Rift of the NecroDancer

Rift of the NecroDancer is probably my new favourite rhythm game. I'm awful at the original Crypt, and Rift felt much more up my alley. The game manages to confuse me to no end sometimes, but I personally never found that to be unfair. The enemies are what make this game stand out from other rhythm games, and I find it very charming. The charts are fun, and the game offers a range of difficulties for those who might want a challenge, but also offer difficulties to those who might just want to enjoy the fantastic music (it's really good) The mini games Rift includes are super fun, very similar to games like Rhythm Heaven and are super replayable, and the overall visual polish and artwork the game has makes it a treat to the eyes. For anyone who wants a deceptively simple rhythm game, with complete mod capabilities and DLC songs? This game has got you.

[i]Rift of the NecroDancer[/i] is the rhythm game I've been wanting. Familiar characters with fresh fits and tunes sweeten the deal. Absolutely not necessary to play Crypt before you dive into Rift, but it's nice to see some old characters (and enemies) in a new way. It scratches the DDR/rhythm game itch I've had for YEARS. The option to load custom music through the Steam Workshop is a delightful bonus. I've only been playing through the individual tracks so far, and haven't touched the story yet, but gameplay feels snappy and satisfying. While playable with controller (I'm playing on my Steam Deck), I seem to score better with a keyboard. Bluetooth latency seems to be mitigated by visual/audio calibration.

Fun game, learning curve can be a bit steep at the start. If you are used to playing rhythm games, your arrogance will bite you in the ass if you start on hard difficulty. You will need a couple of hours on medium for sure. If you want your brain melted this is the perfect game.

Rift of the NecroDancer is a nice spin on the vertical scrolling rhythm game (VSRG) genre. There are three lanes with every note being a different monster or healing item. So you have every note having a different behavior to some degree. There is also a little story mode with rhythm mini games and boss fights which is nice. The songs are overall neat and there are some crossover songs from other indie games like Pizza Tower (that DLC is really good)! And if you are done with the vanilla & DLC songs, there are custom songs to play. The game has an editor and the Steam Workshop included so you can go and find any other song you like or make your own levels to share. I can recommend playing Rift of the Necrodancer if you feel like trying a unique VSRG out, no matter if you are new to this genre or not.

worlds first keyboard rhythm game where your fundies wont be enough to allow you to just start on the hardest difficulty. hell honestly, not even the 2nd hardest either. this game is a reading nightmare on the higher difficulties, but easy/medium are still super accessible to newcomers. it feels good. hitting the buttons feels good, the animations feel good, the charts feel good; its overall a very satisfying experience EDIT: this game, by default, enables vsync, and it is not in the options menu. given that vsync produces input delay, and that this is a rhythm game with a frame perfect judgement window (16.67ms wide, not based on framerate), this is a problem. HOWEVER, you can turn off vsync in the config file located at: C:\Users\user\AppData\LocalLow\Brace Yourself Games here is a steam link to the instructions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/2073250/discussions/0/600769761663517032/ i initially struggled to hit perfects consistently in this game, and i assumed the problem to be the songs being off sync. but since my turning off of vsync, i have seen instant results across multiple songs that i assumed to be different values of off-beat. everything feels clean now, though i will admit the judgment window in this game is SUPER tight.

Really unique take on a vertical scroller rhythm game. one thing I would like it in is a song preview for custom music.

as someone who struggled to wrap their head around crypt of the necrodancer, i am obsessed with this game. i can't put it down. i'm going back to play now

Incredible rhythm game!!! The songs are amazing, and I love the Rhythm Heaven like mini-games! So peak!!!

A pretty good sequel, I must say—even though it’s a completely different kind of game from Crypt of the NecroDancer. Gameplay & Mechanics The core rhythm mechanics are really creative. Instead of traditional note tracks, enemies are the notes—each with their own unique movement and attack patterns. For example, green slimes require one hit per beat, yellow armadillos take three hits per beat, zombies move diagonally every beat, and harpies dash two tiles at a time instead of one. Even though it only uses three keys (rather than four like many rhythm games), it still manages to be quite challenging. Music & Soundtrack The soundtrack is fire. Danny Baranowsky, along with other featured artists, absolutely nailed it again. There’s a nice variety of music genres, all with well-designed charts that feel great to play. Story Mode & Minigames Story mode is decent—not mind-blowing, but it’s cool to see Crypt of the NecroDancer characters in this new setting. Plus, the rhythm minigames sprinkled throughout the campaign (inspired by Rhythm Heaven) help prevent gameplay burnout. Where else will you see the NecroDancer flipping burgers at a dead-end job? Content & Replayability There’s also a level editor with Steam Workshop support, and it already has a bunch of great custom songs. That said, the base game feels a bit light on content right now. Hopefully, the regular updates with new tracks will continue to expand it. Achievements If you thought the first game had tough achievements—this one continues the tradition. Completing all 32 “impossible” levels is no joke. Good luck if you're going for 100%! Conclusion Despite the genre shift, Rift of the NecroDancer is a refreshing and well-made sequel. It’s packed with charm, tight mechanics, and excellent music. Definitely worth checking out for fans of rhythm games—or those looking for something unique and fun. 8/10

It takes some time to actually learn the patterns, and I've been using an arcade stick to have a more comfortable experience instead of using a joystick or keyboard, but I really like this game. The songs are great, there are some great composers such as Alex Moukala and the game's charm is off the charts. Really great package, especially with the DLCs.

Amazing game ! a difficult game to play when you have long nails

The erratic and spasmodic movement of the enemies and their gimmicks is distracting and completely disconnected from the song playing.

An incredibly fun rhythm game with a Necrodancer flair with its enemy-based patterns, I play this game very regularly in short sessions. The soundtrack is fantastic and the presentation is great, the modern take on the Necrodancer crew is fun and very appealing. If you're a fan of a more traditional rhythm game experience this is definitely worth picking up. Built in support for custom levels also allows for virtually infinite replayability and if you want to try your hand on making your own levels, the level editor is included for free with the game!

very good rhythm game would recommend to rhythm game players!11!

Honestly, the music just falls flat - even some of the remixes from Crypt. And when that's the main point of the game, oof. Most of the songs have conflicting tunes and bad transitions throughout, making them not very enjoyable to listen to.

I really like the idea of it. It's a rhythm game where you don't just have to keep the rhythm, you have to also calculate enemy patterns, but: - The clunky movement of the enemies in grid patterns both looks strange, and gets REALLY confusing when the song is even kind of fast. It's just not the correct format to show that you need to click left, middle, right fast in order but not at the same time. - A very personal gripe, but I really hate that clicking "wrong" ends your combo. I understand that then it could be simplified into clicking all three buttons all the time, but you could to a specific check for that. If I miss something, cool, but let me keep the beat with my hand playing rather than with my foot. - Why is there no option for up and down to both just be up? I don't need a button to hit all three. I just need three, and I know I'll eventually get used to it, but it's so intensely frusting to click down, thinking it's the middle one and it hits all three. I'm on a keyboard, I don't need it.

Fun rhythm game with an amazing art style and nice animations. Actually made me sit down and have fun making stuff. Please try the main game and dlcs out.

This game is too difficult for me. I've played a lot of rhythm games but I am just not built for Rift of the NecroDancer. Something about the timing in this game is extremely hard for me to grasp. I've adjusted the calibrations a few times in attempts to find what works but nothing felt right. In other rhythm games, you tend to hit notes when they are exactly on the arrows/blocks but in this game it is timed slightly before. Which confuses me because in the visual calibration test you hit the beat directly on the line and I had no trouble doing that at all. I even tried to ignore the visuals and hit the notes on the beat but I still kept missing. Despite my own incompetence with this game, I would still recommend it to others and suggest they give it a shot with a warning of my own experience with it. I really don't think this is a bad game in any way. I just wish I could get the timing down so I could actually enjoy it for myself.

Easily cure you crippling videogame addiction by ruining your fingers playing this cruel and outright evil game, results guaranteed... the soundtrack makes it worth it though

I heard of the game a couple days ago when I saw the Pizza tower cross over. It looked fun so I played the demo and my god... It's ungodly fun and has a charming art style. The story is mostly MID but the mini games are fun. Try the demo, then come back :3

A very fun game to play for those who enjoy rhythm games and quite the Nostalgia trip from Crypt of the necrodancer for me with its familiar patterns from the enemies. You can tell the developers really went for a vibrant colourstyle and overall tone of the game and its really fun to play some levels from the workshop. Overall I can recommend the buy.

I liked it so much, I bought it twice! I own this on Switch and Steam. I definitely recommend it on Steam if you're going to do one or the other, but I have no regrets purchasing twice. It's fun both ways, and I've supported a cheap game even more.

Like the game a lot and was very excited but can't tell if calibration is sucks or skill issue? I thought i knew rhythm games but I felt gaslit by this purchase, which to be clear isn't a bad thing... Entirely? I was confused if the charts were just super dense or the speed was too slow- But I think the game plays as less of a flow-state friendly rhythm game and more of a OH GOD WHAT DOES THAT MONSTER DO AGAIN ER UHM AH! Which is, fine, it's just a unique experience and I'm totally okay with the game beating my ass but PLEASE GOD SOMETHING IS OFF ABOUT THE CALIBRATION RIGHT? AM I CRAZY? I FEEL INSANE AND I REALLY WANT TO LOVE THIS GAME BUT I FEEL CRAZY! Idk could be skill issue, like the game, will keep playing. Other reviews have put my feelings a lot better but yeah. Unique game.

My first rythm game was osu. Back then i thought i simply dont like this genre, but it changed today with Rift of the necrodancer! This game is a solid start for people new to rythm games but due to many types of enemies it can get very difficult on highier difficulties so i think even rythm veterans can get their money worth. Awsome game, money well spent!

Great sound tracks and game mechanics

This is unique rhythm game that make me blown my mind, it seem to hard and confused at very first time but after 4 hrs I can play some Normal and Hard a bit now. (Very enjoy for me) P.S. Use 2 hands for playing would be more easy :D

It's brilliant, pretty much what it says on the tin. Well made and totally charming expansion to one of my favourite games. Two critiques: 1: The sync tutorial is really good. So good I wish other games stole it. I've never had a rhythm game sync and work this easily 2: The tutorial is overloading. After doing the third one you have forgotten the first. Just play it by ear through the story and learn

The best rhythm game I've played in a while. Tracks are great and the difficulty gradually increases as you get better at sight-reading the tracks. Plays really great with a controller or handheld like Steam Deck!

Great Music Great Character designs Great Gameplay + Minigames and Bosses are fun Thanks for the buffet meal that you guys cooked <3

If you like rhythm games you'll absolutely adore this game! I'm horrible at it but it's art style is fantastic and clearly has a ton of effort put into it!! If you're looking for a rhythm game that's difficult I'd get this.

I compulsively purchase the Necrodancer games and their DLC (for multiple systems too), and wholeheartedly believe everyone else should too. So for me, Crypt of the Necrodancer is a 100% must buy recommendation from me to everyone, I'm not sure I'd hold Rift of the Necrodancer in the same esteem but it is close. There is a bit of a learning curve with Rift in remembering the different enemies and it can still be frustrating for me at times since I'm not actually that good at rhythm games, but playing through the story mode and practicing in the mini games help. As always, the music is fire and when you can get into the rhythm, it is a deeply satisfying experience. The story is cute, I love what they did with all the characters, and the soundtrack is perfect. The game is still new and they're already adding more free tracks and DLC, plus there's tons of workshop support. I bought this game day one and have no regrets. If you are on the fence then I'd say to download the demo and play it until you actually get good at the songs. They make it easy with practice mode too so you can play through a whole song without dying or even just focus on one specific section. Can't wait for more updates and always dying for more Necrodancer.

Insanely addicting game, great replayability. Get it now.

This game is difficult but it's so fun! The music is just top tier, though I'd expect nothing less from Danny Baranowski. Also an adorable art style, with great animations! I love all the nods to Crypt too. I hope they continue to add songs and DLC!

Pretty solid. Haven't played the first game, but even without it I enjoyed this thoroughly. Good even if you aren't skilled with rhythm games. 5/5.

I was having fun when I notice a neat little song "Running in the 90s" in the steam workshop. I cannot endorse this game enough just because the person who mapped the song made the characters run during segments of the song. 10/10.

Super fun game, and a really neat story! Fans of the original will recognize songs and characters, but there is plenty of new stuff too!

an amazing spin off, tbh i sucked at crypt. this game is way more my speed.

The most difficult rhythm game I've ever played but GOOD GOD it's so fun. You can even put it in practise mode to really slow down the game and learn. It's perfect. Edit: So while I still recommend it, I think this game has some GLARING issues in the impossible level difficulty maps. Also, the sound effects for 'missing' and losing a life are set to 2 sperate sliders in the SFX menu for some reason, and the missing a life SFX is also attached to the same volume slider as the other cool effects so you lose everything if you turn it off, but it's distractingly loud.. so... Almost polished, but with a lot of issues in the high end difficulty that leaves me a bit mad and wanting for it to be better.

I adore this game! Can be challenging at times, fun, && addicting. One of my favorite rhythm games in a long time.

The main gimmick of the game is that instead of a traditional chart to read, the game sends various types of enemies which each have a particular quirk to them. So you have to spend as much energy trying to "read" the enemies as you do the notes themselves. It's a really cool idea and it makes the game unique compared to other rhythm games. And even if you're a rhythm game veteran, you might find yourself having to learn the basics all over again.

Despite the fact that I have not played the prequal, This game is amazing. This is quite literally the rhythm game that I have been looking for. Not only is the art style beautiful and the characters are incredibly charming, but the soundtrack is amazing. It is rock or metal that I have been listening to on repeat. I can tell so much love has been put into this game.

My new favourite rhythm game! Super unique and interesting gameplay with very clever map design and AMAZING music. Story is fun, minigames are cute and user-made charts give it a lot of longevity. The new official tracks have also all been excellent, both free and the paid DLC ones. Overall an absolute gem, highly recommended to any rhythm game fans.

has somewhat of an initial learning curve, but once you get the enemy patterns down it is so incredibly satisfying. an immediate recommend to anyone looking for a slightly different take on a rhythm game also has workshop support, so there's a huge number of songs off the rip

If you've played games like this before, you’re going to love this one. The epic music, the gameplay that stays fresh and fun, and the ability to create and share levels through the Steam Workshop — it’s all here. At first, it might feel a little overwhelming, but if you stick with it, things become much easier and way more enjoyable. It’s a blast once you get into the groove!

Rhythm games don't get better than this! If you like rhythm games, for sure check it out! If you don't like rhythm games, still check it out, the game slaps!!

can't say I am a fan of rhythm games but I thoroughly enjoyed this game, the music is amazing and the sound range was quite impressive, there is even blast beats in "Matriarch" !

Short story mode, easy to learn INSANELY hard to master id recommend playing the story bc not only is it good and fun to read, but teaches you every mechanic without a tutorial (appart from minigames) id recommend it for people who wants a fun rhythm game to learn and play if they dont got anythin' else, or if they want to grind the ranks 9.5/10 just because of the sheer hardness in the story mode on certain levels (thats just me having a skill issue otherwise 10/10)

This game is genuinely one of the most creative and fun rhythm games i have ever played, even if you don’t like the songs that are in the game (the songs are good btw) there is the custom songs that are made by people

Very good fun rhythm game harder levels feel like digital cocaine still hate the red zombies and red harpys.

A unique take on rhythm games, and fun story to follow involving the characters from Crypt of the Necrodancer. The artstyle is charming, and the music in amazing. And the stage builder is very intuitive and fun to play with. A definite recommendation.