Crypt of the NecroDancer

Got this for under $4 back in 2016. I remember listening to the OST extensively while studying for my gen/organic chemistry classes. Got perfect grades and it helped spark a lifelong obsession with electronic music, so would definitely recommend. Did not get around to playing the actual game until now but it's really fun! It took me about 9 hours to reach the first ending. The game has a learning curve, but it's fair. You quickly get a feel for it if you are patient and don't let the occasional moments of rage get to you. Unsure if I will beat the game with other characters or get the DLCs, but I enjoyed my time with it. Tips: Ranged weapons make the game much easier. The blunderbuss is game-breaking but I have only seen it spawn once. Boxes/crates often have food/health items. Armor reduces damage to a minimum of 1/2 heart but not zero. Make use of the practice room if you have difficulty with bosses/mini-bosses (red dragons gave me a lot of grief when I first encountered them).

The amount of joy and frustration I have gotten out of this game is extremely high, and I'm always coming back for one more run! For such a simplistic-looking game there's an incredible amount of complexity here, and I'm a huge fan of it. If you aren't huge on the rhythm side of things, there's a beatless mode that works very well (though I do think it helps to be familiar with the way beats work in game)

I like the game conceptually, but the core dungeon-crawling gameplay itself isn't that great, which is apparent if you practiced with the bard, who removes the need to move to the beat. Most battles (especially bosses) comes down to memorizing dance steps, and learning those steps isn't particularly intuitive in the main game (e.g. the optional tutorial for the dragon dance). I conceptually like that the controls only involves directional buttons, and thus can be played on a DDR pad if you like, but in reality, looking up and inputting randomly assigned directional combinations for item activation is a pain in the @ss, in conjunction to the pressure to move to the beat. Having attacks happen automatically by moving in a direction also feels weightless and unsatisfying. The game could use better customization options, I'd prefer the beat indicator to be semi-transparent at the middle at the screen, rather than at the bottom, which is awkward to glance at; I'd prefer to be able to pause, open the inventory screen and set custom binds to activate-able items; I'd also love to be able to read actual useful item descriptions, rather than having to pause and open the wiki.

Crypt of the NecroDancer is a short rhythm game consisting of 4 levels, with a boss in between each of them. I found the gameplay fun and enjoyable, but had wished for something a tad more challenging or lengthier, as I found levels 1–3 quite easy and only really found full enjoyment of what the game could offer in level 4. Ideally, I’d love to have just seen more levels with unique monsters or tricky traps, further enhancing the replayability instead of having more characters with different weapons. The songs are good, and the story is kinda redundant but serves as a minimalistic gateway to the gameplay. I’d recommend the game if you feel like wanting to play a good rhythm game, though.

Game so good Nintendo gave the devs the rights to make a Zelda spin-off based on it (Cadence of Hyrule). Definitely a must-buy for all fans of roguelites and rhytm games

Simple in terms of controls, yet incredibly difficult to master gameplay when put into practice. Wide range of characters all with unique abilities to switch up your runs. 10/10, fun gameplay loop I easily got sucked into

Here I start my journey at 07/01/2025. I will bring atualizations of my progress and my sanity kkkk. First of all, I want to beat the game, and maybe one day, 100%(I know how impossible is).

This is such a fun and creative game, but excess of light effects, even when turned off really triggers my epilepsy all the time

this game is extremely fun, but if you are a completionist, this game hates your guts and wants you to suffer

its pretty difficult to get the hang of, but its very rewarding and fun to play. also the music slaps.

IT's incredible fun and the music bangs. Defenetly one of the best dungeon crawlers ever

This game is really fun and I love love the music

An interesting take on dungeon crawling and even dabbles into rogue-likes with its "all zones" mode. Definate recommend if you enjoy fun and adventure

great music, great gameplay I just hope there were more upgrades to help you out with the diamonds you get from playing >.< I am so bad at this game

Torture. These achievements are torture. I have never experienced something quite as inexplicably sadistic as this game. Ninja Gaiden is like Katamari Damacy compared to this if you're going to go past the most basic levels with Cadance.

Holy cow... I am a slave to the beat. I have not been this addicted to a game in a long time. I missed it on the initial release and always thought it looked gimmicky but I couldn't have been more wrong. Picked it up on a steep discount for the Steam Summer Sale and I have died on the last boss about four times and still want to keep going. I already purchased the two expansions. Absolutely mind blowing addicting soundtrack that is stuck in my head as I rhythmically go through my daily actions at work. It's so cheap you'd be insane not to buy it and try it once. 11/10 recommended.

Extremely catchy tunes with a very charming artstyle. As a rhythm game enjoyer, moving to the beat in this game is extremely satisfying. This is without a doubt one of the best roguelikes I've ever played. This game is hard to master but it makes up for it with simple to understand controls. All the trial and error in this game you may experience more than makes up for it with the satisfying victories you can accomplish as well as the smooth controls this game has to offer. Getting this game on sale for £1.27 was extremely worth it and I can't wait to also play Rift of the Necrodancer whenever I get the chance to! 10/10!

genuenly best game ever made, although i do have an unconventioal sense of what makes a great game. the story is servicable, but it mostly encorages the player to keep playing, but the true fun is in going beyond what most people would consider a necesary amount of skill.

you can make the game tempo play to any music files you want. its awesome. try hungry like the wolf by duran duran

I hate this game. I really do. I can't beat it. I can't master it. I suck at it. .....but I'mma do one more level...... ....Just one more level, I swear....

Not a fan. Music is good, but the gameplay seems really basic, and moving to the beat along with everything else is overwhelming and easy to make mistakes. Music and beats seems to be tacked on and that can somewhat be ignored. Nothing is explained. I wont refund it as it works and it was 90% off.

Crypt of the NecroDancer is a brilliantly inventive indie game that fuses the rhythmic precision of music games with the strategic depth and unpredictability of roguelike dungeon crawlers, resulting in an experience that feels both fresh and challenging. Developed by Brace Yourself Games, this title stands out for its unique gameplay mechanic where every action—from moving to attacking—must be performed in sync with an energetic, pulsating soundtrack. This innovative fusion demands players not only to think tactically about positioning and combat but also to maintain perfect rhythm, creating an exhilarating blend of timing and strategy that keeps the gameplay constantly engaging and rewarding. At its core, Crypt of the NecroDancer challenges players to navigate procedurally generated dungeons filled with enemies, traps, and treasures, all while moving to the beat of a dynamic soundtrack. The rhythmic movement mechanic is brilliantly executed, requiring players to anticipate enemy patterns and time their actions to the music’s tempo, which significantly raises the stakes compared to traditional roguelikes. The game’s combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master, with various weapons and items introducing layers of complexity and strategic choice. Whether swinging a sword, firing a bow, or casting spells, each action must align with the beat, demanding both musicality and tactical foresight. One of the game’s most impressive features is its variety and replayability. Multiple characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, offer different approaches to the dungeon’s challenges. The diversity of enemies and bosses ensures that players must continually adapt their strategies, while the procedurally generated layouts guarantee no two runs feel the same. Additionally, unlockable content such as new songs, characters, and items provides long-term goals and incentives to keep playing. The game’s difficulty scales well, rewarding patience and rhythm mastery without ever feeling unfair. Visually, Crypt of the NecroDancer adopts a charming pixel-art style that perfectly complements its indie roots and fast-paced gameplay. The environments are colorful and distinct, with clear visual cues to help players identify threats and opportunities amidst the frenetic action. The soundtrack itself is a standout element, featuring a mix of catchy, original compositions that drive the gameplay’s rhythm and intensity. The music not only sets the tone but actively shapes the player’s experience, making each run feel like a carefully choreographed dance of survival. The game’s interface and controls are streamlined and responsive, critical for a title that hinges so heavily on timing and precision. Whether using a controller or keyboard, the input feels tight, ensuring that player skill rather than technical shortcomings dictates success. The game also includes a helpful tutorial and gradually introduces new mechanics, easing players into its challenging rhythm-based world. While Crypt of the NecroDancer is widely praised, it can present a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with rhythm games or roguelikes. The constant need to move to the beat can initially feel restrictive or frustrating, especially during intense combat situations, but this challenge is also what makes the game so satisfying once mastered. Some players might also find the procedural nature of the dungeons leads to occasional unfair situations, though these moments are rare and generally balanced by the game’s generous opportunities for skill expression. In conclusion, Crypt of the NecroDancer is a standout title that boldly blends two seemingly disparate genres into a harmonious and thrilling gameplay experience. Its clever design, addictive soundtrack, and deep strategic elements create a unique challenge that rewards both rhythmic skill and tactical thinking. For players seeking an innovative twist on roguelikes or rhythm games, this title offers a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable journey into the depths of dungeon crawling—one beat at a time. Rating: 9/10

I was blown away in the first hour! The custom song feature just hits the itch for me (had to manually calibrate it though). I enjoyed it!

This a good idea but its ridiculously annoying and tedious.

Very good. Gameplay can be done with one hand, just move to the beat and move into enemies to hit them. Each enemy has a different rhythm to their movement, moving every beat, or every other beat, or in cardinal directions, and all with some kind of unique quality to them. Each feels unique to fight. The game difficulty ranges from "Turn Based Strategy Game" with one character letting you move when you want (and only advancing the turns when you do), to "you actually die in one hit, have the weakest weapon, die if you miss a beat, and also have to move and think in double speed". Needless to say, there's something for everyone, and it's very fun. They also (relatively) recently added multiplayer, both battle and co-op. It goes on sale often, and the (content) DLCs are 100% worth it. The music DLCs are also good, if you like their genre. All the music is in the base game, though, and custom music can be added and played with relatively good custom BPM depending on the track. It's a 10/10 game, and the only thing that could be better would be more.

The game is difficult, and it will remain difficult even if you collected gold and bought upgrades.

The concept of Crypt of the NecroDancer, a roguelike game that is music-based, is quite intriguing; however, it fails to execute adequately on paper. Furthermore, unlike the majority of roguelikes in the genre, there are no permanent upgrades or benefits that can be utilized in all future runs. This adds to the replayability and enjoyment of the game by allowing players to unlock items from successful past runs. Great idea, but terrible in practice, as I mentioned.

This game is an actual treasure. I did not expect to like this game so much.

Great game with great music.

i cant for the life of me stay on rythm (im just bad :P) the music is really good tho

FAR too hard, I shouldn't have to rerun an ENTIRE level again because I don't yet know the pattern of ONE enemy. Zero benefit to rerunning as no upgrades are permanent. Great idea, poor execution.

Gameplay is unfair and punishing for new players.. :(

If you like music, if you like rogue-likes, go for it (also if you can think in between beat)

If you're a ran of dungeon crawlers, rogue likes, rhythm games, or anything in between Crypt of the Necrodancer will probably tickle your fancy. It's fun(ny) and challenging. Collecting and expanding the available options for drops as you go is rewarding as heck!

Thought I would love this, but I was super wrong. Having to move to the beat of the music makes me feel impatient in boring rooms, overwhelmed in combat, and annoyed in shops. I guess this is why I'm not a music/dance person - I simply can't stay on beat and think about anything else at the same time.

CRYPT OF THE NECRODANCER DRIVES ME INSANE OH MY GOD SOMEONE SAVE ME FORM THIS GAME I PLAYED 2 HOURS AND I ALREDY WANNA SPEND ETERNITY IN IT IM GONNA UNISTALL THIS GAME FROM MY LIFE AND ERASE MY MEMEORIES FOREVER. THIS GAME GIVES ME SUCH A HIGH DOSE OF DOPAMINE I GO CRAZY, INSANE, MAD, UNSTABEL, DERANGED AND UNCONSCOUS WHILE PLAYING MY MIND SHUTS OFF AND I BECOME A ZOMBIE LISTENING TO THE MUSIC AND JUST PRESSING 4 BUTTONS REPEATEDLY AND STILL DYING TO THE GREEN SLIME ON THE FIRST LVL HAHHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAA 10/10

gameplay is very bad and not rewarding

Fun only on a steam deck, other way i would not recommend it.

I bought this game knowing it was one of the most difficult games to 100%. It did not disappoint. It's not that difficult to finish if that's what you're looking for. Maybe a couple of hours of trying before getting the ending. But completing all achievements is one of, if not, the hardest goal you can set in gaming. For the price on sale, it's a steal to have this much content. 9 whole characters, each with unique and difficult mechanics and several different modes to spice it up. Not to mention the music; it's definitely a vibe to fight with as the tempo gets faster. The game has the unique concept of combining the rhythm and roguelite genres into one, allowing movement only to the beat of the music. The gameplay itself is very simple and the levels are quick and short. It's the added pressure of keeping up to the beat and juggling different enemy patterns that make it difficult.

Bought this game just to give this review, cause I've played it a lot on the Switch. This must be one of the most memorable gaming soundtracks of all industry. Get this if you're into Chiptune, Synthwave or retro music. Gameplaywise it's an enjoyable roguelike dungeoncrawler. Currently on my Must Play suggestion list. Avoid if: seizure medical history or you're not sure even after watching some content

this game is very, very difficult. i've easily spent days trying to beat it, but i still need cheats. this is the only game i've ever played where i seriously need cheats to actually beat. the game is like one of those slow paced, turn based strategy games. think chess, or the battle of polytopia, for example. only, you're going 20 over the speed limit, and you're STILL getting tailgated by a jackass in a lifted pick-up truck flashing his honking and flashing high beams at you. you need to spend time coming up with a strategy in order to succeed, but you ALSO need to come up with that strategy fast. to every single beat of a song. every beat forces you to make a turn. also this is a billion times better than rift of the necrodancer. dont get rift of the necrodancer, this one has way more replayability, and less modern day video game slop. rift is just full of DLCs but no actual content. this game has 4 chapters of a story, in each of the 3 different campaigns, and tons of other unique characters to mix things up. get this game instead.

Sadly, after 10 years of this games release, there's barley any rule 34 of the main character Cadence.

i suck at this game, but keep coming back to it every single day. it's just so fun, unique and addictive! probably the best rhythm game i ever played:33

Simple but hard. Hard but doable. Challenging from the first level of the first zone. Very effective game design

fantastic music, intensely challenging!

Really unique gameplay that is very fun. The mix of fast paced rythm game and roguelike properties create a super fun and one of a kind experience no other game can provide. I highly reccomend especially on sale where the game costs less than 2 dollars. Incredible deal for a great game!

Everyone who likes RPG's and Rythm games is sure to like this game

It's the most awesome game I've played as far as rhythm based games I enjoy it the most

"Must have" type of game - If there is Klei involved. Definitely not about beats only.

My God, Zone 3 just went on steroids out of the blue lol.