Cadence of Hyrule is an innovative frantically-paced puzzle game. The Zelda elements, and the visuals in general, are tonally consistent with the franchise. The music in particular is absolutely stellar, both in composition and implementation.
Unfortunately the structure of the game is a bit obtuse, which is made worse by inconsistent tutorializing. It's not clear initially which items are permanent upgrades and which disappear on death, or which levels are set and which will procedurally regenerate. The difficulty curve is more like a series of ledges. First, the default timing-based combat will feel chaotic and unpredictable. Then, for a blissful hour or so, the game lands exactly at it should: challenging but fair, frantic and rewarding. Then, as the player's skill increases and certain weapons are unlocked, it becomes a somewhat tedious exercise as the challenge evaporates without increasing the pace of the material.
Despite these issues I really enjoyed my time with this game. It is truly a breath of fresh air to play something that takes risks and has a consistent vision, even if the result has a bit of jank to it.
Unfortunately the structure of the game is a bit obtuse, which is made worse by inconsistent tutorializing. It's not clear initially which items are permanent upgrades and which disappear on death, or which levels are set and which will procedurally regenerate. The difficulty curve is more like a series of ledges. First, the default timing-based combat will feel chaotic and unpredictable. Then, for a blissful hour or so, the game lands exactly at it should: challenging but fair, frantic and rewarding. Then, as the player's skill increases and certain weapons are unlocked, it becomes a somewhat tedious exercise as the challenge evaporates without increasing the pace of the material.
Despite these issues I really enjoyed my time with this game. It is truly a breath of fresh air to play something that takes risks and has a consistent vision, even if the result has a bit of jank to it.