PGC NEWS

The gaming world has been abuzz with Square Enix’s latest release, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. Arriving amidst a flurry of mixed reactions to other recent titles, this rhythm game promises a nostalgic trip through the musical landscape of the Final Fantasy series. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

A Love Letter to Final Fantasy Fans

Final Fantasy games have a rich history, sparking debates about gameplay and storylines. Yet, one element consistently receives praise: the music. From the legendary Nobuo Uematsu to Yoko Shimomura and Masayoshi Soken, the franchise boasts a diverse and iconic musical catalog. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line celebrates this legacy with nearly 400 tracks, spanning mainline titles, spin-offs like Crisis Core, and even the remake of Final Fantasy VII.

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This game isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a curated experience. The track selection and presentation for each game reflect its narrative arc. For instance, Final Fantasy VI‘s progression begins with “Terra’s Theme” and moves through key moments like battles in the World of Balance and the Floating Continent. Similarly, Final Fantasy XIV lets you choose your starting city, mirroring the original game’s opening.

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The visuals further enhance this narrative connection. “Force Your Way” from Final Fantasy VIII features the iconic battle against Ifrit. The Final Fantasy XIV raid music “Promise to Keep” throws you against a series of primals. These details create a powerful sense of nostalgia, allowing players to relive cherished memories.

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Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is more than a love letter; it’s an entire album of them, dedicated to every Final Fantasy fan. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or a newcomer, there’s something here for everyone.

Addictive Gameplay

Beyond its impressive soundtrack, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line offers engaging gameplay reminiscent of its 3DS predecessor, Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Curtain Call. Players hit buttons in time with on-screen prompts, using a combination of single presses, holds, releases, and directional inputs.

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While touchscreen controls are absent, the Switch’s diverse button layout and dual analog sticks allow for more complex inputs. The game offers flexibility in button mapping, allowing players to customize their experience.

Three main modes provide variety: Field Music Stages for exploration themes, Battle Music Stages for iconic combat tracks, and Event Music Stages showcasing key cutscenes with accompanying music.

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Unlocking Endless World mode introduces a randomized song selection with increasing difficulty, providing a constant challenge and a fresh musical journey.

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The game’s addictive nature is undeniable. Whether chasing perfect chains, unlocking favorite characters, or simply revisiting beloved tracks, there’s always a reason to return.

Accessible to All

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line caters to players of all skill levels. Four difficulty settings, from Basic to Supreme, accommodate casual listeners and hardcore rhythm game enthusiasts alike. Two control schemes, Standard and Simple, offer further customization.

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For the truly dedicated, options to increase the scrolling speed and obscure the screen provide an even greater challenge. The inclusion of a co-op mode, using a single Joy-Con per player, adds a fun social element.

Room for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line isn’t without its flaws. Several iconic tracks are locked behind the Deluxe Edition or DLC, which might disappoint hardcore fans. While the vast library offers plenty of content, some notable omissions and shortened versions of certain songs are noticeable.

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The added RPG elements, while potentially interesting, feel somewhat superfluous. Collecting characters and leveling them up to complete in-game challenges doesn’t add much to the core rhythm gameplay.

Conclusion

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a delightful celebration of Final Fantasy music. Its addictive gameplay, diverse tracklist, and accessible difficulty options make it a must-have for fans and rhythm game enthusiasts. While some minor shortcomings exist, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.