We got the chance to ask Theatrhythm producer Ichiro Hazama some questions about the development of the series, specifically the most recent release, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call.

Hazama started off with Square Enix over 20 years ago and has previously worked on a variety of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts games. As the producer on Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, he worked closely with the developer indieszero to guide them to create the rhythm-based sequel.

Nintendo World Report (NWR): You've said that this will be the last Theatrhythm Final Fantasy game. How is Curtain Call a fitting sendoff?

Ichiro Hazama (IH): Because we packed everything we should and could do now with Theatrhythm into Curtain Call! Of course, there are many other famous pieces of music from Final Fantasy, but we believe the proper way to deliver these, moving forward, would be in the form of DLC.

NWR: How did your relationship with indieszero begin? Why is indieszero a perfect fit for the series?

IH: When I was working in the merchandising department, I had asked indieszero to produce some Final Fantasy-themed trading cards for us. I really got a sense of the care they put into their work, as well as the enthusiasm they have for the title so I asked them to work on Theatrhythm. With that being the biggest reason for working with indieszero, Mr. Suzuki, the president, and I happened to have a working relationship (superior and subordinate) from our previous job. The fact that I fully understood his potential was also a large contributing factor. Even now, I believe asking them to work on this project was the biggest factor to the success of the game.

NWR: When it came to selecting music, what is it like choosing songs from the Final Fantasy entries you've worked on? Is it easier or harder to choose in comparison to titles you had no involvement with?

IH: In terms of selecting music, I was careful about not reflecting my personal opinions into the mix. If I were to be blunt, I’d say that neither Final Fantasy nor its music is mine. Theatrhythm is a game that is dedicated to the 100 million plus Final Fantasy fans to date, counting from the original that was released 27 years ago. Therefore, with the direction to select songs based on surveys and popularity polls set, the process wasn’t all too difficult.

NWR: With the foundation built for the first Theatrhythm, what was the focus of the team for this new entry?

IH: There were three. First, to increase the number of recorded songs and applicable titles drastically so more players would be able to enjoy the game. Second, to add battles and other wireless features so that players can communicate with one another. Third, to add Quest Medleys and a growth element in the form of Collectacards so everyone would be able to play for a long time. Indieszero had answered our requests with a degree of perfection surmounting our expectations. I’m confident that everyone would be able to enjoy the game.

NWR: Quest Medley is a major addition to Curtain Call. How did that mode evolve over the game's development? Does it have roots in the first game's Chaos Shrine mode?

IH: In regards to the development of the quest medley, Nintendo Direct is unforgettable. It was still very early on in production, but they had mentioned that the “quality of the quest medley was on par with a full-fledged game.” I distinctly remember trembling in fear. The development team was fired up a notch after this moment, but in terms of its finish… we’d love for everyone to test it out to confirm its level of completion.

NWR: What's your favorite song that has made it into Curtain Call?

IH: I like “Terra’s Theme” from Final Fantasy VI. It’s the starting point for arriving at the idea of producing Theatrhythm.

NWR: Were there any songs that didn't make it that you wanted to put in this time around?

IH: In all honesty, there are. But, as mentioned earlier, we will be adding songs through DLCs so they should make it in there.

NWR: Curtain Call adds button controls. Why was that added to compliment the touch controls? Were there any challenges that rose from making both control schemes balanced?

IH: Reason being… I thought it would be nice to play while lying down! And, it makes for an easier play while in transport, for example, on the train or in the car. Everyone would get mad at me if I say this, but the people who faced the real challenge were the development team, I, personally, did not face many hardships to note.

NWR: Final Fantasy seems well covered. Has there been any thought for other Theatrhythm games for other Square Enix series? Or maybe one that combines multiple Square Enix franchises into one game since not many series are as broad as Final Fantasy?

IH: This is under consideration. I, personally, love Theatrhythm as a title and would like to deliver it to everyone in some way.

Thanks to Square Enix and Bender Helper Impact for the interview!