I hate rhythm games and not a FF fanboy, but I really liked this game! It's weird and addictive, and focuses on music.
1. I don't like music rhythm games (generally)
2. I've only played two FF games all the way through, and the others very little
So I figured it would be a genre I hate (music rhythm), and be a fanboy service to a series I don't know well. Thanks to an article in GameInformer, I gave it a shot. FF Theatrhythm is so weird, unique, and well done, that I'm addicted.
The game doesn't really have a plot -- the RPG elements of the game are somewhat thin. You will level up characters and give them better powerups, which do help, but given there's so little story, it's more about opening up new songs and characters and many other very cool unlockables/collectibles.
The gameplay is straightforward: in the main game mode, you play a level, where each level represents one of the 13 FF games, and then one musical theme in that game. In a given level, you'll basically play 4 different rhythm games to different versions of the musical theme. The rhythm portions are very well done, synchronized to the music, and use just the stylus. The actions are simple (tap, tap-drag, or tap-hold), but they combine them in interesting ways, and your taps actually add bits of percussion or light background melody to the songs. The more cues/notes you hit, and the better on-time you hit them, the more experience points you'll get. When you completely blow a note, you lose HP, and when it reaches 0 you lose.
The game shines in a lot of unique ways -- characters are all pulled from the FF games, and are little cartoony representations, each with its own personality. As you do each rhythm game, any number of things happen in the background of your rhythm cues: it'll show scenes from the original games, it'll simulate a boss battle, or show major events or opening/closing story sequences from the games. They can be distracting if you let them, but they were easy to ignore. There are cool and often funny graphical and text touches all over the game's menus, level-up screens, and other spots.
Overall, the game is just packed with content, and if you love Final Fantasy music, or even just good ol' chiptune videogame music, it'll pull you in. Also, if you're a rhythm klutz like me, you can still do great in the first many levels and enjoy the game.
The good:
+ Graphics are fantastic -- lots of details and color, very good use of 3d, generally everything is laid out well. Some of the best visual on the 3DS so far.
+ Music, Music, Music -- sooooo many tunes... basically, all of them from the FF series (a few they will try to sell you through their online store...)
+ Easy to learn, pick up and play, and a good number of different game modes -- it's very addictive for me.
The not-so-good:
- Holding the 3DS (especially the 3DSxl) in one hand and frantically tapping in rhythm with the other can get tiring quickly
- You do, in true FF form, have to grind to do well. You'll replay levels quite a bit to make later rhythms easier.