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Theatrhythm Last Fantasy shortly grew to become one in every of 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 Last 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 Last Bar Line final September, with a launch date only a few months later, no much less.
I didn’t count on this collection to make a return, however I had all the time hoped it might, given its predecessor solely lined the franchise by means of 2014. There are a whole lot of recent, beloved tracks within the collection between Last Fantasy XIV’s expansions, Last Fantasy XV, Last Fantasy 7 Remake, and different video games launched for the reason that final Theatrhythm. Last 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 current remake), the Nier collection, The World Ends With You, and Chrono Set off. And after taking part in by means of 30 of the sport’s songs in an advance preview of the demo that’s out there for everybody beginning February 1, I can safely say Last Bar Line is a must-play for me subsequent month.
Within the almost 10 years between the final recreation and Last Bar Line, not a lot has modified. The sequel retains the lovable, chibi artwork fashion 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 huge distinction, although, is the way in which you play Last Bar Line. Theatrhythm’s horizontal music scroll that dictated when to hit beats was unusual, particularly given how well-liked 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 and stylus, the horizontal scroll labored effectively, giving gamers a pleasant view of the battles and adventures going down to the tune of your beats. That horizontal scroll returns in Last Bar Line, although it was extra awkward, at first, with out the identical contact display mechanics to get used to.
In my first few songs, I wasn’t positive I appreciated it. You’ll be able to hit the triggers or any of the 4 face buttons to “faucet” a beat on display, no matter observe shade or placement on the scroll’s 4 traces. When a beat with an arrow seems, although, you could use one of many analog sticks and slash it within the route proven. I shortly bought 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 issue superior, and I needed to hit two notes on the identical time shortly adopted by directional slashes. I needed to reconfigure my playstyle because of this, 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 observe 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 following highest issue.
The presentation of area tracks and battle music phases are much like the primary recreation – your 4 chosen characters, of which there are dozens to select from spanning a lot of the included video games, both waltz by means of a easy chibi-esque panorama or battle a chibi enemy from the chosen recreation. 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 means of the particular music video tracks within the ultimate recreation, which display iconic cinematics from Last Fantasy titles, as I feel these will function the visible flare I used to be lacking from the usual tracks.
Once you boot up the sport, a flashy Last Fantasy thirty fifth Anniversary emblem seems on display, and for good cause; Last Bar Line is a rhythm recreation first, but in addition a celebratory museum for the collection’ iconic music, characters, and tales. As you deal with quests within the new Collection Quests mode, which duties you with finishing targets like defeating a certain amount of enemies or ending a degree with out taking a sure proportion of injury, you earn particular rewards. It may be an merchandise like a therapeutic potion or a Phoenix Down, however it will also 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 Last Bar Line’s Last Fantasy celebration.
Within the Museum, you’ll be able to view your CollectaCard assortment, rewatch movies, hearken to tracks you’ve unlocked, and examine the feats you’ve accomplished. There’s lots of Last Fantasy historical past to eat right here, and completionists are seemingly in for dozens of hours of play to unlock every part.
This iteration of Theatrhythm, like those earlier than it, is nowhere close to one of the best rhythm recreation, and amidst those on the market, it actually performs as one of many weirdest. However what Last 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. Taking part in by means of greater than a dozen of Masashi Hamauzu’s good Last Fantasy XIII tracks is a deal with sufficient; throw within the different 370-something tracks that will likely be within the ultimate recreation, and I can’t await February 16.
You’ll be able to play the Theatrhythm Last Bar Line demo, which options 30 songs and progress that carries over into the ultimate recreation, on February 1.
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