Editing Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure

{{GameInfobox 
|developer = Nippon Ichi Software
|publisher = Nippon Ichi Software, Atlus,  NIS America, Square Enix
|director = Koichi Kitazurri
|producer = John Yamamoto
|composer = Tenpei Sato
|jp_rel = {{Release|1998|December|17|JP|PlayStation}}<br>{{Release|2006|December|21|JP|PlayStation Network}}<br>{{Release|2008|August|6|JP|Nintendo DS}}
|na_rel = {{Release|2000|July|30|NA|PlayStation}}<br>{{Release|2008|September|23|NA|Nintendo DS}}
|eu_rel = {{Release|2009|March|26|EU|Nintendo DS}}
|genre = Tactical RPG
|features = Single-player
|ratings = CERO-A, ESRB-E, PEGI-7
|platforms = PlayStation, Nintendo DS
|dplatforms = PlayStation Network
|media = 1 [[CD-ROM]] (PS)<br /> [[Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS game card]] (DS)
|input = Gamepad
}}
'''Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure''', released in [[Japan]] as {{nihongo title|The Puppet Princess of Marl Kingdom|マール王国の人形姫|Māru-ōkoku no Ningyō-hime}} is a [[console role-playing game]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] from [[Atlus]] USA and [[Nippon Ichi]] Software, the creators of ''[[Disgaea]]'', and is part of the ''[[Marl Kingdom]]'' series.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101">Kurt Kalata. [http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/marl/marl.htm Marl Kingdom at Hardcore Gaming 101]. Retrieved 2007-22-4</ref>

It was released three times in Japan —  once in [[1998 in video gaming|1998]], then again as '''''The Adventure of Puppet Princess + 1''''' in [[1999 in video gaming|1999]], and then again as '''''The Adventure of Puppet Princess''''' (PSOne Books) in [[2001 in video gaming|2001]],<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101" /> and was released a fourth time for the [[Nintendo DS]] on June 6, 2008. The game was released in the [[United States|USA]], in [[2000 in video gaming|2000]] and in 2008 and is the only game in the series to be released outside Japan. 

''Rhapsody'', along with its sequels, are considered musical RPGs,<ref name="gamespot_review"/> meaning in place of [[Full motion video|FMV]] cutscenes, there are musical numbers, complete with vocals. The game is also known for its "overwhelming cuteness"<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101"/> and low level of difficulty.<ref name="gamespot_review"/> Although this may make the game seem geared towards a younger audience, in Japan, the game and series in general has seen much success.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101"/> In North America, the game has seen much less success, perceived as a girl-only game.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101"/> 

==Gameplay==
When starting a new game, the player can select a game difficulty (easy, normal, or hard), which affects how long it will take to finish the game. The player selects different places on the world map and encounters [[random encounter]] battles, such as in the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series. Unlike most [[Console role-playing game|RPG]]s, the player can save at any time, except during battle.<ref name="rhapsody1">{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Atlus staff | title=Rhapsoday: A Musical Adventure instruction manual | publisher=Atlus | id=SLUS-01073 | page=8}}</ref>

An oft-mentioned point of appreciation is its relatively unique plot premise and flow. ''Rhapsody'' is a theatrical [[Musical theatre|musical]] in regard to its presentation style, containing frequent cut scenes that are sung, rather than simply spoken and acted. Players are given the option of listening to the lyrics and voice-overs in Japanese, English, or muting them entirely.<ref name="rhapsody1"/> Hidden throughout the game are high-quality illustrations of characters, which can be viewed any time through the item menu.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101" />

===Battles===
The battles are fought in a [[tactical role-playing game]] fashion. However, unlike other games in this genre, the battles tend to last less than a minute, with the exception of boss battles, and require little tactics. This makes the game stand out in its genre and may have also led to its limited mainstream success with more [[Hardcore gamer|hardcore players]] of the genre.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101" />

[[File:Rhapsodybattle.png|thumb|left|Battle scene]]

Cornet is the main character, but mainly offers support in battle-puppets that are found throughout the game do most of the fighting for her. Kururu never actually fights in any battles in the original, though she does in the remake for the DS. Each character learns different skills as they level up, except Cornet (in the original only), who has attacks called Rewards. Cornet can blow her horn during battle to power up the puppets and gain appreciation points, which allow her to unleash these devastating techniques. Most Rewards are represented by foods, such as flan, cake, and candy.

Like in most tactical RPGs, each character has a certain move number and can attack at a certain distance. Most party members can only attack at close range, unless he or she has a long-range skill. Each character can also equip three accessories and use items. The game features some normal status problems (sleep, paralysis, etc.) like in most console RPGs, but has some original ones too, such as frog and philanthropy. Each enemy also has an element (thunder, wind, earth, fire, water, dark, holy) and a weakness to the opposite element.<ref name="rhapsody2">{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Atlus staff | title=Rhapsoday: A Musical Adventure instruction manual | pages=16–19 | publisher=Atlus | id=SLUS-01073}}</ref> Each element has its own set of spells, which can be used to take advantage of such weaknesses. 

Unlike in most tactical RPGs, instead of gaining experience points each turn, all the characters get the same amount of points at the end of battle. After earning enough experience points, the character will level up and become stronger and possibly learn a spell.<ref name="rhapsody2"/> There are also skill points, gained when a character strikes the finishing blow. The more of these points a character has, the higher his or her critical rate becomes.<ref name="rhapsody2"/> Inotium, the in-game money, is also won after every battle. Occasionally monsters will join Cornet after they are defeated. These monsters can then be used in battle, like puppets, and can use special monster abilities.

==Story==
The game centers around the adventures of Cornet, a girl who can talk to [[puppet]]s and has a magical horn that grants wishes, and Kururu, a puppet that has the heart and soul of a human. The majority of the game is about Cornet and Kururu trying to save Prince Ferdinand (whom Cornet is in love with) after he has been turned to stone by the self-proclaimed "most beautiful witch in the world."<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101" /> The witch, Marjoly, also has a crush on the prince and had meant to put him to sleep, but messed up the spell and accidentally turned him to stone. 

===Characters===
[[File:Rhapsodytalkscene.png|thumb|Kururu getting upset]]
*'''Cornet Espoir:''' Cornet is the cheerful heroine of the game. She can sing, play the horn, and even talk to puppets; which most people cannot do. Cornet longs for a passionate relationship and despises toads. She longs for a prince to sweep her off of her feet.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/cornet.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Kururu:''' She is a puppet and Cornet's best friend. She follows Cornet throughout the game, often making humorous comments on her behavior. She likes cherries, and dislikes anything sour. Unlike other puppets, Kururu can move around on her own without the powers of Cornet's horn, and she can talk to other humans besides Cornet. She hides a deep secret, but for the better. her weapon of choice is a paper fan (she is only playable in the DS version).<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/kururu1.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Cherie:''' Cherie is Cornet's mother, whom is said to have been killed in an accident many years prior to the start of the game.<ref>http://psx.ign.com/articles/133/133954p1.html Retrieved 2007-7-13</ref>

*'''Ferdinand Marl E.:''' The prince, and soon to be king, of Marl Kingdom. He often sneaks out of the castle to hunt or visit the city. Cornet has dreamt of him her whole life and falls in love with him after a chance meeting in the forest.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/ferdinand.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Etoile Rosenqueen:''' She is Cornet's arrogant rival. Etoile often makes sarcastic remarks about Cornet. She is from a rich background and loves being the center of attention.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/etoile.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Marjoly:''' Marjoly is the sexy antagonist of the game, but is hardly the typical evil mastermind bent on world destruction. She lies about her age and often calls herself the most beautiful witch in the world.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/marjoly.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>  She's also one of the antagonists in the game ''Disgaea''.

*'''Gao:''' Gao is one of Marjoly's lackeys. It is said that she has the strength to fight a dragon with her bare hands. Many people mistake her for a man, including Cornet.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/gao.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Crowdia:''' Crowdia is another of Marjoly's lackeys. She is very beautiful, but very narcissistic. She has large black wings, like a crow, and fights with a sword.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/crowdia.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

*'''Myao:''' Myao is Marjoly's third lackey. She appears to be a child. She often acts childish and selfish, and she can cast powerful magic to summon dragons.<ref>http://www.rpgdreamer.com/rhapsody/myao.html Retrieved 2007-7-10</ref>

===Audio===
Bundled with the US game was an original soundtrack CD (Rhapsody - A Musical Adventure USA Soundtrack). All songs were composed by [[Tenpei Sato]].<ref>http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/rhapsody/ Retrieved 2007-11-7</ref>

{{tracklist 
| collapsed       = yes
| headline        = ''Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Soundtrack'' tracklist
| total_length    = 72:46
| title1          = Someday
| note1           = vocal by [[Sara Thomas]] as Coronet and Jody Fleischer as Kururu
| length1         = 3:09
| title2          = Let's Go On (Contest Version)
| note2           = vocal by Sara Thomas as Coronet and Jody Fleischer as Etoile
| length2         = 4:53
| title3          = Let's Go On (Cherie Version)
| note3           = vocal by Jody Fleischer as Cherie
| length3         = 2:40
| title4          = Our World
| note4           = vocal by Sara Thomas as Coronet and Josh Synard as Ferdinad
| length4         = 3:00
| title5          = Amphibian Paradise
| note5           = vocal by Josh Synard as Michael with Rachel Quaintanes, Glenn Wissner, and Keith Arem as the Frog Dancers
| length5         = 3:28
| title6          = Evil Queen
| note6           = vocal by Marjoly (Camie Gordon Lowrey), Myao (Sara Thomas), Gao (Rachel Quaintanes) and Crowdia (Jody Fleischer)
| length6         = 2:40
| title7          = True Courage
| note7           = vocal by Sara Thomas as Coronet and Jody Fleischer as Kururu
| length7         = 2:46
| title8          = Thank You
| note8           = vocal by Sara Thomas as Coronet
| length8         = 6:08
| title9          = Mountainmen's Song
| note9           = vocal by Josh Synard as Gilbert with Glen Wissner and Keith Arem as the Chorus
| length9         = 1:54
| title10         = Amazing Pirates
| note10          = vocal by Josh Synard, Glen Wissner, and Keith Arem as the Pirates
| length10        = 1:39
| title11         = Puppet Princess Theme
| length11        = 2:58
| title12         = Little Love
| length12        = 2:39
| title13         = Adventurer
| length13        = 1:35
| title14         = Welcome to the Dungeon
| length14        = 2:45
| title15         = Spirit Wind
| length15        = 2:57
| title16         = Marjoly Family Anthem
| length16        = 2:24
| title17         = Mothergreen
| length17        = 2:00
| title18         = Castle Evening
| length18        = 1:59
| title19         = Lady's Barrette
| length19        = 2:41
| title20         = Fear
| length20        = 2:11
| title21         = Shooting Star
| length21        = 2:05
| title22         = Rhapsody Afar
| length22        = 2:05
| title23         = Dream Hunter
| length23        = 2:49
| title24         = The Wanderer
| length24        = 3:04
| title25         = Last Waltz
| length25        = 3:58
| title26         = Mother's Lullaby
| length26        = 2:19
}}

==Nintendo DS version==
''Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure'' was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in September 23, 2008.<ref>[http://nisamerica.com/games/rhaps Official website announces release date]</ref> The gameplay has been changed significantly, the battles changed from strategy-RPG style to 2-D turn based battles, similar to the ones found in the sequels.  Kururu also engages in battle in this version of the game.  Though extra scenarios from the third game in the series were advertised, translated, and given as the reason for the removal of the English song vocals, they were absent from the game. NIS America announced that they removed this content because of localization issues.<ref name="RPGFan">http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2008/1461.html</ref> Reports of glitches have also surfaced such as freezing.<ref name="Siliconera">http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/14/falling-flat-encountering-rhapsodys-ds-glitches/</ref>

==Reception==
{{VG Reviews
|GI = 5.5 / 10<ref name="GI">{{cite web | author=Juba, Joe | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Review |date= 2008-09-23 | publisher=[[Game Informer]] | url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B3DCC1CB-C9BB-4CEA-ADE3-319B17B47654.htm?CS_pid=180574 | accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> (DS)
|GamePro = 3.5 / 5<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web | author=Jake the Snake | title=Rhapsody: Cornet's Musical Adventure for PlayStation on Games.net |date= 2000-10-24 | publisher=[[GamePro]] | url=http://www.games.net/external/104686/6351/gamepro/rhapsody-cornets-musical-adventure/ | accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> (PS)<br />4.0 / 5<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web | author=Herring, Will | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS) |date= 2008-09-23 | publisher=[[GamePro]] | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/207214/rhapsody-a-musical-adventure-ds/ | accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> (DS)
|GSpot= 5.9 /10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web | author=Lopez, Miguel | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure for PlayStation Review |date= 2000-06-27 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/rhapsodyamusicaladventure/review.html | accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> (PS)<br />6.0 / 10<ref name="GameSpot2">{{cite web | author=Stella, Shiva | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure for DS Review |date= 2008-09-23 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/rhapsodyamusicaladventure/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review | accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> (DS)
|IGN = 7.3 / 10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | author=Cleveland, Adam | title=IGN: Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Review |date= 2000-06-28 | publisher=[[IGN]] | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/163/163954p1.html | accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> (PS)<br />6.6 / 10<ref name="IGN2">{{cite web | author=Hatfield, Daemon | title=IGN: Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Review |date= 2008-09-25 | publisher=[[IGN]] | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/163/163954p1.html | accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> (DS)
|GR = 68.2%<ref name="GR">{{cite web | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Reviews |year= 2000 | publisher=[[Game Rankings]] | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/searchresult.asp?term=Rhapsody&itemid=198474 | accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> (PS)<br />69.1%<ref name="GR2">{{cite web | title=Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Reviews |year= 2008 | publisher=[[Game Rankings]] | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/searchresult.asp?term=Rhapsody&itemid=946831 | accessdate=2008-10-15}}</ref> (DS)
}}

Considered to be a sleeper hit and [[cult classic]] among role-playing games, ''Rhapsody'' appeals largely to a small demographic within the larger console RPG fanbase, even considered a novelty of the genre.<ref name="gamespot_review">http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/rhapsodyamusicaladventure/review.html Retrieved 2007-13-7</ref> Its lighthearted approach, distinctly female perspective, relatively brief playtime (it can be completed in approximately 10 hours normally, and in five hours if rushed, whereas most RPGs span 30+ hours) and generally challenge-soft gameplay are factors that have contributed to both its limited success among the mainstream,<ref>http://www.rpgland.com/games/rhapsody/review.html Retrieved 2007-13-7</ref> and intense popularity within its smaller fanbase.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101" />

==Legacy==
''Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure'' has a sequel, ''[[Little Princess: Marl Ōkoku no Ningyō Hime 2]]'', which has been fan-translated. There is also a third game ''[[Tenshi no Present - Marl Oukoku Monogatari]]'', also known as ''Angel's Present: A Marl Kingdom Story'', which has also been translated by fans on [[GameFAQS]]. 

Rhapsody's influence has extended into Nippon Ichi's subsequent series of tactical role-playing games.  One of the characters of ''[[La Pucelle: Tactics]]'' is a descendant of the characters in the game, while the shops named after Cornet's rival, Etoile Rosenqueen, have spread even to the Netherworlds of ''Disgaea: Hour of Darkness''.<ref name="Hardcore_Gaming_101"/> 

After the first release of the game, a cheaper edition called ''The Adventure of Puppet Princess + 1'' was published, which featured an art gallery, sound test, and a bonus CD. The [[North America|American]] release of the game had these features, but instead of the bonus CD was a soundtrack CD, with vocal and instrumental songs from the game. The third release (''The Adventure of Puppet Princess'' (PSOne Books)), did not come with any extra CD. There was also a ''Rhapsody'' calendar released.<ref>http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/psx/rhapsody/rhapprop.html Retrieved 2007-12-7</ref>

==See also==
*[[Cultural differences in role-playing video games]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
*[http://nisamerica.com/games/rhaps/ Official website] at NIS America
*[http://www.rhapsodygame.com/portals/square-enix/products/rhapsody/home/ Official website] at Square Enix Europe
*{{ja icon}} [http://nippon1.jp/consumer/marlds/index.html Official website] at [[Nippon Ichi Software]]

{{Marl Kingdom}}