Cadence of Hyrule
{{Short description|2019 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Cadence of Hyrule
| image = Cadence of Hyrule.jpg
| caption = Icon artwork, featuring from left to right, Link, Cadence, and Zelda, with Octavo above them
| developer = Brace Yourself Games
| publisher = Nintendo{{vgrelease|JP|Spike Chunsoft}}
| director = {{ubl|Ryan Clark|Toshihisa Nikaido}}
| producer = Makoto Isobe
| designer = {{ubl|Oliver Trujillo|Ryan Clark}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Stephen Kiazyk|Alain Carter|Oliver Trujillo}}
| artist = {{ubl|Paul Veer|Lucas Carvalho|Ted Martens|Tyriq Plummer}}
| writer = {{ubl|Ryan Clark|Oliver Trujillo|Kramer Solinsky|Toshihisa Nikaido}}
| composer = Danny Baranowsky
| series = {{ubl|Crypt of the NecroDancer|The Legend of Zelda}}
| engine =
| platforms = Nintendo Switch
| released = June 13, 2019
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
{{nihongo foot|Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda|ケイデンス・オブ・ハイラル: クリプト・オブ・ネクロダンサー Feat. ゼルダの伝説|Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of NecroDancer Feat. Zelda no Densetsu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2019 rhythm game developed by Brace Yourself Games and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The game is a crossover between Crypt of the NecroDancer and Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series, combining the rhythm-based movement and fighting mechanics with elements reminiscent of earlier games in the Zelda franchise. The game was released on June 13, 2019 to generally positive reviews from critics.
Gameplay
{{See also|Crypt of the NecroDancer#Gameplay}}
Cadence of Hyrule combines the rhythm-based gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with settings, characters, and music from The Legend of Zelda series. Players play the majority of the game as either Link or Princess Zelda, with other characters such as NecroDancer protagonist Cadence becoming unlocked by progressing through the game or completing certain quests, each with their own unique abilities. Players venture across the overworld, composed of predefined regions and map layouts related to Zelda lore such as Hyrule Castle or Death Mountain, but whose relative placement is procedurally generated for each new save file. This map remains the same throughout an entire game, but certain dungeons such as those found in temples will be randomly generated every time they are visited. Whenever enemies are in an area, the player is required to move and attack in time to the music using the directional buttons, with bonus multipliers and extra rewards available for maintaining the beat. Throughout the game, the player can find or purchase weapons and equipment, such as shovels for digging through dirt or torches that can reveal the contents of chests, as well as recurring Zelda items such as bows, bombs, and hook shots.
Partially carrying over roguelike elements from NecroDancer, the player will lose amassed rupees and temporary items if they lose all of their health. Diamonds, which can be found in dungeons or earned by defeating every enemy in an area, are retained even if the player gets a game over. Players can activate Sheikah Stones in certain areas, which they can either fast travel to or respawn from following a death.{{Cite web |last=Frushtick |first=Russ |date=2019-06-13 |title=Cadence of Hyrule is the best Zelda spinoff ever made |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/6/13/18677696/cadence-of-hyrule-review-zelda-necrodancer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002146/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/6/13/18677696/cadence-of-hyrule-review-zelda-necrodancer/ |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |access-date=2019-06-14 |website=Polygon}}{{Cite web |date=13 June 2019 |title=Guide: Five tips for surviving Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer |url=https://www.destructoid.com/guide-five-tips-for-surviving-cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-557242.phtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907103513/https://www.destructoid.com/guide-five-tips-for-surviving-cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=2019-06-14 |website=Destructoid |language=english}} The game features optional modes such as "fixed-beat mode", which removes the need to play to the music,{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=June 14, 2019 |title=You can play Cadence of Hyrule without the rhythm mode |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/14/18679105/cadence-of-hyrule-nintendo-switch-fixed-beat-mode-zelda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523103519/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/14/18679105/cadence-of-hyrule-nintendo-switch-fixed-beat-mode-zelda |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |accessdate=June 14, 2019 |work=Polygon}} and permadeath mode, which challenges players to play through the campaign without dying once. The game can also be played co-operatively with a second player on the same Switch unit with each player using one Joy-Con to move.
Plot
In the Kingdom of Hyrule, a mysterious man named Octavo uses a magical lute to put Hyrule's king, as well as Link and Zelda, to sleep, before using the Triforce of Power to turn his Lute into a Golden Lute. In this time of need, Cadence is mysteriously transported to Hyrule by the Triforce and manages to wake up Link and Zelda. While Cadence goes off to try to find a way home, Link and Zelda travel across Hyrule to find and defeat Octavo's four champions, who each possess enchanted instruments containing musical power. After Link and Zelda, soon rejoined by Cadence, obtain the instruments and enter Hyrule Castle, Octavo reveals that he and his champions were meant to be used to battle against Ganon, who will take over Hyrule in the future. Finding himself defeated, Octavo opens a portal into the future, where Link, Zelda, and Cadence confront Ganon and combine their forces to defeat him. With help from the Golden Lute, Link and Zelda use the power of the Triforce to try and send Cadence back to her own world.{{cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=March 20, 2019 |title='Cadence of Hyrule' for Switch puts a Zelda spin on an indie classic |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/20/cadence-of-hyrule-zelda-switch-crypt-necrodancer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907103807/https://www.engadget.com/2019-03-20-cadence-of-hyrule-zelda-switch-crypt-necrodancer.html |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 20, 2019 |work=Engadget}}
Development
Cadence of Hyrule was developed by Brace Yourself Games and directed by Crypt of the NecroDancer creator Ryan Clark.{{cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=March 20, 2019 |title=How an Indie Developer Is Making an Official Zelda Game |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/20/how-an-indie-developer-is-making-an-official-zelda-game |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907103922/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/21/how-an-indie-developer-is-making-an-official-zelda-game |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 20, 2019 |work=IGN}} It began development when Clark approached Nintendo to ask permission to use The Legend of Zelda content as DLC for the Nintendo Switch port of the game. Clark stated that a mutual interest in the idea grew faster than they were expecting. The project eventually evolved into a new crossover title. The project was described as a new entry in the Crypt of the NecroDancer series, while also taking care to make sure it works as a Legend of Zelda game as well. Clark stated that he was excited to work with The Legend of Zelda soundtrack, due to the series' compositions as well as the use of instruments as gameplay mechanics.
Composer Danny Baranowsky provides the 25-song soundtrack, which remixes several classic Zelda songs.{{cite web |last=Weidner |first=Matthew |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Cadence of Hyrule brings Crypt of the Necrodancer and The Legend of Zelda together in style |url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/03/20/cadence-of-hyrule-brings-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-and-the-legend-of-zelda-together-in-style/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907104037/https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/03/20/cadence-of-hyrule-brings-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-and-the-legend-of-zelda-together-in-style/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 20, 2019 |work=Nintendo Wire}} Part of the pixel art style for the game was developed by members of the Sonic Mania art team.{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=March 21, 2019 |title=Cadence Of Hyrule Features The Work Of Two Sonic Mania Artists |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/03/cadence_of_hyrule_features_the_work_of_two_sonic_mania_artists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907104244/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/03/cadence_of_hyrule_features_the_work_of_two_sonic_mania_artists |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 23, 2019 |work=Nintendo Life}}
The game was announced in March 2019, at the end of a Nintendo Direct "Nindies" showcase, and garnered immediate attention for being a rare instance of Nintendo allowing a small independent developer to make use of its intellectual property, as most Nintendo collaborations of this nature had previously been with larger third-party developers such as Ubisoft, Atlus, and Capcom.{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Cadence of Hyrule Is What You Get When You Cross Crypt of the NecroDancer With Zelda |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/03/cadence_of_hyrule_is_what_you_get_when_you_cross_crypt_of_the_necrodancer_with_zelda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907104349/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/03/cadence_of_hyrule_is_what_you_get_when_you_cross_crypt_of_the_necrodancer_with_zelda |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 21, 2019 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network}} The game released on June 13.{{cite web |date=31 May 2019 |title=Zelda Crossover Cadence Of Hyrule Now Locked In For June Release |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/zelda_crossover_cadence_of_hyrule_now_locked_in_for_june_release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907104441/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/zelda_crossover_cadence_of_hyrule_now_locked_in_for_june_release_new_footage_emerges |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |accessdate=May 31, 2019 |website=Nintendo Life}}
Free downloadable content (DLC) for the game was added on December 18 the same year. It includes additional story-based content, with Octavo as the playable character, and a Dungeons mode.{{cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Cadence of Hyrule adds free new playable storyline, Dungeons mode |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-18-cadence-of-hyrule-adds-free-new-playable-storyline-dungeons-mode |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708213521/https://www.eurogamer.net/cadence-of-hyrule-adds-free-new-playable-storyline-dungeons-mode |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |accessdate=December 18, 2019 |work=Eurogamer}} Three additional paid DLC were released in 2020, and can be purchased individually or as part of a Season Pass. The first, released on July 20, adds five playable characters to the game, each with their own special moves and attacks, including Impa, Shadow Link and Shadow Zelda from The Legend of Zelda, and Aria and Frederick from Crypt of the Necrodancer. The second, released on August 31, is a pack containing additional music tracks for the game arranged by Jules "FamilyJules" Conroy, Alex "A_Rival" Esquivel, and Chipzel. The final DLC, released on September 23, is a new adventure titled "Symphony of the Mask", starring the Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, which includes new maps, modes, and music.{{cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Cadence of Hyrule Is Getting Three DLC Packs, Including One Dark Journey For Skull Kid |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/cadence-of-hyrule-is-getting-three-dlc-packs-including-one-dark-journey-for-skull-kid |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729201242/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/cadence-of-hyrule-is-getting-three-dlc-packs-including-one-dark-journey-for-skull-kid |archive-date=July 29, 2022 |accessdate=July 20, 2020 |work=USGamer}} Additionally, a physical version of the game that includes all DLC was released on October 23.{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring The Legend of Zelda Season Pass and physical edition announced |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda-season-pass-and-physical-edition-announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428045404/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda-season-pass-and-physical-edition-announced |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |accessdate=July 20, 2020 |work=Gematsu}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=June 15, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210822022246/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda |archive-date= August 22, 2021}}
| Destruct = 9.5/10{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-557153.phtml |title=Review: Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer |website=Destructoid |first=Chris |last=Carter |date=June 13, 2019 |accessdate=June 15, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201108021414/https://www.destructoid.com/review-cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-557153.phtml |archive-date= November 8, 2020}}
| GameRev = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/555805-cadence-of-hyrule-review-switch |title=Cadence of Hyrule Review {{!}} A lovely harmony of two unlikely tunes |website=GameRevolution |first=Tyler |last=Treese |date=June 19, 2019 |accessdate=July 22, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220907105232/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/555805-cadence-of-hyrule-review-switch |archive-date= September 7, 2022}}
| GI = 7.75/10{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda/a-pleasant-but |title=Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring the Legend of Zelda |magazine=Game Informer |first=Suriel |last=Vazquez |date=June 19, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210724024459/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuring-the-legend-of-zelda/a-pleasant-but |archive-date= July 24, 2021}}
| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-featuri/1900-6417165/|title=Cadence Of Hyrule - Crypt Of The NecroDancer Featuring The Legend Of Zelda Review |website=GameSpot |first=James |last=O'Connor |date=June 17, 2019 |accessdate=June 18, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220907105502/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/cadence-of-hyrule-review-groove-is-in-the-heart/1900-6417165/ |archive-date= September 7, 2022}}
| IGN = 8.8/10{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/18/cadence-of-hyrule-review |title=Cadence of Hyrule Review |website=IGN |first=Mike |last=Epstein |date=June 18, 2019 |accessdate=June 19, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220907105608/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/18/cadence-of-hyrule-review |archive-date= September 7, 2022}}
| JXV = 17/20{{cite web |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1063685/cadence-of-hyrule-un-mariage-reussi-entre-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-et-zelda.htm |title=Test: Cadence of Hyrule: Un mariage réussi entre Crypt of the NecroDancer et Zelda! |website=Jeuxvideo.com |date=June 21, 2019 |accessdate=June 21, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210501232636/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1063685/cadence-of-hyrule-un-mariage-reussi-entre-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-et-zelda.htm |archive-date= May 1, 2021}}
| NLife = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/cadence_of_hyrule_crypt_of_the_necrodancer_featuring_the_legend_of_zelda |title=Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda Review |website=Nintendo Life |first=Gavin |last=Lane |date=June 14, 2019 |accessdate=June 15, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210613073649/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/cadence_of_hyrule_crypt_of_the_necrodancer_featuring_the_legend_of_zelda |archive-date= June 13, 2021}}
| SN = 9/10{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/112506/cadence-of-hyrule-review-follow-the-song-in-your-heart |title=Cadence of Hyrule review: Follow the song in your heart |website=Shacknews |first=Josh |last=Hawkins |date=June 18, 2019 |accessdate=July 22, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210412024218/https://www.shacknews.com/article/112506/cadence-of-hyrule-review-follow-the-song-in-your-heart |archive-date= April 12, 2021}}
| USG = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/cadence-of-hyrule-review |title=Cadence of Hyrule Review |website=USgamer |first=Nadia |last=Oxford |date=June 19, 2019 |accessdate=June 20, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211026221613/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/cadence-of-hyrule-review |archive-date= October 26, 2021}}
}}
Cadence of Hyrule received "generally favorable reviews" according to review aggregator Metacritic.
The Verge called the style of the game a "welcome shot of retro charm" when compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/20/18273199/cadence-of-hyrule-zelda-spinoff-nintendo-switch |title=Cadence of Hyrule is an indie-developed Zelda spinoff for the Switch |website=The Verge |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=March 20, 2019 |accessdate=March 20, 2019 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321133858/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/20/18273199/cadence-of-hyrule-zelda-spinoff-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }} The Guardian enjoyed the way music factored into every aspect of the game, saying that "instead of wearing thin, the rhythm-based gimmick enhances everything it touches".{{Cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=2019-06-19 |title=Cadence of Hyrule review – potent mix of nostalgic looks and Zelda hooks |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/jun/19/cadence-of-hyrule-review-potent-mix-of-nostalgic-looks-and-zelda-hooks |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0261-3077}} Eurogamer praised the way it adapted Zelda to Crypt's gameplay, saying that "it makes up for its smallish footprint with its sheer delight in discovery as you wander about, everything half familiar, every ultimately a surprise".{{Cite news |date=2019-06-28 |title=Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer review - Zelda fans rejoice because this is the real thing |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/cadence-of-hyrule-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-review-zelda-fans-rejoice-because-this-is-the-real-thing |access-date=2023-10-14}}
Polygon liked the soundtrack, composed of remixes of traditional Zelda themes, commenting that "Baranowsky makes these classics his own without distracting from the game itself".{{Cite web |last=Frushtick |first=Russ |date=2019-06-13 |title=Cadence of Hyrule is the best Zelda spinoff ever made |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/6/13/18677696/cadence-of-hyrule-review-zelda-necrodancer |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002146/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/6/13/18677696/cadence-of-hyrule-review-zelda-necrodancer/ |url-status=live }} Destructoid wrote that it managed to advance the Crypt formula by adding elements from Zelda and that "it takes the best parts of Crypt of the NecroDancer and makes them more accessible". While criticizing the non-use of HD Rumble, Nintendo Life enjoyed the co-op mode.
Cadence of Hyrule was the best-selling digital Nintendo Switch game during its first week of release in Japan.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/cadence_of_hyrule_was_the_most_downloaded_game_on_switch_last_week_in_japan |title=Cadence Of Hyrule Was The Most Downloaded Game On Switch Last Week In Japan |website=Nintendo Life |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=June 21, 2019 |accessdate=July 26, 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726105724/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/cadence_of_hyrule_was_the_most_downloaded_game_on_switch_last_week_in_japan |url-status=live }} The physical version sold 1,539 copies within its first week on sale in Japan, making it the twenty-fourth bestselling retail game of the week in the country.{{cite web |last=Romano|first=Sal|date=October 29, 2020|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/10/famitsu-sales-10-19-20-10-25-20|title=Famitsu Sales: 10/19/20 – 10/25/20 [Update}|publisher=Gematsu|accessdate=November 7, 2020}} It was also the bestselling digital Nintendo Switch game during the month of June 2019 in Europe.{{cite web|last=Craddock|first=Ryan|date=July 3, 2019|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/07/nintendo_reveals_the_switch_eshops_best-selling_games_for_june_2019_europe|title=Nintendo Reveals The Switch eShop's Best-Selling Games For June 2019 (Europe)|publisher=Nintendo Life|accessdate=September 12, 2022|archive-date=September 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912171831/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/07/nintendo_reveals_the_switch_eshops_best-selling_games_for_june_2019_europe|url-status=live}}
=Awards=
Notes
{{notelist}}
{{-}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://braceyourselfgames.com/cadence-of-hyrule}}
{{The Legend of Zelda}}
Category:Brace Yourself Games games
Category:Crossover video games
Category:The Legend of Zelda spinoff games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:Nintendo Switch-only games
Category:Roguelike video games
Category:Video games developed in Canada
Category:Video games featuring female protagonists
Category:Video games scored by Danny Baranowsky