When most people think about Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series, we are treated to what some might term as ‘peak JRPG’. We think of semi-memorable (usually moody) protagonists and sometimes questionable character designs, from infinite belts to improbable hair in all conceivable styles and colors. We think of turn-based battle mechanics, the hours spent leveling up, and the endless and confusing onslaught of spin-offs and sequels in spite of the series name.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy’s 2012 spin-off in 3DS form, places the series’ soundtrack front and center. As the name might suggest, Theatrhythm is a rhythm game, featuring soundtracks across all titles. In true Japanese arcade rhythm game fashion, players navigate gameplay using taps, holds, and breaks. On the 3DS, players can play to their preferences based on traditional button and joystick gameplay, or utilizing the 3DS's stylus and touchscreen. Players’ accuracy is rated as ‘critical’, ‘great’, ‘good’, ‘bad’, or ‘miss’, which impact grades at the end of each song, ranging from F to SSS. Though this version of Theatrhythm takes place on the handheld 3DS, a larger, cabinet version titled Theatrhythm All Star Carnival exists in Japanese arcades as well, with largely similar mechanics.
Adorned with pastel, cutified versions of Final Fantasy characters, Theatrhythm does not come across as a serious game at first. The characters are too rounded, too friendly-looking, as though Square Enix decided to create a watered-down version of its series to cater to preschoolers. Make no mistake, however – underestimating Theatrhythm will mire you in an endless hell of taps and holds.
Despite its cheery exterior and rhythm gameplay, Theatrhythm is still very much a Final Fantasy game. In Battle Music Mode, players assemble a party out of their favorite characters to fight their way through classic monsters and villains, from Cactuars to the ever-infuriating Tonberry. Though strict turn-based gameplay is traded for rhythm gameplay, each party member’s ‘turn’ to attack is indicated by the oncoming notes on their respective track.
Like previous Final Fantasy games, characters can utilize power ups in mid-battle. If enough successful breaks are achieved, Summons appear and demolish your opponents. At the end of each song, players receive item drops and XP for their party members, and as party members level up, they gain more abilities – much like your standard RPG. In doing so, however, attacks become synchronized with beats, forcing the player to tune into the ‘background’ music to initiate offensives.
What Theatrhythm presents is a rhythm game in the packaging of a Final Fantasy title. But more than that, it’s a loving tribute to the series’ soundtrack, centering gameplay upon the music that is so accustomed to taking its place in the background. Whether it’s to original 8-bit tracks or soaring orchestral remasters, combat gameplay no longer relies solely upon the player, but upon the player’s ability to work with the music. And while it is certainly advantageous to know tracks beforehand, it is by no means required. Even without knowing specific Final Fantasy titles, Theatrhythm invites the player to listen to the sounds that create the Final Fantasy experience, familiarizing the player with battle scores and travel music to create an audio rendition of each title’s world.
More than that, Theatrhythm becomes an intersection between the JRPG and rhythm game genres, opening up new doors to both sides. To the rhythm gamer, Theatrhythm offers an introduction to the Final Fantasy series in friendly packaging and familiar gameplay. To the JRPG gamer,Theatrhythm offers new rhythm gameplay in the well-known formatting of Final Fantasy. And to someone wholly unfamiliar with either, Theatrhythm offers a taste of both.
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