For the reason that franchise’s introduction in 2012, the Theatrhythm video games have masterfully capitalized on the Last Fantasy collection’ unbelievable soundtracks. Utilizing 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. Last Bar Line is alleged to be the ultimate sport within the Theatrhythm collection, at the least for some time, and if that is true, it is an unbelievable last act.
Theatrhythm Last Bar Line presents 385 music tracks from throughout the Last Fantasy spectrum, with a wholesome combination of fan favorites and deep cuts unfold out throughout 29 totally different classes. After deciding on a tune, gamers will press buttons alongside to its rhythm through three sorts of notes: pink, which requires a single button press; yellow, the place a button press is paired with flicking the joystick in a delegated path; 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 issue ranges. Keying in on which components of the tune the notes are akin to could be powerful, particularly with compositions as complicated as what longtime composer Nobuo Uematsu and his friends have devised through the years. That mentioned, it is nonetheless immensely enjoyable with the ability to work together with these iconic songs on this approach, as I discovered my complete physique shifting to the beat whereas I tapped alongside on the controller.
There’s one small foible about these notes that I need to point out, because it’s simply what’s given me essentially the most trouble–not solely within the sport, however all through your complete franchise. Throughout a inexperienced observe, when the top of the strip is reached, the button should be launched in rhythm with the tune as nicely, and the timing of the discharge impacts your observe streak. I’ve misplaced extra streaks to this than anything, just because my mind is tricked into considering I am supposed to carry the observe till the subsequent observe hits. It is a novel little mechanic that ups the problem, but additionally ups the frustration till it begins to really feel extra pure.
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To say that the 385-song library of Last Bar Line is in depth is an understatement. The best hits from the collection are here–Zanarkand, a number of variations of One Winged Angel, Melodies Of Life, and so forth.–but there are some sudden tracks that do an exquisite job of exploring the complete breadth of Last Fantasy’s portfolio. There is 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 Extra SQ. Even a pair of FFVII preparations featured in Tremendous Smash Bros. Final–Cosmo Canyon by Yoko Shimomura and Aerith’s Theme from Keichii Okabe–are right here. That is an anthology of music not often seen in a single place, and having all of those nice tracks collectively is way appreciated.
Every tune matches into certainly one of three totally different codecs, or what the sport refers to as “Music Sequences.” The primary is Battle, the place every observe seems in certainly one of 4 totally different static rows on-screen. I discovered Battles to be the simplest of the three units, as although notes had been coming shortly 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.
Occasion 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. The place Battle felt like Guitar Hero, Occasion’s new format seems to be essentially the most like these basic rhythm video games. This can be 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 identical time. I can nonetheless watch the scene because the notes fall, nevertheless, the vertical motion felt off regardless of how acquainted it seemed, and I discovered myself lacking notes extra typically right here than in Battle. I perceive the thought behind the change, however I want Occasion Music Sequences had stored the distinctive scattered notes motif of earlier video games.
Area Music Sequences return to horizontal notes, however this mode additionally incorporates sliding inexperienced notes, the place gamers should maintain the joystick up or all the way 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 prompted essentially the most restarts, because the sliding goal prompted 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 have to be unlocked, and that occurs within the Collection Quest mode. Right here, a celebration of 4 characters will stroll via every sport’s story through its music, whereas additionally showcasing the necessary moments in every sport. As extra video games are unlocked through Collection Keys earned through the playthrough, extra characters could be unlocked for the celebration. Finishing songs earns expertise factors for every member of the celebration, and leveling up earns new skills for these characters as nicely. Finishing a particular goal in every tune additionally unlocks a CollectaCard, which supplies entry to screenshots and different objects within the Museum mode.
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Whereas customizing a celebration and outfitting them with particular skills is cool, it would not add a lot to the general expertise. My focus is on tapping notes and listening to music, so the celebration touring via a city and combating the occasional monster is ancillary at greatest and flat-out distracting at worst. Certain, the harm my celebration offers will increase as I do higher within the tune, and my misses trigger harm to be dealt to the group, however with the fights taking place away from the targets I am unable to 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 impression on total gameplay to be greater than serving to you full non-compulsory quests. That being mentioned, watching Squall, Auron, Sephiroth, and Ramza from Last Fantasy Techniques group up is neat in any context.
When Collection Quests are completed, each unlocked tune could be performed once more within the Music Levels checklist. Customized playlists could be created and performed with out pause from begin to end, which opens up much more methods to problem your self. The opposite principal gameplay mode is Multi Battles, the place as much as 4 gamers play via a tune and compete for top scores, however the core gameplay would not see any main modifications. These modes, whereas pleasurable, contain taking part in the identical songs as these within the Collection Quests, so they do not add a lot to the sport exterior of various methods to expertise the identical music.
Theatrhythm Last Bar Line is the apex of the Theatrhythm spin-off franchise. Its huge and different library of music is a nostalgic thrill, the gameplay is approachable whereas providing loads of problem, and the sprinkling of RPG components like celebration customization affords a private touch–even if that contact is not tremendous impactful. There’s one thing right here for everybody, from the staunchest Last 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. Merely put, Theatrhythm Last Bar Line is a master-class symphony of enjoyable and nostalgia, and it’s a sport worthy of the music library it options.