Few may have expected aThe Legend of Zeldagame to be announced during Nintendo’s most recent Nindies Showcase livestream, but Nintendo is full of surprises. IntroducingCadence of Hyrule, a crossover ofCrypt of the NecroDancerandThe Legend of Zeldadeveloped by Brace Yourself Games. Nintendo Switch owners can expect a spring 2019Cadence of Hyrulerelease date.
ImagineCrypt of the NecroDancer, only set in Hyrule and starring either Link or Zelda as the protagonists, and that’s an accurate summary ofCadence of Hyrule’s premise. According to Nintendo,Cadence of Hyrulewill offer players a unique randomly generated Hyrule overworld as well as plenty of dungeons to explore. Each one filled with recognizableThe Legend of Zeldaenemies includingLynelsand Hyrulean soldiers.
PerhapsCadence of Hyrule’s most exciting feature, however, will be a promised 25 remixedThe Legend of Zeldasongs. Each song will be remade inCrypt of the NecroDancer’s fast-paced chiptune style. The first remixed song, Koji Kondo’s iconicThe Legend of Zeldathemecan be heard inCadence of Hyrule’s debut trailer.
Crypt of the NecroDanceris a 2D rhythm-based action-adventure game, making it a perfect crossover opportunity forThe Legend of Zelda. Players and enemies both move to the beat of the music, makingNecroDancernear to a turn-based game. to succeed, players must learn the pathing and tactics of their enemies to dance around them, attacking without being attacked.Cadence of Hyrulelooks to mirror that gameplay.
WithCadence of Hyrule’s announcement, Nintendo reaffirms not just its dedication to the support ofindie game developmentfor the Nintendo Switch, but further its willingness to work with partners in surprising new ways. SharingThe Legend of ZeldaIP with an indie developer is one thing, but to allow a studio like Brace Yourself Games to create an entirely newThe Legend of Zeldagame starring Link and Zelda is an incredible commitment.Cadence of Hyrulewill hopefully deliver on the expectations this kind of partnership demands.
