Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

Yes, I think they could have thought of a better name. But then it doesn't really matter, because at its core you'll get a charming homage to a plethora of immortal videogame compositions.

It's not a particularly great rhythm game, nor is it really a Final Fantasy one, but for some reason the two work together well.

Theatrhythm won't be for everyone, obviously. Not everyone has an affection for video game music, and the game is strongly aimed at people with at least some familiarity with the Final Fantasy series. For series fans or rhythm game fans, it's a great choice. Heck, Theatrhythm's potent cocktail of an easy-to-learn rhythm gameplay and RPG mechanics even pulled in a doubter like me.

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a masterpiece, that will not only be adored by fans of the RPG series, but anyone who loves music, full stop. A stunning music-based game that any Nintendo 3DS owner should not be without.

Watching the cute little characters cutting down cute little enemies, using familiar abilities and items, exploring old themes… It's done something I never thought possible. It's made me nostalgic for Final Fantasy games. Even Final Fantasy XIII. Again, I love the idea of the Final Fantasy saga, and this allows me to explore it and remember all the things that made it great, all while having a great rhythm game, to boot. There are enough unlockables to keep you going back for 'just one more song'.

Only hardcore Final Fantasy aficionados need apply as the game won't sustain interest for those with a casual like for the franchise.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is beautiful and charming in many respects, but an absolute drudgery in others.

While Final Fantasy has lost its way in recent years, Theatrhythm is a warm, wonderful reminder of why you fell in love with the series in the first place. While your mileage will depend on your familiarity with the series, in its own right this is a fun and quirky rhythm game full of neat ideas, but for long-time Final Fantasy fans this is nigh-on essential.

It's a simple rhythm-action title at its core, with a set of bolted-on RPG mechanics of little worth. But then players aren't here for those mechanics, they're here for the memories. Bearing that in mind, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy achieves exactly what it sets out to do.

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a nostalgic trip back through the history of one of Japan's most beloved RPG franchises-and while that trip isn't exactly the dream vacation it could have been, it's absolutely a journey worth taking for all Final Fantasy fans.

A simple music game. But, for someone who grew up with these myths wallpapering their imagination, it is a complex vehicle for emotion. Final Fantasy may be a loose, somewhat obnoxious umbrella term for a collection of games of mixed message and quality, but Theatrhythm succeeds in touching upon some true magic within its bounds.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is an interesting way to celebrate a franchise. Instead of building up a boring collection of old games, Square Enix creates a brand new experience crafted around one of the most important elements of the Final Fantasy franchise: its awesome music.

Far from being a perfect choice in rhythm games, the big problem lies in the gameplay model that exhausts its effectiveness quickly and a system of evolution of characters that never works quite right.

Theatrhythm is a game made by and for lovers of the Final Fantasy saga.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy stands tall on the merits of the soundtrack – picking up solid tunes from the first 13 numbered games. Combining the best-of practices of other rhythm games and blending in some light roleplaying elements freshens up the mix. With a lesser game franchise behind it, or with less epic music, it would likely fall flat. With three varied playing styles, lots of incentives to perform better, makes this a hard game to put down. From the sheer nostalgic moments induced by the soundtrack, to the high-intensity tapping required to master the harder difficulties - this is a monumental experience.

Not only Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is an addictively funny rhythm game, but it's a familiar and intimate voyage in some of every gamer's fondest memories.

As a big Final Fantasy fan and enthusiast of video game music in general, I love being able to appreciate these classics in a new way. I'll always get a chill listening to the intense orchestral version of "One-Winged Angel" or the happy-go-lucky chocobo theme. The tacked-on progression system may be unsatisfying, but it doesn't stop Theatrhythm from being a fun, simple rhythm game with an amazing musical library.

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, along with Resident Evil: Revelations, proves that third-parties can do amazing things on Nintendo hardware. It is more than deserving of your money, and while it might not be a system seller (or escape from the FF garbage we've all come to know and love/hate), Theatrhythm stands strong alongside Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land as a game 3DS owners must have.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, as an hommage to 25 years of Final Fantasy games, is a pure fan service musical game. But one that features some of the best pieces ever written for video games, a very strong point that would almost balance out the shortcomings of a repetitive gameplay.

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy starts off as a celebrated adventure through the musical history of the long-running Final Fantasy series, and the fanservice is apparent and appreciated. However, after only a few hours, the nostalgia wears off and the experience loses its luster. There's just too little to drive this title forward, and without more substance, even the best fanservice in the world will start to lose its appeal.

A game conceived, crafted and offered only with the fans of the Final Fantasy franchise in mind. Bear this in mind when you visit your local videogames store.

Before you buy Theatrhythm, consider the following major factor: are you a Final Fantasy fan? Simply put, TFF is mostly a love letter to people who have supported the series over the years.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy isn't original, brilliant or new in any way. You tap and swipe the touch screen of the 3DS to the rhythm of the melodies, like we've done in countless other games before it when this genre was way more popular. This musical puzzle game isn't anything special unless you've played a lot of other Final Fantasy games.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a surprisingly solid rhythm game that both Final Fantasy fans and general video game music enthusiasts should try.

A bizarre mix of wildly different genres, weird chibi-inspired graphics and loads of charm. For once it feels like Square Enix has rediscovered their ability to take any genre and give it their own unique twists, and coupled with a backdrop consisting of the entire Final Fantasy series, this game becomes quite the charmer.

Square Enix is celebrating the Final Fantasy series 25th anniversary with a highly original game filled with the probably best music you can find in any game. You need to own this!

Gorgeous to look at, epic to listen to, and an absolute pleasure to play. [Sept 2012, p.105]

A very good rhythm-action game, and a confusing but compelling RPG. But, above all else, it is a nostalgic anniversary package that will be adored by Final Fantasy fans and sets a new benchmark for interactive celebrations.

Theatrhythm is not only an endearing nostalgia trip with a killer soundtrack, but a fine rhythm game to boot.

The varying levels of difficulty, heavy emphasis on fan service and inviting gameplay make Theatrhythm a great way to celebrate the franchise's legacy.

Anyone who has an appreciation for Final Fantasy music will find much to love here.

Overall I was surprised by just how much meat there was to Theatrhythm's gameplay, which ends up being a lot more than just tapping along with icons on a screen. The whole concept of building a party, outfitting them will skills and equipment, and leveling them up over the course of 40 plus songs is really a lot of fun, and insanely addictive.

Theatrythm: Final Fantasy is the perfect proof that music- and roleplaying games can fit together.

Given Square Enix's recent track record, it's easy to see this game showing up on iOS devices in the not-distant future, but if you're looking for an endearingly entertaining rhythm package to occupy your 3DS right now, Theatrhythm fits the bill.

An enjoyable, addictive rhythm experience with some great music, but it's not quite up there with the genre's best. [Oct 2012, p.67]

Although the RPG elements feel a bit wasted, the varied gameplay options, scaled difficulty settings, and plethora of unlockable goodies still make for an excellent rhythm experience.

A surprisingly successful effort at wrapping an RPG around a rhythm game. Come for the Final Fantasy name, stay for the music.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a digital jukebox full of musical highlights from the Final Fantasy series. Thanks to three different modes the game is varied throughout and ideal for short trips, preferably trips down memory lane.

Theatrhythm : Final Fantasy is clearly a game developed for fans. Similar to Dissidia in terms of contents to unlock, the game also offers a interesting gameplay introducing some RPG elements. The experience points are earned with difficulty and yet pride, especially when when players will fint it unthinkable not to play each musical pieces over and over again to reach perfection. A great opportunity to discover or rediscover the amazing compositions composed by Uematsu, Hamauzu or Sakimoto!

I enjoy the base gameplay, and the music, enough that I have no problem replaying each song repeatedly; however, I cannot ignore that I am, in fact, replaying each song repeatedly. Depending on your temperament, this might be an irritant.

A rhythm game with fantastic music from the Final Fantasy games. Though some game modes are pretty pointless and it's a bit too easy for veterans.

It helps to think of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy as a digital celebration of the series' music and culture rather than a deep gaming experience.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a sensational piece: as a rhythm game it's challenging an enjoyable, and as a Final Fantasy game it's truly amazing, much more than being just a game created to celebrate the 25th aniversary of the franchise. For sure, one of the greatest spin-offs ever made.

A cleverly orchestrated souvenir of Final Fantasy at its best, that also can't help but remind you of the series' most common failings.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a surprisingly good rhythm game for every kind of player: it's easy to play and filled with content, challenges and goodies to unlock. The soundtrack is outstanding and despite some weak jRPG features it really shines as a Final Fantasy spin-off.

Scatty, overambitious design disappoints, but the Final Fantasy love rings out loud and clear like the honk of a Chocobo with its head trapped in a tuba. [Aug 2012, p.95]

Theatrhythm's varying difficulties make it easy to enjoy for players of all skill levels with the RPG mechanics an extra bonus for those who desire it. It absolutely does justice to the Final Fantasy brand, presenting its characters and, most importantly, music with love and respect that makes it feel like a tribute as much as a standalone video game. There are so many songs to play, items to find and characters to level up you'll find yourself struggling to put it down.

If you like Final Fantasy or music games, Theatrhythm won't disappoint. [July 2012, p.80]

Regardless of what kind of Final Fantasy fan you are– casual, veteran or newbie– Theatrhythm has a little something for everyone, but only if you enjoy rhythm games, because that's what this is.

The size and pliability of the Final Fantasy music library ultimately allows for the game's extensive and difficulty spanning interpretations of each track, and fosters as fulfilling an experience as almost anything else on the 3DS.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is, quite simply, a superbly polished game that benefits to no small degree from having 25 years of amazing material to draw from.

An addictive, lovingly created rhythm game and a treat for Final Fantasy fans, though it can get a bit repetitive at times.

If you've ever enjoyed the compositions found in the Final Fantasy series, then Theatrhythm is for you, as it's a decent music-based game with loads of extras for FF buffs to discover.

One of the smartest games Square has released in the FF line in some time. It pulls players in right away but hides a great amount of depth and bonus content. It pays reverence to the past but tries something new and isn't above making a joke or two at its own expense.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a great rhythm game, which offers a peculiar gameplay, and some of the best videogame music of all times. Definitely a must for Final Fantasy fans.

Don't buy Theatrhythm if you do not have access to at least one Final Fantasy, because it's impossible not to want to play them all again after having fun with their soundtracks.

One of the best things of Final Fantasy series is its music, and this game remind us of that. This is a gift for series followers, and if you like music games and Final Fantasy this is a must-have game. 77 songs and a great amount of extras and unlockables will make you play for many hours.

Theatrhythm's real star is undoubtedly its music, however, which appeals far more than its cumbersome RPG elements.