Disney Worlds are arguably the biggest selling point of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, since fans endlessly specu?late about the movies the?y're going to be able to revisit every time Square Enix announces a brand-new game

. But some fans recently discovered a strange level that was scrapped from Kingdom Hearts 3, and it left them absolutely dumbfounded. What if Sora, Donald & Goofy visited a world based on the Cars franchise?

Fans discover plans for a Cars World in the files of Kingdom Hearts 3

A group of dedicated fans unveiled a bunch of development screenshots and documents from around 2017, simply known as the "KH3 Premium Showcase Files". Longtime Kingdom Hearts YouTuber & Researcher, 13th Vessel, has posted about this revelation on his Twitter/X account.

There are a lot of interesting parts about this discovery, but the most fascinating one is a text list of the worlds that were in development. It contains 19 different levels, and it includes both playable worlds like San Fransokyo or Toy Box and areas that appear only in cutscenes, like Daybreak Town or Radiant Garden. However, Kingdom Hearts 3 only featured 18 world??s, so fans ??immediately noticed that there was a standout.

The text at #6, clearly reads "カー��", which translates to "Cars (Tentative)", meaning that at one point Square Enix was planning to include an entire world based on Pixar's sometimes infamous but wildly successful Cars franchise. This not only surprised fans but also created a ??lot of speculation on how this level was going to work.

Was it going to take place entirely within Radiator? Springs? Were Sora, Donald & Goofy going to transform into different vehicles? How was Sora going to fight with his Keyblade? Was it going to have a racing minigame? However, most fans believe that this world was scrapped very early on in development, since this list is only made up of text, and they couldn't find any 3D models of characters or environments either.

The other fascinating findings in the Kingdom Hearts 3 Premium Showcase Files

The KH3 Premium Showcase Files did not reveal any more information on unused Disney Worlds, but there is another fascinating finding that has shocked and amused Kingdom Hearts fans. In the final game, when players enter the Toy Box world (based on the Toy Story franchise) they will immediately witness a high quality cutscene with lots of action and impressive graphics that is promoting a fictional video game called "Verum Rex", which is a parody of Final Fantasy XV. Square Enix created the Verum Rex characters exclusively for use in the Kingdom Hearts franchise, including the protagonist, Yozora, who later appeared in the Re Mind DLC, a secret boss.

The Premium Showcase Files revealed that Verum Rex was not always supposed to be a parody, since its introductory cutscene was originally going to feature Final Fantasy XV characters. A prototype version of this cutscene has models that are extremely similar to Noctis and Stella, meaning that Tetsuya Nomura's plans may have changed at some point in development. Yozora is highly likely to play an important role in Kingdom Hearts 4, so he may have chosen to avoid further using characters from a separate f??ranchise.

Tetsuya Nomura and his team are currently working on Kingdom Hearts 4, so there's a possibility that they may reuse the idea of this scrapped Cars World in this upcoming title. Whether fans will approve of i?t or not, depends entirely on its execution.

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The beloved Kingdom Hearts 2 drive forms like Valor Form have been added to Kingdom Hearts 3. There's even a mo?d for a drive gauge just like the PS2 game.

Kingdom Hearts 3 modders add popular KH2 mechanic into the game

Kingdom Hearts 3 changed a lot of mechanics from its predecessor, such as removing reaction commands, but keyblade transformations replaced the drive form system many fans know and love from the second game. Thankfully, some Kingdom Hearts 3 modders have added all of the drive forms into the PC version.

Popular Kingdom Hearts YouTube channel TheGamersJoint showcased all the drive forms on offer from the modding community. Richy5 has stitched them all together with the drive gauge mod. forever756 created the Valor Form mod for Kingdom Hearts 3.

While the pose does look odd at points, Sora summons two keyblades and slashes the heartless and other enemies with them. His outfit also changes into a red design. Unfortunately, you'll need to have the Kingdom Key equipped; otherwise, Sora will have an invisible keyblade, according to TheGamersJoint. Impressively, the animations for the Valor Form from Kingdom Hearts 2 have been imported well into the third game.

Sora101Ven created the Wisdom Form and has Sora gliding across the stage. TheGamersJoint says it works "basically the exact same" as its original iteration. While shooting blasts of energy toward his foes?, the keyblade wielder can move to the left and the right seamlessly. The Master Form is also replicated?? well into Kingdom Hearts 3 by mao. The YouTuber says it has been replicated 1-to-1, but this mod doesn't support the drive gauge mod. If you want a version supported by the drive gauge mod, you can get Flarigrar's version.

Even Anti-Form is supported within the Kingdom Hearts 3 mod community by Sora101Ven. This heartless-inspired drive form is activated when you've used the mechanic too many times. It's extremely quick but lacks defensive options, making it risky to use. Sora101Ven also made a great Final Form mod, which has Sora use Reflect as a guard. What's even more impressive is that Reflect isn't even a spell supported in Kingdom Hearts 3.

We don't know whether or not the drive forms will return in Kingdom Hearts 4 or if keyblade transformations will come back instead. However, Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura has confirmed that the reaction commands from Kingdom Hearts 2 are returning for the fourth entry.

The post Kingdom Hearts 3 modders add all KH2 Driv?e Forms into game appeared first on Destructoid.

Long after its 2019 release, the Kingdom Hearts 3 mod scene is still thriving, especially with the Steam launch this week. And thanks to one modder, Larxian, Final Fantasy may have a little more to explore in Kingdom Hearts as they've dropped Sora right into the Final Fantasy 15 city, Insomnia, with their in-development mod.

Sora uses his flowmotion abilities all over Insomnia

Insomnia is the crown city of Final Fantasy 15, in which Noctis lived throughout his childhood and he returns to later in life. In this mod, we can play as Sora swinging on the architecture of the city and zooming from place to place in an instant. It's reminiscent of Noctis maneuvering his way around the skyscraper in the initial Final Fantasy Versus XIII reveal trailer...just less gory, a little more Disney.

Larxian began to share details on social media about the mod project in March 2023. They have since added NPCs to the city and even included a Moogle Shop. The modder tracks their progress on X, and you can follow along by searching for #InsomniaMod. While there's no ETA just yet, ?it looks like they've made plenty of headway in bringing Insomnia to ?life.

This Kingdom Hearts 3 mod might be the beginning of what's to come

Ever since the Kingdom Hearts 3 secret movie, many fans have speculated on the parallels between the Versus XIII marketing and the secret movie. It's all thanks to Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura's history as the director of the Versus XIII project before it transitioned to Final Fantasy 15. One of the last shots of the Kingdom Hearts 3 Re: Mind secret movie is influenced by the scene in which Noctis ??is sitting at the back of a limousine car, looking out towards the window. Yozora is doing the exact same motio??n.

Perhaps in Kingdom Hearts 4, we'll see Quadratum'?s version of Insomnia and the skyscraper, like those we see in this mod.

The post Sora explor?es Final Fantasy 15 c?ity in Kingdom Hearts 3 mod appeared first on Destructoid.

The Kingdom Hearts 3 PC port is finally heading to Steam, and fans around the world are delighted to finally play it on their system of choice. The Kingdom Hearts 3 PC system requirements should be fairly easy to run, depending on the age of your computer??.

Minimum Kingdom Hearts 3 PC system requirements

In order to play Kingdom Hearts 3 on your PC, you'll need at least a 64-bit Windows 10 OS (ver.1909 or higher) and 8GB of RAM. You'll ?also require the following for the minimum specs:

• Processor: Intel® Coreâ„?i5-3330 / AMD Ryzenâ„? 1200
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 760 (VRAM 2GB) / AMD Radeonâ„?R7 260X (VRAM 2GB)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 75 GB available space

These specs will let you "Blast Away" in this adventure at 30 frames per second in a 720p resolution. It will be worth the upgrade if you can't reach these system requirements yet. "This is a souped-up version of the previous games, which allows each world to shine individually without going overboard and approaching the uncanny valley," said our review in progress back in 2019. "Pixar characters look authentic and t?rue to the source material, as do many of the previously computer-animat??ed cast members."

Recommended Kingdom Hearts 3 PC system requirements

If you want to up the ante and get a 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, you may need to get the wallet out and purchase some?? new hardware.?? The recommended specs are:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit (ver.1909 or later)
• Processor: Intel® Coreâ„?i5-7500 / AMD Ryzenâ„? 3100
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 / AMD Radeonâ„?RX Vega 56
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 75 GB available space

The system requirements for Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 HD ReMIX have also been released, and there are some strange differences between the Steam and Epic Game Store versions. First, you'll need DX12 instead of DX11. Second, the graphics cards have been slightly changed from the GeForce GTX 730 to the 750, and the Radeon RX 460 instead of the 240. This could be due to the upgraded textures in the game for the PC version, such as the upgraded backgrounds. Regardless, here are the recommended specs for 1.5 + 2.5 HD ReMIX:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit (ver.1909 or later)
• Processor: Intel® Coreâ„?i3-3210 / AMD A8-7600
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 750 / AMD Radeonâ„?RX 460
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space

Lastly, there is the collection Final Chapter Prologue, which features Dream Drop Distance HD, χ Back Cover, and 0.2 Birth By Sleep. I don't blame you for getting confused with the names of these games and I'm a fan of this series. Here are? the specs for this collection if you plan on playing it:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit (ver.1909 or later)
• Processor: Intel® Coreâ„?i5-7500 / AMD Ryzenâ„?3 3100
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 / AMD Radeonâ„?RX Vega 56
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 35 GB available space

The post Kingdom Hearts 3 PC system requirements appeared first on Destructoid.

My friends are my power!

Sora has enlisted the help of many Disney and Final Fantasy characters over the years, and Kingdom Hearts summons have provided a great way for players to get the upper hand on the Heartless and Nobodies. With Tinkerbell giving constant healing, and Peter Pan lifting Sora off the ground for?? some aerial attacks, there were plenty of awesome summons to pool from in order to create this list.

While not all Kingdom Hearts summons are useful (we're looking at you, Chicken Little), plenty of them ca?n greatly assist Sora and his friends, ??both offensively and defensively.

Here are the seven best Kingdom Hearts summons.

7. Peter Pan (Kingdom Hearts II)

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While not as powerful as you'd like, Peter Pan's summon is still useful in tight situations. While protected, pixie dust flies across the battlefield while Sora attacks his foes from the air. Photos of Sora's Neverland adventure with Peter Pan also appear on-screen, which makes for a great callback. The attacks don't last long, making this summon lower on the list. Regardless, "The Flying Boy" can save Sora in a pi??nch if used corr??ectly.

6. Bambi (Kingdom Hearts)

[caption id="attachment_369904" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The original KH has summons based more on utility than dominance on the battlefield; that is the case with Bambi. While this creature is merely a small deer, Bambi makes our list of the greatest Kingdom Hearts Summons because they release a ton of MP bubbles around themselves. If you need to utilize a Blizzard spell or an awesome ability like Sonic Blade?, Bambi can stock you up quickly. What a "Thumper" of a Summon!

5. Simba (Kingdom Hearts III)

[caption id="attachment_369915" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

One of the very few characters to appear in all three Kingdom Hearts games Simba is a powerful summon for Sora in KH3. He turns into a massive source of fire for the keyblade wielder. When he roars, the surrounding area is scorched and every time he jumps and collides with a foe, it causes damage. At the end of the sequence, Simba unleashes a burst of fire that wipes out all of your enemies in the vicinity. With how powerful each consecutive attack is, Simba is one of the best Kingdom Hearts summons.

4. Ariel (Kingdom Hearts III)

[caption id="attachment_369916" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Despite originating from one of the worst worlds in Kingdom Hearts history, Ariel is a fantastic summon in KH3. Sora and the redhead mermaid dive in and out of the water, damaging foes with every impact. However, you can also splash water towards enemies mid-dive, adding another way to deal a blow to their HP meter. This "Sea Spectacle" attack is essential for some players who want to defeat the secret boss of KH3 Remind, as you can avoid incomi??ng combos while this move is active.

3. Genie (Kingdom Hearts II)

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Agrabah's Genie provides some stellar attacks in Kingdom Hearts II. Taking inspiration from Sora's drive forms, he provides alternate attacks dep?ending on the outfit he is wearing, and they're all pretty powerful. The Master Form has the Arcana, which has Genie spinning in the air, sending out magical projectiles. In this form, he can easily wipe out a wave of heartless with his attacks. The gimmick of Genie wearing cosplay for Sora's drive forms also provides a nice visual touch.

2. Meow Wow (Kingdom Hearts III)

[caption id="attachment_369917" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Meow Wow is an adorable Dream Eater that deals a massive amount of damage to its opponents in Kingdom Hearts III. Sora rides the creature as it bounces on its foes, and the creature grows larger every time it hits the ground. Once you've pumped it up to a full size, you can release the air in the balloon-like animal, which strikes foes with a powerful blast as it whips around the battlefield. Meow Wow is surprisingly effective against tough bosses and a large crowd of heartless or nobodies. It's one of the best Kingdom Hearts summons ever.

1. Tinker Bell (Kingdom Hearts)

[caption id="attachment_369905" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Tinkerbell has come in clutch in many Kingdom Hearts playthroughs throughout the years. In "End of the World", Tinkerbell is an essential carry, healing you as you strike down the Heartless. Tinkerbell never leaves your side during the battle, unlike every other summon in the series. And what makes her greater still is that she'll revive you completely if you lose all of your health. This comes at the cost of losing her presence by your side, however. For these reasons and more, Tinkerbell is arguably the greatest Summon in Kingdom Hearts.

The post Best Kingdom Hearts Summons, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

'Don't Think Twice' about these spells

Throughout the years, some of the best Kingdom Hearts spells have Sora summoning fireballs or using balloons as projectile weapons. Most Kingdom Hearts games have their own exclusive spells, like Water and ??Reflect; the latter of which is one of the most beloved enchantments in the series.

Today, we're listing the best Kingdom Hearts spells based on their effectiveness in ba?ttle and?? cinematic flair on-screen. Let's hope Donald is better at healing Sora after reading this.

[caption id="attachment_369129" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

10. Magnet (KH2)

The Magnet spell is introduced in Kingdom Hearts 2 and pulls your opponents towards one orb. For a ??few seconds, you can work in an air combo unrestrained from the encroaching Heartless and Nobodies around you. Magnet can also combo with other spells like Thunder and Fire, making it a useful utility in combat.

[caption id="attachment_369124" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

9. Thunder (KH3)

Thunder has been in the Kingdom Hearts series since the very beginning. It's an effective AoE (Area of Effect) attack that takes out multiple enemies at the same time. However, it seems to be less powerful than the likes of Fire and Blizzard. In Port Royal (the Pirates of the Caribbean world in KH2), Thunder ca?n be used to completely stun Barbossa's minions in place.

[caption id="attachment_369092" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

8. Water (KH3)

Water is the newest spell in Sora's arsenal. It's one of the best spells in Kingdom Hearts because it has a wide AoE and looks absolutely stunning as the waves flop to the side. It's also glistening in the sunlight, especially in Tangled's world. Water looks gorgeous in Kingdom Hearts 3, but it also bumps opponent??s int??o the air, allowing for follow-up attacks.

[caption id="attachment_369125" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

7. Blizzard (KH3)

Another form of water is ice, and Sora can unleash his frosty powers with Blizzard. In Kingdom Hearts 3, the sp?ell is heightened as it form?s a trail on the ground. Sora can ride it like Tony Hawk on a skateboard. You can then get a quick flowmotion attack from it. In addition, enemies will freeze on the spot when Sora hits them with ice.

[caption id="attachment_369091" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

6. Balloon (Dream Drop Distance)

One of Sora's silliest (but most effective) spells in the Kingdom Hearts series is Balloon. Only featured in Dream Drop Distance, this spell causes a ton of unexpected damage toward your foes when struck, including major bosses. It's also quite thrilling to see the offensive balloons flying all over the arena. The game might have some of the worst worlds in the series, but Balloon is awesome to use.

[caption id="attachment_369130" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

5. Aero (KH1)

Aero is an absolute godsend in the original Kingdom Hearts. Before it was turned into an offensive ?spell, Aero was used as a shield to protect Sora. You still take damage, but each attack struck on Sora while Aero is active is lessened significantly. This was helpful in bosses with attacks that are hard to avoid, like the Ursula battle and the Ansem (Xehanort's Heartless) final boss.

[caption id="attachment_369095" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

4. Fire (KH1)

A spell that's iconic to Kingdom Hearts fans is Fire. It's the first that we unlock in the series and is still one of the best you can use. It causes a lot of damage, and its fireballs can be launched quickly one after the other. The spell looks particularly impressive in Kingdom Hearts 3 with all of?? the fiery particle effects ?occurring in the modern game.

[caption id="attachment_369131" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

3. Gravity / Zero Gravity (KH1 / Birth By Sleep)

One of the most useful spells in the original Kingdom Hearts is Gravity, renamed to Zero Gravity in Birth By Sleep. It takes bigge?r Heartless types and reduces their health almost to zero. For anyone who has ever ventured into Wonderland, you know how annoying the Battleship Heartless can be. It flies around Sora at a fast pace and then charges at the ?keyblade wielder. The Gravity spell can bring these ships down to earth. Utilizing this power of gravity to counteract these Heartless with a big health meter is a good tactic to implement.

[caption id="attachment_369096" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

2. Reflect (KH2)

Reflect is one of the coolest spells in gaming. It allows S?ora to neutralize incoming attacks and it can stack however long the game allows you to. Then, once you've finished Reflect, it will release a circle of white spell damage around the keyblade-wielding hero. It made fighting bosses like Sephiroth easier, and it truly looks sick when you pull it off. Reflecting a big attack from the One-Winged Angel and other foes gives such a rush. It is overpowered, but man, Reflect was fun while we had it.

[caption id="attachment_369093" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

1. Cure (KH1 and beyond)

The most important spell in the Kingdom Hearts series is Cure. It may be simple, but its healing properties are essential for every player to keep Sora alive. It can cancel out attacks if you have Leaf Bracer equipped, and a beautiful animation floats above Sora's head whenever he heals himself. It's usually of a flower. As you can see in the image above, Square Enix adds a nice touch to KH3's version with petals floating around the area.

The post Best Kingdom Hearts spells, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

May your heart be your guiding key!

One of the most iconic weapons from all of video gaming is the keyblade of Kingdom Hearts. As you unlock new keychains, this strange weapon changes form, creating styles that adapt to the various Disney and Final Fantasy worlds Sora visits.

The best keyblade designs in Kingdom Hearts history include a dramatic tone, a well-placed callback to a Disney classic film, or a reference to the friendships that Sora and other characters have gathered?? across their adventures. Here's a breakdown of ten of these cool styles.

Kingdom Key

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You have to start with the O.G. This simple but cherished keyblade design features the iconic crown as the blade end and a Mickey Mouse symbol as a keychain. The metallic shine and the bright yellow hilt make Sora's defaul?t ke?yblade pop on the screen. Whenever you see it, you'll get a blast of nostalgia.

Dual Disk

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Any fan of Tron would get a kick out of this keyblade. It has the shape of the light cycles used to traverse the data scape. In addition, there's a little glow that emanates from this design, making it one of the best keyblades due to how unique it is. This might come from one of the worst worlds in the series, but it sure looks cool.

Ever After

[caption id="attachment_367041" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Whenever you think of the movie Tangled and its world in Kingdom Hearts 3, you think of the bright, colorful visuals. That is reflected within the Ever After keyblade. Rapunzel's Tower is symbolized perf??ectly by ??this keyblade, with the golden strands across the weapon as the princess' hair. The grass is represented by the hilt's green composition. What makes it even better is Rapunzel's weapon of choice, a frying pan, is the keychain of Ever After.

Grand Chef

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This Ratatouille-inspired keyblade looks magnifique while Sora is fighting the heartless and nobodies of Kingdom Hearts 3. The shining lights of the Eiffel Tower are showcased on the main section of the keyblade, while the rat Remy nestles on top. The transformation it takes fittingly turns into a frying pan that exudes fire as you strike. Gusteau's cookbook is also used as a keychain, making for a neat reference to the Pixar movi??e.

Fenrir

[caption id="attachment_367027" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via Destructoid[/caption]

One of the coolest weapons in all of gaming is the Buster Sword from Final Fantasy 7, so it's neat to see Kingdom Hearts 2 taking on a spin with the overall design for a keyblade. Bandaged up and metallic in nature, this keyblade holds weight in battle. While it does cause a "Negative Combo" effect, which reduces your attack string by 1, Sora looks like a badass while carrying Fenrir. The design more than makes up for it. You can also see the Fenrir symbol that Cloud carries in the film Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children as the keychain.

Oathkeeper

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The Oathkeeper is one of the more precious keyblade designs in the Kingdom Hearts series. It's emblematic of Sora and Kairi's relationship. The hero promises to bring back her lucky charm in the first game and then returns it when they finally see each other again at the end of Kingdom Hearts 2. This keyblade returns in Kingdom Hearts 3: Remind, and its transfo?rmation has Sora lancing at enemies quickly, disappearing into light as he dashes f?rom place to place. The last form that this keyblade helps form is Sora duel wielding both Oathkeeper and Oblivion. There's nothing cooler than having two keyblades at once.

The Stroke of Midnight

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The Stroke of Midnight is a neat keyblade as it references the beloved castle from Cinderella and the Magic Kingdom theme park. It features the ever-important glass slipper at the end of the keychain. It also helps Ventus, Aqua, and Terra in landing critical hits early on each playthrough of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep.

Ultima Weapon

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With long-range and high offensive and magical stats attached to it, the Ultima Weapon is one of the best keyblades in Kingdom Hearts history. After getting all of the Orichalum+ in the game and finding other essential resources, this weapon is synthesized as proof of all your hard work. It's also a neat reference to the Final Fantasy games it is partly inspired by, as it shares its name with many other powerful weapons in that series, including FF7. 

Way To The Dawn

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Riku's original keyblade from the first Kingdom Hearts shows his initial struggle with the darkness and how it's betwixt with his presence as a force for good. The dark black and red of the core keyblade clashes with the lighter feather hilt. There's a heartless symbol dangling on the keychain and a creepy blue eye staring toward your soul when you look at it. The eye may actually be important, knowing recent information from the Master of Masters. Regardless, it's a cool keyblade that fits the harsh journey Riku took from the first Kingdom Hearts through 358/2 Days and KH2. 

Wheel of Fate

[caption id="attachment_367040" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Exploring the Carribean in Kingdom Hearts 3 was a thrilling adventure for fans of the series, and once completing this world, they received the Wheel of Fate keyblade. ??It has the masts and flags of a pirate ship on the keyblade itself. The wooden steering wheel? also acts as the point of the keyblade. It's a fantastic design that embellishes the pirate spirit. The transformation also has Sora joust with the keyblade, making a stabbing motion rather than swinging it around. The differentiation in the combat makes the Wheel of Fate one of the best keyblades in the series.

The post 10 best keyblades in Kingdom Hearts history appeared first on Destructoid.

With a smile and a song

Over the past two decades, the Kingdom Hearts series has wowed its audience with powerfully emotional music fitting for the keyblade ??wielder's grand adventures. From the calming wonder of "Dearly Beloved" to the rocking "Rage Awakened,?" composer Yoko Shimomura brings a magical sound to each game.

With this list, we'll discuss the best Kingdom Hearts songs from Sora's beginnings on Destiny Islands all the way up to his stepping foot in Quadratum. Let us know you?r favorites in the comments section b?elow as this article is just scratching the surface.

There will be spoilers for the Kingdom Hearts series within this article. You have been warned!

10. The 13th Struggle (Kingdom Hearts 2)

//youtu.be/dAAnOQxL5HI

"The 13th Struggle" successfully brings the chaos of an Organization XIII battle and turns it into musical form. The threat of danger signaled by the constant deep strings,?? the manic melody, and the heavy percussion all make this an epic battle theme that will keep your blood pressure rising u?ntil the end of the fight.

9. Edge of Existence (Kingdom Hearts 3)

//youtu.be/yVl3QRNkb8A

In the mysterious new world of Scala ad Caelum, this music piece by Yoko Shimomura heightens the drama unfolding in the story of Kingdom Hearts 3. The combination of brass, strings, and percussion all make for an epic track to explore this final level with. In addition, there is a beautiful few seconds of the piano playing that spins off from the main melody, adding to the mystery of this lo?ng-forsaken place.

8. Rage Awakened (Kingdom Hearts 2)

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa7SyxcKTbs

Epic is one word to describe "Rage Awakened." During the boss fight with the Enigmatic Soldier, the stakes are raised and the music elevates with a rocking backdrop. The strings in this piece tell of the soldier's sad past as the ?thunderous drumming r?eflects his might as he strikes you down over and over again.

7. Vector to the Heavens (Kingdom Hearts 3 Re Mind/ Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days)

//youtu.be/g3xFtfdQwoI

In Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, two friends are torn apart by fate, and "Vector to the Heavens" is an emotional piece that also works as a battle theme. Piano forward in 358/2 Days, this song hits you to your core as the stunning Xion's theme is impacted with drama from the strings and secondary piano backdrop. The central theme of Kingdom Hearts' "Dearly Beloved" is also woven through it as Xion is deeply connected to Sora and decides to return to him. The Kingdom Hearts 3 Re Mind version takes a wholly different approa?ch with a rocking guitar and deep drum baseline. Both?? work well within the context of each game.

6. Destati (Kingdom Hearts)

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6zzv2KCcZo

Yoko Shimomura is a master of bringing atmosphere to her music, and "Destati" absolutely nails it. In the deep darkness of End of the World, the chilling vocals of the choir mixed with the dramatic piano all make for a groundbreaking piece. It's absolutely incredible how the pace picks up as the strings and percussion begin to reveal themselves throughout it. The Kingdom Hearts 3 rendition of this song is also striking.

5. Traverse Town (Kingdom Hearts)

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If you want to talk about nostalgia, "Traverse Town" is certainly that. It's like a warm hug. The jolly melody embraces Sora and the gang as they explore the characteristic town. While it's not as epic as a  song like "Destati," the song is a wonderful jazzy piece that elevates the world and makes us feel welcome within it. This context also makes sense as Traverse Town is a place many have escaped to, like Pinocchio and Leon (Squall). The charming vibe of Traverse Town's theme makes it one of the best Kingdom Hearts songs in existence.

4. Lazy Afternoons (Kingdom Hearts 2)

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If you want some chill vibes after a long hard day, you can't go wrong by listening to "Lazy Afternoons." This is the song in Kingdom Hearts 2 that sets the tone for Roxas' version of Twilight Town. The beautiful playing of the flute next to the melancholic strumming of the guitar makes this yet another nostalgic-sounding piece. There is a subtle use of the xylophone in the background, calling you back to fonder times. If you want? a nice Sunday walk, it's recommended to play this while strolling through your hometown streets.

3. Scherzo Di Notte (Kingdom Hearts)

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When Sora enters Hollow Bast??ion, it is a time of uncertainty. He loses his keyblade, his friends, and almost his hope. However, he carries on forward with The Beast beside him. "Scherzo Di Notte" carries that brave attitude onward with strong instrumentals and a marching drum beat in the background. The melody is upward and onward, while the brass instruments add wavering one-off melodies that stray away, representing Sora's struggles. It's an epic piece that is fitting for a late-game world such as Hollow Bastion.

2. Roxas / The Other Promise (Kingdom Hearts 2)

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Roxas' story throughout the majority of the Kingdom Hearts series is emotional. He is pulled away from his friends, stuck inside Sora's heart, and holds anger within him. He is the counterbalance to Sora's upbeat attitude, but Roxas holds much compassion within him too. His theme, otherwise known as "The Other Promise," shows that perfectly. The flute playin?g is abso?lutely tragic as the melody is beautifully charming while the backdrop of the piano is emotionally strained. The playing mid-way through the track in "The Other Promise" version is then intensified, adding to the drama.

"What I try to remember is not to repress your emotions," Shimomura said in an interview with Hatalabo (translated by KH13). "If you need to cry, cry outrageously [..], especially since music is an expression of emotion." She also mentioned, "the more expressive you are emotionally the more expressive the music becomes." You can certainly hear the emotion in this piece by the legendary game composer, and that is why it's one of the best Kingdom Hearts songs.

1. Dearly Beloved (Kingdom Hearts 2)

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For any great JRPG, you need an amazing main menu theme, and the Kingdom Hearts series delivers that in spades. "Dearly Beloved" is an awe-inspiring piece that has chronicled Sora's journey up to this point. It's highly adaptable, with each title in the series having an alteration on the piano-led track. Kingdom Hearts 3's version sounded momentous as it was the last entry in the Dark Seeker saga, while Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory has an eccentric jazzy take on the familiar song.

After much consideration, Kingdom Hearts 2's version of "Dearly Beloved" is the one that stands out the most. It has a sensational held string section at the top of the number with a stunning harp elevating the introduction. The piano then hits alongside the sweeping strings, stirring the heartstrings. It's melancholy and has plenty of tones within the piece that revolves around the main piano melody that resembles the adventurous and dramatic spirit of the game. This version of "Dearly Beloved" is simply perfect, and the piece itself has been featured in the ClassicFM Hall of Fame six times, according to KH13.

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These Disney worlds are not wishes your heart makes

The Kingdom Hearts series is known for its wondrous world design and impeccable recreation of Disney classics. However, as Sora strikes down the heartless one by one, the worlds he explores some??time??s drag down the whole experience. They make you wish you were just watching the movies that inspired them.

From Sora feeling like the third wheel in the world of Arendelle to playing arduous mini-games in 100 Acre Wood, here are the ten worst Kingdom Hearts worlds.

10. Prankster's Paradise (Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance)

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Pinocchio is one of the most cherished Disney classics, and yet Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance's interpretation of it is so forgettable. It's hard to remember a story element, boss, or landmark to find ??in this world. What saves it from being further down the list is being able to rail over the rollercoaster track with the Flowmotion mechanic and the gorgeous music by Yoko Shimomura.

9. The Grid (Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance)

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While the Rinzler battle at the end of the world is exhilarating, the rest of The Grid is absolutely dull. The environments are unimaginative open spaces with dark lighting and little wonder behind the art design. The Tron world in Kingdom Hearts 2 was color?ful, unique, and had intriguing areas to discover; it also has the light cycle mini-game that fits right into?? the canon of the world that Sora is stepping into. The repetitive electronic music in The Grid also gets irritating after ten minutes, and the storyline matters so little to the overall narrative. To add to all that, the live-action actors like Jeff Bridges look creepy with their low-poly models in this 3DS game.

8. Deep Space (Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep)

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Lilo & Stitch is a beloved Disney film, and yet its world in Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is lackluster. The reason? It's all set in the spaceship where Stitch is imprisoned. We don't get to explore the sandy beaches of Hawaii and surf along the waves. No, we have to find our way through a bland white ship, an annoying vertical area that requires plenty of platforming (not one of the series' strengths), and an awkward pinb?all-like exterior section that feels out of place. The boss fight with Gantu in Ventus' playthrough also leaves much to be inspired.

7. San Fransokyo (Kingdom Hearts 3)

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San Fransokyo is a bad first impression of what Kingdom Hearts 4's Quadratum co?uld be like. There is some neat Japanese-inspired architecture spread across the area, but it has so little to do. There aren't any side quests like cooking in a fast food restaurant or defending citizens from the heartless.  It's also jarring that the world has invisible walls with Hiro calling you via video chat every time to move out of the area.

The original concept art for San Fransokyo in Kingdom Hearts 3 had so much promise. The ??idea is that the Baymax f??rom the end of the movie, left in an interdimensional rift out of power, turns into a darker version of itself. The storyline in this world went for something way more forgettable, however. One of the few entertaining moments in this world is seeing Sora sitting alongside Hiro and his friends on the film's Asian interpretation of the Golden Gate Bridge. It had a neat flashback to Roxas hanging out with his friends with sea salt ice cream on the clock tower.

6. Arendelle (Kingdom Hearts 3)

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As one of the most successful Disney movies ever, Frozen was inevitably selected as a Kingdom Hearts 3 world, and it failed to impress during Sora's third adventure. The storyline within Arendelle hardly includes Sora, as the Frozen characters barely interact with him. There's also a pointless recreation of the scene where Elsa sings "Let It Go." We could just watch the movie instead. Sora, Donald, and Goofy don't even team up with the po??werful princess and instead are stuck with a buff snowman lacking in personality as a party member.

Square Enix had to pad out the story with a confusing maze out of ice. The strange waymarking and level design within this area leave players scratching their heads before they eventually escape. While the snow does look beautiful in Kingdom Hearts 3 with Sora leaving footprints on the ground, Arendelle felt like it was thrown in because it was mega popular rather than a well-rounded world to experienc?e. At least the music stirs your heart as Sora ventures through this wintry landscape.

5. Monstro (Kingdom Hearts)

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Monstro is one of those Kingdom Hearts worlds that hasn't aged well. The insides of the whale are strung with untextured, alien-like blobs on the walls, and the overall level design makes you want to tear your hair out. The hallway placement is in a random manner as you traverse from chamber to chamber. It's hard to memorize which doorway goes where. This, mixed with the terrible camera in Kingdom Hearts, makes for an arduous experience.

While there's a lot of character development within this w?orld for Riku and Sora, this is one part of the original game many fans grimace at the thought of.  The boss is also quite annoying as it poisons Sora whenever it touches the ground; thankfully, it's relatively easy if you use th?e Aero spell that helps defend the keyblade wielder.

4. 100 Acre Wood (Kingdom Hearts)

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While Winnie The Pooh is a childhood favorite for many, the Kingdom Hearts game?s make his adventures so boring. It's supposed to be the one area that you feel safe in and take a break from battling the heartless. O?n the other hand, there are some mini-games that are time-consuming, irritating, or will make your brain go numb.

For example, the mini-game in which you're protecting Pooh from bees requires you to stand on a branch and strike the bees as they come by. ??This lasts for minutes, but it feels five times longer while playing it. These min?i-games truly test your patience.

Thankfully, this world is completely skippable, but it will give you valuable resources if you complete each chapter within the 100 Acre Wood, like an upgraded Stop spell and the Bambi summon. What makes it worse is that you have to collect torn pages in hidden areas of t??he game to gain access to each location of the 100 Acre Wood.

3. Atlantica (Kingdom Hearts)

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Atlantica is commonly critiqued by the Kingdom Hearts fanbase, and for good reason. The controls feel awkward, your move set is limited due to Sora's new merman form, and both of Ursula's boss fights ar?e annoying to deal with. In addition, getting around is awkward, especially towards the latter hal??f of the world, where you have to ride a dolphin to get to Ursula. It's never explained in any of the cutscenes, and when you do find the dolphin, tons of enemies spawn around it before you can grab its tail.

Getting back to Ursula, she's the final boss of th?e Atlantica world, and, my gosh, she's a nu??isance. The only way to attack Ursula is by hitting her head, but she keeps casting spells that cause serious damage. Sometimes, it's really hard to avoid her incoming spells because of the awkward controls, and it's difficult to connect moves because of her frantic movement and Sora's limited move set. Atlantica truly is one of the worst Kingdom Hearts worlds in existence.

2. Disney Town (Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep)

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Mini-games are the scourge of the Kingdom Hearts series, and most of your time in this world is spent playing them. From janky volleyball with fruit to the kind of kart racing you'd expect from a cheap Mario Kart clone, Disney Town is a curse on Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep. There's also a rhythm mini-game with Chip and Dale that feels out of sync. What makes it worse is that this sickly sweet world feels incredibly out of place within one of the darkest stories within the Kingdom Hearts canon. It's so bright, colorful, and silly that it doesn't match the tone Birth By Sleep is going for at all.

1. Deep Jungle (Kingdom Hearts)

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While Tarzan is a nostalgia blast from the tail-end of the Disney Renaissance era, Square Enix plagues fans' memories of the film with terrible level design. The game doesn't clearly tell you where to go to activate the next story element, and even after multiple playthroughs of Kingdom Hearts, you'll get l??ost in the manic natur??e of Deep Jungle.

While the story is rock solid as it builds the relationship between Donald and Sora, Deep Jungle is simply a mess.? Swinging around on the vines in this world is also awkward as you have to time your button presses betw?een each jump. You'll fall many times due to the timing of these swings, the bad camera, and the strange jumps that Sora makes while platforming.

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It's time to d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-duel

A list of the most challenging boss fights ever is necessarily flawed. I, of course, have not played every video game, and I have not encountered every boss fight in the video games that I have played. I am also only one person, and I can only speak for my own experiences. I have watc?hed other players blitz through boss fights that took me hours and vice versa. By its very nature, this list is subjective and very personal.

Still, I've played an awful lot of video games, and I've bumped up against an awful lot of bosses. I may not be able to compile an objective, definitive list, but I t??hink I can offer a pretty good one. With that in mind, I'd like to take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most frustrating big bads I've ever had the displeasure of fighting.

10. 50/20 - Ultimate Custom Night

Ultimate Custom Night acts as something of a digestif for the Scott Cawthon-helmed era of Five Nights at Freddy's. The game features a grand total of 50 discreet enemies whose behavior can be tweaked by the player. Setting all 50 enemies to level 20, their maximum level of aggression, allows you to try out 50/20, the most demanding single night in Five Nights at Freddy's history. It's pretty tough.

FNaF, at its best, is a series about balancing sp??inning plates, and playing throu??gh 50/20 means balancing a truly incredible number of plates. All 50 foes require different reactions, and it's nearly impossible to keep up with each of them at their most aggressive. It's a nontraditional "boss fight," but a truly challenging one.

9. Thunderblight Ganon - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

I'm not a big fan of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's combat.? The game is a wonderful physics sandbox, but I've always found it a bit lacking as an action RPG. My distaste for the game's so-so fighting is at its peak in the ridiculously frustrating Thunderblight Ganon fight. The other three Divi?ne Beast Ganon fights are reasonably forgettable, but this one is memorable for its controller-smashing difficulty.

Thunderblight Ganon is incredibly quick and incredibly strong. Getting shocked in its first phase is basically a death sentence, which means dodging and flurry-rushing is just about the only viable strategy. Later phases are ev??en more irritating and gimmicky. This is one of those boss fights that's both very tough and very annoying.

8. Sephiroth - Kingdom Hearts

Speaking of tough and annoying...

Kingdom Hearts is another action RPG with combat that I just don't?? jiv??e with. The movement is subpar and the camera is utterly miserable. It's generally not too tough to push past those issues in the main game, but the optional bosses are downright irritating. Sephiroth is easily the most difficult of these, demanding that the player learn every intricacy of a distressingly inelegant combat system.

7. Starscourge Radahn - Elden Ring

Yes, of course FromSoftware is on this list. Not to spoil too much, but FromSoftware is actually on this list a few times. The studio's most recent game, Elden Ring, is littered with obscenely di?fficult boss encounters. Many will no doubt wonder how I could leave off legendarily tough battles with characters like Malenia, Blade of Miquel?la or the Elden Beast.

Truth be told, I can't include those fights on this list because I never got to them. I got stuck on Starscourge Radahn, who likes to obliterate my beloved horse without a second thought. I'm sure there are tougher boss fights in Elden Ring, but I'm ??not sure when (or if) I'll ever encounter them. So Radahn gets the spot.

6. King Dice - Cuphead

There are plenty of ultra-tough boss fights in Cuphead??, but the penultimate challenger, King Dice, has to be the hardest. That's because King Dice isn't just one deliriously challenging enemy - he's somewhere between four and ten.

The King Dice battle is actually a boss rush comprised of randomly selected mini-bosses. There's an outside chance that you might get lucky and only face easy enemies during this fight, but you're much more likely to get wiped out over and over again, forcing you to start over from the beginning. The final battle in Cuphead is pretty tough, but this second-to-last fight is the one that truly tests you on th??e skills you've developed to this point.

5. Genocide Sans - Undertale

There are a few optional bosses on this list, enemies that you must seek out for yourself. Few bosses are quite as optional as Sans, though. In order to face Sans, you have to kill every single enemy in Undertale, undertaking the "Genocide Run," a route that is significantly more challenging (in terms of both gameplay and emotion) than anything else in Undertale.

The capstone to that incredibly difficult run is one last incredibly difficult fight. Genocide Sans is notoriously tough. If the philosophical weight of wiping out every charming character in Undertale isn't enough to deter you from a Genocide Run, Sans might be. Undertale's "combat" is mostly about dodging, and Sans throws an incredible number ?of obstacles your way at an incredibly high speed.

4. Ornstein and Smough - Dark Souls

I told you FromSoftware would be back. "Dark Souls" is practically synonymous with "tough boss fights," and the double-header that is Ornstein and Smough might be the toughest boss fight in the entire series. In the first phase, you'll ch??allenge two absurd powerhouses at once. After you bring down one of them, the fight gets even harder, since the surviving enemy becomes ultra-powerful in the second phase.

Ornstein and Smough is one of many choke points in Dark Souls. It's where tons of players bounce off simply because they can't progress (I'm happy to announce that, unlike Starscourge Radahn, I actually have beaten these two). Once you get past this point, though, you are truly ready for anything Dark Souls can throw at you.

3. Yozora - Kingdom Hearts 3

I promise the outsized presence of Kingdom Hearts on this list isn't just a consequence of my fondness for the series. Some of these boss fights really are astonishingly difficult. Yozora, the final boss of the Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind DLC, is one such duel.

The original Kingdom Hearts 3 is laughably easy. The game's impressive combat system is held back by the fact that there are very few compelling fights in the campaign. Thankfully, the post-launch DLC offers up plenty of excellent opportunities to flex your Keyblade m??astery. Yozora is lightning-fast and his crossbow attacks deal a ton of ??damage, making this one of the most challenging boss fights ever. Also, he's voiced by Dylan Sprouse in English. Kinda weird.

2. Gabriel, Judge of Hell - Ultrakill

Ultrakill, the super-fast, super-violent indie darling FPS, has plenty of memorable fights. The most memorable, though, has to be Gabriel, Judge of Hell, the final boss of Act II. Gabriel is ye?t another super-quick high damage dealer who demands that you make the most of your toolkit.

Thankfully, your toolkit in Ultrakill is immense. Bringing down Gabriel by making the most of the weapons at your disposal is extremely satisfying - but you really need to know w??hat you'r?e doing to get to that point.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Bring it in for FromSoftware's third and final appearance on this list! Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice might be FromSoft's most difficult game ever, and the final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint, is the perfect culmination of the game. Sekiro really asks that you meet it on its terms, and Issh??in exemplifies that ph?ilosophy expertly.

This fight demands a comprehensive understanding of Sekiro's combat, from parries to Mikiri Counters to lightning reversa?ls. It is what all good final boss fights should be: a test to see what the player has learned. Remember: hesitation is defeat.

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Kingdom Hearts is light!

_{[Please extend a warm welcome to new freelance writer Sorrel Kerr-Jung! Sorrel has previously worked for entertainment sites such as Looper and CBR,  as well as writing for their local newspaper, they are now kicking the door down here at Destructoid by tackling the mightiest subject of all: Kingdom Hearts continuity. - Chris Moyse]}

It's tough to talk about Kingdom Hearts without mocking it in all the easiest ways. Yes, the basic idea of a Disney-themed JRPG developed by Square Enix is ridiculous. Yes, it's hilarious to watch Mickey Mouse look Squall Leonhart in the eye and ask him what he knows about the Door to Darkness.? Yes, Goofy has done battle with Sephiroth, yes, Maleficent loves to time travel, and yes, you'd better believe that Donald Duck is canonically stronger than Bahamut. All of these ??things are true.

But here's the secret: all of these things are also great. I love Kingdom Hearts for its ardent refusal to go the easy route. It absolutely rules that, when granted the adaptational rights to Disney's catalog of revered classics, Square Enix chose to invent a world and imbue it with a ridiculous amount of unintelligible lore. Kingdom Hearts could have been a phoned-in, simple (and clean) series of licensed Disney games for kids. Instead, it's a franchise comprised of some of the best action RPGs ever made. Featuring Tinker Bell. Not every Kingdom Hearts game is created equally, though �and there are a lot of Kingdom Hearts games. So, here's every Kingdom Hearts game (including the ones that aren't really? games), ranked from worst to bes?t.

Kingdom Hearts χ/Dark Road

Right out the gate, I'm already cheating a little. In some ways, this entry actually covers three games �there's Kingdom Hearts χ, a browser game that was only ever released in Japan, Kingdom Hearts Union χ, a mobile-exclusive sequel that's also kind of a remake that was released worldwide a few years later, and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, a largely separate story that's accessed from within the Union χ app. To look at things ??from another perspective, though, this entry also?? covers zero games.

Kingdom Hearts χ and Union χ are both totally unplayable in 2022, as servers for both titles have been taken offline. The only way to officially experience the story is to trudge through the comically terrible cutscene collection available in the Union χ app, preferably with a guide at the ready sin?ce the cutscenes aren't arranged in any remotely logical order.

It's a shame given that the χ storyline digs into the Keyblade War, one of the more interesting and important periods in Kingdom Hearts' history. Dark Road gets a slight bump for the fact that it's still technically playable (sans online), but, honestly, the gameplay just barely counts as "gameplay," and it doesn't resemble the action RPG combat found in the other ?games at all. There's some neat insight into series antagonist Xehanort's history here, but it's surrounded by headaches.

Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth By Sleep - A Fragmentary Passage

There's really not much to say about A Fragmentary Passage. As the title suggests, it's not a full game; it's more of a brief prelude to Kingdom Hearts 3. By the time A Fragmentary Passage came out, most of the (many, many) pieces of Kingdom Hearts 3's massive puzzle were already in place, so this one doesn't add too much to the narrative. For the most part, it's just an excuse to check-in on Aqua, a fan-favorite character from Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep.

A Fragmentary Passage utilizes the excellent combat system found in Kingdom Hearts 3, so it's naturally pretty pleasant to play. It's also got a rudimentary character customization system, something Kingdom Hearts isn't exactly known fo?r. It gives Aqua something to do and fleshes out her character quite handily, but the whole thing is over so quickly that it's hard to care too much about any of it.

Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover

Thankfully, the miserable cutscene theater in the Union χ app is not the only way to get a bit of insight into the χ story. Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover, a one-hour movie that was included in the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue compilation, takes place during the events of the original browser game. It's not a complete recap of that game's events, but it is a pretty decent whodunnit mystery that gives some much-needed identity to the Foretellers, a group of string-pulling weirdos central to Kingdom Hearts χ's plot.

Back Cover is actually a fairly good time, and it features what might be a career-best performance from Ray Chase as the Master of Masters, the guy who pulls the strings on the string-pullers. Unfortunately, there are a few things that are holdin??g it back from climbing any higher on this particular list. First, of course, is that it isn't a video game �the only reason I'm including it on this list at all is that it was technically released on a PlayStation 4 disc.

Second is that it was produced while the story of Union χ was still ongoing, so it can't act as a meaningful substitute for that darn cutscene theater. The most important reason Back Cover is condemned to the far reaches of this ranking, though, is that there's absolutely no Disney content to be seen here. Later Kingdom Hearts games are often criticized for sidelining Disney characters, but Back Cover excises them entirely. The idea of a Kingdom Hearts mystery is a very fun one, but the movie doesn't feel very Kingdom Hearts at all.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Hear me out here: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is not a great game. This Nintendo DS side story is focused entirely on Roxas, the main playable character for the first several hours of Kingdom Hearts 2. Roxas i??s the series protagonist Sora's "Nobody", a kind of zombie that comes into being when a person becomes a Heartless. If those proper nouns are making your head spin, you haven't seen ?anything yet.

358/2 Days is a prequel focused on Roxas' time with Organization XIII, the antagonistic group that gave Sora a hard time in Kingdom Hearts 2. The game represents a so-so effort at bringing the Kingdom Hearts formula to the DS. While it introduces some formally interesting elements to the series, including a Monster Hunter-ish mission system, moment?-to-moment combat is a slog. It's also got far and away the most convoluted plot of any of these titles �no small feat for a series like this �and it's a bit difficult to get at all invested in the supposed tragedy of? it all.

Kingdom Hearts Coded

Coded began life as a mobile game released in episodes, and the story certainly feels like that of an episodic mobile adventure. It's much smaller than the other epic tales in the Kingdom Hearts series, taking place almost entirely in a parallel data world. Most of this game is a retread of events from previous games, and it's not always entirely obvious how it factors into the broader saga, but honest??ly, that miniature scale is a bit refreshing at times.

The best version of Coded is definitely the DS release. It does a much better job of translating Kingdom Hearts to the DS than 358/2 Days, and it's nice to play a Kingdom Hearts game that both feels good and isn't all that heady. Like everything else in the series, it's pretty much nonsensical (the data world exists inside of a paper journal, but everything inside of it is apparently digital, and it's not entirely clear who is in which world at any moment), but it's not all that important. Also, come on. Kingdom Hearts in the Matrix is pretty cool.

Kingdom Hearts

I know, I know. Keeping the original Kingdom Hearts this far from first place is blasphemous. It's a classic. It's the game that started it all. Here's the thing - Kingdom Hearts should actually be lower on this list. I'm giving it a huge boost based on the importance of blazing a trail. Truth be told, Kingdom Hearts is not a great game. It's a total rough draft of what the series would eventually become. The fou??ndations are ??here, but boy, they're pretty shaky.

Kingdom Hearts is an action game from 2002, and twenty years later, knowing what we know about action game design, it is not fun to go back to. The camera flails about like it's been taped to the end of a mace during regular combat, and during boss fights, it only gets worse. It also contains the worst version of the worst mini-game in the form of the Gummi Ship. There is, of course, lots to love in the original Kingdom Hearts; it's still got some?? of the best Disney worlds in the series, the story is relativel?y simple for the first and last time, and it introduces the ridiculously imaginative world and lovable characters that define the rest of the series. It's just... not that good.

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep

Birth By Sleep is a bit of a black sheep in the Kingdom Hearts canon. It features an almost entirely original cast, swapping Sora and co. for a new trio of heroes: Aqua, Terra, and Ventus. Actually, Ventus is kind of Sora, but that's a story for another time. Aqua and Terra are fledgling Keyblade wielders training under Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort about a decade before the events of the original Kingdom Hearts. This is the game where the lore of Kingdom Hearts became basically incomprehensible, establishing the Keyblade as a lightsaber-style emblem of some ancient group of noble warriors (fittingly, Eraqus is voiced by ??one Mark Hamill).

All that convoluted lore is supported by a pretty charming central cast of three heroes, each of whom gets their own campaign that feeds into one central narrative. It's kind of like Kingdom Hearts by way of NieR:Automata, and it's as odd and compelling as that sounds. Birth By Sleep is also, in some ways, Kingdom Hearts' finest "tragedy," focusing on characters who genuinely fail and suffer in the process. It's the first game that makes Xehanort a truly compelling villain, and it expands the scope of Kingdom Hearts to a truly exciting degree. Add to that the fact that this one has a Lilo and Stitch world and yeah, it's pretty good.

Kingdom Hearts 3

Oh, Kingdom Hearts 3, you lovable mess. This culmination of the franchise's first major narrative arc almost certainly bit off more than it could chew. It's the kind of game that always had to be everything for everyone, and it ended up being only one thing for one very specific group of people: a really good game for Kingdom Hearts super fans. As a Kingdom Hearts super fan, I'm here to confirm tha??t, yes, this is a really good? game.

Kingdom Hearts 3 doesn't totally work. It attempts to resolve every major plot line introduced up to that point, and there's no shortage of major plot lines in Kingdom Hearts. Still, when KH3 works, it works really well. It's constantly paying off beats established literal decades before, and the game seems so excited about that fact that it's hard for players to resist being pulled in. It even briefly made me care about Kingdom Hearts χ. The combat utilizes elements of every game in the series, adding a few new pieces of its own to create what is, if not the best, certainly the largest action game combat system ever made, and the story, while disjointed and messy, really does give every major player a chance to shine. It's messy around the edges and a little too big for its ideas, but it might be the best version of Kingdom Hearts 3 I could have asked for.

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

Chain of Memories was the game that taught players what to expect out of Kingdom Hearts. At the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 2, Sora is chilling in an egg in somebody's basement. Why? To get that answer, you need to play the Game Boy Advance spinoff. Lesson learned: no Kingdom Hearts spinoff is skippable, and Chain of Memories might be the least skippable of them all.

Picking up right where the original Kingdom Hearts left off, Chain of Memories follows Sora, Donald, and Goofy as they adventure through Castle Oblivion, slowly losing their memories as they go. A lot of the worlds in this one are reskinned versions of worlds from the first game �handily, Sora doesn't remember that first game, so most of his dialogue can remain unaltered �but the broader plot is both totally original and deeply compelling. This is where Organization XIII, the Nobodies, and the all-important friendship between Riku and Mickey Mouse were introduced. It's also got one of my personal favorite Kingdom Hearts mechanics, a charming deckbuilding system that hasn't returned since. There's a pretty decent PS2 remake, but for my mone?y, you ought to play th??is on GBA.

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory

One of the best things about Kingdom Hearts is the music. Over the last twenty years, legendary composer Yoko Shimomura has been accompanied by a bevy of brilliant musicians, including Japanese-American pop star Hikaru Utada, and the serie?s has amassed the best collective soundtrack a gaming franchise could ask for. What better way to celebrate all that excellent music than with a rhythm game?

Melody of Memory isn't really a Kingdom Hearts game in the usual sense. There's no real combat, not many RPG elements, and barely any ridiculously convoluted lore. It's mostly just a straightforward rhythm game designed to celebrate the series' music. Thankfully, the series' music is ridiculously good. Developed by Theatrhythm Final Fantasy developer indieszero, Melody of Memory really is an excellent rhythm game, and a great excuse to listen to the Traverse Town them??e again. And again. And again.

Kingdom Hearts 2

Most people would pretty confidently call Kingdom Hearts 2 the best Kingdom Hearts game. Maybe most people are right! It is a pretty exceptiona?l game. The combat is deep and involved without becoming ridiculously complex, the story is pleasantly silly but still coherent enough for its emotional beats to land, and it remains one of the best-looking PlayStation?? 2 games ever made.

It's tough to say anything negative about Kingdom Hearts 2. It strikes the perfect balance between the silly, convoluted mess of JRPG lore that Kingdom Hearts would become and the saccharine, endearing crossover that Kingdom Hearts was always sold as. I don't think it's the best Kingdom Hearts game, but there's a g??ood chance that it is the most perfect.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

This is a weird pick for the top spot, but I promise I can explain. Kingdom Hearts has always been a story about maturing. The very first game is the tale of two boys who have never left home being thrust into the wider world, and being forced to contend with darkness. On one side, there's Sora, who finds the outside world exciting. On the other side, there's Riku, who finds his home stifling. They both want to see everything, but one is optimistic, where the other is cynical. Riku contends with that cynicism for the entire game,?? while Sora thrives with that optimism.

In Dream Drop Distance, Sora and Riku finally find out what kinds of people they've become. Sora has followed the arc that was always set for him - he's gone from JRPG protagonist to cartoon character. In this game, he's the most cartoonish and lovable he's ever been. Riku, meanwhile, has grown into something resembling an actual adult. He's not addicted to the novelty of new experiences the way Sora is, but he also no longer resents his own life the way he used to. He wants to take care of his friends, and he wants to preserve the almost-ordinary world he's built with them. Sora might be the hero of Kingdom Hearts, b??ut Riku, at long last, is the hero of his own story?.

Does it help that Dream Drop Distance has the best combat in any Kingdom Hearts game? Sure. Is it nice that there's a creature-collecting system featuring some of the cutest guys of all time? Of course. But at the end of the day, Dream Drop Distance is my favorite Kingdom Hearts game because it is the fullest realization of Kingdom Hearts. In its own weird way, Kingdom Hearts is about growing up. In Dream Drop Distance, Kingdom Hearts grows up.

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Oh Boy!

Insider murmurs are pointing to the possibility that Disney is currently developing a TV adaptation of mega-popular RPG series Kingdom Hearts. The rumours purport that the animated show is being dev?eloped for the Disney+ service at some point in the future.

The story first appeared on the Twitter account of The Cinema Spot's Emre Kaya, who claims that Disney turned to Kingdom Hearts producer Square Enix to create a CGI pilot, after The House of Mouse's original plans for a live-action adaptation fell through. This story was then backed up by the Editor-in-Chief of Disney Insider Skyler Shuler, who also suggested that the video games' original voice-actors will be returning to t?heir respective roles.

All of the above sounds like a no-brainer project - Kingdom Hearts has an enormous fanbase and a wealth of characters and lore to draw upon - but it also sounds incredibly time-consuming and staggeringly expensive. It's not as if Disney doesn't have the money, it could buy me tomorrow (I'd be Director-in-Charge of Villainous Queens), but a full-CGI Kingdom Hearts TV series would be an incredible undertaking. I think, given the mammoth cast and fathoms-deep lore, a TV series might be a better fit for Kingdom Hearts over a movie. But for now, in any case, we'll just have to ??wait and see.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

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Pocket Pluto

Square Enix has announced another new entry to its vast Kingdom Hearts series, one that will be winging its way to mobile devices in just a few months. Project Xenahort - named after the series' notorious antagonist - will take a closer look a?t the making of a monster.

It is hinted that players will get to discover the roots of the fallen Keyblade Master's wicked ways, learning what turned a once-carefree Destiny Island denizen into a cruel and manipulative man, desperately chasing the Darkness in a bid to become all-powerful. It should also be noted that "Project Xenahort" is apparently a placeholder name, as Square Enix is holding a "Guess the Name" contest on social media.

There are, as of yet, no details pertaining to gameplay, delivery method, or even a teaser trailer, but we do know that Project Xenahort launches this spring on iOS and Android devices, so we can expect to hear finer details on this pocket-sized project soon. Interested parties should keep an eye on the new Project Xenahort website.

In the meantime, Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One. The e?agerly-anticipated ReMIND?? DLC arrives on PS4 today, with Xbox One to follow February 24.

Welcome to the official Twitter page for "Project Xehanort", an all-new KINGDOM HEARTS experience planned for Spring 202??0!

Read about our "Guess the Name" Twitter campaign on the Project Xehanort website: //t.co/G8NEwhmS2Y pic.twitter.com/S5cWIyCdJN

— Project Xehanort (@projectxehanort) January 23, 2020

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Don't store that keyblade just yet

The Japanese Kingdom Hearts III website has started adding tidbits and details about the upcoming ReMIND DLC, which will be added ??to Square Enix's fantastical adventure in a little under a month's time.

The new expansion will add an extra scenario to the RPG sequel - the titular "ReMIND" - and will see Sora face off against the seven Guardians of Light. This subquest will be made accessible just before the final confrontation of KH III, and will include familiar f?aces from Sora? and friends' adventure.

Players will also get the opportunity to throw down with the hooded clan known as Real Organization XIII, taking on its members in a series of all-new boss battles. A selection of newly-playable characters can be taken into the ring, including Kairi, Riku, Roxas and Aqua, some of which are capable of slick co-op maneuvers. These roster additions are proving to be the ReMIND feature that KH fans seem most excited for.

Aside from the above, there is a run of new screenshots, as well as placeholders for sections such as "Slideshow Mode,?" "Secret Episode," and "Greeting Mode," among others, but we'll have to wait a little longer for the site to update with new details. The ReMIND DLC launches on PS4 January 23 and Xbox One January 25.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

Kingdom Hearts III DLC ReMIND details [Gematsu]

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ReMIND Square to set it 'private' next time

Kingdom Hearts fans waiting for more info on upcoming DLC "ReMIND" were surprised to find a brand new trailer floating around the internet without fanfare. It ??appeared to be a surprise to publisher Square Enix too, who swiftly removed the video from their YouTube channel, but not before it was already out there in the ether.

For spoiler reasons I won't divulge the content of the video, which you can check out below (for now), but I will note that - according to the original listing - the Kingdom Hearts III ReMIND DLC is expected to drop on PS4 January 23, with Xbox One to follow a month later on February 24. There is a possibility the trailer was being held in reserve for Sony's State of Play stream next week, so try to look surprised, eh?

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

Kingdom Hearts III ReMIND trailer [AvantViral]

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Also, new difficulty options

Kingdom Hearts III will be on?e year old in January. Does it feel like it?

I mean we've been waiting for a decade or so for Xehanort's tale to end, s??o what is time,? as a concept anyway?

Now we find ourselves waiting yet again for the previously announced "ReMIND" DLC (which naturally, cannot have a normally spelled out name), and in true Kingdom Hearts team fashion, we're getting a teaser for that announcement. Evidently folks who attended the "World of Tres" concert in Osaka confirmed that a trailer for the DLC i?s coming this month (this month as in December: it's nearly Christmas!).

But a tease of a tease isn't the main news here, thank God. Square Enix also confirmed the existence of an expanded photo mode?, which will allow posing and object manipulation for a more "dreamscape" type of photo, as well as a family slideshow option, complete with background music. Oh, and there's going to be a toggle to make enemies less tough, as well as the chance to flip on a "challenge" option to remove items from play.

More options for the base game plus a p?remium content drop to keep us interested? Sure, I'll bite.

Kingdom Hearts III [GamesTalk via Gematsu]

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You can play the first half of the Toy Story zone

Is it possible to play Kingdom Hearts III with? little to no context or history? Yes. I've done it!

My first-timer experience was a total fever dream, to the point where I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that the game came out this year. I wouldn't necessarily suggest making KH3 your first Kingdom Hearts, but if you do?, you're bound to love parts of it, loathe others, and feel a whole range of emotions.

If curiosity ever gets the better of you (as it did me), there's now a Kingdom Hearts III demo on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and it includes the world I think Disney-loving Kingdom Hearts outsiders will appreciate most: the Toy Box World. That's the one with?? Woody, Buzz, and a buncha mech toys.

The demo also features Olympus, which acts as a tutorial. I have a soft spot for Hercules, but nostalgia aside, it's pretty tame. If you end up buying Kingdom Hearts III (especially as we enter sales season), note that only the Olympus save data will transfer to the full game, not your Toy Story progress.

It's astonishing that this se??ries is allowed to exist. Good on you, Nomu?ra.

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H'oh Boy!

Square Enix has announced that it is staffing up for a Kingdom Hearts-related project. The vacancies, advertised on Square Enix' Japanese site, are calli?ng for a UI De?signer, Effects Designer, and Technical Artist.

As for the project in question, there's currently no word on that, only that it is an "HD" affair. This could possibly be referring to some form of remake or remaster. It should also be noted that we are still several months away from Re:Mind, the DLC to Kingdom Hearts III, so Square could just be loo?king to help to finish off this expansion.

Kingdom Hearts III, Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix, and Kingdom Hearts 2.5 Remix are all available on PS4.

The Kingdom Hearts team is already hiring for a future HD KH project! Jobs include: UI designer, Tech artist, and Effects Designer //t.co/zrYtFPuX8X #kingdomhearts pic.twitter.com/8la8KFB7mp

— Kingdom Hearts Union (@khunion) October 27, 2019

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Spoilers abound in new trailer

Let me preface this post by saying if you haven't beaten Kingdom Hearts III yet, do not watch the posted trailer for its DLC, Re Mind. It's loaded with scenes from the ending as that seems to be what Square Enix is expanding here. If all you want to know is a potential release date, the t??railer ??ends with "Winter 2019," so that'll save you being spoiled.

With that out of the way, Square Enix has uploaded the new Tokyo Game Show trailer for Re Mind and we kind of have a look at what will be happening with this DLC expansion. Taking place in that seriously anti-climactic maze thing from the ending, it looks like all of the new boss fights will entail rematches with Organization XIII members. Sora is seen fighting Xigbar and is wielding ??a new keyblade. There'?s also an expanded scene of Axel, Xion, and Roxas battling Saix, maybe implying we'll get to control other characters.

Aqua and Ventus are also seen doing battle with Terra-Xehanort (which did happen in Kingdom Hearts III proper) before The Lingering Will steps in. Honestly, if you removed the Re Mind moniker, I'd t?hink this was a recap of the main game instead of anything new. The additions he??re are so subtle that only diehards are really going to pick them out.

Since the description for the DLC reads, "Challenge yourself to new boss battles, master Sora's new form, learn more about the members of Organization XIII, and more," I suppose this trailer is giving us just that. It's just not what I expected and kind of sounds more like a "Final Mix" instead of a??nything substantial. I also seriously do not care about the Organization, so I'm probably going to give this a pass.

At any rate, at least we have a time frame for the DLC. If you're dying to jump back into the world of Kingdom Hearts, you'll be doing so before 2019 is over.

KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind [DLC] TGS 2019 Trailer (Closed Captions) [Kingdom Hearts via YouTube]

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Re:Mind me again

Square Enix surprised absolutely no one with the announcement of Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind. A DLC expansion to the wildly successful sequel, it made sense there would be something with previous games getting "Final Mix" re-releases. While this likely isn't similar in scope to those past titles, there was no way Kingdom Hearts III was finished. We haven't heard much about the DLC since E3, though. What's going on with it?

Well, it seems we'll need to wait another week to find out. On the official Kingdom Hearts Twitter account, Square Enix announced that it will be debuting a brand new trailer for Re:Mind next week on September 9, 2019. Man, what a tease! Seeing as how?? we waited close to 15 years fo?r a sequel, though, a week is hardly anything.

Kingdom Hearts [Twitter]

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All the key(blade) info

Fans of Square Enix' RPG sequel Kingdom Hearts III are no doubt eagerly awaiting the launch of Re:Mind, the upcoming DLC expansion that will bring new modes and scenarios to the Disney/Square cross over title. ??A new interview, conducted by Famitsu with co-director Tetsuya Nomura, has revealed a few intriguing tidbits of information regarding the expansion.

The following may contain spoilers for the main Kingdom Hearts III story

Re:Mind will include an extra scenario, which will feature an extra Limit Cut episode, bosses, and even its own secret episode and bosses. On the subject of Limit Cuts bosses, Re:Mind is aiming to have the same amount as was added in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. Nomura also confirmed that the recent trailer? does not show a Limit Cut scene, and is made entirely of elements from the original scenario.

The new scenario will be standalone and will be made available to play once the original campaign has been completed. Players will be able to play as Roxas and other characters. Also, Sora's Oathkeeper keyblade and "new form" will be released as free DLC alongside Re:Mind.

Nomura stated that there was no specific release date for the Re:Mind expansion, but did candidly note that they did not want to release it close to the launch of Final Fantasy VII Remake, which is scheduled for March 2020. Whether Re:Mind hits before or after FFVII's launch remains to be seen.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

Kingdom Hearts III co-director shares Re:Mind tidbits [Famitsu / Gematsu]

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Announced at the World of Tres orchestra concert in Japan

When Kingdom Hearts III arrived earlier this year in January, there was already a lot of uncertainty on the table. A lot of people didn't even believe that it would hit its release target, much less provide any sort of DLC update anytime soon. Well that course has changed, as big bossman Tetsuya Nomura went on stage during the World of Tres concert in Tokyo today to announce Kingdom Hearts DLC.

It's called "ReMIND," keeping up with the weird nomenclature of the series (nothing will ever top 358/2), and it includes an episode with boss battles, and a secret episode with one boss. Evidently the Japanese edition will also be getting an English language option update, so ??if you imported you can freely swap between Japanese and Engl?ish audio.

For those of you who haven't been keeping up with the series (and I imagine there's a lot of you, understandably), Square Enix and Nomura generally re-release "Final Mix" editions of their original Kingdom Hearts games sometime after launch. Basica?lly they're slightly reworked versions of the game that offer some sort of shocking endgame content that either opens a new story thread or ties multiple games together.

Earlier this year, Nomura noted that he did not necessarily want to go for a Final Mix strategy for Kingdom Hearts III. Instead, he plans to update the game for free over time (like the recent Critical [Extra Hard] difficulty setting and a newly announced keyblade form), and do one huge paid DLC in one go. That seems to be ReMIND.

Right now all of the announcements and details were kind of hastily done on-stage during a concert, but you can bet Nomura and crew will elaborate sometime before this DLC hits. With any luck, we'll get it in 2030. My one big wishlist item for ReMIND? More Final Fantasy series fights.

aibo_ac7 [Twitter via Siliconera]

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Donald will be droppin F'bombs

Square Enix will be releasing an update for Kingdom Hearts III tomorrow that adds back the series' patented "Critical" difficulty option. A step above the current hard mode, it should provide a suitable challenge for series veterans and anyone that has played III to death since it released.

Series director Tetsuya Nomura announced the news in a Tweet from the Kingdom Hearts Twitter account, though didn't offer any details ?on how the game's various parameters will be tweaked.

I certainly enjoyed my time with Kingdom Hearts III, but it definitely could have been harder. I don't hav?e an issue with anyone selecting Easy or asking for a wider range of options, but "Proud" mode was anything but a challenge. Maybe the expanded combat options made things less taxing,? but I'll definitely be giving "Critical" mode a shot in the future.

Kingdom Hearts [Twitter]

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Another title responds to controversy

Following yesterday's news that Sega have halted sales of Judgment, following the arrest of actor Pierre Taki, it has been announced by Square Enix that alterations are to be made to the Japanese dub of RPG Kingdom Hearts III.

Taki, who was arrested this week for alleged drug use, is the official voice of Frozen's snowman, Olaf, who features in Square's blockbuster adventure. An upcoming update will replace Olaf's Japanese dialogue entirely with that of a new actor, in much the same way that Sega re-recorded the dialogue of a Yakuza 4 actor following their own drug scandal.

The star was arrested after police were tipped off about alleg?ed cocaine use. No drugs were found in the actor's home or vehicle, but a??fter testing positive Taki admitted to having used a small amount of the drug. As noted yesterday, drug crime is taken exceptionally seriously in Japan, with Taki potentially facing years in prison for the offence.

Sega has still not passed official word on how they intend to rectify the Judgment situation.

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gooby pls

Square Enix has released a cute animated short to promote blockbuster RPG sequel Kingdom Hearts III. The two-minute movie features the painstaking process of stop-motion, as the Toy Box versions of our ??heroes do battle with the wretched Heartless.

In the video, Sora, Donald and Goofy discover a copy of Kingdom Hearts III itself, but must first battle a small army of enemies before they are able to play it on their non-descript video games console. Finally victorious, the short then becomes a shill for Kingdom Hearts III's excellent review scores, turning all that whimsical Disney magic into CORPORATE GAIN FOR THE M?AN.

It's a fun little short, I particularly like Donald's thousand-yard-stare during the battle, like he's having a flashback to the horrors of his navy days. Fantastic work by the animators, who must have the utmost amount of patience to work in this nostalgic style. The only thing missing is the game box featuring CJ Andriessen's amazing alternate art.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

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US still unconfirmed

While the Kingdom Hearts: VR Experience actually released in Japan on its scheduled date, the rest of the world has had to wait for their chance to jump into Sora's shoes. Taking players on a short journey with the gummi ship to the Destiny Islands, this little nostalgia trip is finally making the trek West. Square Enix ha??s announced that the free app will be launching in Europe on February 28, 2019.

So far, the app is still unconfirmed for the US. I would imagine it's coming on the same date, but Square Enix hasn't said anything else on the matter. Considering that an English localization now exists, I don't anticipate tha?t US players will need to wait much longer for the? experience.

Kingdom Hearts VR Experience Will Arrive In Europe On February 28, 2019 [Siliconera]

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🎵 If we listen to each other's heart, we'll find we're never too far apart 🎵

Kingdom Hearts III has arrived at last. Long-time fans can pick up where they left off back when they were likely much different people than they are today. First-timers like me are in for a madcap ride.

I haven't touched any of the main Kingdom Hearts games or the spin-offs. I haven't consulted the wikis, or even absorbed any pertinent details from the sidelines. Yes, folks, it's happening: I'm leaping headfirst into Kingdom Hearts III and I feel as if I've just jumped without a parachute, Point Break-style. There's no going back now that Pandora??'s box is open, but in a way, my blissful ignorance is freein?g.

I don't have to fret over the part?iculars of the ongoing story. I'm here for the Disney Stuff, not the Black Cloak Stuff, and I'll tolerate a whole lotta well-meaning nonsense along the way if that's what it takes.

One early revelation came when I learned for the first time in my humble life that Donald Duck is an honest-to-god "magician" in this universe. No joke, that's my starting point, which surely falls in the category of "you don't even know what you don't know." I watched the Memory Archives story refresher, I nodded along to this live-action video at the beh?est of Ray and Dan, and I'm all cozy. It's ti??me.

Whether you're totally fresh-faced like me or you've been rushing to "catch up" with the series in preparation for this fateful day, let's hear it: how are you getting along with Kingdom Hearts III?

Feb. 20 Update: Now that we've had more time to invest in the game and some of you have reached the credits, I figured y'all might have additional thoughts about Kingdom Hearts III. How are you feeling?

For my part, I just heard Elsa sing "Let it Go," so yeah, I have a long road ahead of me still. Or at least it sure feels that way. Earlier on, I felt anxious that I was glossing over certain elements (crafting and the Gummi Ship in particular) or not absorbing each world to its fullest extent, but I've since mellowed out. Kingdom Hearts III hits the spot when I commit to it in occasional multi-hour chunks. I find myself noticeably more engaged (and forgiving) when I allow the game that kind of breathing room. That's true of a lot of things in life, and with the sheer amount of stuff in Kingdom Hearts III, it's extra true here.

Also -- and let me remind you this is a Judgment Free Zone -- I couldn't resist peeking at Chris Hovermale's Disney world rankings. I am beyond stoked to get to the Pirates of the Caribbean world despite not seeing the last?? two (the last three?) movies. It seems? like aside from Toy Box being near-universally loved, everyone has their own diverging take on which zones are the best and worst.

I'll continue chipping away at Kingdom Hearts III for weeks to come. It's helping me de-stress.

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Gummi Headphones

Sony Japan plans to release a branded Walkman and headphone set based on Square Enix popular crossover franchise Kingdom Hearts. The limited edition Walkman is available to pre-order in Japan and will only be made available for ??purchase until April 20?19.

The Walkman itself features 16GB of storage, (which can be upgraded to 144GB via a memory card) and even comes pre-loaded with select tracks from the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack. The unit is finely decorated in regalia befitting the charming video game franchise. Available as a separate purchase are matching headphones. The??se feature the same visual aesthetic and incorporate "h.ear on 2" mini wireless technology. This means nothing ??to me as I buy my headphones from Poundland.

Both items are available to pre-order now at the Sony Japan store. The Walkman is priced at ¥28,880, roughly $260 USD, while the headphone set costs ¥24,880, around $220 USD. You do the math... Yep. Limite??d edition indeed.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on PS4 and Xbox One.

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Smile! You're on Game Boy Camera!

My progress in Kingdom Hearts III has been more slow than steady. It's my first time diving into the series, so getting a feel for Nomura's familiar yet also totally bonkers universe has been an... adjustment. The?? sluggish and expository dialogue can be grating. I'm understandably not invested in every character or plotline. The combat feels like it's still opening up. But the charm! It's palpable!

There's some give-and-take, but overall, I'm glad I took a chance as a first-timer and I don't see that sentiment changing anytime soon. As a duo, Donald and Goofy consistently crack me up (both intentionally and unintentionally), and the highest high so far -- the Toy Story world -- felt like being wrap??ped in a fuzzy blanket fresh out of the dryer. I think I'm even starting to warm up to Sora.

If there's one aspect of Kingdom Hearts III that I can cherish without hesitation, it's the selfies. The game incorporates photo taking ??in a natural way by giving Sora a ??literal phone, rewards you for snapping pics, and there are plenty of opportunities for silly interactions. Selfies provide much-needed levity.

Case in point: this "selfie gone wrong" clip from reddit user BedazzledFace.

[KH3] Selfie gone wrong from r/KingdomHearts

Sora can be frozen solid, mid-selfie, which is the exact sort of thing that makes me want to stick around and dig deeper into this ridiculous game. Sometimes it's the little details that matter most.

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To infinity and beyond

After 4,000 spin-offs and 95,000 years, to say fans were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kingdom Hearts III is almost underselling the hype. I'm not even a die??hard fan and I was foaming at the mouth to get a copy. This was a series I started in my teens and that has been around for more than half of my life. I needed to see the conclusion, even if it was never going to meet my lofty expectations.

It seems there were a lot of people who felt similarly because Square Enix Tweeted out that Sora, Donald and Goofy's latest adventure has shipped five million copies worldwide. That doesn't directly equal the exact number of sales, but it's still a staggering number for a game that has been available for one week. We do know Kingdom Hearts III topped the UK charts last week, so it prob??ably blew away the competition al?l over the world.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Kingdom Hearts III ends up being the best selling game of th??e en??tire series. The wait was long, but it certainly paid off.

KINGDOM HEARTS [Twitter]

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