Rift of the NecroDancer

While Rift of the NecroDancer misses a few beats, such as hiding some features behind menus, it still innovates and impresses in many ways. On its own, it's an enjoyable experience with a gameplay loop that's addicting even when it frustrates. Rift of the NecroDancer still knows how to stand out as a rhythm game for all the right reasons and is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting to take on ...

Rift of the NecroDancer is a clever rhythm game that innovates on some of the genre’s best ideas.

I’m not sure that any rhythm game has so accurately captured what it feels like to play an instrument as well as Rift of the Necrodancer. Sure, Rock Band may be a perfect music simulation thanks to its plastic instruments, but it doesn’t quite capture the full psychology of the craft. As glamorous as live music can look on a stage, actually getting to that point can be a battle.

A catchy soundtrack is a must for any rhythm game. Making moving monsters march to the beat gives Brace Yourself Games' Rift of the NecroDancer a chance at something truly enjoyable.

With Rift of the Necrodancer, Brace Yourself Games has picked up the rhythm genre and, well, riffed on it. This is a smart, stylish remix of what rhythm games can be. By swapping prescriptive note charts for more involved pattern reading, it cracks open a whole new dimension of challenge – one where you will feel both cool and overwhelmed at the same time.

Rift of the NecroDancer is the long-awaited follow-up to cult classic hit Crypt of the NecroDancer – this time in a more traditional rhythm game format. Cadence is back and has been mysteriously transported to a world that looks a lot like ours. Developed by Brace Yourself Games, Rift of the NecroDancer offers 35 original songs to learn and conquer, a story mode with boss battles and Rhythm Heaven...

The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky & friends. Switch version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.

Rift of the Necrodancer combines visual novel-style storytelling with frantic rhythm-based action to solid effect.