Developed by Brace Yourself Games and released in 2019 exclusively for Nintendo Switch, Cadence of Hyrule is a rhythm-driven action-adventure that blends the beat-based mechanics of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the world and characters of The Legend of Zelda. Players control either Link or Princess Zelda across a randomly generated overworld and procedurally generated dungeons, all set within a Hyrule in need of saving. Movement, attacks, and defensive actions are tied directly to the beat of remixed Zelda music, meaning every enemy encounter and boss fight demands that players keep pace with the soundtrack. Losing the rhythm carries real consequences, making musical timing as important as tactical decision-making. The combination of roguelike dungeon structure, familiar Zelda iconography, and rhythm-game mechanics gives the title a distinct identity within both franchises it draws from.

Storyline

In the Kingdom of Hyrule, a mysterious man named Octavo uses a magical Lute to put Hyrule's king, as well as Link and Zelda, to sleep, before using the Triforce of Power to turn his Lute into a Golden Lute. In this time of need, Cadence is mysteriously transported to Hyrule by the Triforce and manages to wake up Link and Zelda. While Cadence goes off to try to find a way home, Link and Zelda travel across Hyrule to find and defeat Octavo's four champions, who each possess enchanted instruments containing musical power. After Link and Zelda, soon rejoined by Cadence, obtain the instruments and enter Hyrule Castle, Octavo reveals that he and his champions were meant to be used to battle against Ganon, who will take over Hyrule in the future. Finding himself defeated, Octavo opens a portal into the future, where Link, Zelda, and Cadence confront Ganon and combine their forces to defeat him. With help from the Golden Lute, Link and Zelda use the power of the Triforce to try and send Cadence back to her own world.