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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is a 2014 rhythm video game developed by indieszero and sAs and published by Square Enix for the Nintendo 3DS. As a sequel to the Theatrhythm Final Fantasy (2012) and the second title in the Theatrhythm series, Curtain Call retains the core gameplay, where players hit notes in time with music from the Final Fantasy series. Similar to its predecessor, the game features role-playing elements, allowing players to develop their characters, arrange four-person parties, and defeat bosses to clear quests.

The 1.5-year development period for Curtain Call began in late 2012, when the additional content for the original Theatrhythm Final Fantasy was nearing completion. Designed as the finale of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Curtain Call introduced several improvements over its predecessor. One major update was the addition of a button control scheme, designed to make it easier for players to enjoy the game during their commutes to work or school. The game also introduced two main modes: Versus Battle, which allows for two-player matches, and Quest Medleys, which enhance the role-playing elements. The track library tripled in size, expanding from around 70 to 221, which includes a supplement of tracks from spin-off titles. Furthermore, other Square Enix titles, such as SaGa, were included as downloadable content. Along with the expanded song library, the unlocking mechanics and selection interface were optimized to improve accessibility for players.

Curtain Call was well-received by critics, who applauded its significant improvements over its predecessor. Reviews highlighted how the game successfully evoked nostalgia for Final Fantasy and praised the fusion of rhythm and role-playing elements. The newly introduced design featuring two input schemes was applauded. The concept of Quest Medley was well-received, though some commenters felt the role-playing elements lacking impact on the gameplay. Though the competitive idea of the versus mode was considered fine, opinions were mixed on the disruptive interference mechanics. The expanded track library, with its extensive additions and its coverage of both title sources and genres, was also highly praised.

A Dragon Quest-based sequel was released in 2015. Although Curtain Call was considered the final Theatrhythm regarding Final Fantasy, two more titles were released: the arcade title All-Star Carnival (2016) and the console game Final Bar Line (2023).

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, similar to its predecessor Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, is a rhythm video game featuring Final Fantasy elements. Following the beat of music, players hit notes when they overlap with trigger marks. The game features several different types of notes that require players to either press, hold, or swipe. In contrast to its predecessor, which only featured touch controls, Curtain Call allows players to freely choose touch, button, or a combination of both schemes.

Songs are divided into three types based on their context in their respective games. The first is Battle Music Stage (BMS), which features a battle background where four chibi characters battle with enemies, with the screen displaying four fixed horizontal lanes where notes flow from left to right towards trigger marks. Next is Field Music Stage (FMS), which features a background with a single chibi character. A single left-to-right lane is present, with notes that shift up and down. The third is the Event Music Stage (EMS), which features a background clip from the original title. In this stage, the note track moves across the whole screen, and no characters are present. Each song featured three difficulty levels.

Curtain Call featured two modes: Quest Medleys and Versus Mode. Quest Medley, which have been introduced in iOS version of the original Theatrhythm, integrated role-playing elements. Before playing a quest, players need to arrange their four-person party from the unlocked character cast. Each character has their own level, statistics (HP, attack, etc.), skills, and type (such as defense and recovery). Quests are shown as Chaos Maps, with varying lengths and difficulties. Each map featured numerous nodes[clarify], with either FMS[clarify]or BMS[clarify] to play, and with route branches. To complete the song, on one hand, players need to play accurately to deal high damage; on the other, they have to develop characters to ensure that bosses are defeated before the end of the song. When completing maps, players earn crystal splinters, which can be collected to unlock characters.

In Versus Mode, players can battle with the computer, or another player online or locally. Players choose their songs, and the system randomly selects one. The player with the higher score wins the battle. For human versus, players can exchange their game profile cards and Chaos Maps. Versus gameplay features a special element called "EX Burst", which players can opt to enable or disable. By hitting notes, players will fulfill their "EX Burst Gauge". When the gauge is full, players can send a random interference, such as rotating arrow notes, to their rival's chart.

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