《凱登絲勇闖海拉魯：死靈舞師地牢 薩爾達傳說 合作鉅獻》（Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda）是由來自加拿大溫哥華的獨立遊戲工作室Brace Yourself Games開發，並與任天堂合作推出的動作節奏冒險遊戲。於2019年在Switch平台獨家發行，是將獨立名作《Crypt of the NecroDancer》的音樂節奏玩法與《薩爾達傳說》系列的世界觀融合的跨界作品，成功地將兩種風格迥異的遊戲類型調和為一體，創造出新穎且富有挑戰性的體驗。

劇情設定在經典的海拉魯王國，某日，一名來自異世界的節奏死靈法師Octavo以魔法樂器控制整個海拉魯的節奏，導致整個王國陷入混亂，連林克與薩爾達都因魔法沉睡。來自《Crypt of the NecroDancer》的主角凱登絲因不明原因被傳送到這個世界，於是她必須聯手甦醒的林克與薩爾達，對抗Octavo與他派出的四大魔王，尋找回家的方法，同時恢復海拉魯的和平。整體劇情雖然不長，但藉由其獨特的節奏設定與幽默對白，讓整個冒險充滿趣味與魅力，也向經典薩爾達作品致敬。

在操作與玩法上，核心特色是「節奏同步」戰鬥與移動。必須根據背景音樂的節奏來進行行動，只有在拍點上輸入指令（如移動、攻擊或使用道具）才能正確執行，否則角色會暫停不動，而敵人則會依照自己的節奏行動。這種設計帶來截然不同的挑戰，需要兼顧節奏感與戰術判斷，尤其在面對敵人類型多樣、攻擊方式各異的狀況下，必須觀察節拍、計算步伐，才能順利存活。

在初期可選擇操作林克或薩爾達，而凱登絲則於遊戲開始不久後加入成為可用角色。三位角色皆擁有不同的起始技能與裝備，例如薩爾達可使用反射盾與魔法，林克擅長劍技，而凱登絲保有原作中的跳躍動作與節奏直覺。支援單人遊玩，也可兩人合作，讓節奏挑戰更加多變與熱鬧。

關卡設計方面，海拉魯的地圖採用隨機生成元素，每次遊玩都會有不同的敵人配置與道具位置。整體地圖分為數個大區域，如草原、沙漠、雪地、墓地等，每個區域都有獨特的敵人與機關風格。需解開謎題、探索地城、挑戰音樂頭目來取得魔法樂器，這些樂器是進入最終關卡與擊敗Octavo的關鍵。地城（Dungeon）設計延續《薩爾達傳說》的傳統風格，包含開關機關、隱藏道路與戰鬥試煉，同時也充滿音樂元素，每個頭目皆對應特定的節奏風格與主題樂曲，從搖滾、電子到古典等多種曲風，讓戰鬥過程節奏感十足。

音樂由Danny Baranowsky編曲，將許多《薩爾達傳說》經典旋律重新混音改編，成為本作最大亮點之一。每一首背景音樂不僅好聽，還直接影響遊戲節奏與玩家行動，音樂與遊戲性可說是完美結合。在探索過程中也可以找到新裝備、武器、魔法與道具，自由搭配風格，提升角色能力。

在市場評價方面，整體獲得極高評價，無論是媒體或玩家皆稱讚其創意十足的玩法與出色音樂表現。許多評論認為它不僅成功向《薩爾達傳說》系列致敬，更在節奏動作遊戲類型中開創新格局。遊戲長度雖然不算長，大約10至15小時即可完成主線內容，但隨機性與挑戰性高，使得重玩價值相當不錯。部分玩家也特別肯定雙人合作模式的樂趣，能夠與朋友一起挑戰節奏地城，讓冒險變得更熱鬧有趣。雖然因節奏限制不太適合節奏感較弱的玩家，但也提供節奏模式與自由模式可選擇，降低難度門檻，使更多人可以享受這款音樂與冒險完美融合的奇妙旅程。

總結而言，這是將節奏動作、經典冒險與任天堂IP精髓三者巧妙融合的傑作。它不僅是對粉絲的情懷獻禮，也是獨立遊戲創新精神的體現。無論是喜歡節奏挑戰、渴望不同玩法，或是熱愛薩爾達系列的玩家，都能從中獲得耳目一新又充滿音樂魔力的遊戲體驗。

"Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda" is an action rhythm-adventure game developed by the independent studio Brace Yourself Games based in Vancouver, Canada, in collaboration with Nintendo. Released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in 2019, the game is a crossover that blends the musical rhythm mechanics of the indie hit Crypt of the NecroDancer with the beloved world of The Legend of Zelda. It successfully fuses two seemingly distinct genres to create a fresh, challenging, and innovative gameplay experience.

The story is set in the classic Kingdom of Hyrule, where a mysterious rhythm-based necromancer named Octavo arrives from another world and uses magical instruments to seize control over the rhythm of Hyrule, plunging the kingdom into chaos. Even Link and Zelda fall under a magical slumber. The protagonist from Crypt of the NecroDancer, Cadence, is suddenly transported into this unfamiliar realm. She must team up with the awakened heroes Link and Zelda to battle Octavo and his four rhythm-themed bosses, find a way home, and restore peace to Hyrule. While the overall narrative is relatively short, it is enriched with quirky humor, clever writing, and heartfelt homages to the Zelda franchise, giving the adventure a distinct charm.

Gameplay-wise, the core mechanic revolves around "rhythm-based movement and combat." Players must move, attack, and interact in sync with the beat of the background music. Actions only register properly if executed on the beat, while enemies move according to their own patterns. This results in a gameplay loop that demands both a good sense of rhythm and strategic foresight, especially when dealing with diverse enemy types and attack styles. Success hinges on the player's ability to recognize patterns and adapt to the tempo.

At the beginning of the game, players can choose to play as either Link or Zelda, while Cadence becomes available shortly after. Each character has distinct starting abilities and gear—Zelda wields reflective shields and magic, Link excels with swords and standard Zelda equipment, and Cadence retains her signature jump-based movements and rhythm sensitivity from her original game. The game supports both single-player and two-player co-op, adding layers of chaos and fun as players sync up to conquer rhythm-based challenges together.

The map of Hyrule features randomly generated elements, meaning enemy placement, treasure locations, and layouts change with every playthrough. The kingdom is divided into themed regions like grassy plains, deserts, snowy fields, and graveyards, each populated with unique enemies and environmental hazards. Players must solve puzzles, explore dungeons, and defeat rhythm-based bosses to collect magical instruments—essential items required to unlock the final stage and confront Octavo. The dungeon designs maintain the traditional Zelda formula with hidden paths, switch-based puzzles, and combat trials, all enhanced by musical elements. Each dungeon boss is themed around a specific music genre, from rock and electronic to classical, making battles highly rhythmic and stylish.

One of the game’s standout features is its soundtrack, composed by Danny Baranowsky, which offers remixed and reimagined versions of many iconic Zelda melodies. The music is not only sonically engaging but also directly influences gameplay tempo and mood. It’s a rare case of music and gameplay being intricately and meaningfully intertwined. As players explore, they can find and equip various new weapons, gear, spells, and tools, further personalizing their strategy and style.

In terms of critical reception, Cadence of Hyrule received widespread acclaim for its originality, fusion of genres, and outstanding soundtrack. Both critics and players praised its bold reimagining of the Zelda universe and the fresh gameplay loop it introduced to rhythm-action titles. While the game’s main story can be completed in around 10 to 15 hours, its procedural generation, high difficulty ceiling, and unlockable content give it excellent replay value. Co-op mode, in particular, was highlighted as a fun and chaotic twist, allowing friends to conquer dungeons together in rhythm.

Some players noted that the rhythm-based nature might be a hurdle for those with less musical timing, but the game smartly includes accessibility options like "Fixed-Beat Mode" and "No Beat Mode", allowing more casual players to enjoy the adventure without strict timing requirements.

In conclusion, Cadence of Hyrule is a masterful blend of rhythm-based gameplay, classic adventure elements, and Nintendo IP magic. It serves as both a heartfelt tribute to the Zelda legacy and a shining example of indie innovation. Whether you're a fan of rhythm games, a Zelda enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique twist on familiar gameplay, this title offers a captivating journey filled with catchy tunes, clever design, and endless charm.