The unique Theatrhythm Remaining Fantasy is a recreation that’s at all times been close to and expensive to my coronary heart. Upon launch I used to be captivated by the charming character design and the breadth of songs accessible that spanned the size of the Remaining Fantasy sequence accessible on the time. Then got here Curtain Name and I acquired to expertise the whimsical formulation once more, albeit with much more tracks to select from together with Remaining Fantasy XIV, which was simply discovering its ft on the time.
Then got here Theatrhythm Dragon Quest and even an arcade model of the Remaining Fantasy one. It appeared like Sq. Enix was eager on carving out their very own little area of interest on this style – even when these titles by no means left Japan. The latter got here out in 2016 and after that? Effectively, there actually was nothing. The Kingdom Hearts-themed Melody of Reminiscence doesn’t actually matter because it’s a special format for probably the most half. The query then remained – was there until a spot for the Theatrhythm sequence?
Practically a decade after the discharge of Curtain Name, the final correct “Theatrhythm Remaining Fantasy” title, we lastly have our reply. Sq. Enix returned to the stage with an announcement final 12 months heralding the return of the sequence with the purpose of bringing it past Remaining Fantasy and its earlier handheld platforms. Armed with high-definition visuals and a wealth of tracks from a wide array of Sq. Enix RPGs, Theatrhythm Remaining Bar Line is right here to make an enormous splash on each PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Change for long-time followers and newcomers alike.
At first look, Theatrhythm Remaining Bar Line would possibly appear to be it’s simply extra of the identical, however fortuitously that isn’t the case. There’s quite a bit to unpack right here apart from the core rhythm gameplay and it’s these further options that actually make Remaining Bar Line value taking part in. Not solely do they offer you extra issues to do however they actually spotlight Sq. Enix’s RPG making roots and as a celebration of types for Remaining Fantasy and others like NieR and SaGa in upcoming downloadable content material, it’s particularly necessary.
The primary gameplay loop in Remaining Bar Line may have you taking part in by means of a big number of songs by means of three problem modes and unlockable content material as you press buttons to match up with triggers all through every observe stage. These triggers are all framed by completely different inputs together with urgent a button, shifting the analogue stick in a sure course, holding a button and letting go after its length, after which a mix of that with the analogue stick on the finish. While just like earlier outings, Remaining Bar Line does take some getting used to on the controller – I discovered myself having to take a while to actually get into the fitting groove for the slide triggers to work with me on sure phases. It took a bit of extra finesse in comparison with the extra exact management I felt was current on the 3DS contact display screen within the older video games.
These triggers will likely be your primary barrier with regards to the problem ranges. Beginning with Fundamental is there for newcomers and as you get extra snug you’ll be able to ratchet it up additional to Professional or Final. A very good chunk of songs actually have a Supreme problem that’ll actually push your buttons, for those who get pleasure from a little bit of frustration and tough button urgent.
Breaking down the gameplay loop additional, Remaining Bar Line brings again the varied music phases the Theatrhythm sequence is thought for. These embrace the Battle, Discipline, and Occasion Music Phases – the 2 former of which may have you battling enemies together with your customized social gathering in time with the music. Occasion phases change the format by using footage from their respective video games.
When you’re previous the tutorial, Remaining Bar Line will open up and also you’ll be capable to unlock every set of songs with particular keys. By deciding on the Sequence Quest recreation mode, you’ll launch into gathering songs and characters throughout 29 titles within the base recreation– gathering each as you open new pathways. Every title, for instance, Remaining Fantasy VII, has a number of tracks to play by means of the place you’ll enterprise by means of a map, fulfill sure quest necessities and ultimately have the capability to unlock extra songs by finishing every stage together with regular enemies and boss fights. The draw back to that is you begin with solely a restricted quantity on the outset, so select which recreation you’d prefer to dive into first properly. I assumed it was a bit restricted in that respect – clearly they need you to spend extra time with the sport however having a minimum of a small number of songs accessible for every title initially would have gone a good distance quite than the full-on gating mechanic.
When you’ve unlocked a set of tracks, you’ll be able to go on to Music Phases off the principle menu for those who’d quite simply play the songs with out the added questing. The primary menu additionally provides a Multi Battle mode, in which you’ll check your rhythm abilities on-line. To play, merely create a room or be a part of one from a good friend – it’s comparatively easy to get into, which gels with Remaining Bar Line’s pick-up-and-play aesthetic.
All of that is wrapped up in a colourful package deal that defines the look of Theatrhythm Remaining Bar Line. The tremendous deformed stylized characters are again and standout whereas on the identical time making a uniform search for the large solid. As you’re employed by means of unlocking every recreation observe set, you’ll acquire extra characters to be used in your social gathering. Combine and match whoever you please, there’s no limitations to your creativeness. Additional customization comes by means of including objects, which may be useful in a pinch for those who miss triggers in the course of the rhythm gameplay. These RPG components are welcome and the extent of freedom to have the group I needed was a recreation inside itself – there’s simply so many acquainted characters to select from and also you’ll spend quite a lot of time doing simply that.
After all, these items wouldn’t go anyplace with out the actual star of the present: the music. Remaining Bar Line has near 400 songs – it’s really huge and is ever rising with the discharge of downloadable content material. Every observe performs simply as you would possibly bear in mind from their unique recreation, although generally in a truncated model. It’s this caveat that has me scratching my head a bit. Certainly with the expanded {hardware} capability of the PS4 and even the Change model, we might have gotten a bit of extra leeway on observe size. It’s particularly jarring with songs like FFXIV’s “Solutions” that cuts out the complete first and final verses.
These are all minor issues, in fact. Theatrhythm Remaining Bar Line is polished to the brim and equally filled with aforementioned content material. For those who’re a music fan of Remaining Fantasy and even Sq. Enix’s different video games, you’d be greater than at dwelling giving this one a go. Even for those who’re not probably the most expert rhythm recreation participant, the Fundamental mode is forgiving sufficient and the breadth of songs and visuals are sufficient to hold the remainder of the burden. The little RPG components right here and there assist too – it’s actually the proper package deal and a grand return to type in the end for these trying to scratch that Theatrhythm itch.
Model Reviewed: PlayStation 4
Disclaimer: Assessment code offered by the writer Sq. Enix.