A rhythm game from the studio behind Crypt of the NecroDancer and Cadence of Hyrule, Rift of the NecroDancer leaves behind its predecessor’s RPG roots and fully embraces the musical side of things.

Players once again take on the role of Cadence, who has to partake in musical combat to fight monsters after she is dragged into a new world. The game features a soundtrack of more than 30 tracks by Danny Baranowsky, Jules Conroy, Alex Moukala, Josie Brechner, Sam Webster, and Nick Nausbaum.

The title also features a Remix mode that can be taken on once players have finished the game. Remix mode offers replayability by giving players new levels that still retain the rhythm-based design of the main story mission. Through Remix mode, players can also take on daily challenges for more rewards.

The Celeste Music Pack DLC brings with it four iconic tracks from critically-acclaimed side-scrolling platformer Celeste – Scattered and Lost, Reach for the Summit, Confronting Myself, and Resurrections.

More DLC is also planned for Rift of the NecroDancer, with the trailer hinting that one based on Super Meat Boy is in development.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

One of the biggest games of the year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands on the first game in every single way. The combat is improved with new ranged weapons and movesets added. There are two giant maps to explore, including the massive city of Kuttenberg. The world is more dynamic, allowing for emergent gameplay and an extensive range of consequences with every decision.

It promises roughly 100 hours of gameplay and the conclusion of Henry’s journey. If its launch goes smoothly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 could be a Game of the Year frontrunner when it launches on February 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered

If Aspyr’s previous remastered collection is meant to highlight the better years of Lara Croft’s life, then Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered goes in the other direction. Aside from Tomb Raider 4, it packs two of the worst games in the franchise – Tomb Raider: Chronicles and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. Nevertheless, the team is going all out, vastly improving the character models and visuals, adding a new Fly-by Camera, and even restoring content cut from the sixth game.

It may be a coin toss for those who remember the bad old days. However, if you’re going to experience the most definitive versions, then Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered is worth watching out for when it launches on February 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2

As the English version of Kuro no Kiseki 2 -CRIMSON SiN-, Trails through Daybreak 2 once again returns to the Republic of Calvard and stars Van Arkride, a morally grey Spriggan. Things are slightly more black and white when a serial killer is on the loose, identified as a massive crimson beast akin to Grendel.

Thus does the investigation begin, but this time, players can select routes with different parties, each with unique gameplay mechanics a la Trails into Reverie. With new combat mechanics like EX Chains and Cross Charge, Trails through Daybreak 2 looks to be a worthwhile follow-up. It’s out on February 14th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage

Despite Tape 2 being delayed to April, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is still set to debut Tape 1 on February 18th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The story jumps between 1995 and 2022 as protagonist Swann enjoys the Summer with best friends Nora, Autumn and Kat. Something dire occurs, however, resulting in the group breaking up and cutting off all communications…until 2022, when their secret comes back to haunt them. Much like DON’T NOD’s other narrative titles, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage promises choices that affect the story, multiple endings, and more than a few mysteries that we can’t wait to unravel.

Avowed

You wouldn’t have thought that this newest RPG would face this many delays, but it’s finally on track to launch on February 18th for PC and Xbox Series X/S. Though set in Eora, the story plays out in the Living Lands, where players control an Aedyr Empire envoy, seeking to stop the Dream Scourge from infesting the land.

Things become complicated when multiple factions come into play, but you’ll have the freedom to find your own way, approaching quests in different ways and recruiting allies to your cause. Avowed is certainly a dark horse compared to all the other titles coming soon, but it could stand out if the writing, combat, and quest design hold up.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s newest spin-off asks an important question: Would Goro Majima not be a manic knife-wielding fighter with a heart of gold if he lost his memory? The answer is no, and he also becomes a captain of a ship and crew for good measure. Spanning various islands, including Honolulu from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yazuka in Hawaii packs new combat mechanics (including jumping attacks), naval combat, crew management, and much more into one massive experience.

And even with all the over-the-top elements, RGG Studio promises an emotional story like previous games. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii arrives on February 21st for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Monster Hunter Wilds

After years of waiting for a true follow-up to Monster Hunter World, the series is finally delivering with Monster Hunter Wilds. Players travel to the Forbidden Lands this time around with new biomes, endemic life and monsters to hunt. Seamless traversal between locales is the biggest change alongside herds and dynamic weather, which morphs the landscape.

Further adding to this free-flowing approach is the ability to set up camp anywhere and start quests without returning to base. The Focus system allows for finer aiming with attacks, while Focus Strikes allow for extra damage when inflicting Wounds on monsters. Whether you’re new to the franchise or poured thousands of hours into World over the years, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be an unforgettable hunting adventure when it launches on February 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

PGA Tour 2K25

What more could you want in a month packed with role-playing games? A new PGA Tour, apparently. Launching on February 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, PGA Tour 2K25 promises the most immersive MyCareer mode with MyPlayer customization leveraging new Attribute Points and equipment progression. New tournaments like the US Open and PGA Championship debut while seasons promise regular content (that too without expiring, at long last). Between designing courses, experimenting with new shot types, and more, PGA Tour 2K25 could be a decent palate cleanser in this month of blockbusters.

Project Tachyon

The year has already started pretty strong for side-scrolling platformers with Blade Chimera and Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. Studio N9 seemingly looks to continue that trend with Project Tachyon, a run-and-gun action title with rogue-lite mechanics. As agent Sigma, players venture back in time to halt a nuclear fallout. Armed with ranged and melee weapons, you’ll take on hordes of enemies while selecting from 200+ genes to enhance your abilities (though malicious genes can also pop up and cause harmful effects). With the freedom to select your route, unlock and upgrade weapons, and uncover more about the narrative, Project Tachyon looks like it could be a solid rogue-lite addition.

Rift of the NecroDancer

From dungeon crawling to the beat to a more traditional but still action-heavy rhythm title, Rift of the NecroDancer sees Cadence eliminating monsters on a beatmap. Discovering their unique properties and eliminating them with the right timing is key, and there are more than 30 tracks to groove to. Those seeking a challenge can ramp up the difficulty to Impossible (which, despite the naming, isn’t completely impossible).

There’s even Remix Mode, which concocts a new beatmap when playing a song and daily challenges to compete in for daily leaderboards. Rift of the NecroDancer arrives on February 5th for PC, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for later.

However, hitting a launch this year would have meant crunching for polish and bug fixing. “Here at Brace Yourself Games, we’re all about a sustainable groove, not the grind. We believe in making awesome games without sacrificing our team’s well-being.”

The developer also shared what it’s been working on for the past year, including the addition of Impossible difficulty (which it’s tuning to ensure that it’s “not actually impossible”). There are also more Rhythm Rift beat maps, readability for off-beat monsters, a revamp of the level editing tool, Daily Challenges, further fleshing out Remix Mode, improvements to tutorials and Practice Mode, and more.

Background visualizers have been added to Rhythm Rifts for more “visual variety,” while Story Mode and bosses have received a “total facelift.” It’s also addressed most of the “high-impact bugs.”

Stay tuned for updates on Rift of the NecroDancer in the coming months. The free demo is still available to try out – head here for more details.

The free demo offers a tutorial and three songs – Disco Disaster by Danny Baranowsky, Amalgamaniac by Alex Moukala, and RAVEVENGE ft. Aram Zero by Alex Moukala. Each has three difficulties – Easy, Medium and Hard – to test one’s skills against.

Rift of the NecroDancer is out this year for Nintendo Switch and PC, featuring even more songs, Daily Challenge leaderboards and Expert difficulty on top of the previous three. It also supports custom music and mods, while mini-games and Remix Mode – which mixes up its monsters with procedurally generated patterns – add to the replay value. Stay tuned for more details on a release date in the coming months.

Surprise! From now until June 27th, try a FREE DEMO of Rift of the NecroDancer on Steam during #KleiFest2024! 🎸

Leaderboards are enabled, so see how you stack up globally!

Download the demo: https://t.co/hLefq8sWVu pic.twitter.com/3wOdnLEq1z

— Crypt / Rift of the NecroDancer (@NecroDancerGame) June 20, 2024

While the game is “in good shape” currently, Brace Yourself wants to take more time to “make it really SING” and will also add more Rhythm Rifts. It also confirmed their trust in Klei and that their support provides the additional time required to complete the game. As for when fans can expect a new release date, the developer hopes to have an update after the Holidays.

In the meantime, you can expect more details, including other musicians involved in the project. There will also be a free demo in a forthcoming Steam Next Fest and a new one at PAX West (from September 1st to 4th).

Rift of the NecroDancer is coming to Nintendo Switch and PC. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

https://twitter.com/NecroDancerGame/status/1691157759037968384

https://twitter.com/NecroDancerGame/status/1691157761957203968

Q: Why Klei?

A: @klei originally published Crypt of the NecroDancer, and we trust them with our lives. For real. Like 10/10. ❤️ Their support is giving us that extra time we need to get Rift to the finish line. 3/6 pic.twitter.com/DvLnmNtyuv

— Crypt of the NecroDancer: SYNCHRONY OUT NOW! (@NecroDancerGame) August 14, 2023

https://twitter.com/NecroDancerGame/status/1691157766738710530

https://twitter.com/NecroDancerGame/status/1691157768127062016

Crystal Savin has revealed that she was laid off from the studio after working there for only four months. Savin has also revealed that the studio has cut its staff by around 50%.

The studio had announced its next project—Rift of the NecroDancer—back in April. In a departure from its dungeon crawling roots, the upcoming title focuses more on lane-based combat and storytelling.

The game was first unveiled alongside a DLC that was released for the original Crypt of the NecroDancer, which among other things, brought 8-player multiplayer to the game, and three new playable characters.

Rift of the NecroDancer doesn’t yet have a release date aside from a 2023 release window. It is slated for release on PC and Nintendo Switch.

https://twitter.com/Cryssylol/status/1659600037461250048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1659600037461250048%7Ctwgr%5E1f6fe23c708b62243bb550c29648507295184feb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Farticles%2Fcadence-of-hyrule-developer-reportedly-lays-off-workers%2F1100-6514396%2F

Rift of the NecroDancer will feature different monsters to fight, with each enemy having different attack patterns and rhythms. It will also feature boss fights, as well as special mini games for its five character storylines.

Rift of the NecroDancer was originally announced back in August 2022, and at the time was believed to be a sequel to rhythm-based dungeon crawler Crypt of the NecroDancer. Alongside Rift of the NecroDancer, Brace Yourself Games had also unveiled a major update for Crypt of the NecroDancer.

Rift of the NecroDancer doesn’t yet have a release date aside from a vague 2023 release window. The game is slated to release on PC and Nintendo Switch.