THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY: FINAL FANTASY XV + The World Ends with You
This week, we celebrate some of FINAL FANTASY XV’s greatest music. Plus we’re Calling out the amazing soundtrack to The World Ends with You!Welcome back to THEATRHYTHM THURSDAYS!
When you think of FINAL FANTASY XV, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is the audio. And we’re not just talking about: “I’ve come up with a new recipeeeeh!”
The soundtrack, spearheaded by the legendary Yoko Shimomura, brings the unforgettable world of Eos and the emotional saga of Noctis to life in every aspect. Vastness, danger, humor and tragedy - it’s all captured wonderfully through an expansive collection of music that stands tall, even amongst the consistently high standards of the FINAL FANTASY series.
Naturally, a selection of these tracks are included in the upcoming THEATRYHTHM FINAL BAR LINE, acting as music stages for you to play along with in exciting rhythm action gameplay.
Here are the tracks included in the base game:
- Stand Your Ground (BMS)
- Veiled in Black (BMS)
- Valse di Fantastica (FMS)
- The Fight Is On! (BMS)
- APOCALYPSIS NOCTIS (Uncovered Trailer) (BMS/EMS)
- Flying R (FMS)
- Invidia (BMS)
- OMNIS LACRIMA (BMS)
- Up for the Challenge (BMS)
- NOCTIS (FMS)
- Somnus (FMS)
- Hellfire (BMS)
- Magna Insomnia (BMS)
- Main Theme from FINAL FANTASY (FMS)
- Shield of the King - Theme of EPISODE GLADIOLUS (FMS)
- Home Sweet Home - Theme of EPISODE PROMPTO (FMS)
- EPISODE IGNIS - The Main Theme (FMS)
- The Dance of Silver and Crimson (BMS)
Now, let’s hear some of our favorites:
OMNIS LACRIMA (BMS)
Let’s go big or go home. And things don’t get much bigger than OMNIS LACRIMA!
This amazing track first plays when Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto are sent on a gem hunt by the cunning journalist Dino. Unfortunately, their path to the shiny stones are blocked by Zu - a giant slumbering bird.
The boys try to sneak past, but ultimately their efforts are for nothing - the beast awakens, unfurling its wings as the magnificent choral section at the start of this track explodes into life. It’s an incredible moment that perfectly encapsulates the scale, drama and visual splendor of FINAL FANTASY XV.
This track becomes a boss theme for the giant monsters you’ll find around Eos. From foul-smelling Malboros, to the screen-filling Adamantoise, every encounter feels epic and exciting thanks to this energetic choir, soaring strings and driving piano.
What can I say? This track is the best.
Valse di Fantastica (FMS)
This track only plays infrequently as you explore the plains, forests and roads of the world, but and whenever it does, it’s a joy.
This melodic waltz carries with it a palpable sense of adventure, as well as a hint of sadness - very fitting for the epic road trip that Noctis and his entourage go on in the game.
The combination of a strident rhythm, and soaring melody that builds as the song progresses makes it a perfect candidate for a Field Music Stage in THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE - and it doesn’t disappoint.
I know this is one stage I’m going find myself playing over and over - purely to enjoy the music.
Home Sweet Home - Theme of EPISODE PROMPTO (FMS)
Now it’s time for something more… mellow.
FINAL FANTASY XV’s first three DLC episodes shone the spotlight on Noctis’ friends, giving players a much more intimate look at these very different heroes than the main game can afford.
EPISODE PROMPTO follows the wise-cracking photographer after he’s been separated from the rest of the team. Lost and alone, he embarks on a journey that risks shattering his very sense of identity - and this melancholy scenario is captured in the powerful theme by composer Naoshi Mizuta.
EPISODE PROMPTO is an enjoyable adventure to play that mixes up with the game’s mechanics with some well-implemented shooting and even a new vehicle. Plus it brings back Aranea (who - yes you were right - should have featured in our article about Dragoons)!
But that sense of tragedy and sadness echoes throughout, creating a memorable mood that sticks with you. We’re very glad it’s in THEATRHYTHM for all to hear!
Bonus: The World Ends with You
We also wanted to celebrate another amazing game this week - and it’s highly distinctive soundtrack.
The World Ends with You originally released for Nintendo DS in 2007 in Japan, and later for mobile devices and Nintendo Switch. It won acclaim thanks to its contemporary Tokyo setting, innovative action-based combat system and strong sense of fashion. It simply oozed cool.
That sense of style extended to the music, with a soundtrack that fused contemporary styles from pop to hip hop to create a truly unique sound.
The game went on to inspire a superb (and equally musically brilliant) sequel in NEO: The World Ends with You, and a well-received animation too. Now, tracks from the game are coming as DLC for THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE. Here’s just a taste of what to expect:
Calling (FMS)
Appropriately, this has become something of a calling card for the series. It’s a fantastically upbeat track that perfectly captures the uniquely stylish sensibilities of the game.
As a signature track of the series, versions of this song have appeared in other games too. It reappeared with a new arrangement in NEO: The World Ends with You and also features in KINGDOM HEARTS DREAM DROP DISTANCE - and by extension, rhythm action game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory!
I hope you enjoyed this THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY. THEATRHYTHM FINAL BAR LINE is overflowing with amazing tracks like these and more - it’s a musical extravaganza that’ll delight anyone who loves these games, or just enjoys incredible music.
It releases February 16, 2023 for PS4 and Nintendo Switch! Three editions will be available at launch:
Standard Edition: Available physically and digitally, this contains 385 sounds from across the FINAL FANTASY series
Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Pass 1.
Premium Digital Deluxe Edition: Contains all songs from the standard edition, plus 27 additional tracks, and Season Passes 1-3.
All these editions are available to preorder now:
To stay up to date with news about the game, be sure to follow FINAL FANTASY on social media.
And be sure to bookmark the blog at https://www.square-enix-games.com/news and come back next week for another THEATRHYTHM THURSDAY!