Topic: Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call First Look

[NWR_Neal]

We've spent time with the finished game and here's what we think.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/38481/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-first-look

After spending a lot of time with the final version of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, the word that comes to mind often is masterful. The developers took the wonders of the original game and made it even better. In raw numbers, Curtain Call is just bigger. It has more than 200 songs, including all of the songs from the original. It features 60 characters, roughly double the amount in the original. It's also bigger in its modes, with a more in-depth multiplayer mode. The two-player Versus Mode can be playable online, locally, or against the computer. It's an awesome rhythmic battle mode where you and your opponent play the same song trying to beat each other's score while using random special attacks to thwart the other.

The best part is the Quest Medley mode, which replaces the Chaos Shrine from the original. Chaos Shrine had some weird restrictions, where only certain songs were playable in it. That's not the case in Quest Medley. Instead, every song is in play (save Event Music Stages, which aren't much more than a bonus anyway) as you journey through a world map with branching paths, shortcuts, and some honest-to-god RPG adventuring mechanics. Your HP carries throughout the entire quest, so you'll have to use Potions and Tents to heal up as you journey, much like you would in an actual RPG. Quest Medley is an excellent way of bringing this rhythm gameplay even closer to its RPG origins.

I really love the time I've spent with Curtain Call so far. It's fantastic and splendid. Also, I get to make a team entirely of Final Fantasy VI characters, so when it comes out next week, I'm ready to take all you on with my team of Terra, Locke, Celes, and Edgar. And if you're still on the fence, go check out the demo on the eShop. It'll even let you try the new and awesome button controls.

[Rodrigue]

"It's fantastic and splendid."

thesaurus.com

[Ian Sane]

Last year when I got my 3DS I have the demo of the first game a go.  I liked it a lot but knew this was on its way so I might as well wait.  It having button controls as an option is really cool.  No, it's not just my typical dislike of touchscreen controls; I actually liked them in the first game's demo.  No I'm concerned about the well being of 3DS's screen if I'm constantly poking it.  If there's a button control scheme then the screen is saved potential wear and tear.

But I didn't realize the demo for this game was out.  I know what I'm doing when I get home from work!

Nintendo's historical dislike of demos was just so nuts.  The first Theatrhythm game came and went with me barely noticing it but trying the demo is what got me interested in the sequel.  The demo for Bravely Default is the reason I bought that game.  They were all afraid that we would not buy games because we would be content with just the demo but now that they've finally embraced the concept it's steering me towards game purchases, which is the whole damn point.

[NWR_Neal]

Cute. If I went to thesaurus.com, I would have likely went with "baroque and sumptuous."

Thanks for writing!

[AwesomeUnicorn]

I actually imported a 3DS LL for the special edition Curtain Call console, and, in all fairness to Neal, this game is both fantastic and splendid.  Also, I will use this game as justification for a futile wish for Mystic Quest to migrate to the Wii U VC.  Those battle themes really bring back some memories.

[Ian Sane]

So I gave the demo a try (only two songs; No, I want more!) and liked the button control scheme.  I gave it a whirl with both schemes and even did some alternating mid-song and combined the two with stylus tapping and control stick moving for the swipes.  It's nice to have that flexibility though at this point I'm not really sure which one I prefer.  Both seem about equal so I'll probably go with buttons to save wear on my screen.  This isn't like Guitar Hero where the shape of the instrument controller adds to the experience anyway.

[Mop it up]

I tried the demo and the button controls are so much better than the touch controls. I actually found myself pressing the buttons too early at first, since I was used to the lag of the touch screen input, but after adjusting I was on fire. Even the Ultimate scores were a lot easier using buttons.

This and other options should have been in the first game, which just makes the original game look even more like a scam that only suckers would buy, and -- oh no, I've traded places with Ian Sane! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO