THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY: CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII–

CRISIS CORE’s amazing soundtrack is a welcome addition to THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE! Let’s take a closer look at what to expect!
By Duncan Heaney

It’s a big week for FINAL FANTASY fans because Zack is back!

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION released December 13 for (deep breath) PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam!

This prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII is a significantly enhanced version of the 2007 PSP classic and focuses on Zack Fair - a SOLDIER operative with close ties to many of the characters from that beloved RPG.

A number of tracks from that original release feature in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - so what better subject could there be for a THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY?

The CRISIS CORE soundtrack was led by composer Takeharu Ishimoto and features a combination of fresh takes on classic FINAL FANTASY VII tracks and completely original compositions.

It’s an eclectic soundtrack that takes you from driving metal to somber piano - in other words as bold and full of personality as Zack himself!

THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE contains six tracks from the series:

  • CRISIS CORE Theme - Succession (EMS)
  • The SOLDIER Way (BMS)
  • The Price of Freedom (BMS)
  • Encounter (BMS)
  • Timely Ambush (from FFVII 'Let the Battles Begin!') (FMS)
  • A Flower Blooming in the Slums (from FFVII 'Aerith's Theme') (FMS)

Let’s take a closer look - and listen - at a few favorites:


CRISIS CORE Theme - Succession (EMS)

The main theme of CRISIS CORE is not your typical FINAL FANTASY track. This beautiful and melancholy piano piece conveys a lot of emotion through its simple melody. The song hints at the deeply affecting journey that lies ahead of you.

In THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE, this track is an Event Music Stage (EMS). That means you’ll see beautiful video scenes from the game as you play, and this makes this powerful track hit that much harder.

What? I’m not crying, you’re crying.


Encounter (BMS)

Feeling tired? A little worn down? Blast a few seconds of Encounter, CRISIS CORE’s battle theme, and your energy will surge back to full power! This track is exhilarating. The shredding guitars and surging rhythms really make you feel like you’re the heart of the action.

It’s a very different battle theme for FINAL FANTASY VII, but it really works. Its suitability as a Battle Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM is clear - you just know this one is going to test your rhythm-action expertise in a really fun way.


The Price of Freedom (BMS)

The price of freedom is steep.

That message sits at the very heart of CRISIS CORE - a painful lesson for Zack (and us!) to learn. It’s driven home by this wistful rock track, which conveys longing, joy, tragedy… all the things that that Zack himself experiences over the course of his adventures.

It makes for a very different kind of Battle Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - and a particularly memorable one.


You’ll be able to hear all these tracks from February 16, 2023, when THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE releases for Nintendo Switch and PS4!

Or you can hear newly arranged versions - as well as a host of other enhancements to the visuals, combat system and more - in CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.


Bonus: Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered

This month also saw the release of Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered on PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS and Android. Considering how good the music is in the game, it would be a crime not to take the opportunity to talk about it - especially as music packs from the SaGa games are coming to THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE as standalone DLCs and as part of the game’s Season Passes!

Ardent Rhythm (BMS)

This track is included in Season Pass 1, as part of a DLC pack for the SaGa series (THEATRHYTHM FBL SaGa Series Pack). And holy moly, it’s fantastic!

Composed by Kenji Ito, it’s an utterly unique combination of acoustic guitar, drums, and energetic vocals that sounds absolutely incredible. Beware though - it’s also an earworm that will lodge itself firmly in your brain for the rest of the day.

The music of the SaGa series is legendary - always inventive, sometimes experimental and consistently brilliant. If you’re coming to the series for the first time in Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered, prepare to discover this for yourself.


That’s all for this week’s THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY! Come back next week to hear some more amazing music from the game - and be sure to follow us on social media!

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