Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call brings together decades of the Final Fantasy series into one 3DS rhythm game. Players hit notes on screen while watching scenes from the games play out above them. The formula is simple. The ambition is not.
Trailer, via Nintendo of America.
The Numbers Behind Curtain Call
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | 3DS |
| Genre | Rhythm game |
| Franchise | Final Fantasy |
| Songs | Over a hundred across series |
How It Works
Players tap arrows that move down the screen. Hits are scored, combos build, and the game tracks performance across songs. Misses cost points. The visual presentation is the selling point: full FMVs from each game appear between stages, showing key scenes from the stories.
What Stands Out
The best moments come when the game leans into its source material. A scene from Final Fantasy VII plays over a track from that game’s soundtrack, and the two feel connected rather than separate.
Where It Falls Short
Not every song lands the same way. Some tracks, especially those pulled from older games, feel thin compared to newer entries. The difficulty curve also rises quickly, and new players can get lost fast.
Music and Sound
The soundtrack draws from dozens of Final Fantasy games, and the range shows. From orchestral scores to synth-heavy tracks, the game covers most of what fans expect. The sound design supports the action well, though it can get loud during intense sections.
Presentation
The visuals are sharp for the platform. FMVs look dated by modern standards, though they remain faithful to the original material. The interface is clean, and menus are easy to navigate.
Lasting Value
Curtain Call includes enough content to keep players busy for months. New songs, difficulty tiers, and unlockable characters add replay value beyond the main campaign. The game rewards completionists who want to see every scene and hear every track.
Final Word
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call succeeds because it commits fully to its premise. It respects the source material while turning it into a playable experience. The rough edges — uneven difficulty and some weak tracks — don’t sink the project.
This is a solid entry in a long-running franchise. It won’t convert non-Final Fantasy players, but anyone invested in the series will find plenty to enjoy here.
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