Rift of the NecroDancer Review
Rift of the NecroDancer
Release: February 5, 2025
Publisher: Klei Entertainment
Developer: Brace Yourself Games
Genre:
PEGI:
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Publisher: Klei Entertainment
Developer: Brace Yourself Games
Genre:
PEGI:
Comments:
When Brace Yourself Games first announced Rift of the NecroDancer, fans of the original Crypt of the NecroDancer were curious—and maybe a little skeptical. How do you take a beloved roguelike rhythm game and spin it into something entirely new without losing its soul? The answer, as it turns out, is by leaning fully into rhythm and doubling down on creativity. Rift of the NecroDancer is not just a sequel; it’s a bold reimagining that trades dungeon crawling for pure rhythm-based action, and the result is one of the most inventive rhythm games in years.
At its heart, Rift of the NecroDancer is a rhythm game, but it’s not content to simply copy the note highway formula of Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution. Instead, it introduces Rhythm Rifts, a mode where enemies march toward you on three lanes, and you have to strike them in time with the beat. It sounds simple, but here’s the twist: these enemies aren’t just static notes. Each one has its own behavior. Some charge at you aggressively, others require multiple hits, and a few even retreat and return, forcing you to think strategically while keeping perfect time. It’s a clever evolution of the genre that keeps you on your toes—literally and figuratively.
The game doesn’t stop there. Boss battles feel like a love letter to classic rhythm games, blending pattern recognition with quick reflexes in a way that reminded me of Elite Beat Agents and even Punch-Out!!. Then there are the mini-games, which are clearly inspired by Rhythm Heaven. One moment you’re flipping burgers to a funky beat, the next you’re guiding Cadence through a yoga session. These diversions are charming, though they sometimes break the pacing of the main game.
Difficulty is another talking point. Rift of the NecroDancer is not afraid to challenge you. Even on normal settings, the game demands precision and focus. For rhythm veterans, this is a dream come true. For newcomers, it might feel overwhelming at first. Thankfully, there are multiple difficulty options and modifiers, so you can tailor the experience to your comfort level.
Surprisingly, there’s a real narrative here. Cadence and her friends are pulled into a modern world through mysterious rifts, and the story plays out with plenty of humor and personality. The writing is lighthearted and self-aware, which fits the tone perfectly. That said, the frequent cutscenes can sometimes feel like speed bumps when all you want to do is dive back into the music. Still, it’s hard not to appreciate the effort to give players a reason to keep moving forward beyond just chasing high scores.
If you’ve played Crypt of the NecroDancer, you already know the music is going to slap—and it does. Danny Baranowsky returns with a soundtrack that’s nothing short of phenomenal, joined by guest artists like Alex Moukala and Jules Conroy. The tracks span genres, from hard-hitting rock and metal to smooth jazz and electronic beats. Each song feels distinct, and more importantly, each one is designed to challenge your sense of rhythm in different ways. Standout tracks like “Baboosh” and “Amalgamaniac” had me replaying levels just to experience them again. This is a game where the music isn’t just background noise—it’s the lifeblood of the experience.
Visually, Rift of the NecroDancer embraces a colorful, cartoonish art style that perfectly matches its upbeat tone. Characters are expressive, animations are snappy, and the overall presentation feels polished. On PC, performance is generally smooth, and the game includes calibration tools to minimize input lag—a must for any rhythm game. There were some reports of stuttering on certain hardware configurations at launch, but patches have largely addressed these issues.
So, is Rift of the NecroDancer worth your time? Absolutely—if you’re a fan of rhythm games or just looking for something fresh and inventive. It’s not without its flaws. The difficulty curve can be intimidating, and the pacing occasionally stumbles thanks to those mini-games and story beats. But these are minor quibbles in a game that otherwise nails its core concept. The soundtrack is incredible, the gameplay is addictive, and the sheer creativity on display makes it stand out in a crowded genre.
For me, Rift of the NecroDancer is a triumph. It takes risks, and most of them pay off. If you’re ready to put your timing and reflexes to the ultimate test, this is a rift worth diving into.
Trailer
Article By Kevin Austin
