Theatrythm: Final Bar Line Review (PS4) | Push Square

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Even if you're a casual observer of Final Fantasy, this isn’t one to miss. Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line collects 385 songs (or 402 if you own the Deluxe Edition) across countless Final Fantasy games, spin-offs, movies, and concerts to create the ultimate celebration of the 35 year old franchise. Final Bar Line is the fourth Theatrhythm Final Fantasy game after two 3DS entries in 2012 and 2014, and an arcade entry in 2016 (there was also a Dragon Quest one that stayed exclusive to Japan — boo!). But this marks the series’ debut on PlayStation consoles, and it’s first entry without a touch screen, which, sadly, isn’t the most elegant transition.

Controls wise, you have four separate marker types. First off is just a single red circle; press literally any button on the beat to hit these. Second are the directional markers, and for these, you flick either stick in the direction it's facing, or sometimes both sticks in separate directions. Third are the long notes: hit the button, hold the note — fairly simple. You either let go of this note to the beat at the end, or there will be an arrow prompt to flick the stick.

These three make for a simple, yet elegant core of a rhythm game. It’s the fourth marker that’s the issue. Exclusive to Field Music Stages (more on those below) are long notes that travel up and down the screen. Now, on the 3DS, this made sense; you hold the note as you drag the stylus alongside it. On a controller, instead of following the line, you just hold the stick up or down depending on which direction it's going — there's no skill or care needed. At best, it’s boring. At worst, it feels awkward.

The game is divided up into three separate modes of play. Battle Music Stages are the most common (and frankly,