Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring The Legend of Zelda Critic Reviews

Cadence of Hyrule is a potent combination of nostalgic looks, creative takes on emotionally charged Zelda music and unusual, rhythm-powered moment-to-moment play. Stylish and excellent fun, this tribute captures the excitement and sense of discovery that makes Zelda what it is: a real adventure.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.