As a huge Kingdom Hearts fan it was all I could do to not squeal with delight when I saw the new Kingdom Hearts demo at E3. Needless to say I was able to retain my composure, and in the mean time I absorbed all the sights and sounds of the new game. This title was just released in Japan last week, and has unsurprisingly done really well. The mode available for demo at the time I happened by was single, although the game boasts a mutli player mode as well. Since this is the first title without Sora in it I was a little apprehensive. Read on to find out my thoughts on the newest installment in the ever-popular Kingdom Hearts franchise.
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As expected for a DS game, the graphics aren’t all that spectacular. They are probably one of the best on the DS, but the fans are so used to the smooth PS2 games, so this is a bit of a set back. The stats are redesigned as well, making it also an interesting transition for fans. The style of fighting is still the same: run up and attack. Voila. As for enemies, I didn’t get the chance to see any new ones. What felt strange to me was using the d-pad for once in a Kingdom Hearts game. KH: Chain of Memories doesn’t really count since the game play is rather different. I have a feeling this is one of those games that will cause the tip of your thumb to hurt after a while, resulting in temporary defeat until your thumbs get some R&R.
This title now offers a multiplayer mode—a first for the series. Up to four players can play co-op multiplayer missions as any of the Organization XIII members. The story follows the missing story of what was going on while Sora was asleep between Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II. Sadly no appearance by Sora will me made in this game as a stand alone character, and it is rumored that he will no longer appear in any future Kingdom Hearts games. However, it’s likely he will available for unlocking in multi-player mode at some point in the game. Although, no confirmation on that yet. Another new feature in this title is the Panel system which allows one to customize Roxas’ arisenal by placing abilities, items and weapons into slots, not unlike The World Ends With You, The black-haired girl seen on the cover of the game is the fourteenth member who Roxas meets during the game. Naturally, she has no recollection of her past.
After playing around with the demo I was satisfied that this will be another great addition to the series. While I am sad to see Sora go, it will be interesting to find out more about Organization XIII and more importantly, the fourteenth member. For anyone who is a fan of the series, I definitely recommend picking up the title. For everyone else? The Kingdom Hearts games have always been fantastic in their stories, the worlds you explore, and the characters you meet. This handheld game will be a great installment that both fans and others will enjoy. There’s nothing like Final Fantasy meets Disney in my opinion. Throw in more storyline and I am in heaven.
