Since the franchise’s introduction in 2012, the Theatrhythm video games have masterfully capitalized on the Final Fantasy sequence’ unbelievable soundtracks. Using a gameplay system that is approachable but deceptively difficult, whereas additionally mixing iconic scenes from previous video games within the background, the video games act as a playable portfolio of FF’s most memorable moments. Final Bar Line is alleged to be the ultimate sport within the Theatrhythm sequence, at the very least for some time, and if that is true, it is an unbelievable last act.Theatrhythm Final Bar Line presents 385 music tracks from throughout the Final Fantasy spectrum, with a wholesome combination of fan favorites and deep cuts unfold out throughout 29 totally different classes. After choosing a track, gamers will press buttons alongside to its rhythm by way of three varieties of notes: pink, which requires a single button press; yellow, the place a button press is paired with flicking the joystick in a delegated course; and inexperienced, which should be held for so long as the inexperienced bar is current.This site visitors light-esque system sounds easy, however it may be downright devilish in apply, particularly on larger problem ranges. Keying in on which elements of the track the notes are similar to will be robust, particularly with compositions as advanced as what longtime composer Nobuo Uematsu and his friends have devised over time. That mentioned, it is nonetheless immensely enjoyable having the ability to work together with these iconic songs on this approach, as I discovered my entire physique transferring to the beat whereas I tapped alongside on the controller.There’s one small foible about these notes that I have to point out, because it’s simply what’s given me probably the most trouble–not solely within the sport, however all through the complete franchise. During a inexperienced observe, when the top of the strip is reached, the button should be launched in rhythm with the track as nicely, and the timing of the discharge impacts your observe streak. I’ve misplaced extra streaks to this than the rest, just because my mind is tricked into considering I’m supposed to carry the observe till the following observe hits. It’s a novel little mechanic that ups the problem, but in addition ups the frustration till it begins to really feel extra pure.Theatrhythm Final Bar LineGallery To say that the 385-song library of Final Bar Line is in depth is an understatement. The best hits from the sequence are here–Zanarkand, a number of variations of One Winged Angel, Melodies Of Life, and so on.–but there are some sudden tracks that do a beautiful job of exploring the total breadth of Final Fantasy’s portfolio. There’s a monitor from The Star Onions, a band created by composer Naoshi Mizuta that strictly covers FFXI music. There are additionally a couple of songs from the electronica remix albums SQ Chips and More SQ. Even a pair of FFVII preparations featured in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate–Cosmo Canyon by Yoko Shimomura and Aerith’s Theme from Keichii Okabe–are right here. This is an anthology of music not often seen in a single place, and having all of those nice tracks collectively is far appreciated.Each track suits into one in all three totally different codecs, or what the sport refers to as “Music Sequences.” The first is Battle, the place every observe seems in one in all 4 totally different static rows on-screen. I discovered Battles to be the best of the three units, as despite the fact that notes had been coming rapidly from left to proper, I used to be capable of give attention to the goal space and time my presses to them extra effectively than the opposite Sequences. For veterans of rhythm-based video games, Battle Music Sequences felt like Guitar Hero or Rock Band to me, and that familiarity helped out in the long term.Event Music Sequences flip the rows from horizontal to vertical, with notes approaching from the highest of the display whereas scenes ripped proper from the supply materials play within the background. Where Battle felt like Guitar Hero, Event’s new format seems probably the most like these basic rhythm video games. This is a change from earlier Theatrhythm video games, the place the notes used to scatter across the display so I might faucet and watch on the similar time. I can nonetheless watch the scene because the notes fall, nevertheless, the vertical motion felt off regardless of how acquainted it appeared, and I discovered myself lacking notes extra usually right here than in Battle. I perceive the concept behind the change, however I want Event Music Sequences had saved the distinctive scattered notes motif of earlier video games.Field Music Sequences return to horizontal notes, however this mode additionally incorporates sliding inexperienced notes, the place gamers should maintain the joystick up or right down to hit the little dots contained in the inexperienced strip. I believe many will develop a love/hate relationship with this format, because the sliding can flip even the slowest and most melodically easy monitor right into a problem. Of all three codecs, this was the one which brought on probably the most restarts, because the sliding goal brought on extra confusion for me than the opposite modes’ static rows. I did finally wrap my head round it, and when that occurred it was marvelous, however the studying curve is larger than the opposite modes.Most of Theatrhythm’s songs should be unlocked, and that occurs within the Series Quest mode. Here, a celebration of 4 characters will stroll by every sport’s story by way of its music, whereas additionally showcasing the vital moments in every sport. As extra video games are unlocked by way of Series Keys earned throughout the playthrough, extra characters will be unlocked for the get together. Completing songs earns expertise factors for every member of the get together, and leveling up earns new talents for these characters as nicely. Completing a particular goal in every track additionally unlocks a CollectaCard, which provides entry to screenshots and different gadgets within the Museum mode.Theatrhythm Final Bar LineGallery While customizing a celebration and outfitting them with particular talents is cool, it would not add a lot to the general expertise. My focus is on tapping notes and listening to music, so the get together touring by a city and combating the occasional monster is ancillary at greatest and flat-out distracting at worst. Sure, the injury my get together offers will increase as I do higher within the track, and my misses trigger injury to be dealt to the staff, however with the fights occurring away from the targets I can not actually take note of the motion. I get that one thing needs to be occurring within the background, and I respect the sunshine RPG components each hearkening again to the supply materials, however do not anticipate the influence on general gameplay to be greater than serving to you full optionally available quests. That being mentioned, watching Squall, Auron, Sephiroth, and Ramza from Final Fantasy Tactics staff up is neat in any context.When Series Quests are completed, each unlocked track will be performed once more within the Music Stages record. Custom playlists will be created and performed with out pause from begin to end, which opens up much more methods to problem your self. The different major gameplay mode is Multi Battles, the place as much as 4 gamers play by a track and compete for prime scores, however the core gameplay would not see any main adjustments. These modes, whereas pleasant, contain enjoying the identical songs as these within the Series Quests, so they do not add a lot to the sport outdoors of various methods to expertise the identical music.Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is the apex of the Theatrhythm spin-off franchise. Its huge and diverse library of music is a nostalgic thrill, the gameplay is approachable whereas providing loads of problem, and the sprinkling of RPG components like get together customization affords a private touch–even if that contact is not tremendous impactful. There’s one thing right here for everybody, from the staunchest Final Fantasy fan to the one who solely is aware of Cloud and Sephiroth from Smash Bros. There are a couple of minor missteps alongside the way in which, however none of them create any main malfunctions within the expertise. Simply put, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a master-class symphony of enjoyable and nostalgia, and it’s a sport worthy of the music library it options.