Theatrhythm Closing Fantasy rapidly grew to become one among my favourite Nintendo 3DS video games when it hit the system in 2012, as did the Curtain Name sequel two years later. These weren’t excellent rhythm video games, however they have been distinctive and utilized top-of-the-line compilations of online game scores in music historical past. The Closing Fantasy collection is particular to me for a lot of causes, and maybe chief amongst these is its music. That I ended up adoring the Theatrhythm collection on 3DS was no shock. I used to be stunned, although, to see writer Sq. Enix and developer indieszero announce Theatrhythm Closing Bar Line final September, with a launch date only a few months later, no much less.
I didn’t anticipate this collection to make a return, however I had all the time hoped it could, given its predecessor solely coated the franchise by 2014. There are lots of of recent, beloved tracks within the collection between Closing Fantasy XIV’s expansions, Closing Fantasy XV, Closing Fantasy 7 Remake, and different video games launched for the reason that final Theatrhythm. Closing Bar Line is including tracks from these titles and extra, together with different Sq. Enix video games through DLC like Reside A Reside (and its latest remake), the Nier collection, The World Ends With You, and Chrono Set off. And after taking part in by 30 of the sport’s songs in an advance preview of the demo that’s accessible for everybody beginning February 1, I can safely say Closing Bar Line is a must-play for me subsequent month.
Within the almost 10 years between the final sport and Closing Bar Line, not a lot has modified. The sequel retains the lovable, chibi artwork model of the primary, the identical sorts of stage codecs, and lots of the identical songs, which is nice; it labored in 2012 (and 2014) and it really works right here, too. One large distinction, although, is the best way you play Closing Bar Line. Theatrhythm’s horizontal music scroll that dictated when to hit beats was unusual, particularly given how fashionable vertical music scrolls have been because of the likes of Guitar Hero and Rock Band. However for the reason that video games utilized the 3DS’ sturdy contact display screen and stylus, the horizontal scroll labored properly, giving gamers a pleasant view of the battles and adventures happening to the tune of your beats. That horizontal scroll returns in Closing Bar Line, although it was extra awkward, at first, with out the identical contact display screen mechanics to get used to.
In my first few songs, I wasn’t certain I appreciated it. You’ll be able to hit the triggers or any of the 4 face buttons to “faucet” a beat on display screen, no matter word coloration or placement on the scroll’s 4 strains. When a beat with an arrow seems, although, you must use one of many analog sticks and slash it within the route proven. I rapidly obtained right into a rhythm of utilizing my left hand to deal with directional slashes and my proper hand to hit buttons for traditional notes. Then the problem superior, and I needed to hit two notes on the identical time rapidly adopted by directional slashes. I needed to reconfigure my playstyle in consequence, settling into utilizing my proper hand (and a face button) to deal with normal beats, my left hand on the left set off for twin normal beats, and my left thumb for directional slashes. And when a word has two instructions on it, I’d use my proper thumb on the identical time to deal with the second route. If this sounds odd, it’s. By the point I hit the one-hour mark in my 30-track preview, although, this felt pure, and I used to be even capable of begin tackling songs on the subsequent highest problem.
The presentation of discipline tracks and battle music levels are just like the primary sport – your 4 chosen characters, of which there are dozens to select from spanning many of the included video games, both waltz by a easy chibi-esque panorama or combat a chibi enemy from the chosen sport. It’s easy, and whereas I initially wished extra out of those scenes, I used to be quickly reminded that my focus could be on the horizontal scroll 99 p.c of the track and that I’d be watching the battles occur in my peripherals; which is to say the scenes that play out didn’t have an effect on my enjoyment a lot in both route. I’m excited to play by the particular music video tracks within the closing sport, which display screen iconic cinematics from Closing Fantasy titles, as I believe these will characteristic the visible flare I used to be lacking from the usual tracks.
Once you boot up the sport, a flashy Closing Fantasy thirty fifth Anniversary brand seems on display screen, and for good purpose; Closing Bar Line is a rhythm sport first, but additionally a celebratory museum for the collection’ iconic music, characters, and tales. As you sort out quests within the new Sequence Quests mode, which duties you with finishing aims like defeating a certain quantity of enemies or ending a stage with out taking a sure proportion of harm, you earn particular rewards. It may be an merchandise like a therapeutic potion or a Phoenix Down, however it can be a CollectaCard, which is added to your museum assortment. These playing cards depict idea artwork, in-game screens, enemies, characters, and extra, and there are multiple thousand to gather. It’s a pleasant contact that provides some premium nostalgia to Closing Bar Line’s Closing Fantasy celebration.
Within the Museum, you possibly can view your CollectaCard assortment, rewatch movies, hearken to tracks you’ve unlocked, and examine the feats you’ve accomplished. There’s a whole lot of Closing Fantasy historical past to eat right here, and completionists are possible in for dozens of hours of play to unlock every little thing.
This iteration of Theatrhythm, like those earlier than it, is nowhere close to one of the best rhythm sport, and amidst those on the market, it definitely performs as one of many weirdest. However what Closing Bar Line has that different rhythm video games don’t is entry to, for my cash, top-of-the-line catalogs of music in all of video games. Enjoying by greater than a dozen of Masashi Hamauzu’s good Closing Fantasy XIII tracks is a deal with sufficient; throw within the different 370-something tracks that might be within the closing sport, and I can’t await February 16.
You’ll be able to play the Theatrhythm Closing Bar Line demo, which options 30 songs and progress that carries over into the ultimate sport, on February 1.