Capsule Review: Crypt of the NecroDancer
A rhythm-based roguelike where you maintain a multiplier by keeping your actions on the beat. This structure encourages you to rely on instinct and act quickly and is quite effective at creating flow - at least, it is when you know what you’re doing. To keep your multiplier, you have to make split-second decisions accounting for a decent amount of complexity and variety in monster movement and attack patterns. Memorizing which color slime moves which way and so on presents a fairly steep learning curve. If you can stick with it long enough to internalize the rules, and if you enjoy the soundtrack, you’re in for a good ride.
I Stopped Playing When: After half an hour or so, I found I wasn’t able to stick with it long enough to internalize the rules. The telegraphs are arbitrary (why should an enemy’s color affect how it moves?) and you don’t have time to try and remember what means what if you want to keep your multiplier. I didn’t relish the idea of memorizing everything I’d need to in order to be effective, so I quit.
Two Stars: Meh. The game has some merit - it probably held my attention for at least an hour or I came back to it for more than one play session. But there wasn't enough draw for me to stick with it for the long haul.