price
  28. plolock
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    If you like Crypt of the Necrodancer and Zelda, this is 100% must get. It's a brilliant game.
  29. Krapfenmann
    Jun 17, 2019
    10
    This is a mix between Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer, so i rate it as this.

    Art: 10 - Because it fully fits as a Zelda Game and looks like SNES Zelda with Necrodancer touch. Music: Outstanding remixes from different Zelda games with Crypt of Nacrodancer style which also fits 100% into the game. Gameplay: As a rythm game you move with you guess it: The Rhythm like in Crypt of    This is a mix between Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer, so i rate it as this.

    Art: 10 - Because it fully fits as a Zelda Game and looks like SNES Zelda with Necrodancer touch.

    Music: Outstanding remixes from different Zelda games with Crypt of Nacrodancer style which also fits 100% into the game.

    Gameplay: As a rythm game you move with you guess it: The Rhythm like in Crypt of the necrodancer AND have to fight enemies, bosses, collect items and solve some puzzles. So also 100% fits into a mix of both games.

    Longplayability: You play through pretty fast the first game, but like in Crypt of the necrodancer, world seeds are different every playthrough, there are speedrun scores, step scores, hardcore mode, and an insane double speed mode. Get bored alone, play with a friend! For 25€this is a lot in my opinion.

    Learning curve: Hard like in Crypt of the Necrodancer but after around 30 min kicked into the hylian graves, you get used to it. Also, after dying, you can spend your diamonds to upgrade yourself too. This helps a lot! For absolute beginners there is a mode without having to be on beat but this game is a rythm game and this makes the mechanics pointless. Nice to have for younger adventurers tho!
    Does this all fit into a mashup too? Yes, you get used to the beat and mechanics so 100%
    Co-OP: You can join anytime and switch between 3 characters. It's a lot of fun and helps a lot to play together. We even sometimes blocked movable stones while the other was puching it to get up a hill or see more together "There is a wall to bomb up!" and stuff like this! Fits also 100% into this type of game.

    Funmeter: Still playing, having songs in our head when going asleep, brother plays it all day OH WAIT! We play it all day. ... Thats what i want from a game. i purely enjoy it!

    Looking through it for negatives ... I don't know where to substract a full 1? Too short? But i can play again and for speedruns and on other modes. To hard? First 30 min but now and help at death is great! ... no, so this falls too. So i have to keep it like that.    … Expand
  30. Nintendopost24
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    Rarement une association de deux licences qui n’ont absolument rien à voir n’aura été aussi parfaite. Reprenant littéralement le meilleur des deux mondes, Cadence of Hyrule est un bon jeu Zelda 2D, avec une véritable aventure, et un excellent spin-off à Crypt of the NecroDancer.

    Charmant dans sa direction artistique, exigeant dans son gameplay, Cadence of Hyrule nous révèle son génie à    Rarement une association de deux licences qui n’ont absolument rien à voir n’aura été aussi parfaite. Reprenant littéralement le meilleur des deux mondes, Cadence of Hyrule est un bon jeu Zelda 2D, avec une véritable aventure, et un excellent spin-off à Crypt of the NecroDancer.

    Charmant dans sa direction artistique, exigeant dans son gameplay, Cadence of Hyrule nous révèle son génie à travers la bande son signé Monsieur Danny Baranowsky. Plus qu’un hommage, l’artiste nous offre un remix déjà culte des mélodies bien connus de la licence Zelda.

    Disponible à prix doux sur l’Eshop, Cadence of Hyrule est un jeu qui mérite d’être découvert par le plus grand nombre. Et svp, jouez-y avec un bon casque stéréo, pour décupler le bonheur auditif que le jeu vous offrira :).    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Switch Game of 2019
26
#26 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    85
    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]
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Aug 2, 2019
    86
    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]
  3. Pure Nintendo
    Jul 31, 2019
    90
    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!
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