Theatrythm: Last Bar Line Overview (PS4)

Even in case you’re an informal observer of Last Fantasy, this isn’t one to overlook. Theatrhythm: Last Bar Line collects 385 songs (or 402 in case you personal the Deluxe Version) throughout numerous Last Fantasy video games, spin-offs, motion pictures, and live shows to create the last word celebration of the 35 yr previous franchise. Last Bar Line is the fourth Theatrhythm Last Fantasy sport after two 3DS entries in 2012 and 2014, and an arcade entry in 2016 (there was additionally a Dragon Quest one which stayed unique to Japan — boo!). However this marks the sequence’ debut on PlayStation consoles, and it’s first entry with out a contact display, which, sadly, isn’t essentially the most elegant transition.

Controls sensible, you could have 4 separate marker sorts. First off is only a single crimson circle; press actually any button on the beat to hit these. Second are the directional markers, and for these, you flick both stick within the path it is dealing with, or typically each sticks in separate instructions. Third are the lengthy notes: hit the button, maintain the word — pretty easy. You both let go of this word to the beat on the finish, or there can be an arrow immediate to flick the stick.

These three make for a easy, but elegant core of a rhythm sport. It’s the fourth marker that’s the problem. Unique to Subject Music Phases (extra on these under) are lengthy notes that journey up and down the display. Now, on the 3DS, this made sense; you maintain the word as you drag the stylus alongside it. On a controller, as a substitute of following the road, you simply maintain the stick up or down relying on which path it is going – there is no talent or care wanted. At finest, it’s boring. At worst, it feels awkward.

The sport is split up into three separate modes of play. Battle Music Phases are the most typical (and admittedly, finest) and consist of 4 separate lanes. Don’t fear, these lanes are all managed by the identical button presses; it’s merely a stylistic selection based mostly on the battle format of the unique Last Fantasy together with your social gathering battling enemies within the background of them. Anticipate to play these through the extra fast-paced tunes like Airbuster from Last Fantasy VII Remake. In the meantime, Subject Music Phases see your social gathering stroll by means of an space, tackling foes alongside the way in which. This mode solely has one lane to fret about, however it’s the one one to function the aforementioned transferring lengthy notes. Anticipate finding chill themes like Terra’s Theme from Last Fantasy VI right here.

Lastly, Occasion Music Phases are mainly the identical as BMS, however the notes come vertical as a substitute of horizontal, and an film performs within the background (like the unique Last Fantasy opening, or an Introduction Kids supercut). Truthfully, although, we weren’t the most important followers of those. We didn’t play too many, however the movies can look a bit uneven. Fortunately, they’re totally optionally available.

Transferring on, it wouldn’t be a Last Fantasy sport with out RPG components. Theatrhythm permits you to unlock traditional characters from franchise historical past, every with their very own distinctive expertise and lessons. You degree these characters up by means of merely enjoying songs with them. Throughout the songs your social gathering will struggle enemies within the background, with how a lot injury you do being tied to how nicely you play. It’s a neat addition that retains in keeping with the sequence’ roots, whereas including some additional depth — however if you wish to simply ignore it and give attention to the rhythm aspect of issues, that’s additionally a totally legitimate possibility.

The sport has three modes obtainable. Sequence Quest — which is open from the beginning — is the sport’s story mode equal. On this mode you relive titles within the sequence by enjoying their tunes, and also you begin off having the ability to unlock considered one of six classes. This quickly opens as much as 28 (with a last twenty ninth being unlocked after six titles are crushed). These embody the 15 core Last Fantasy video games, clearly, with some extras like Last Fantasy VII Remake, the Dissidia sequence, and Last Fantasy Ways. There’s even some weirder ones like Mystic Quest and Chocobo’s Dungeon.

Every track has a quest connected to it to unlock some goodies, too (like art work for the gallery or costumes to your Moogle follower). Some even have modifiers that may change up the gameplay, like enemies doing additional injury or notes transferring quicker. Sequence Quest is probably going the place you’ll spend the vast majority of your time with the sport, and for good cause. Not solely is it an ideal construction, it serves as a enjoyable journey by means of the sequence’ historical past.

The opposite two modes are Music Phases — a free play mode for songs you’ve unlocked in Sequence Quest — and at last, Multi Battle. That is an internet mode the place as much as 4 gamers can compete in a high-score battle. You possibly can play honest, or you’ll be able to play a mode paying homage to Guitar Hero III’s battle mode, the place you ship traps to your opponent to mess them up, like Fats Chocobo protecting half the display, or additional notes being added. We didn’t get an excessive amount of time on-line through the assessment interval, however it’s a surprisingly enjoyable addition to the sport, and one we will see ourselves going again to.

Conclusion

Theatrhythm: Last Bar Line is a powerful feat. We hit credit on it, however we really feel like we’ve solely scratched the floor of its colossal 400+ track record. The love and fervour for the sequence is clear all through each inch of this undertaking, and we would suggest it to anybody curious about rhythm video games. Filled with absolute bangers, Last Bar Line will maintain you busy for a very long time.