Crypt of the NecroDancer (2015)

NOTE: this only refers to the base game. DLC is not included in this review and I have only played the base version.

Crypt of the Necrodancer is a satisfying uniquely game by concept: move to the beat and dance around enemies and dungeons. While at odds with its rogue-like design it offers plenty of different modes to play with but at its core can become frustrating and repetitive.

The game starts with Cadence, the daughter of a treasure hunter who fights the dark lord Necrodancer through four zones. Cadence moves in four directions to either dig a wall or move forward, which at an enemy results in an attack. Each movement results in every other enemy acting as well, and the moves but correspond with beats to a soundtrack. The multiplier can be used for special effects, coin bonuses, or in some modes, avoiding a one-hit beat-missed kill. The game plays out like a roguelike at first where death is permanent, progression is slim and enemies fierce. This can usually become frustrating/repetitive but the game has a few things up its sleeve.

First off, each enemy and boss can be practiced as necessary in specific unlocked rooms in the hub - as well as different weapons to practice with. In a vacuum it can feel incredibly satisfying to figure out a tough enemy or boss, though that training can fall short when a whole random cavalcade of enemies act in unison. Careful zoning and control of enemy behavior is key to success, but the randomness ensures that it isn't always possible.

There are also unlockable weapons/items/upgrades which decently smooth over the experience. Not liking the close-up attacks? Use a longsword, bow, rapier, etc. Need a special ring for damage, items for health, and extra bombs for getting through walls? This helps the player reach their goal, which is either all four zones at once or playing each zone in order to beat the game and access a small but charming story. However, Necrodancer falls prey to an issue where many useless upgrades/items can clutter the random pool, and the player will have to fix these items back out using a special janitor character.

If this deems too much trouble, there are special modes that are made for all players (Reaper, Bard) but the game locks the most meaningful achievements (i.e. the story) behind an uneven difficulty curve, ending in possibly one of the most miserable modes I've ever seen in a roguelike. Whereas Cadence was a game of careful strategy and fixing a good run and her mother Melody a very enjoyable spin on similar gameplay, her grandmother Aria gets killed in one hit, dies on a skipped beat, and only has a dagger, reducing Necrodancer to its core roguelike elements: randomness, repetition, frustration, and boredom.

While this may sound pretty harsh, Necrodancer's system of rhythm-based dungeon gameplay is accompanied by some charming (mostly spooky) pixel art and a variety of dazzling soundtracks. Depending on where you spend most of your time (Zone 1) you'll only remember a few tracks at most but the beat is well pronounced and the controls fairly accurate (and optionally tuned for latency).

It's a bit of a shame that repetitive roguelike design was chosen for this entry since Necrodancer has some really good mechanics on its hands - fortunately I've heard some good things about its semi-sequel Cadence of Hyrule that might address this problem.

I recommend trying the Switch demo for Cadence or the Steam version for keyboard but if you want to play this indie title on the go, Switch is the best bet. I play with joycon grip.

Not at all recommended for those who have anger issues. The game's difficulty curve is far more satisfying than your regular rougelike and that's saying something.

Steam goes on sale for >$4 during deals so put that on your wishlist and you won't regret it. Another recommendation? Clear zone 1 and 2 as Bard if you're struggling; half the battle is getting to know the enemies and while there's ways to do that, it's not until after you beat Cadence single zones until maybe zone 2? Dig for a key and don't break it, all in one zone so don't worry

I have never played anything like this game, so huge props for originality. Beat-games, however, are not for me, I found it extremely difficult to play. While it was impossible to play as intended, changing the character made it much easier and doable. There is a huge variety of creatures and the combat was fun and fast-paced. The number of items, spells, and overall ways to play was also a huge plus. In general, the game had a lot to offer, especially if you are into this style, if not then it might be quite hard to make progress or even beat. Quirky, musical, dungeon crawler fun.

I just found out that one of my favourite chiptune artists, Chipzel, remixed the OST for the Xbox One release of the game. That's awesome, and I now definitely wish I had an XBox One. Here's hoping the remixed tracks are released for the existing versions of the game.

Update: it looks like the Chipzel remix will remain exclusive to XBox One, much like the remix Jake Kaufman (Shovel Knight) created is exclusive to the PS4/Vita version of Crypt.

A quite unique rhythm based retro random generated dungeon crawler. Seems like a quite peculiar mash up of genres.

In a way you would not expect those particular genres to work with each other but somehow this game pulls it off. It's a very unique compilation. On the outside its a dungeon crawler. You progress through a randomly generated dungeon gathering loot. Once you're dead the only thing you are left off is gold with which you can purchase unlocks, additional crates and items to be found in the dungeon. Any unspent gold goes away and you start from the start. And you start all over on each death with just a bigger chance of getting better things along the way.

The combat hover distinguishes it from the normal rouge like games. As its essentially a rhythm puzzle to be solved. In short - each enemy has a movement pattern in which he moves taking a move in the beat. Its easy to learn and tackle a single enemy but when different ones come at you at the same time fending all of them is quite the challenge. It makes for a very unique and satisfying combat when you pull all the moves in the right way.

The audio layer of this game is just amazing. Even more so as it's integral part of the game. It's worth getting the game for the soundtrack alone. I have no words to better describe it - just amazing. Well worth a listen to.

Graphicly it's nothing special, but nothing bad as well. The pixel aesthetic might not be the best pixel art I've seen but it does the job.

Sadly this will not be one of my favourite games ever. Simply because I'm bad at it. Not a big fan of a rhythm based part of it. Moving only on the beat seams a bit limiting and while the combat is quite enjoyable I was more often failing at it than not. In the end didn't feel interested enough to persevere longer than the first layer of dungeon.

I do however suggest checking it out. This game does perfectly what it sets out to do and its unique enough to surprise you. It will not be a game for everybody.

Great game, just not for me.