Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure DS (2008). Play online

Summary

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure on the DS feels like stepping into a whimsical stage play you can carry in your pocket. The original turn‑based fights have been overhauled into a 2‑D strategy‑RPG system, mirroring the later sequels, and even Kururu joins the fray with brand‑new sprites. I love that you can pick the language for the song lyrics—Japanese, English, or mute entirely—while battling across a world map with random encounters that let you save any time except during combat.

The charm is relentless: musical numbers replace FMVs, each battle is peppered with cute, low‑difficulty challenges, and every character picks up unique skills as they level, while Cornet’s horn ‘Rewards’ power up the puppets and rack up appreciation points. Enemies sit behind elemental icons, so matching fire to water or darkness to holy feels satisfying.

Bonus illustrations hide in the item menu, and despite some reported freezes and missing English vocal tracks (cut due to localization quirks), the game remains an adorable, melodious RPG experience.

Storyline

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure DS follows Cornet, a spirited girl who can converse with puppets and wields a magical horn that grants wishes. Together with Kururu, a puppet that houses a human heart and soul, she sets out to rescue Prince Ferdinand, the object of her affection. Ferdinand has been turned to stone by Marjoly, the self‑proclaimed “most beautiful witch in the world,” who originally intended only to put him to sleep but botched the spell. Marjoly also harbors feelings for the prince, adding a comedic rivalry to the quest. The game’s story unfolds as Cornet and Kururu travel across whimsical lands, using music and the horn’s power to undo the witch’s mistake and restore the prince.