Same formula, now with the option for physical controls.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is not only one of the best rhythm on the Nintendo 3DS, it is one of the most original offerings on the platform. Having personally clocked in around 60 hours with the game and buying most of the DLC, it is obvious to see that there is a lot of fun to be had with this formula. Even though the game was extremely enjoyable, the lack of physical controls, at the very least in the menus, were one of the only things that hampered the experience. Thankfully, this particular gripe, as well as a ton of other additions, are being implemented into the sequel, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call.
The demo at the Tokyo Game Show this year featured a total of 12 songs from eight different games in the Final Fantasy series. The songs aren’t just limited to games in the mainline. Similar to some of the DLC that was released for the original title last year, spin-offs and even Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children are represented. When the game releases next spring in Japan, there are going to be more than 200 playable songs, which is roughly double what the original game had to offer. Having the ability to tap into Final Fantasy series in its entirety is going to open up a lot of room for more songs.
Perhaps the biggest change to the Theatrhythm formula has to do with the controls. Of course, players can still do everything with touch-based controls as they did in the previous game. This time around, players can also choose to navigate menus and even play each of the game modes with physical buttons. Most of the time, playing the notes is just as simple as pressing A or B in the Battle Music Stages and Event Music Stages. Field Music Stages require the player to move the Circle Pad slightly up and down to match the action on the upper screen. For directional cues, players simply press the corresponding direction on the Circle Pad or D-pad. I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed the physical controls after having played so many hours with the original touch-based control method. Also, being able to navigate through the menus quickly with the Circle Pad was quick and more responsive than the previous title.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call takes the nostalgia and fun gameplay from the original title and evolves it into something familiar and yet fresh. The ability to have physical controls on top of the already engaging touch based controls is potentially a whole new way to experience songs from the series. In addition to the massive line-up of playable songs, a new multiplayer challenge mode and over 60 characters are going to be available. Gamers in Japan will have to wait until the spring to get their hands on this one.