Crypt of the NecroDancer: SYNCHRONY Review Summary

Excellent online multiplayer and unique characters with visual improvements are let down by insufficient content, unbalanced new characters, and paywalled mods and multiplayer.

Excellent online multiplayer: The addition of online multiplayer is widely celebrated, with players highlighting seamless cross-platform play, co-op modes, and support for up to 8 players with chat.

Unique new characters: Players love the three new characters introduced in the DLC, praising their uniqueness, fun factor, and diverse playstyles that add variety to the game.

Mod support appreciated: Mod support is recognized as a high-effort inclusion that extends the game's longevity, with players acknowledging its value alongside the online multiplayer features.

Klarinetta character praised: The character Klarinetta is especially popular for being both easy to learn and fun to play, standing out among the new additions.

Visual improvements noted: Visual refinements, such as equipment appearing on character models, are appreciated for adding polish and immersion to the game.

Insufficient content for price: Many players feel the DLC offers too little content compared to its price, especially when compared to the previous DLC Amplified. It lacks new levels, story, enemies, and music.

New characters unbalanced and frustrating: Several new characters are described as having frustrating mechanics, such as possessing enemies with low health, weird modifiers, or imbalanced starting gear. They are considered unusable or unfun.

Mod and multiplayer paywalled: Multiple reviews strongly criticize that online multiplayer and mod support are locked behind a paid DLC. They express that these features should be part of the base game.

Early access concerns about content: The DLC is still in early access, and players are uncertain about future content. Some feel the developers may not add more, and there have been no updates for a long time.

UI and translation issues: There are reports of missing text in Simplified Chinese, poor Japanese translation, and pixel font readability issues. These affect the user experience.

Three new characters: Three new characters with unique traits and playstyles are added. These include Suzu with a dash attack, Klarineta with a diagonal sword, and a ghost mage with possession mechanics.

Character-specific mechanics: Each new character has unique mechanics, such as Suzu's dash attack, Klarineta's diagonal sword, and the ghost mage's possession. These add variety to gameplay.

New game modes: New modes including co-op, competitive, and PVP with random items and monsters are added. Split screen and online co-op options are available.

New items and equipment: New items, equipment including shields, traps, enemies, and weapons like a trident and an axe are introduced. New spells and enchantments also appear.

Rhythm-based combat: The game is a rhythm-based dungeon crawler with character-specific mechanics. Combat is synchronized with music and rhythm.

Optimization, Stability, and Performance: Positive feedback highlights smooth performance, instant loading, and good optimization. However, crashes can occur under extreme player actions in large lobbies, indicating a potential edge-case stability issue.

Online vs Local Stability: Players note that online connection stability is better than local co-op, implying local multiplayer may have more frequent issues.

Highly worth the price: Players consistently say the DLC is worth buying, offering good value for the cost. It is praised as worth every cent and a great deal.

Recommended with multiplayer focus: The DLC is especially recommended if you plan to play online multiplayer with friends. It provides a solid co-op experience.

Enhances base game experience: The DLC adds enjoyment and prolongs gameplay for players who liked the original. It is considered a good addition that improves the base game.

Amplified DLC preferred: A few players felt the Amplified DLC offers better value or should be prioritized over this one. Both DLCs are said to work well together.

Community fair range: $8.00 - $18.00.

The DLC's main draw—online multiplayer with friends—provides immediate fun for existing players but is inaccessible or unenjoyable for newcomers due to paywall, dead multiplayer, and need for prior game knowledge.

Friction: paywall for multiplayer and modding features; lack of active player base in multiplayer; required familiarity with base game for enjoyment.

Unlock drivers: playing co-op or versus with friends; modding tools and community content; new characters and items.

Multiplayer Co-op Enthusiast: Engages in online co-op or versus modes, often scheduling sessions with friends or joining community lobbies. Motivation: Social play with friends through online cooperative or competitive multiplayer. Stance: buy.

Solo Purity Seeker: Plays alone, avoids multiplayer and mods, may try new characters but dismisses DLC if core additions are social. Motivation: Solo mastery and personal challenge within the base game's singleplayer content. Stance: no buy.

Modding and Community Revivalist: Uses the modding portal, explores or creates mods, participates in community events, and appreciates the DLC as a foundation for extended play. Motivation: Creative expression and community engagement through modding and custom content. Stance: buy.

Monetization: User feedback focuses on the decision to lock online multiplayer and mod support behind a paid DLC, which some consider a poor practice. However, the DLC itself is generally well-received for its content. The monetization model is standard DLC sales without in-game microtransactions, and the base game remains a one-time purchase. Therefore, predatory monetization is not present.