Ahead of the release ofThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it’s a great time to look back on the stalwart Nintendo’s series presence on Nintendo Switch. FromBreath of the Wildto a plethora of classics on Switch Online, it’s probably the best console for any fan of this series to own. That said, there’s one Switch exclusive that may have flown under your radar and is worth checking out before Tears of the Kingdom. That game isCadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the Necrodancer featuring The Legend of Zelda.
Free for Nintendo Switch Online members until May 7 and available at a50% discount on the eShopthrough the launch ofTears of the Kingdom, this game is a rare case of Nintendo collaborating with an indie studio for a project tied to one of its biggest franchises. The result is aZeldagame that expands on the rhythm-based action formula established in Brace Yourself Games’ 2016 hitCrypt of the NecroDancer.
Although this roguelite doesn’t play like any otherZeldagame out there, it makes some design choices that call back to the series’ most iconic titles. That, as well as its rhythmic nature, will feel refreshing ahead ofTears of the Kingdom’sambitious and systems-heavy open-world adventure. If you haven’t played it, giveCadence of Hyrulea shot while it’s free.
A unique adventure
As a crossover betweenCrypt of the NecrodancerandThe Legend of Zelda, the game begins withNecroDancerprotagonist Cadence being whisked away to Hyrule. She quickly inspires Link or Zelda to explore the world and fight back against Octavo, who put Hyrule’s king to sleep with a magical Lute. Those who prefer the more minimalist stories of earlier games in the series will enjoy how quickly the game gets players to the rhythmic action. People begging Nintendo to make Zelda playable inTears of the Kingdomwill also appreciate that they can play most of the game as her if they want.
The act of playingCadence of Hyruleis where things get really interesting, as it combines old and new ideas to create something that feels familiar yet refreshing. Starting with the new, this is a rhythm game where players must move and attack enemies on the beat. TheZeldafranchise is known for its music, andCadence of Hyruletakes full advantage of that by including versions of some of the series’ greatest hits. Until we get aTheatrhythm-like gameforZeldamusic, this is game fans of the franchise’s iconic soundtracks can’t ignore.
Hopping tile-to-tile on the beat is pretty simple to understand, but it can get quite difficult as players must also account for the fact that every enemy also moves and attacks on the beat. Recognizing that players will probably die a lot, the game is structured as a roguelite where some dungeons are procedurally generated (as is the world each time you start a new file). Items can be found or bought with Rupees to help players during an individual run, while Diamonds are collected in dungeons or by clearing a screen of enemies can be spent on more permanent upgrades.
This may sound daunting, but gameplay options like setting the controllers to vibrate on the beat or only letting enemies move when you do can make it easier. Most Zelda fans should also feel more at home with how other parts ofCadence of Hyruleare designed.
But still familiar-feeling
Rhythm-based movement and combat aside, this is a classic top-downZeldaaction-adventure game with aesthetics, presentation, and iconography that the series was once known for. The familiarity in terms of the locations visited, enemies fought, and items obtained makes those more distinct elements easier to embrace. It’s also novel to see elements from post-2DZeldagames show up in this style, like Skull Kid via DLC.
It demonstrates just how malleable and well-designed the coreZeldaformula is because it still feels faithful despite its rhythmic nature. WhileBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom’smassive open worlds anddeep gameplay systemsimpress, they’ve also created a yearning for a more classically structuredZeldaexperience from some fans.
Many of those who feel that way might not know that underneath its roguelike structure,Cadence of Hyruleis the closest thing to classicZeldathat we’ve gotten from Nintendo in almost a decade; it’s all just set to the beat of some great music. Once you get the hang ofit, the game reveals itself as a refreshing throwback hidden gem released between two ofZelda’smost ambitious titles.
Those who want to try something new and not just playOcarina of TimeorA Link to the Pastfor the 10th time on Nintendo Switch Online should check this game out in the days leading up toTears of the Kingdom, which could redefine the series forever.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the Necrodancer featuring The Legend of Zeldais available now for Nintendo Switch. It has a free Nintendo Switch Online trial under 11:59 p.m. PT on May 7, and the game and all of its DLC are also on sale at 50% off through May 14.
