At the March 2019 Nindies Direct today, Nintendo lifted the lid on the newest Legend of Zelda game coming to Nintendo Switch, and it’s not being developed by Nintendo. Cadence of Hyrule is the new game’s name, and it’s being made by indie developer Brace Yourself Games, creators of the well-received rhythm-adventure Crypt of the NecroDancer. The new game is actually a semi-sequel to Crypt of the NecroDancer, and a crossover between it and The Legend of Zelda.
The game plays in a similar fashion to Crypt of the NecroDancer, in that it’s a combination of rhythm game a Zelda-style action-adventure. You move along with the music, and deliver attacks based on the beat. The major difference now, of course, is that all 25 music tracks will be remixed versions of classic Legend of Zelda tunes. The setting will be Hyrule, rather than the general fantasy land of the previous game. Most importantly, you’ll be able to play as either Link or Zelda, or the main character of Crypt of the NecroDancer, Cadence (which gives the title a spin).
You can see the first trailer above. Enemies will consist of stylized versions of classic Zelda enemies, such as Lynels, Octoroks, Hyrulean Soldiers, or Stalfos. The objective is to move in rhythm with the enemies, and outstep them. You can use items from the Zelda series, plus spells and weapons from Crypt of the Necrodancer. Like the previous game, it’s actually a roguelike, consisting of randomly generated overworld and dungeon areas. The game will also 2-player co-op.
Regardless, it’s certainly a surprising move for Nintendo to license one of its biggest IPs out to an indie developer like this. Cadence of Hyrule, or “Crypt of the Necrodancer featuring The Legend of Zelda,” will be out fairly soon too, as it’s due to hit Nintendo Switch in Spring.
