The surprise announcement of today's Nindies Direct was the news that the award-winning Crypt of the NecroDancer is getting a Legend of Zelda-themed expansion.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer includes both Zelda and Link, but uses the same beat-based gameplay of the original. However, we're also getting new stages and enemies, again based on the Zelda franchise.
Here's some official info:
In the latest rhythmic action-adventure from Brace Yourself Games, you can enjoy the gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer in the setting of The Legend of Zelda series. As Link or Princess Zelda, players explore randomly generated overworld and dungeons on a quest to save Hyrule, and every beat of the 25 remixed Legend of Zelda tunes is a chance to move, attack, defend and more. From modern-looking Lynels to the Hyrulean Soldiers of old, players must master the instinctive movements of each pixel-art enemy and strategically outstep them in rhythmic combat using an arsenal of iconic items from The Legend of Zelda, as well as the spells and weapons from Crypt of the NecroDancer.
Given how acclaimed the original Crypt of the Necrodancer was, we can't wait to play this – and the fact that Nintendo has allowed developer Brace Yourself Games to use one of its most treasured properties speaks volumes about how the company has embraced the indie sector.
Are you excited about playing this when it lands in Spring? Is this the second Zelda game that was rumoured not so long ago? Let us know with a comment below. More Zelda, baby!
Comments 113
This is the most excited I've been from a new game announcement in a long time. I love Necrodancer and I love Zelda and I never would have seen this coming in a million years.
So is this a new game, or an expansion to CotN?
Either way, looks good, and gives me a reason to get into the copy of CotN sitting relatively unplayed on my Switch right now.
You're cool and all, Link's Awakening remake. But you can't beat the option to play as Zelda.
@BenAV how good is the prequel? Can you compare this game to other ones?
trailer starts Wow these graphics and the audio look just like the Minish Cap
Actual The Minish Cap sound effects and sprites Did they just steal things right out of The Minish Cap and Nintendo was okay with it?
Zelda theme starts playing Wait a second...
First Shovel Knight in Smash, okay, indie representation in a big Nintendo game. But now Nintendo is renting their characters to indies – WHAAAA
I was watching the showcase with no audio. What's the deal here? Is this DLC or a new game?
THIS. CAME. OUT. OF. NOWHERE. HOLY. BANANAS.
whaaaaaaaaaat!
@nhSnork I like that she's apparently a magic user. That's what the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom should be. A playable Zelda shouldn't just be Link in drag.
Especially as regular Link sometimes wears drag.
is this the rumored zelda game?
https://geektyrant.com/news/rumor-says-zelda-fans-can-expect-a-second-game-this-year
weather or not it is. im excited to try this out with zelda characters. i did enjoy what i played of this game on PC.
Man, this is easily my favourite announcment of the stream. I can't wait to play this
Wowsers, this is awesome.
Crypt of the Necrodancer was a great game that didn’t get any attention so this is a good second change. Nintendo gamers will look at it now.
Expansion? You sure Nintendolife? Based on the graphic overhaul, new world and new characters, I would say sequel.
This was the only thing I saw in the showcase that I want to check out. Looks really well done,
I think Its an actually Zelda game but with Necrodancer. I Mean it does say hyrule and you play as zelda and link so im definitely picking this up when it comes out Anyone agree
so its DLC and not standalone?
Crazy announcement. We might be seeing the likes of Mario pop up in future indie games now too.Like Damo said,it really does speak volumes about how much Nintendo have embraced indies.
so the art style and look of Crypt of the Necromancer shy'd me away from that. However adding this Zelda look to it took it to a probably getting this game status.
Two of my favorite games in the world, I was literally in tears as the trailer was playing
@Wiss2wiss Crypt of the Necrodancer is an excellent game. It's a roguelite where you improve your loadout as you work your way down the floors (kinda like The Binding of Isaac, Enter the Gungeon, etc.) but with very unique rhythm-based gameplay where you and all the enemies move to the beat of the music. It's quite challenging but also really fun.
@Mando44646 I'm pretty sure it's a new game,not DLC.
How delightfully WTF! =O
No way... I was always intrigued by Crypt of the necrodancer but never got to buy it. Now I don't have a choice as a compulsive Zelda buyer.
Nice to see Nintendo so open these days to working with others.
This looks way better than that Link's Awakening remake and was prob made by like 30 people max
Surprised they didn't use Breath of the Wild Link since he was in like EVERYTHING last year...
Didn’t see that coming!
This is the crossover I never knew I wanted and now my life feels incomplete without it.
Not great at rhythm games and not a fan of roguelites so will likely pass on this. Nonetheless this is an announcement out of left field and a good one for fans of the genres.
@ALinkttPresent That was my thought process. “Wait, why is that music pla——What is this??!”
guess my expectations for these kinds of things is too high.
@BenAV I need to look more into this. Thanks for your explanation.
This looks so fun! I'd be cool with lots more of these crossovers as long as they are fun and we'll made! I'd love to play a Kingdom Two Crowns game with a Zelda theme, or even a Metroid one! Especially if Nintendo could lend the developer some programming expertise and get it running smoothly at all times!
@NintendoFan4Lyf Probably the conversation they had:
Nintendo: Hello, we saw Crypt of the Necrodancer, how about you take our Zelda Franchise for a spin with this?
Brace Yourself Games:
Nintendo: Good, keep us updated on your progress
Brace Yourself Games:
/ Nintendo goes off the screen /
Brace Yourself Games: WHAT IS HAPPENING!?
Is it a roguelike? I really enjoyed Crypt Of The Necrodancer, but I couldn’t get very far in it. I wonder if this will be a bit easier.
A dancing LoZ game with no playable tingle or Gorons? Is this a joke?
Oooooooooh! Hopefully it won’t be too hard to play with my young ‘un. Looks like a winner.
wha??
I lost half a heart from the shock of this announcement
And Zelda announcement at the very end is stealing the show once again. I wonder how annoyed other Nindie developers are right now.
This is getting old.
Between this and Cuphead, the implications of the collaborations are almost more impactful that the games themselves. Today's Nintendo is not the same one we had a decade ago.
I was wanting to get it for the visual upgrade, but Zelda and link announced as well.... SOLD
This really is a marvel for the indie scene. I'm might pick up the game just to get into this.
I really like the sprite models that they chose for this expansion!
Ok "leakers" predict THIS
This isnt the first time zelda was in another studio. Hyrule warriors was done by team ninja
Did...did anyone else think 'omg, the art is a blatant rip off of Zelda' before it was revealed lol.
Not gonna lie. This looks awesome
@BenAV I've been skeptical about the rhythm-based gameplay, is it really that good? Not frustrating? 🤔
@Chimaj Personally I love it (but I'm also pretty fond of rhythm games). I'm bad at the game despite putting like 70 hours into it but I still find it an absolute delight to play. Haven't found myself frustrated at all.
The ramifications of this are probably OFF THE CHARTS
My head is buzzing with IPs that can be translated, by indies. This is ... new... and ... woaaah...
I'm more hype for this than Cuphead tbh. A Zelda rhythm game is like a dream come true and the graphics look gorgeous. Between this and Links Awakening I feel almost spoiled this year
@JoeDiddley looks more like the normal action adventure to me.
Looks really cool!!
I love that Nintendo is opening up its IP to other companies, maybe they should start doing so with Stafox, Metroid, Kid Icarus and many others that are not as popular as Zelda.
Way to go!
We're finally moving towards a pivotal moment. With all the collaborations, this could only mean one thing soon.
WAND OF GAMELON REMASTERED
Huge shocker. Anyone who said they say this coming is full of it. Can’t wait to pick this up.
@Al_Godoy They already have opened up Star Fox with his inclusion in Starlink.
Wow - I would have been super excited for a standard necrodancer sequel - but a Zelda themed one? That's just amazing.
@Supadav03 you are absolutely right.
However, I would also like to see what an indie dev could do with those IPs.
I wonder who approached who. I mean, who even comes up with this kind of an idea?
I’ve just soiled myself! There I was thinking this Nindies Direct would only be so so.
@Al_Godoy After appreciating how awesome this looks (such great pixel-art and animation), that's immediately where my mind went next.
Let's get a 2D Metroid (or two) from an indie collaboration. Maybe Team Cherry can take it on after Hollow Knight Silk Song is wrapped, or go full retro-style and get Yacht Club (Shovel Knight) on it. (Plenty of candidates on this one... Ori, etc.)
But maybe — I mean, Zelda is one of the crown jewels, especially now — maybe get that impressive fan-made Super Mario Flashback game to go official.
I've advocated for Nintendo to host an official home for fan games to live and be downloaded, with clear indications they aren't Nintendo sanctioned or to be taken as part of the official line of games, but giving the keys to the kingdom to some proven indies in a controlled way is probably the next best thing. (Still want that fan space to exist)
This is the first time the Zelda IP has appeared in a non-Zelda game for at least a couple of weeks.
@BenAV Thanks! Will probably get at least Cadence of Hyrule, perhaps even Crypt of the NecroDancer!
Day one buy for me.
This is unbelievable! It reads like a cease-and-desist-incoming story. Who would have ever imagined Nintendo embracing the indie scene to this level?
@Chimaj Crypt of the Necrodancer has gone on sale on the eShop for like 80% off at least a couple of times so keep an eye out if you're interested as that's ridiculously cheap. I'm still kinda glad I paid full price for it though as the developers deserve it.
Well that means I'm buying this game now. Wow.
@Desrever yes, the games as a whole were great, but those two were mind-blowing.
Take my money (trows it at the screen) 🎊🎉
<head explodes>
Played CotN ... But never really loved it. But this looks like it actually has a world, not just random levels ... Which makes it a new Zelda 2D adventure game....whoa??
Still time to be disappointed, but this looks amazing so far.
Holy crap!! Did not expect this at all.
Seems like the rumor of there being another 2D Zelda game was true, though in the most unexpected way possible...
Now we only need Assassin Creed: Hyrule
Dear god this looks so GOOD!
@PBandSmelly they did report this - said there was a second 2d style Zelda this year.
This makes me even more happy I picked up the original a little while ago. I suck at it but hey, now I have more reason than ever to get my rhythmic dungeon groove on and improve my steps!
I passed on the original, but was tempted. I will not be able to resist the Ocarina's call, as it were.
Yes I'm exited. Anything about the legend of Zelda franchise is a win for me.
That Zelda theme music remaster hahahah. ❤️
This game seems awesome.
this makes it more believable that Nintendo goes based off names like that companies.
@ALinkttPresent I felt exactly the same emotions in the same order!
A bit of a shame they put my favourite series on one of the only games I have absolutely no interest in but quite the announcement...
Yes that is a day one buy for me
@Dang69
It was talking about the remake i think
@nhSnork You know Zelda is the guy right?
Definitely not an expansion NL.
So if a person wasn't amazing at traditional rhythm games, would you guys still recommend these games?
I've heard it's not quite like most rhythm I got Floor Kids a while back and it got really too difficult for me. I've done ok with games like Papa the Rapper and Rez in the past thou.
@Entrr_username yes, I do. The girl is called Samus.
This announcement basically won the whole showcase.
Legend of Zelda themed indie game with access to actual Zelda assets. Nintendo really DOES love indies now!
@koekiemonster Pretty sure it got a good amount attention. Made it to the best sellers on the Switch when it went on sale a long time ago.
I think this is amazing, but hope it an sign of things to come as their plenty of other indie developers that I would love to see Nintendo allow to use their ip. An f-zero by shin'en for example
I'm not usually the type for rhythm games, but for Zelda I'll give it a shot.
Shweet. Crypt of the Necrodancer is one of the few indie games that lives up to its hype imo. Mixing that with my favorite AAA series and I think we have another indie title to be hyped for.
@ilikeike I agree! Says "coming Spring." Today is officially spring. I want it now!
This is so cool! I'm hyped for this. It looked like a fun game, but wasn't my thing. Now that it gets a Zelda crossover, now I'm interested!
@Audigore0733 sure, kinda reminds me of doki doki panic reskinned as Mario characters to be more memorable. Awaiting Zelda Bomberman lol if that ever becomes an idea. Mario better watch out as Link is catching up with side games.
Great, a Zelda skinned crypt of the necrodancer... not interested whatsoever. Could of had a real Zelda game and we get this.
Nintendo Shantae crossover. That's something that could happen.
@Savino What you’re seeing is the player moving to the down-beat of the song. It creates a fascinating rhythym and set of multitasking as the player has to juggle musical awareness with dungeon combat.
@bolt05 You mean Link’s Awakening? We already are getting a Zelda this year.
@TheFongz They trust the indie developer because CotnD is so polished and fun.
Zelda is like: “Link, hold my crown. I got this.” creates fireball
@Hinade
Yeah, it says "next adventure game"
I don't know how I feel about this... on one hand, Necrodancer was my second-ever Switch game, and it's pretty dang awesome. On the other hand, it's SO FREAKING DIFFICULT. I'll probably buy this thing no matter what, but man-oh-jeez I hope they make it a little more accessible than its predecessor.
@Antraxx777 yes, surely Nintendo is very impressed with CotND and the developer.
But this kind of playful riffing on a cherished Nintendo property is exactly the kind of thing that has triggered them to destroy people's projects in the past. For Nintendo to approve it (perhaps even suggest it in the first place) shows a dramatic change, I think.
I love it. I for one have been putting off getting CotND (sounds too frantic for me) but there's no way I'll be able to let this one pass me by.
If Kass doesn't at least cameo in this I'll be disappointed.
I never thought I would buy this, but this looks pretty cool! If only I had bought this game when it was discounted, now I have to buy it full price AND this dlc.
Pretty sure this is the rumored second 2019 Zelda game by the way.
@Henmii Why would you need to buy it and dlc though?
Because everything points to this being a Zelda spin off and a Crypt of the NecroDancer SEQUEL.
@Hinade,
You might be right. For one the artstyle is very different. This is more "the minish cap" style, and it looks great. If its a sequel I'll buy it. And if I love it I can always get Necrodancer down the road.
Is the shoveler pictured behind Link and Zelda from the original Necrodancer.?
Oh I just remembered why I didn't buy the original Necrodancer: I hated "randomly generated".
But this is Zelda themed and it looks so sweet, I guess I just need it.
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