This game was an instant classic. Fewer and fewer games nowadays can claim that title. Many games in today's world thrive on celebrity franchises, like Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, and the like. While this particular game's PR strategy is that way, the game itself shines brightly, just like the light of Kingdom Hearts. The biggest original selling point was the integration of two VERY different franchises: Final Fantasy and Disney. Bringing these two realms together into one product, particularly an RPG-style video game, must have been a big gamble. However, the geniuses at Square Enix pulled it off spectacularly, and created an entirely new franchise (that can now succeed in part because of its name).
Kingdom Hearts takes the story of three young teens, Sora, Riku, and Kairi, who seek the unknown; what lies beyond their tiny island? What other worlds are out there? When their home is attacked by the Heartless and swallowed by the darkness, they are thrust into an imaginative adventure, and find out. Also, King Mickey (yes, it is that Mickey) of Disney Castle senses trouble brewing across the worlds, and departs to fight it. He leaves a note for his Royal Guard, Goofy, and Court Magician, Donald, ordering them to "find the key" and follow it. Sora finds himself in Traverse Town, a safe haven for people whose homes also fell to darkness, where he learns about the power of his new weapon, the Keyblade, and the Heartless that destroyed his home. Donald and Goofy also land here looking for the "key" mentioned in the note. Eventually, the three cross paths and decide to journey together to find Riku, Kairi, and the King, and return to their homes.
The gameplay is also very noteworthy. It takes all of the elements of standard RPG's, like menus, countless items of all kinds, magic, summons, experience, HP, MP, etc, but eliminates all of the waiting. Battles start instantly, right in the field, and the basic menu, with all your commands, like Attack and Items, has to be sorted through on the fly, literally. Certain menus and actions can only be reached in the pause menu outside of battle. These include equipping items, choosing weapons and accessories, and customizing your characters. You have no control of any partners; just Sora. Given the gameplay style, this was a very wise choice. Also, in certain Disney worlds, new partners will join you, all Disney heroes. This game is not nearly as difficult as many RPG's can be, but you will likely struggle at points. Fortunately, the exploration in the game, trying to find all of the treasures, makes an easy excuse to fight some more battles and boost your stats. By then, that boss fight, or whatever it is, shouldn't be too hard. Battles could get a bit repetitive as well. The game has plenty of puzzles as well, most of them optional. However, since the rewards are usually great, I wouldn't miss them. While some of the enemies may be a bit irritating (like Black Fungus), for the most part, they're all pretty enjoyable. Here's a hint to make this game a bit easier: you can never overuse the Dodge Roll or Cure magic. Trust me, they will save your life. I'm not sure they picked the best Disney worlds, but what they did use, they used well. Certain Disney worlds contributed to the overall story very well.
As for as technology is concerned, I'd say Kingdom Hearts is pretty average for PS2. It does feel very old when you go back to it after playing the sequels. The animation style is completely anime, in every way. The English dubbing is okay, but it feels awkward sometimes. The gestures and facial expressions don't always match what the characters are saying exactly. However, since that would require completely new animations, it's understandable why they kept it. Still, the voiceovers were well done, and they recreated the Disney characters pretty well. The music is cool. Some more of the original music from the movies would've been nice, but, again, that's expensive. At any rate, for its level, and time period for the system, Kingdom Hearts is pretty good.
Overall, I'd give Kingdom Hearts five thumbs up, if I could. The story is immaculate, well-paced, and has a good balance between the somber Final Fantasy world, and the lighthearted, feel-good Disney world. The gameplay defines true action-RPG style. It's not too hard, not too easy. There are lots of fun cameos, good animation, and fun voiceovers. It creates an entirely new aspect of life, the heart, and explores it, with a little magic, and a little science. It's something that could only make sense in the world of Kingdom Hearts. Again, Kingdom Hearts is an instant classic, the perfect action-RPG, and a game for every RPG fan to try (and yes, I could write a book about it if I wanted to). Remember, there will always be a door to the light...
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Reviews with images
Very fun action/RPG
Item arrived in great condition not a scratch on it , great game for a great price. It's just as good as I remember it.I'm not a fan of the series but i enjoy this first installment in the franchise as it doesn't have all that nonsense and guys in black like in the other games
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Top reviews from other countries
Jaime Miguel Nájera Romero
Un clasico
Reviewed in Mexico on April 15, 2022Style: Kingdom HeartsVerified Purchase
Gisele.gimenez
Otimo game
Reviewed in Brazil on November 20, 2021Style: Kingdom HeartsVerified Purchase
Mario Maldonado
Excelente juego
Reviewed in Mexico on October 10, 2020Style: Kingdom HeartsVerified Purchase
