Special thanks to Nintendo of America for providing us with a download code!
One of the most surprising reveals of the recent Nintendo Direct Mini: Partners Showcase was confirmation that downloadable content is coming to Cadence of Hyrule! We reviewed the game last year, so I thought we’d come back to take a look at the DLC!
As a quick disclaimer, since this first pack is relatively light in content, it’ll simply be an article mini-review. We should have a full video review of the entire season pass once it’s completely released in October! The first DLC pack for Cadence of Hyrule introduces a few new characters, as well as a new game mode. Despite sounding like quite a lot, this was actually advertised as the smallest of the DLC updates. So, let’s start off looking at each of the newcomers.
I was so happy to see her become playable, and I have to say, I like her playstyle!
As Impa was the new character whose inclusion most excited me, let’s begin by discussing her interesting attributes. I was so happy to see her become playable, and I have to say, I like her playstyle! Impa only has access to a spear, though she compensates for her limited toolkit by having commendable reach: she can only attack directly in front of her, plus a couple of spaces forward. Holding the R button, Impa can also hold her spear out and strafe, which is very useful against ranged foes like Octorocks. She also has the ability to dodge an attack using a decoy, provided she has enough stamina left over. Speaking as someone who grew reliant on Cadence’s diverse weapons (particularly the broadsword), Impa’s distinct playstyle brings a welcomed, refreshing challenge.
Moving on, and keeping to the Zelda theme, I’d like to focus momentarily on Shadow Link and Shadow Zelda. Originally featured as mini-bosses in the game, now these dark doppelgangers have joined the playable roster. They function almost identically to Link and Zelda, but have a few minor differences. Shadow Link’s spin-attack can draw enemies in while charging, and Shadow Zelda’s version of Nayru’s Love can reflect projectiles the entire time it’s active, not just the first beat. In my time with them, I can’t say they impressed me too much. They’re effectively identical to Link and Zelda, though with their changes…I’d go as far as to say they may be easier versions of their namesakes, which is not something I’d say I expected.
Next up in the lineup of new characters is Frederick, the shopkeeper! He’s got a rather interesting mechanic: not only is he restricted to a dagger, but he loses rupees as the beat goes on. “Time is money,” as he says. Frederick feels like the perfect mixture between a challenging character and a joke character, and I’m completely here for it, honestly. Though I did poorly while playing as him, I think he’s a really fun addition that makes for an interesting challenge for any player, especially if you don’t keep a close eye on your rupees.
The last of the new characters in this DLC pack is Aria, Cadence’s grandmother. This is absolutely the most difficult character in the game, even more than Yves. Aria only has half a heart, can only use the dagger and takes damage if she misses a beat. What this means is that Aria will always die in one hit, including if a beat is missed. This is truly the hardest challenge in the game, and considering each attempt I made I barely made it three sections, it’s going to take me quite a while to clear Aria’s challenge. I have no doubt in my mind that clearing the massive challenge that is Aria will feel incredibly satisfying, though.
This first DLC update didn’t only add these new characters, however. We also got a brand new “All Character” mode, which is very reminiscent of the original Crypt of the Necrodancer. Players go through dungeons for each playable character in the game, and since they’re all completely randomly generated, these can start off very difficult. I found myself really enjoying this new mode, especially with all the characters offered. I can see myself playing it for quite some time.
Overall, the first DLC pack to Cadence of Hyrule is actually pretty great! The new characters offer new challenges that change how the player has to approach the game. With the “All Character” dungeon mode, I can see myself and many others actively playing this game until the next DLC pack comes out. I highly recommend purchasing the season pass for the game and giving the DLC a try, since it’s certainly starting strong! Will I be done exploring the “All Character” dungeons by then, or complete a run of story mode using Aria? Knowing how bad I am at this game, honestly probably not, but I look forward to updating you all on it when I come back to talk about the second DLC pack when it launches.
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Review - September 23, 2020
- Cadence of Hyrule (Switch) – DLC Pack 1 Mini-Review - August 8, 2020
- Super Nintendo World Event Impressions - February 25, 2020
