After wowing 3DS homeowners and arcade gamers, Sq. Enix’s Theatrhythm collection makes its means onto residence consoles for the primary time with its largest entry but. Regardless of not having Ultimate Fantasy in its identify, probably because of the plans so as to add music from different Sq. Enix role-playing video games like NieR and Chrono Set off, it’s nonetheless the main target of the bottom sport and is crammed with nice fan service. Whereas it loses a little bit of its tactile gameplay by shifting away from touchscreens, Theatrhythm Ultimate Bar Line is an extremely well-crafted rhythm sport with a few of the finest music in gaming historical past.
Any issues about how Ultimate Bar Line would play on this new kind shortly disappear because the collection’ rhythm stays on beat whereas making the transition to consoles. Fairly than tapping the display screen or swiping, gamers both press buttons to register faucets or use analog sticks to swipe. This variation in management methodology takes a bit to get used to, particularly should you’re awkwardly shifting your thumbs backwards and forwards between the buttons and analog stick. Nonetheless, as soon as I modified my positioning on the controller to utilizing the bumper buttons to “faucet” after which had my thumbs free to be on the analog sticks always, I shortly discovered my groove.
The principle mode known as Sequence Quests and options 29 Ultimate Fantasy collection to undergo starting from all the primary entries to the extra obscure stuff, like Chocobo’s Dungeon and Mystic Quest. Most collection you unlock add playable characters which you can add to your social gathering, which could be leveled up and study abilities that help you throughout songs (reminiscent of therapeutic spells that’ll maintain you from failing so shortly). Whereas it’s nonetheless in the end a music sport that requires correct inputs to succeed, it has a singular RPG layer that ties into its many facet missions, giving it lots of replay worth past the fundamental chase for top scores.
Like previous video games, there are three sorts of levels in Ultimate Bar Line. Probably the most primary is Battle Music Sequence that options beats coming down a number of tracks and has you maintaining with the rhythm whereas your on-screen social gathering battles enemies and managers. Issues get a bit extra complicated in Subject Music Sequence ranges, which have a singular lane however add prolonged paths the place gamers have to maneuver up or down to remain in rhythm.
This was beforehand executed by shifting the stylus up or down and is now executed by holding the analog stick up or down. It’s not fairly as slick because the touchscreen motion, given the tactile suggestions of touchscreens, nevertheless it works properly. Lastly, the Occasion Music Sequence levels function pre-rendered movies and vertical highways just like Rock Band. Though all of them look and performance barely otherwise, the precise gameplay stays largely the identical throughout all three sorts of ranges on account of the usage of controller inputs. It’s constant, but nonetheless offered in numerous sufficient methods.
Songs within the Sequence Quests mode are sometimes accompanied by some stipulations, reminiscent of harm being doubled or beats coming sooner than regular. This helps make iconic boss theme songs really feel all of the tougher and a giant deal, though there are a number of issue ranges to make sure gamers by no means get caught. Unlocked songs are then made accessible to play within the sport’s two different modes, Music Levels, which is actually free play and the place you’ll spend your time chasing excessive scores, and its frantic Multi Battle mode.
Fairly than simply having gamers go up towards each other for a excessive rating, Multi Battle feels extra like Tetris Battle. As much as 4 gamers can go up towards each other and doing properly will set off battle objects that impression the opposite gamers. These vary from fats Chocobos that block the display screen to smaller icons to the tremendous devious faux notes that may throw off a participant’s total run. After all, these wilder choices could be turned off, so in order for you a extra critical competitors, you are able to do so, however the extra outrageous and unpredictable motion is best because it made the mode distinctive. Did I do terribly every time I obtained faux notes coming down the lane? After all. I misplaced by 1000’s of factors, however I additionally had a blast even in defeat.
With three distinct and worthwhile modes, Theatrhythm Ultimate Bar Line will maintain gamers busy for fairly some time. Unlocking all of its 385 songs will take many hours and fine-tuning your social gathering to complete the missions in Sequence Quests will take even longer. There are additionally many collectibles to unlock, reminiscent of buying and selling playing cards that can provide your characters small boosts, and 100 optionally available feats to check your abilities at attaining. The energy of its core techniques ensures that these aren’t signs of bloat and are as a substitute considerate methods to maintain gamers engaged.
With nice mechanics and even higher music from the Ultimate Fantasy collection, the social gathering by no means has to cease in Theatrhythm Ultimate Bar Line. There’s no scarcity of objectives to realize, whether or not it’s simply unlocking the songs or getting S ranks on all tunes, and it’s all supported by its musical gameplay that’s all the time rewarding after the brief acclimation interval. Sq. Enix has crafted a spectacular expertise right here, one that could be a unbelievable rhythm sport that additionally occurs to have fun most of the firm’s most beloved RPGs.
SCORE: 9/10
As ComingSoon’s overview coverage explains, a rating of 9 equates to “Glorious.” Leisure that reaches this degree is on the prime of its sort. The gold normal that each creator goals to achieve.
Disclosure: The writer supplied a PlayStation 4 copy for our Theatrhythm Ultimate Bar Line overview. Reviewed on model 1.00.
