Theatrhythm Final Fantasy – Game Review
The Final Fantasy series stands among the extremely short list of game franchises that seemingly never misses in terms of the soundtrack they use. Apart from the excellent stories and truly engaging gameplay, Final Fantasy is famous for the music it uses to accompany each series entrant. From epic orchestras to invigorating jazz music, Square Enix has the music side of things in check most of the time. Perhaps on par—or even more so—than Atlus. And believe me, that is saying something! The music of Final Fantasy resonates so much with gamers worldwide, both past and present, that a game seemingly exists solely to celebrate it. Hence, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, a rhythm-based music game developed by “indieszero,” takes players on a journey through the iconic tunes of the Final Fantasy series. With its unique blend of rhythm gameplay and nostalgic charm, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy offers a magical experience that will delight gamers unlike no other. Join us as we dive into the world of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. In this game review, let us explore its interesting blend of rhythm and RPG elements.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy – How it Plays
At its core, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a rhythm game that challenges players to tap and swipe in time with the music. However, it goes beyond the typical rhythm game formula by mixing elements from traditional RPGs. The game presents three main modes: Series, Challenge, and Chaos Shrine, each offering a unique experience.
Series Mode
In the Series mode, players embark on a nostalgic journey through the main Final Fantasy games. Players assemble a party of beloved Final Fantasy characters, each with unique abilities to offer. After that, they embark on a quest to restore the music crystals that have been destroyed by Chaos.
The gameplay of Series mode is then further divided into three main modes. Field Music Stages, Battle Music Stages, and Event Music Stages. Let us briefly discuss each of them here:
- Field Music Stages
In Field Music Stages, players guide their party across a vibrant world map, timing their taps and swipes to the rhythm of the music while collecting items and avoiding obstacles.
- Battle Music Stages
Battle Music Stages, on the other hand, bring the excitement of Final Fantasy battles to life. Here, players engage in rhythmic battles against familiar foes using a combination of taps, holds, and swipes.
- Event Music Stages
Lastly, Event Music Stages allow players to relive memorable moments from the series by watching beautifully animated scenes accompanied by iconic compositions.
Challenge Mode
Challenge mode offers a more fast and more competitive experience. Here, players engage in individual songs and strive for high scores and leaderboard rankings. With varying difficulty levels, this mode caters to both casual players seeking a rhythmic challenge and hardcore enthusiasts aiming for the best score possible.
The Chaos Shrine
The Chaos Shrine, unlocked by fulfilling certain conditions, presents a unique and unpredictable gameplay experience. It blends elements from the Series and Challenge modes, featuring randomly generated sequences of songs and encounters. This mode offers a great twist for players seeking extra excitement and replayability.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy – The Presentation
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy shines in its presentation, giving a visual feast for fans of the series. The game adopts a charming chibi art style, featuring adorable renditions of Final Fantasy characters. The beautifully designed stages, vibrant colors, and detailed backgrounds pay homage to the various environments and themes of the series. Additionally, the addition of iconic moments from each game, presented as Event sequences, immerses players in a wave of nostalgia. The development team’s attention to detail in capturing the essence of Final Fantasy’s visuals is commendable.
Undoubtedly, the soul of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy lies within its exceptional musical scores. The game has a vast collection of tracks from the Final Fantasy series, spanning over three decades of memorable compositions. From the iconic opening theme of the original Final Fantasy to the epic battle themes of later entries, the game provides an unparalleled auditory experience for fans.
The sound design is equally impressive, with every note, beat, and instrument blending seamlessly to create a captivating rhythm experience. The game offers multiple audio options, allowing players to choose between original chiptune renditions or updated arrangements, each showcasing the evolution of Final Fantasy’s music over time. The perfect synchronization between gameplay and audio elevates the immersion and reinforces the emotional connection to the series.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy – Extra Features
The presentation of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is truly impressive, providing a visually stunning experience that will delight fans of the series. The game adopts a cute chibi art style, presenting Final Fantasy characters in an adorable manner. The stages are neatly designed, with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds that pay tribute to the various environments and themes found in the series. Moreover, the inclusion of iconic moments from each game, presented as Event sequences, immerses players in a wave of nostalgia. The developers have shown great attention to detail in capturing the visual aesthetics that define Final Fantasy.
Without a doubt, the heart and soul of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy lie in its selection of music. The game offers a vast collection of tracks from the entire Final Fantasy series. It spans more than three decades of memorable compositions. From the instantly recognizable opening theme of the original Final Fantasy to the epic battle music of later installments, players are treated to an unmatched auditory experience that will leave a lasting impression on fans.
The sound design is equally remarkable. Each note, beat, and instrument blend together to create a rhythm experience you won’t soon forget. Additionally, the game provides various audio options. This allows players to choose between the original chiptune renditions or updated arrangements. Both selections showcase the evolution of Final Fantasy’s music over time. The perfect synchronization between gameplay and audio enhances the immersion and heightens the emotional connection to the series.
A Dose of Nostalgia and Excellent Music
One of the game’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Especially among long-time fans of the series. It features a vast selection of tracks from the main Final Fantasy titles. This includes the iconic “Terra’s Theme” from Final Fantasy VI and the epic “One-Winged Angel” from Final Fantasy VII. Indeed, each song is arranged to capture the essence of the original while breathing new life into the melodies. Take note, these are only a few samples of the 385 carefully selected music throughout the whole Final Fantasy series that will undoubtedly, strike a chord in your heartstrings.
Conclusion
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a celebration of the beloved Final Fantasy’s music and legacy. With its excellent gameplay, nostalgic tribute to the series’ iconic tracks, interesting systems, and multiplayer fun, it offers a unique and immersive experience for both rhythm game and Final Fantasy fans. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newbie seeking an introduction to its world, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a great title that will leave you humming FF music long after you’ve set down the gamepad.
