Theatrhythm Final Bar Line combines the music from Square Enix’s role-playing games with a pretty hardcore rhythm game with a dash of RPG elements to deliver an addictive game. I never danced as much while holding a controller and I’m certainly not known to be a dancer…
Long in the making
Back in 2012, the 3DS saw the release of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. This rhythm game used Final Fantasy music and some clever use of the 3DS’s stylus to score a moderate hit. A direct sequel was released with the tagline Curtain Call and another one but this time centered around Dragon Quest music instead a few years later. 2015 was the last time you heard about these games. I remember having the second one but I can’t really remember if I actually enjoyed it much. Most rhythm games on the 3DS were mediocre at best – and I played a lot of them being a huge rhythm game fan.
A few years later I stumbled upon Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival in an arcade and remembered loving it. It used way more different inputs to follow along with the songs and made creative use of sliders to complement the motion of rising or descending notes. I remember this version of the game was way better than the console version. Another thing I remembered was the difficulty. The game was no joke and took the rhythm genre seriously. For some reason, 2023 seemed the perfect year to revive the series again. This time Nintendo Switch and Playstation owners can both enjoy the game. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line uses the mechanics of the arcade version to deliver a vastly superior version to the ones originally on the 3DS.
Music from all around
The good news is that Theatrhythm Final Bar Line has almost all the Final Fantasy music the previous entries had along with the music from the newer entries in the series. Final Fantasy VII remake, Final Fantasy XV but also music from the Dissidia games are included in this game. You might’ve noticed the game title does not make direct reference to Final Fantasy. The larger part of the game does revolve around the main Final Fantasy series but this time they expanded a lot. Music from the Mana series, the Chrono series, the SaGa frontier, and many more is (or will be through DLC) included.
Gameplay
You start by picking 4 characters from the series (some have to be unlocked through collecting keys) and picking a starter title from the ones available from the start. You go through the “game title” through some key music pieces from the game in the form of a music battle. During the music battle, you’ll need to hit the scrolling “notes” in time with the music in order to perform attacks/special moves/summons/… in the scene playing out below the “note chart”. Choosing a well-mixed party with attackers, healers, defenders, … can give you more chances of racking in the big points. These small RPG elements are nothing to worry about if you only want to play the music battles. They are certainly not the focus and just add something extra.
Hard
I like my rhythm games – preferably with peripherals – as precise as possible. I’m a working musician myself and it can really bother me if the input or the used “note charts” are a bit off. Nothing of that kind in this title. These are well-thought-out note charts with a lot of variety. The music sounds crystal clear with an added boost to the bass – a nice addition lacking in some of the original versions. The input seems spot on. Every mistake made was a mistake I made because I was lacking precision and I no way the game’s fault. With everything so well calibrated it feels awesome to get things right because you know it’s all you. Playing a stage multiple times to get that “SSS” tier score is something I truly adore in these types of games.
Content for days
The amount of music available (or unlockable) from the start will make it clear this game will keep your rhythm game needs satisfied for quite some time. With 2 player modes, versus modes, and online gameplay available you’ll have plenty to do. With all the DLC already announced it’s safe to say this game could keep you coming back for years to come.
Conclusion
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is an original take on the rhythm game using the more “hardcore” note charts you might have seen in more Japan/Asian-centred games. Novices will find enjoyment in this title on the easy levels. Those seeking challenges and wanting to go to the next level will require a great deal of stamina and concentration. Bragging rights are sure to be yours if you succeed. Ow… and don’t forget to dance… but I’m sure you will.
