Theatrhythm Final Bar Line’s recent release follows its 3DS predecessor in its inclusion of theNieRseries' “Song of the Ancients.” With Square Enix’s increased foray into rhythm game spinoffs, the inclusion of the track points towardsNieRbeing a good contender for its own rhythm release afterThreatrhythm Final Bar Line.
Released just a few days ago for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4,Theatrhythm Final Bar Lineproves to be an all-inclusive rhythm game spinoff featuring the best-of-the-best of theFinal Fantasyfranchise’s music repertoire. Like its previous entry,Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, the game manages to branch out past itsFinal Fantasysoundtracks into the musical realm of other Square Enixgames.Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line’s DLCin particular promises to include prolific tracks from a number of popular titles, includingChrono Trigger, Legend of Mana,and theNieRgames.
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Square Enix’s Foray into Rhythm Game Spinoffs
Theatrhythm Final Bar Lineis reported to have been inspired by 2020’s release ofMelody of Memory, theKingdom Heartsrhythm game featuring the beautiful work of Yoko Shimomura, the franchise’s acclaimed composer. BothTheatrhythmandMelody of Memoryset a good precedent for the diverging of classic RPG titles into the world of rhythm games. After all, music plays a vital part in the role-playing game experience; a soundtrack can be as synonymous to the success of an RPG as the world itself. Luckily,NieRhas no problem there: its acclaimed OSTs make for a compelling case in the series standing alone through its own rhythm game spinoff.
Given theNieRfranchise’s experimental use of game genre and camera perspective, a rhythm game certainly wouldn’t be out of the ballpark for the series. Music has already played a pivotal part in both Yoko Taro’sNieRandDrakengardseries, using its soundtrack as a diegetic force within the world and, in some cases, centering it on its gameplay and combat mechanics. One of the most stirring examples of this comes from the originalNieRand its more recent, upgraded versionNieR Replicant; following its intro sequence, the player finds themselves in a small village, filled with the ambient, instrumental cords of “Song of the Ancients,“only to soon realize as they approach the village’s plaza and the vocals begin that the song is coming from Devola herself, a woman strumming and singing along as she sits against the square’s fountain.
The use of “Song of the Ancients” is emphasized throughout bothReplicantandAutomatain ways that heighten the player’s emotional tether to the experience, featured as both ambient field music and as a combat track. As a result, the particular song has become instantly recognizable among fans of the series and beyond, featured even in theTokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Beyond “Song of the Ancients,” however, lies a multitude of other tracks in the series that would demonstrate a surprising amount of versatility in a rhythm game. FromReplicant’s “The Wretched Automatons,” a mechanical track interspersed with the beautiful vocals of Emi Evans, toAutomata’s eerie “Amusement Park” theme, the games are backed by the musical repertoire necessary for a rhythm game.
While it’s trueYoko Tarohas no plans to continue theNieRseries (unless, as he jokes, more money is included), the fact that Square Enix has been pushing an increase in rhythm game content means that the prospect isn’t entirely unfeasible. Given the immense popularity of franchises likeFinal FantasyandKingdom Heartsas well as the devotion of their fans, Square Enix taking the nostalgic, musical approach was a logical move. Honing in on the strength of its music and fanbase, theNieRserieswould certainly have no trouble following suit.
Theatrhythm Final Bar Lineis available now for PS4 and Switch.
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