If you game a lot, you probably have a closet (or closets) full of gear that have outlived their primes. Thankfully, Crypt of the NecroDancer is a great reason to unfold that Dance Dance Revolution pad once again.

Crypt of the NecroDancer, on display at PAX over the weekend, is a rhythm-based game in which users explore dungeons and battle monsters. The twist? You can only move your character by moving it in time with game's music (your enemies move to the rhythm as well).

Gamers played with a high-quality Dance Dance Revolution pad, hitting direction pads in time with the rhythm. Programmer Ryan Clark said players can also play with a mouse and keyboard or gamepad.

Clark aimed to create a more accessible roguelike, a game genre characterized for its difficulty, randomized levels and permanent death.

"I was inspired by Spelunky, a game that is really hard but you can still improve. If you die, you still know it was your fault," Clark said. "When you die in an older roguelike like Rogue, you might die because the game is simply unfair."

Of course, a music-based game should include a great soundtrack. Danny Baranowsky, who is responsible for the tunes in Crypt of the NecroDancer, also created music for Canabalt, Super Meat Boy, and The Binding of Isaac.

Players can use their own MP3s to create the soundtrack, Clark said, changing the tone of the game how they see fit.

Crypt of the NecroDancer will be available on PCs and Macs through Steam later this year.

Bonus: See More Photos From PAX

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