Why haven't there been more games like Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy?
We have a particular soft spot for music and rhythm games, and even more so music and rhythm games that put their own twist on the usual beat matching. Theatrhythm is just one of those games.
The first game launched in North America 10 years ago today on the 3DS, and it's simultaneously a celebration of Nobuo Uematsu's fabulous music for the series (along with others like Masashi Hamauzu, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Junya Nakano, Kumi Tanioka, and Naoshi Mizuta) but also a really fun little RPG where your characters level up, you can use items to heal or make your characters stronger or faster, and even gain and equip skills.
A sequel — Curtain Call — followed on the same system, expanding the number of songs, adding non-Final Fantasy DLC tracks from games like Xenogears, Secret of Mana, Live A Live, SaGa series, and more (full list here, courtesy of Final Fantasy Wiki) and also adding Quest Medley (which debuted in the iOS version of the original) where you guide your party of four through a map and play various Final Fantasy songs in the process. Curtain Call also had a pretty darn addictive multiplayer mode where you could take on friends and beat them at your favourite songs!
Sadly, we haven't seen a new game in the Theatrhythm series since 2016's All-Star Carnival, an arcade-exclusive. A Dragon Quest spin-off also came out in Japan in 2015, and Kingdom Hearts got to take a stab at the Theatrhythm brand in a way with 2020's Melody of Memory. So, we'll say it again — why hasn't there been a new Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy on Switch? And why haven't more developers embraced the rhythm genre in a similar fashion?
That last question got us thinking — if we can't have another Final Fantasy music game, what game series would we like to see take on the Theatrhythm brand next? And what fun little specific gimmick would they have?
So, on the 10th anniversary of Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, here's our pick of 10 other franchises we'd like to see get similar treatment. Let us know your favourite candidates in the poll at the end...
Xenoblade Chronicles
We'll start off nice and easy with one of Nintendo's biggest RPGs of the modern-day — Xenoblade Chronicles. The series' composer pedigree is out of this world, and a feast for any JRPG fan — Yoko Shimomura created the main theme and a handful of songs for the original, Yasunori Mitsuda has worked on all three numbered games, and Attack on Titan composer Hiroyuki Sawano stepped into the Xenoboots for Xenoblade Chronicles X. But the games made household names of ACE (Tomori Kudo and Hiroyo "CHiCO" Yamanaka), Kenji Hiramatsu, and Manami Kiyota with their stunning, electrifying battle tunes and beautiful area themes.
Imagine running through field stages and, after hitting a certain point in the song, seeing the background transition from day to night along with the music? For battle stages, we were thinking of how Unique Monsters could change up how Theatrhythm's turn-based system works, instead opting for Xenoblade's signature Chain Attacks — which will be executed exquisitely with perfectly-timed hits to the music. And maybe you can unlock Blades with an in-game gacha mechanic?
No? Just us? Okay.
Song samples: You Will Know Our Names, N木ig木ht木L, Counterattack
Mega Man
There's no shortage of Mega Man games, so a Mega Man rhythm game would be bursting at the seams with stellar tracks and arrangements that have resonated with. Original composer Manami Matsumae made history with the addictive NES chiptunes that still have us sweating today! We could perhaps limit the scope a little by just focusing on the 11 "classic" games, or maybe have a follow-up with all of the X titles' music included. But there's no shortage of options.
Since this isn't an RPG, battle, field, and event stages would need to be ditched. Instead, we think it would be fun to incorporate the classic series' Stage Select screen. Pick from different Robot Masters throughout the years, and then go through each stage with the matching music. Perfect notes mean you kill enemies, and if you beat the boss of the stage, you can do any other music stage with that power-up. DLC could include the Zero games, the Legends series, and maybe even Battle Network! There's too much potential for Capcom not to capitalise on here.
Song samples: Dr. Wily's Castle, Spark Mandrill, Snake Man Stage
Fire Emblem
We're back to RPGs again but of the more tactical variety. Fire Emblem is another series bursting with entries and iconic songs, but the gimmick is what really sells us here. The different modes possible in a dream Theatrhythm Fire Emblem could mix the series' classic Fire Emblem strategy RPG maps (set to exhilarating battle tracks, of course) with some of the more modern additions — like Three Houses' tea time.
In battle, perfect notes mean you'll pick the right unit to attack foes (we're not forgetting the Weapon Triangle, oh no), and in more casual even-based modes, recreating the song perfectly means you could improve your relationship with your favourite character. Instead of Quests, there could be an army-based campaign where you can unlock new units and classes (instead of characters and abilities in Final Fantasy) and have each campaign based on each main game. Or we could go Fire Emblem Heroes stye here and make it a fun free-for-all. That art style would suit the game though, right?
Song samples: The Black Knight, Don't Speak Her Name!, Fódlan Winds
Ace Attorney
Okay, stay with us for a second. The Ace Attorney series' courtroom drama would be perfect for a rhythm game. Arguments and debates to the music from Masakazu Sugimori, Naoto Tanaka, Noriyuki Iwadare, and others? Say no more. The fun thing about this series is that there are a lot of variations on songs that are played in similar scenarios — a list of examples can be found here on Reddit — so there's plenty of potential for a game-per-game case. A rehash of an old favourite case, the return of fan-favourite prosecutors? Or a brand new case that takes all of the hallmarks of the series and amps them up to 11.
Of course, Ace Attorney isn't all about the court cases. You need evidence. These could be much slower and methodical than your usual rhythm game stages, perhaps matching certain notes in songs to uncover clues, or filling in the gaps of songs. And look, there's potential for Professor Layton DLC here too, and we can't say no to another Phoenix Wright and Layton crossover.
Song samples: Pursuit ~ Cornered, Luke Atmey ~ I Just Want Love, The Old Bailey ~ Closing Argument
Sonic the Hedgehog
If there's one thing that's been consistent with almost every Sonic game, it's how darn good the music is. Sonic '06 has an incredible soundtrack no matter what you think of the game. And Sonic 3 music controversy aside, there's so much potential for a Generations-style Sonic rhythm game. Special Stages with the right music? Blue Spheres where you'll touch a red sphere if you make too many mistakes? Perhaps even Chaos Emerald mechanics in every level, where you can turn into Super Sonic, Super Tails, or Hyper Knuckles!
This one, even for being a speed-based platformer, is pretty easy to envision. While the 2D stages could just focus on getting to the end safely and dodging enemies, 3D ones can have you grind and perform tricks the better you do. There are tons of other gimmicks in many 3D Sonic games like the Werehog or Wisps that could be song-exclusive. But essentially, all we want to do is rock out to Crush 40 in rhythm-game heaven.
Just maybe leave out Sonic Chronicles and Sonic Spinball...
Song samples: Mystic Cave Zone, Escape From the City, Ruby Delusions
Comments 50
Ooh interesting. Mega Man seems like such a no brainier for this that I’m surprised they haven’t already done it.
Curtain Call’s DLC basically made it a Squeenix game rather than just FF. It’s brilliant.
I’d like a redo of curtain call for the switch and ps5 that includes all dlc of the 3ds release.
Also yeah localize theatrhythm dragon quest please.
The only one I would buy would be a Zelda version. FF is my favorite gaming music followed by Zelda.
Pretty much the only one that makes the most sense would be a Mega Man rhythm game.
NINJA APPROVED
SF would be fun, but not as challenging as Ikaruga or Ghosts N Goblins.
Maybe there should be a capoeira video game?
Two I could definitely see potentially happening at some point would be Splatoon and Pokemon. They both have history with music/rhythm between Splatoon 2's rhythm minigame and Pokemon myriad of sound based Pokemon and moves, plus the music in both games is utterly fantastic/iconic throughout. You could even only need to make one game and just keep updating it as new games come out. You've honestly gotten me really excited for the idea now and I'm slightly disappointed it hasn't happened yet!
Also the selection of AA songs is great, I would throw in Kazuma's Theme and Great Revival there myself.
Chrono Trigger hands down as a different option, such an amazing soundtrack! If there's not enough content, throw in Chrono Cross too!
You think with the KH music game having decent success, and the FF music game shutting down april last year in Japan, they would do a switch/ps4 port huh?
Please give us Xenoblade Theatrhythm. Love the way theatrhythm plays and enjoy the final fantasy one a fair amount, just sucks I have no connection to the series whatsoever. Gimme a Xenoblade one and I am SOLD.
No series should have to put up with trashy rhythm game make overs.
Would Kirby make for a good theatrhythm game?
FF Theatrhythm's artstyle always looked ugly and funko pop-y to me
AC, Pokémon, Atelier games and Kirby have some great tunes.
RPGs lend themselves better thanks to their more diverse soundtracks, so I'd go with Pokémon.
Played both and the DQ one. Incredibly fun games to waste time in. DQ has better music IMO but would be nice to see more of these types of games
Ace Attorney is an inspired choice. The way Theatrythm splits up field stages and battle stages would translate easily to Investigation and Courtroom stages. That said, if they crammed everything from Curtain Call onto a Switch cartridge and added FF15 and FF16 music, it would be my Game of the Year.
These soundtracks would all be awesome in a rhythm game, though I've never really liked the idea of rhythm adventure games too much. They always felt kind of corny. It works fine for some of the goofier ones, but it'd just be weird to see a lot of these characters happily bouncing along with the beat. If we could get a more generic Nintendo rhythm game that includes the full soundtracks from a bunch of different franchises, that'd be amazing. Even better if it had a plain music player mode like Smash Bros. does, since they're so stingy about releasing their soundtracks as separate products.
I would like to see rhythm music games based on most of these listed series but they shouldn't necessarily have to go after Theatrhythm's tune, bad pun intended lol.
Seriously though, that S-E music series' gameplay is kinda alright but each series here should try doing something more original and different instead of just using a "inspired" Theatrhythm style imo.
Not my kinda game strangely but would absolutely love Legend of Zelda, DQ, Mario & Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles Theatrerhythm games. They'd be insta-buys.
I’ve been playing Curtain Call on and off for the past few months, and I was thinking it’d be great to have an Ace Attorney Theatrhythm game… and Lo and behold, you mention it here 👏 😂
I’d love to see a Monkey Island one too… or maybe a Hollow Knight rhythm game…. Mmmmm
@DiggleDog
Considering that the Theatrhythm games are by Square Enix and not Capcom may be one reason why not
I'd rather just listen to the soundtracks from these series and play a proper rhythm game, then shoehorn the mechanic onto a franchise I care about.
Also I would much rather see Mario, or Sonic get a Cadence of Hyrule type of game instead of this series.
I think Kirby would be another good one.
I already have the Dancing All Night games, but Persona would be a great fit here too.
I'd pounce on either a Mega Man or Sonic Theatryhthm game.
This list could also be called "10 video game series soundtracks that I constantly listen to while I work." So good choices!
@sneaky_sasquatch I agree, I'm not sure why no one has mentioned the art style. I think that comparing them to funko pops is a bit unfair on them though as funko pops are at least cute (Most of the time)
@Pk-glitch
I think this series of games has a very lazy, mobile phone f2p art style. The lack of animation and detail in general has steered me away from the series. Brace Yourself Games, with Crypt of the Necodancer and Candence of Hyrule have really cemented my preferred rhythm games.
Guess what I voted for!
Dance Dance Revolution Pokemon Mix
Beatmania IIDX SONIC DASH
@Anachronism "If we could get a more generic Nintendo rhythm game..."
There were two many, many years ago for the DS developed by Nintendo, called Daigasso: Band Brothers (JP only), followed up Daigasso: Band Brothers DX (JP) / Jam with the Band (EU).
The interesting decision they made though is that at the time, as far as the Japanese versions were concerned, they were more focused on keeping the song list as mainstream as possible, picking classical music, Billboard hits and J-pop hits. Kinda like the track list on some of the later Taiko titles.
Zelda and Dragon Quest would be the best, whilst Sonic and Mario would also be quite good. Ah, who am I kidding? I haven't got any rhythm.
@steventonysmith I would definitely buy Super Mario Bros Crypt of the Necrodancer.
Now I want to play some Cadence. BRB
I mean almost any and all classic Square RPG’s could fit as they mostly have awesome soundtracks. I guess if I had to throw out 3 selections I’d go with (that aren’t Final Fantasy)…
Non-Square Picks:
But also just bring back a new:
… if we’re talking music games !
… Wun can only hope.
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Reminds me, I need to get some of the DLC songs for these games before it all shuts down
@farrgazer I feel like I've heard of Jam with the Band at some point, though it looks like it never made it over to the US. The track list is way more limited than what I'd hope for in a modern equivalent. I'd want something that has the full track lists of maybe a dozen different games to start, and either adds in other soundtracks later as DLC or just has a bunch of sequels. Even Smash Ultimate's ridiculous soundtrack only covers a fraction of Nintendo's massive library of music. It's a shame they don't put it to more use.
Seiken Densetsu and Mother, first and foremost. Then as long as I'm dreaming, a Quintet series
Never even heard of this before, kind of interesting. Shame there's no android version. Could always emulate the iOS version on my Android...but then again it doesn't look THAT interesting.
As much as i love Xenoblade and its music, i don't think enough of it is interesting enough standalone.
They are fantastic mood pieces in their respective regions, but other than "Gaur Planes", there's very little really memorable stuff.
And whoever came up with Street Figher....just no
Only 2 picks? So hard to pick, so many good tunes in these games.
A platformer that requires fast precise reflexes absolutely should not get rythym games.
Nintendo should just make a rhythm game based on all of their collected franchises. It would be amazing!
I liked theatrhythm ok, but mainly because of the final fantasy content. I have just never cared about video game music. The music i love, i love because of the lyrics. Just instrumentals does nothing for me. I can't really say if any music without lyrics is "good", I only know if it doesn't get on my nerves. It's all just "there" to me. I'd like to play the dragon quest version, but I'd rather a turn based rpg without chibi characters, personally.
I'm surprised Splatoon isn't on the list, though I'd imagine Splatoon rhythm game to look and play more like Project DIVA games.
There are too many great series to choose from so I'll just cheat and combine them all into one. Imagine if Super Smash Bros. had rhythm game mode in it and you'd be able to play any song in Ultimate.
Sonic Spinball's options screen would be a great addition! At least with a warning to put the volume down first
Beyond the arcade game FF All-Star Carnival which is #1 on my port want list, you could jam pack a Theatrhythm FFXIV-specific edition and release expansion DLCs for years to come (probably best they don’t go this direction as I would gorge myself to no end)
Outside of FF and the above…
-itching for a collective “Nintendo” one, or something based off all the incredible Super Smash Bros. arrangements.
-rights and licensing would be insane, but anime like Gundam (or Super Robot), One Piece, etc could make for really fun ones.
-while I’m sure sales would be generally atrocious and they’re way too niche compared to FF, KH, Nintendo, etc…a Ganbare Goemon or collective Game Arts (Lunar, Grandia, + all their old shooters) version would speak oh so deeply to me.
I own DQ Theatrhythm and had a total blast with it, just unfortunate that a lot of the DQ music sorta blends together for me / not my personal favorite music as a collective series. But the top-down gameplay and mission modes were super fun, huge shame it didn’t ever get brought over.
(also thanks for now getting me to mentally obsess over a Theatrhythm Xenoblade…!!! Time to whip out the 3DS!)
Sonic and Bayonetta. Both have amazing music ideal for a rhythm game. Bayonetta especially needs more love.
I LOVED curtain call. I bought 80% of the extra tracks and would play it literally every day to get those extra daily points!
I wish they had translated that dragon quest once, but what I truly want is a game that spans the whole of squenix's past from the start!
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