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Play Overview
Rift of the NecroDancer (2025) is a frantic rhythm battle game where you defeat encroaching monsters with well-timed button presses to the beat of thumping music. Play is like Guitar Hero, where enemies move down three lanes for you to match, here though, they move around as they advance! It stands out for how each enemy type behaves differently - some take multiple hits to kill, others change lanes when struck, making quick recognition of oncoming monsters essential to anticipating your next moves.
You play Cadence, fending off waves of monsters emerging from a space-time rift, with each level set to a unique song. Monsters advance one step with every beat, so you must time your lane-specific button presses perfectly as they hit the base of the screen. Early on, you deal with weak foes like green slimes that go down in a single hit, but tougher enemies soon follow, like golden bats that take three quick-fire hits to kill and switch lanes after each strike. In this way, quick reactions only get you so far: it’s vital to memorise what each foe does to avoid being overwhelmed.
Between these main levels are cute rhythm minigames that test your timing and reactions, more in the style of Rhythm Paradise - striking a yoga pose on the beat or snapping a photo at just the right moment. Boss battles challenge your reflexes further, borrowing Elite Beat Agents’ shrinking circles to cue your attacks and dodges in time with the music.
The result is a difficult test of your speed and composure that builds on several iconic rhythm games. The bright, cartoonish visuals and pounding music complete the exuberant feel and antidote the inevitable frustration that comes with the tough mechanical challenge.
Our examiner, Jake Kendall, first checked Rift of the NecroDancer 7 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
You play Cadence, fending off waves of monsters emerging from a space-time rift, with each level set to a unique song. Monsters advance one step with every beat, so you must time your lane-specific button presses perfectly as they hit the base of the screen. Early on, you deal with weak foes like green slimes that go down in a single hit, but tougher enemies soon follow, like golden bats that take three quick-fire hits to kill and switch lanes after each strike. In this way, quick reactions only get you so far: it’s vital to memorise what each foe does to avoid being overwhelmed.
Between these main levels are cute rhythm minigames that test your timing and reactions, more in the style of Rhythm Paradise - striking a yoga pose on the beat or snapping a photo at just the right moment. Boss battles challenge your reflexes further, borrowing Elite Beat Agents’ shrinking circles to cue your attacks and dodges in time with the music.
The result is a difficult test of your speed and composure that builds on several iconic rhythm games. The bright, cartoonish visuals and pounding music complete the exuberant feel and antidote the inevitable frustration that comes with the tough mechanical challenge.
Our examiner, Jake Kendall, first checked Rift of the NecroDancer 7 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Rift of the NecroDancer. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 4 and a half hours and 5 and a half hours to complete. If you want to see everything, it could take over 35 hours. Additionally, you can create your own levels and play other people's, giving incentive for countless hours of play.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Content Rating
User-Generated Content: This game includes content created by other players, such as maps, outfits and items, that are not reflected in the game rating.
Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated Parental Guidance (PG) for Mild Violence, Scary Scenes.
Enemies disappear with spark effects when killed.
Skill Level
10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. It's also important to ensure children understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. This game is challenging, requiring quick reactions, perseverance, and composure to succeed. Younger children may enjoy the easier difficulties, whereas older children can try the harder ones. Being able to deal with frustration is important, no matter how skilful the player.
Costs
Rift of the NecroDancer usually costs £16.75.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Rift of the NecroDancer
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 05/02/2025
Out Now: PC and Switch
Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Battle, Rhythm (Action, Adventure and Narrative)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 2D Side-On and Cartoon
Developer: BYG Vancouver (@BYG_Vancouver)
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