{"id":107793,"date":"2012-07-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-07-02T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jbsgame.com\/review-theatrhythm-final-fantasy\/"},"modified":"2012-07-02T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2012-07-02T16:00:00","slug":"review-theatrhythm-final-fantasy","status":"publish","type":"eg_reviews","link":"https:\/\/jbsgame.com\/reviews\/review-theatrhythm-final-fantasy\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Theatrhythm Final Fantasy"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h2>
Square Enix isn’t shy about a Final Fantasy<\/em> spin-off, always ready to milk the franchise a little more in the name of nostalgia and profit. It is surprising, then, that it’s taken the publisher so long to exploit one of the most iconic elements of the series — its music. That Square Enix didn’t seize upon the idea of a Final Fantasy<\/em> rhythm game sooner is nothing short of miraculous. <\/p>
Of course, all ideas are obvious in hindsight, and most of them sound pretty damn great on paper. The final product needs more than a few bright concepts to see it through.<\/p>
<\/p>
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy <\/em>(Nintendo 3DS)
<\/strong>Developer: indieszero<\/strong>
Publisher: Square Enix
<\/strong>Released: July 3, 2012
<\/strong>MSRP: $39.99<\/strong><\/p>
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy<\/em> pilfers from some of the most beloved soundtracks in videogame history to create a tribute to the music that has brought thirteen games to life. Starting with the very first Final Fantasy<\/em> released in 1987 right up to 2009’s Final Fantasy XIII<\/em>, every current main installment in the franchise has been accounted for. Most of them appear in their original context, too, complete with whatever glorified MIDI sounds or full orchestras they may bring to the table. <\/p>
There is a loosely defined plot that involves a battle between Order and Chaos, as the player is charged with collecting “Rhythmia” as a reward for successfully completing challenges. Yes, the same waffling plot details and pretentiously invented words that infest latter-day Final Fantasy<\/em> are present, though the story is left (thankfully) light. The aim of the game is simply to keep playing it until you’ve gathered enough Rhythmia, automatically unlocking a final track that serves as a battle against Chaos himself. <\/p>
The game is started by creating a party of four characters, made up of protagonists from each of the Final Fantasy<\/em> chapters (though supporting cast members can be unlocked through play). Each character has a unique set of stats that are useful for different songs, and can be equipped with abilities or items that may help the player out during a song such as avoiding losing health for failure, getting rarer items, etcetera. As the party gains levels, their stats improve and they access new abilities, which can be crucial when taking on trickier tunes. <\/p>