Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep was released on January 9, 2010, as a PlayStation Portable exclusive, quickly becoming one of the best and most beloved entries in Disney and Square Enix's action RPG series. Today is the 15th anniversary of this classic, and Square i?s celebrating this special occasion.

The official Kingdom Hearts Twitter/X account commemorated the 15th anniversary of Birth by Sleep by posting the secret ending of the original Kingdom Hearts 2 (Known as "The Gathering"), which served as our very first hint of this prequel back in 2006, four years before its release. Furthermore, this nostalgic video is accompanied by a new message from series director Tetsuya Nomura.

It's always fascinating to read Nomura's explanations of how he makes games and stories, and this one is no exception. This time, he focused mainly on "crossroads" as a recurring visual throughout the series based on the classic "Devil at a crossroads" myth from American folklore. We saw this imagery in games like Chain of Memories, Union χ, and of course, Birth by Sleep, so it's quite mind??-blowing for Nomura to confirm that he inten??tionally included this detail in all these games.

Did Nomura just drop a small hint towards Kingdom Hearts 4?

But the most interesting part of Nomura's message was its cryptic conclusion, which says "But wait... when the Lost Masters gather at the crossroads in KH3, what is gained and what is lost? That is a story for another time," which references the secret ending of Kingdom Hearts 3, in which Aced, Gula, Invi, and Ira reunite with Luxu (Xigbar) in the very same crossroads located in the Keyblade Graveyard that we saw in Birth by Sleep. This cutscene kickstarted the new Lost Master Arc that will continue with the release of Kingdom Hearts 4.

Square Enix revealed KH4 back in 2022, and it still haven't released any other trailers or screenshots of this upcoming title. As a result of this drought, fans are naturally desperate to receive any tidbit of information, meaning that they reacted to Nomura's new message with both excitement and frustration. What's going to be the significance of crossroads in Kingdom Hearts 4 and ??????????????????????????beyond? When exactly is going to be the proper time to tell us ??that story?

Birth by Sleep is an excellent game on its own

Before we go into the next chapter of this incredible and complex story, it's important to take a moment to reminisce about the game that is turning 15 today: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Square Enix originally released it for the PlayStation Portable (a year after launching 358/2 Days on the Nintendo DS) but, fortunately, it later ported it to home consoles like the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch via the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix collection.

Considering that there are many key elements from Birth by Sleep that Nomura first teased back in Kingdom Hearts 2 (including the aforementioned secret ending), it's quite obvious that this was a significant entry in the series, and many consider it to be the "original Kingdom Hearts 3", before the real KH3 came out, due to its huge impact on the main plot. This is because Birth by Sleep is actually a prequel that tells the story of Terra, Aqua and Ventus, three young Keybl??ade warriors who have to travel through many Disney worlds to find (and eventually confront) Master Xehanort.

Without going too much into spoilers, Birth by Sleep presented us with a rich and fascinating narrative that explained and established many important events and characters that we had already seen in KH1, Chain of Memories and KH2. Not to mention that it also featured a solid combat system that introduced the "Commands" mechanic, which allowed its three playable characters to perform all sort of over-the-top and powerful attacks to defeat enemies and bosses. Needless to say, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is st?ill one of the absolute best ga??mes in the franchise, one ??that longtime fan?s of the series should not miss.

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If you were to ask any fan o??f rhythm games what their favorite titles are, odds are that their first choices will likely be a selection of games that are now relegated to consoles past, lost to ever-progressing technology. It’s easy to believe that the genre itself is lost to history, but that’s not necessarily the case. 

Yes, games like Dance Dance Revolution, Rock Band, and Guitar Hero are undoubtedly reserved for those old-school gamers who still have their old consoles, or visit Dave & Busters on a regular basis. However??, that doesn’t mean that newer rhythm games don’t exist for current-generation Console or PC players, you just have to look a little harder to find them. 

And they’re worth pla??ying for more reasons than simply passing the time, as well. Did you know that playing rhythm-based music games can dramatically improve areas like reading ability, spatial reasoning, and focused attention in both kids and grown-ups? If you ever needed a reason to dive into rhythm gaming, aside from the undeniable fun and satisfaction, then improving your mind should be it. 

It is worth mentioning that DDR, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and other previous-generation rhythm games are all still perfectly playable, and it costs less to buy the old console and anything else you might need (a dance mat or guitar) than it does to buy a VR headset to play Beat Saber, for instance. So while this list is explicitly for current generation rhythm games, don’t let it stop you from exploring and enjoying older titles. 

16. Incredibox

I'm not sure if Incredibox counts as a "rhythm game," but it has the "??rhythm" tag on Steam and it rocks, so I'm including it.? Incredibox is a kind of music production toy that involves layering different loops over one another to create awesome music. It's almost impossible to make something that sounds bad.

Incredibox doesn't have a lose state and it doesn't involve tapping anything to the beat, so it might not be a rhythm game in the same way the other titles on this list are. Still, I have often felt that the joy of rhythm games comes from the imitation of "creating" music, and Incredibox is a pretty natural evolution of that concept. If you love m??usic, it's at least worth checking out.

15. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

Melody of Memory is a spin-off of the Theatrhythm series, and it served to scratch the Square Enix rhythm game itch during the six-year wait for a new mainline Theatrhythm entry. It’s probably the easiest game on this list, but it’s got nearly every song from one of the best franchise soundtracks in video game history. Rhythmic “combatâ€?is an idea that’s been tried before, and itâ€?™s not at its d??eepest here, but it’s undeniably very satisfying. 

There are plenty of games that can rigorously test your dexterity and sense of rhythm, but when you just want to feel good tapping away at some beautiful music, it’s tough to do better than Melody of Memory. It’s not only a genuinely enjoyable Kingdom Hearts entry, but it??’s a??lso an excellent rhythm game in its own right.

14. Trombone Champ

Nothing in Trombone Champ sounds "good," but that's not really the point. This uproariously funny title places you in control of a "tromboner" (the game's word, not mine) and gives you free rein to play whatever music you want. There is a beatmap here, but the game absolutely will not help you hew to it at all, which means that most of your tromboning will consist of playing a note that's either just barely wro??ng or entirely wrong.

There might be a way to get good at Trombone Champ. I've never seen it happen, and I've never tried to do it. I'm happy to be the world's worst tromboner. It?'s funnier this way.

13. Crypt of the NecroDancer

Crypt of the NecroDancer is so simple tha??t it hurts my brain. Literally all you do is move around a dungeon to the beat, attacking enemies simply by bumping into them. Ther??e are some basic buffs and item pickups, but at its heart, it's exactly what it looks like.

It's all about reading and responding to patterns in the most simple manner possible, and it's wildly addictive. Every time I start playing NecroDancer, I lose hours to it. On the face of it, Crypt of the NecroDancer is very basic. And yet, there's nothing else quite like it. NecroDancer uses its simplicity to its advantage to create one of the most enjoyable rhyt??hm experiences out there.

12. Patapon 2 Remastered

Patapon 2 was initially released for the PSP in 2008 and requires you to input four-button sequences in beat with t??he music to control troops in battle. While it sounds simple, there’s a whole lot more at play here. You need to constantly increase your combo so that you can gain Fever, allowing you to perform miracles that affect the weather, a??nd you need to match the flashing at the edge of the screen if you want to succeed. 

Patapon 2 Remastered was released for PlayStation 4 in 2020 and features everything that was beloved about the original version. With a long list of different sequences to remember in order to control the troops, Patapon can be a little frustrating and will? definitely test your memory, but it’s also incredibly enjoyable as well. 

11. UNBEATABLE [white label]

Unbeatable is what happens when you combine the genre of rhythm gaming with the genre of anime fighting. The game itself has been on the cards for a long time, with the hand-drawn title set to relea?se at an as yet unspecified time in 2025. The concept of the game is simple - music is illegal, but that won’t stop you from playing it, so get out there and commit some crime.

Unbeatable[white label] acts as a very impressive pseudo-demo, and is an exclusive side story set within the world of the yet-to-be-released full game. The art style is fully hand-drawn, and New content is added with episodical updates, and there’s even a Demo Tapes DLC which can give you the soundtrack to listen to at leisure without the pressure of performing. Unbeatable [white label] is incredibly fun and satisfying to play, not to mention it’s free (although the Demo Tapes will cost ??you $4), so you’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a go. 

10. Geometry Dash

Now listen, I know this probably isn’t something you expected to see on this list, but I’m throwing it in anyway because there is an undoubtable element of rhythm to Geometry Dash. Admittedly it doesn’t come from matching the beat of the background music as is the? case with the vast majority of other rhythm games, but you find your own rhythm with your jumps and inevitable rage-filled deaths. 

There’s something undeniably satisfying about getting a level under your belt, because they are absolutely difficult to c??omplete at times, and you can find yourself losing your own rhythm to that of the music that accompanies each level. You’ll need more than good timing to get through each level of Geometry Dash, with skill mastery from practice and awareness of what’s to come a?s you progress. 

9. Headbangers Rhythm Royale

It’s hard to even begin to explain Headbangers Rhythm Royale, but I’ll start with the vaguest of descriptions to hopefully drag you in the same wa??y that I was when I first heard about?? this gem: large numbers of pigeons in fanciful costumes playing rhythm games to come out on top. Yes, you read that right. 

There are 23 different individual music-based mini-rhythm games, and you get to compete with 29 other players in four that are randomly chosen for each game. Imagine Fall Guys, but there’s no running, and instead, you’re bobbing your little pigeon head to the beat, guessing the instruments, or trying to flick balls into a goal. All while trying to survive to the final? round, prove your sense of rhythm, earn Crumbs to customize your pigeon, and win the “Master Headbanger�title. 

As I said, Headbangers Rhythm Royale is very hard to explain in any way that will actually make sense to anyone who has never played it. You just ha?ve to experience it for yourself.

8. Rhythm Doctor

Set in a struggling cardiac hospital, Rhythm Doctor has you playing as a surgeon whose job is to restart patientsâ€?hearts by rhythmically tapping a single button. If that sounds a little too simple for you, don’t worry, it all gets a little complicated when the game shrinks its own window and starts throwing itself around your screen, forcing you to pay more attention than you ever expected to going into it, especially if you have more than ??one monitor. 

The music is amazing and fun, the characters you meet are genuinely interesting, and you’ll find yourself wanting to relive the experience once all is said and done. Each patient has their own unique heart rhythm to learn, making each rhythm battle interesting and fun. Rhythm Doctor is still in early access, despite being initially released back in 2021, but there are 20 levels (each of which has a more challenging “Night Shift�mode for those who want t?o try t??heir luck), and you can even play co-op with a friend. 

7. Beat Saber

While the rest of the games on this list require no more movement than twitching your fingers, Beat Saber will get you up and out of your seat. Admittedly, adding it to this list might be stretching the boundaries of accessibility, as you’ll need both a VR headset and a considerable amount of r??oom to play, not to mention that you’ll need to make sure there aren’t any pets or children around who might end up getting?? caught in your arm-swinging crossfire.

However, it somehow doesn’t feel quite right to write up a list of rhythm games without including Beat Saber. Not only is waving your arms around and hitting things with VR lightsabers incredibly fun, but it’s also a great stress reliever, and it awake?ns a certain primal part of the human brain in a way that simply pressing a button doesn’t quite manage to do. 

6. Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n�Fun

One thing that I love about Taiko no Tatsujin games is the versatility offered by the myriad of different ways in which you can actually play. Whether you want to play using a touchscreen, by pressing dedicated buttons, or even with a dedicated physical drum controller, there are many ways to play. However you play, you do one action for red notes, and another action for blue notes. Taiko no Tatsujin is remarkably simple, but that’s a huge pa??rt of the appeal. 

You could switch out Drum ‘nâ€?Fun for any of the other Taiko no Tatsujin games. Picking which one to play is as simple as looking up the tracklist for each, but Drum ‘nâ€?Fun earns a place on this list because it features some absolute bangers. While pretty much anyone can play Taiko no Tatsujin, mastering the art of getting it right is incredibly difficult, but you’ll have a lot of f?un along?? the way. 

5. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+

Let’s be honest here, did you really expect to click on a list of rhythm games and not see a Hatsune Miku title on it? While we’re being honest, you could absolutely replace this entry with any of the other Hatsune Miku Project DIVA games and it would still be accurate. In the absence of Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero, Hatsune Miku games scratch t??he rhythm game itch for any fan.&??nbsp;

Although having said that, Hatsune Miku takes the proven concept and absolutely kicks it up a level in terms of difficulty. Rather than having a single bar to focus on in terms of what button to hit, with notes coming in from a single direction, Hatsune Miku games throw notes at you from all directions and move your focus around the screen like a cat with the 3 a.m. zoomies. It’s definitely a challenge to clear levels, especially at?? higher difficulty levels, ??but it’s endlessly satisfying when you manage to get it right. 

4. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line

If you’re a fan of either rhythm games in general, or Square Enix games, then you’ve definitely heard of the Theatrhythm series. There are five games in total, and all of them feature iconic tracks from beloved Square Enix titles such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Final Bar Line was released in 2023, after a six-year break from the previous Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival. 

Final Bar Line had 385 songs included at launch, all of which were from Final Fantasy titles both new and old. Additional DLC packs add further Final Fantasy tracks, but also songs from other Square Enix titles, and if you purchase all of the DLC you’ll end up with over 500 songs to play through. Completing battles to the rhythm of familiar and nostalgic music never gets o??ld, and there’s endless replaya??bility as a result. 

3. Hi-Fi Rush

I love Hi-Fi Rush. The story captures your imagination, the art style is stunning, the characters are lovable, and the implementation of rhythm-based gameplay feels utterly seamless. Past the tutorials close to the beginning of the game, you’re left to reme?mber different rhythms to deal with different types of attacks, all aided by the music in the background. 

It’s all about timing, and there’s something about Hi-Fi Rush that will always leave you wanting more. Everything happens in beat to the music, from the combat to your movement, and even the action in the world around you as you play. If you’ve ever walked down the street with headphones on and tried to match your steps to the beat of your chosen song, then Hi-Fi Rush won’t fail to keep your attention. 

2. Super Crazy Rhythm Castle

I first discovered Super Crazy Rhythm Castle when it was free on Epic Games, and I will forever be grateful that I took a chance and downloaded it. It’s playable single-player, or with others through online play, and it’s delightfully fun for all involved. With absolutely absurd settings, characters, and a long list of earworm tracks that you’ll still be humming weeks after you finish playing, I can’t say enough good things about Super Crazy Rhythm Castle. 

It’s not easy, either. Sure, it starts off prett?y simple. Pressing buttons to match those shown on scre??en is a staple of the rhythm game genre, after all. But then additional mechanics get thrown in, most of which are definitely easier with more than one player. While one person focuses on the rhythm aspect, another can deal with enemies who are trying to kill you or focus on slotting machines into the right holes so that the music can charge them before they’re used to get through obstacles. 

“Super crazyâ€?is definitely ?an appropriate description for this rhythm game, but t?here’s a lot of fun to be had in the chaos, and you’ll spend a lot of time laughing. Plus, I haven’t played in months, and I still can’t get Hippo and Frog out of my head. 

1. Metal: Hellsinger

As a fan of metal music for many years, and equally a rhythm game player since childhood, Metal: Hellsinger appeals to me on an almost visceral level. Inspired by iconic FPS games like DOOM, Metal: Hellsinger takes ??you through multiple levels on a demon world, accompanied by absolutely stunning heavy metal tracks, with damage being increased if your attacks are in sync with the beat of each track. 

It’s infuriatingly difficult to complete any level while managing to be 100% on the beat, but replaying them is absolutely worth it just to listen to the amazing soundtrack all over again, so it’s not too much of a big deal. Admittedly, you probably need to actually enjoy the metal genre of music to appreciate Metal: Hellsinger as much as I do, but I can??’t even begin to recommend this one enoug??h. 

Plus, as if the base game wasn’t enough, there are DLC packs including songs from Muse, Disturbed, and rather more surprisingly, Icona Pop. Even for the biggest heavy metal fans, there’s something endlessly enjoyable about running around hell and shooting demons to the beat of “I ??Love It� 

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Some of the best swords in gaming are particularly iconic, such as the Keyblade and the Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda. They help give us a power fantasy in video games as they strengthen our heroes and strike ?fear into our foes.

So here are the ten most iconic swords in gaming—an??d naturally—this is my humble opinion. Let's go.

10. The Crucible (Doom Eternal)

The Crucible from Doom Eternal is the epitome of badass. This huge red sword with the flared blade tip is one of the main marketing images shown within the trailer of the game, as seen above, ramping up excitement for the 2020 sequel. I??????????????????????????t lets you slice and dice demons with its sheer power. It's filled with demon energy and has some epic text on the blade that makes the weapon look ancient and rare. It's so cool that the Demon Slayer had dreams about this mythical sword in the previous game.

9. The Monado (Xenoblade Chronicles)

The Monado is a legendary energy sword that is a major part of the story in Xenoblade Chronicles. It's a unique blade that has different modes that the protagonist Shulk can switch to. The Buster symbol helps you deal double the damage to the Machina, Shield creates a barrier, and Speed enhances dodging for your party. With each mode, the hilt changes the symbol, which is a neat detail. It's a long blade that feels powerful in Xenoblade Chronicles and Super Smash Bros. in which Shulk is a playable character.

8. Rebellion (Devil May Cry)

Dante might be the coolest action hero in gaming, so it makes sense that Rebellion is a badass sword. P?assed down from his father, Dante's blood awakened the power of this sword. It's an extremely sharp weapon that can eliminate all manner of demons, including the Savior himself. The sword looks flashy during combat in the games, and the hilt having a skull is an extremely cool feature.

It's no surprise Rebellion is one of the best swords in gaming. Dante's combat is stellar, especially within Devil May Cry V. "One moment you might be twirling around shotguns to keep away a mob, then swap to swords to isolate a big threat, then in half a second throttle to Royal Guard to perfectly parry an attack, throw back the force of the blow, then use Trickster to dart away and flow back into combat with a teleport," said our review of the fifth mainline entry.

7. Soul Edge (Soul Calibur)

Soul Edge has been a major part of the Soul Calibur story since its inception. It's a massive two-handed sword that has a creepy eye within its hilt. If you manage to hold it, you'll wield great power, but it comes with a great cost. It can possess your soul until the end of your life. The weapon itself, while ??wielded by Nightmare in-game, is powerful. It's slow but when it manages to hit an opponent like Kilik or Siegfried, it can devastate their HP. If this is a list of the most deadly weapons in gaming, it would certainly be up there.

6. Energy Sword (Halo)

The Energy Sword is one of the few melee weapons you can use in the Halo series, and it certainly is powerful. It can one-shot enemies as you slash this sword across the map. It electrifies Master Chief and Arbiter's enemies in an instant. The sound design is just as satisfying as attacking foes with it. You can hear the heft of the sword as you swing it to and fro. The energizi??ng sound of the slash is also "untouchable." There is a reason why this weapon returns in every game.

5. Blades of Chaos (God of War)

God of War, despite how old the series is, is still one of the most gripping action games you can play. That's partly thanks to the Blades of Chaos that Kratos wields in the original trilogy and into the modern era. They rip and tear through his enemies in ghastly ways. You'll see these mythical beasts torn apart by the strength of these blades as you perform the most satisfying quick-time events imaginable. The way these dual swords are thrown around like whips is awe-inspiring, and Kratos can perform some impressive combos with this weapon. The Blades of Chaos are indeed mighty, and one of the coolest weapons in games.

4. Diamond Sword (Minecraft)

One of the best items you can craft in Minecraft is the Diamond Sword. It's hard to find the resources, but once you have it in your hands, you'll have no fear. Famous YouTuber of the time when Minecraft was in its early years TobyTurner (Tobuscus) even made a song about it and it received millions of views. You can even purchase an officially licensed replica of this sword at stores like Amazon many years later, so it's easily iconic. The Diamond Sword is also featured in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with Steve being able to craft it during battles. The sword is so overpowered that it can take out a rival on the stage at 45% stamina as shown by Nintendo Unity on YouTube.

3. The Keyblade (Kingdom Hearts)

The Keyblade is an iconic weapon that Sora wields in the Kingdom Hearts series. Taking on many forms, this weapon can seal or open any lock and can strike foes with strong attacks and magic. Sora can even heal his allies like Donald and Goofy with a Cure spell. The original form of Sora's keyblade the Kingdom Key features a keychain that resembles the iconic Disney c?haracter Mickey Mouse as well. The crown that acts as the blade's edge is also a heavy symbol of the series overall.

Another neat fact about the Keyblade is that with every hit, a cool effect flies out of the blade. Each Keyblade, such as Jungle King, Monochrome, and Oathkeeper, has a different effect. You can get a replica Kingdom Key from many different conventions, and Bandai makes an official version with a keyhole light attac??hed to it. I? dream of having one of those someday.

2. Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII)

You cannot make a most iconic video game swords list and not include the Buster Sword. This weapon is ridiculously gigantic for a slender man like Cloud Strife, and yet it's so wild that it works with the character. Each slash of the blade is heavy and?? feels impactful as you strike the likes of Sephiroth and Cactuars. It looks cool every time Cloud rests the Buster Sword and sheathes it on his back.

You can always see it clearly sitting on his back during cutscenes as well, making its presence known. Additionally, there's this glowing silver shine that looks so beautiful as you fight through Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Lastly, one of th??e coolest mechanics with the Buster Sword is that you can change the Materia equipped, adding the glow of the stones that are attached near the bottom of the blade.

1. Master Sword (The Legend of Zelda)

There was probably no doubt since you clicked this article that the Master Sword would take the top spot on this list. And for good reason. The Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda series is legendary. Nintendo makes it an event whenever Link picks up the majestic weapon for the first time. When Link is reunited with the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild, it's a magical?? momen??t, especially after the many, many hours of weapons breaking so quickly.

Additionally, in Ocarina of Time, the weapon lets Link shift between the child and adult timelines in what was an industry-changing moment. It even has its own theme song throughout the series like Zelda does. The hilt has a beautiful blue and yellow ornate design, and the blade itself glow??s in a stunning blue as it attempts to repel anything malevolent close by.

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PlayStation just released a brand-new gameplay trailer of Lost Soul Aside, which confirms that this unique action RPG that went viral in 2016 wil??l come out on PlayStation 5 and PC next year. The fact that this game finally received a release window after 9?? years of development is very exciting.

Lost Soul Aside combines hack-and-slash (Like Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden) games with RPGs (like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts). These inspirations are immediately evident in the new gameplay trailer, which showcases the main character, Kazer, pulling off some fast, dynamic and impressive combos on a bunch of enemies. The combat is the main star of Lost Soul Aside, and after so many years of development, it? now looks better than ever.

This new trailer also introduces a new female character, and it seems like she will either be Kazer's friend or even his romantic interest. The other interesting new revelation is that Lost Soul Aside will not only come out on PlayStation 5 next year, but also on PC, to the point that its Steam page is already live. This is great news for fans of the Action RPG genre who wanted to try it out on their PCs, and it's yet another example of Sony's new initiative to port more of its exc?lusive ??to home computers.

The long development history of Lost Soul Aside

Lost Soul Aside originally went viral back in 2016 when its sole creator, Yang Bing, posted its first trailer on his personal YouTube channel. Gamers all over around the world were captivated by the impressive graphics, interesting characters, incredible combat and epic boss battles, especially when considering that it was all created by just one person. A few months later, Bing announced that he had founded his own studio, called Ultizero Games, and that Sony was going to publish Lost Soul Aside as part of its China Hero Project initiative.

From then on, Lost Soul Aside kept popping out at many different PlayStation events, like PSX 2017, complete with a playable demo. Despite Sony's funding, Ultizero Games is still a relatively small studio, so the development was quite slow. But fans of franchises like Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts were very patient, as the game kept looking better and better on each subsequent demo and trailer. It seems all these years of waiting will be worth it because Lost Soul Aside is on its final stretch of development, and we're finally going to be able to try it out sometime next y??ear.

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The new Astro Bot Winter Wonder update added Gex to the game's huge collection of cameo characters. While this may seem insignificant at first, his appearance may be our first hint that Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and other Square Enix properties are going to join this wonderful? adventure very soon.

Since it currently owns the Gex series, Square Enix acknowledged Astro Bot on its official social media accounts for the first time since the game's initial release. This is particularly intriguing, because Astro Bot lacks any cameos of characters from Square's biggest IPs, like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, or Dragon Quest, and gamers have been asking Team ASOBI t?o add?? them in for months.

And now, not only has Square Enix celebrated Gex's inclusion, but Team ASOBI even responded by thanking it for "joining the celebration". Naturally, this interaction has excited fans of the game all over social media and fueled their speculation because, if Gex is in Astro Bot, now any character from other ico??nic Square franchises could easily join the ??game as well.

Needless to say, Final Fantasy is one of the most important and influential JRPG franchises in the industry, and it has made a huge impact on the PlayStation brand since the release of Final Fantasy VII on the PS1 back in 1997. The only question is: Which Final Fantasy characters should Team ASOBI add to the game?

Which Final Fantasy characters will join Astro Bot in the future?

While there are a lot of different characters to choose from, we can confidently predict that Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, Tifa Lockhart, and Aerith Gainsborough from FFVII most likely are some of the very first Final Fantasy icons that will join Astro Bot in the near future. However, other beloved characters - like Final Fantasy X's Tidus or Final Fantasy XVI's Cl?ive Rosfield - would be worthwhile addition??s as well.

On the other hand, there is Sora, the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series, who was yet another glaring omission from Astro Bot's initial roster of cameos. This one?? is a little bit more tricky since he is owned by Disney and not Square Enix, but Team ASOBI could still make it work.

For example, the recent Winter Wonder update added two Spider-Man cameos: Peter Parker and Miles Morales, characters that many people thought were going to be almost impossible to add to the game. So, if they could make it in, surely Square and Team ASOBI can find a way to add Sora as well. Of course, while other original Kingdom Hearts may accompany him, it's highly unlikely that Disney would approve of the inclusion of its classic?? characters, like Donald, Goofy, or Mickey.

But Square Enix is not just about Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts: this company also owns other beloved and iconic gaming franchises that should make their way into Astro Bot via character cameos. Some obvious examples include: the Heroes from the Dragon Quest series, 2B and 9S from NieR: Automata, any protagonist from the Mana series and Soa from Foamstars. Astro Bot is a celebrat??ion of the entire video game industry, and now it's time for Square Enix to finally join the party.

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2024 has been a rough year for fans of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Not only has Square Enix released no further updates on Kingdom Hearts IV, but the upcoming mobile game Missing Link has completely disappeared after the launch of its Closed Beta, even though it?? was originally going to come out sometim??e this year.

In a bittersweet turn of events, the company behind this popular franchise finally let fans know what happened with Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link. The game's official Twitter/X account released a statement, finally confirming that Square Enix delayed its release. Unfortunately, it didn't reveal any more information, so Missing Link's release date is currently unknown. Nevertheless, we are 100% sure that it won't lau?nch in 2024, so it's most likely going to come out sometime in 2025.

On a more positive note, the account also took its time to apologize to all players who were looking forward to the release and stated that it appreciates their patience. Another important thing to notice is that the statement concludes with the sentence "Please look forward to further information", which may hint that Square Enix is planning to reveal more Missing Link content in th??e near future, especially next year.

Most Kingdom Hearts games usually take a long time to come out

Kingdom Hearts fans are anything but impatient and, while some people are understandably disappointed with this delay, most fans were also quite grateful to finally receive confirmation that Missing Link is not coming out in 2024. After all, it's very common for new?? games in this series to take a long time ?to come out.

For example, Square Enix originally announced Kingdom Hearts 3 in 2013, a game that it later delayed and wouldn't come out until January 2019. On a similar note, the company r??evealed the next mainline?? entry in the series, Kingdom Hearts IV, alongside Missing Link back in 2022, and it still hasn't received any real updates ever since. Fans have been waiting for a brand-new trailer for over 2 ye??ars.

Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link is a bit different, however, because this augmented reality mobile RPG did get a few more updates since its initial announcement, including a second trailer back in October 2023, which announced its Closed Beta and confirmed its official release year as 2024. Unfortunately, after the Closed ?Beta received some fairly positive reviews, Square Enix lapsed into total radio silence and fans began wondering what could have happened. This is why it was crucial for the company to c??onfirm the game's delay, which most fans certainly appreciated.

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Haley Joel Osment has been voicing Sora since the release of Kingdom Hearts in 2002 and has reprised the role in every subsequent game in the series. However, this ta??lented performer admitted that h??e was ready to say goodbye to his character.

Last month, series ?director Tetsuya Nomura said in ?an interview that he is already thinking about his eventual retirement and that he has begun the process of passing off the torch to new writers in the upcoming mobile game, Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link. In a recent episode of IGN Arcade, IGN asked Haley Joel Osment about the po??tential conclusion of the series after telling him about Nomura's statement.

For starters, Osment was not even aware of the fact that Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development until IGN told him personally. He explained this ?by saying, "I'm always the last to know, because I'm the last step in the process", which makes a lot of sense, since voice acting is usually one of the final parts of a video game's development process.

Osment believes in Tetsuya Nomura's vision

Osment clearly has a lot of faith in Tetsuya Nomura, as he stated: "I'm sure that he has great plans to wrap it up in a satisfying way. And I think that sometimes that's the best thing to do, even if you have something that you love, and you?? feel like you want to play it forever, to tie it up in a nice way and not let it drag out beyond where the creator wants it to go. I think that's the way to go".

It's important to point out that Kingdom Hearts 4 is not actually going to be the final game of the series. Far from it, since in reality, it ?will mark the beginning of the next major story arc after Kingdom Hearts 3 concluded the classic Dark Seeker Saga. Tetsuya Nomura just mentioned his retirement after Young Jump asked him about it in an interview, so it's highly likely that he plans on developing a few more entries in th??e series before leaving his beloved franchise in the hands of Square Enix and Disney.

Regardless of the misunderstanding, Osment clearly appreciates his work in the Kingdom Hearts series, and he will definitely keep voicing Sora for many years to come. If one day, Square Enix decides to retire his character for one reason or another, he is ready to give him a proper goodbye. Curiously enough, Osment also revealed that he tried playing Kingdom Hearts 3 while he was stuck in his own house durin?g quarantine, but he couldn't get into it because "he hasn't played a video game in a long?? time".

His longtime involvement with the Kingdom Hearts series

Haley Joel Osment has been the voice of Sora from the series' inception. He was around 13 years old when he recorded his lines for Kingdom Hearts 1 and, around the time, he was famous for his debut role in The Sixth Sense. As expected, his voice was quite diff?erent back then, but he still managed to bring Sora to life and eventually became a crucial part of the character's identity.

Osment reprised his role in all sequels that followed, from the mainline titles like Kingdom Hearts 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3, to handheld games like Chain of Memories, Re: Coded, or Dream Drop Distance. Over the course of more than two decades, his voice got deeper and deeper, but it worked perfectly because Sora was also getting older and more mature with every release. Not to mention that Osment also showed off his range by voicing the villain Vanitas in Birth by Sleep and KH3.

Sora, and the entire Kingdom Hearts franchise, wouldn't be the same without Osment, so it would be unfortunate to have to say goodbye to both of them. He evidently has a lot of appreciation for his role, and he's ready to voice Sora once again, especially if Nomura is directing. Hopefully, we'll get to hear him in the near future when Kingdom Hearts 4 comes out.

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Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is now available on PC, and fans have begun to create some awesome mods for it. One of them includes of a couple of Kingdom Hearts mods that have impressed many on social media, and fans a?re all over it.

Mickey can use the Kingdom Key D with Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Kingdom Hearts mod

On Tuesday earlier this week, an X user shared a screenshot of Mickey using his canon keyblade Kingdom Key D in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed. The picture?? has since grown to over 2,300 likes on th?e platform.

The golden tint of the blade shows during the ending of Kingdom Hearts, in which the beloved rodent helps lock a huge door with Sora. He then appears with the weapon more often in later entries, making its appearance in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed a fun addition for fans.

There are a few current issues with the mod, however. At the time of writing, there's no custom material and it replaces the model and textures, there isn't a keychain, and the paint trail doesn't splash out of the tip of the keyblade—but further updates, should they come, may present a solution to them. Despite You can download the Kingdom Ket D mod from Nexusmods an??d follow the instruc?tions there to join in on the fun.

In addition to the Kingdom Key D, the developer also added the Star Seeker keyblade on Wednesday, which is the version that Mickey uses in the PSP game Birth By Sleep. Prominent Kingdom Hearts YouTuber TheGamersJoint, in response, noted that he hopes to see the Kingdom Hearts model inside the game.

If you want to keep things vanilla, the base game also has some bonus costumes inspired by classic cartoons like Steamboat Willie, which was the? precursor to Mickey as we know him today.

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Square Enix has added a fascinating new product to their official online store: Two Kingdom Hearts 2-themed skateboard decks that will let fans transform their skateboards into? exact replicas of the ones Roxas and Sora used in the original game.

The boards feature illustrations of Roxas and Sora based on official concept art by Tetsuya Nomura on one side, and the other dons detailed designs derived from the skateboards each character could ride on in Kingdom Hearts 2.? Roxas' is white with a black pattern, while Sora's is the oppo??site.

At the time of writing, you can only purchase these two skateboard decks through Square Enix's Japanese store. According to the official publication, they are both made of Canadian maple, are approximately 200mm wide and 800mm t??all, and are available for 29,700 yen each (tax included), which amounts to around 203 US dollars. Square Enix is already accepting reservations, as they will release these decks on January 11, 2025.

Skateboarding was a big part of Kingdom Hearts 2

In 2005's Kingdom Hearts 2, players controlling Roxas or Sora could ride on skateboards scattered around several locations to quickly traverse the game's large worlds. These were an efficient method of transportation and also fit perfectly with the rampant skateboarding culture of the early 2000s. While more recent titles, like Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts 3, have ditched these boards in favor of other movement mechanics, like Flowmotion, fans still have a soft spot for these skateboards and would love to see this mechanic come back in f?utur??e entries. No wonder the dedicated Kingdom Hearts fan base reacted to the announcement of these real-life replicas with a lot of excitement.

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Tetsuya Nomura, the renowned Japanese developer who worked as a designer on Final Fantasy VII and directed the entire Kingdom Hearts franchise, recently did an interview for Young Jump magazine, where he revealed what his plans for Kingdom Hearts 4 are.

Per Siliconera, the Young Jump interviewer asked Nomura about the possible conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. The legendary developer jokingly responded that he only has a few years left before he retires, so he must consider what comes first. Although he specifically mentions that he at least plans to finish his work on the highly-anticipated Kingdom Hearts 4.

This response may catch fans off guard, since Nomura has barely mentioned his possible retirement in the past. While many o??f them claimed they were saddened by the news, most of them also agreed that, after taking a look at his extensive career working with Square Enix, his statement is completely reasonable.

With the release of Kingdom Hearts 3 in 2019, Nomura finally concluded the Dark Seeker Saga that he established in 2001 with the release of the first installment, meaning that he has been directing this franchise for over 20 years. Not to mention that he's worked on many other Square Enix titles, like Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Passing off the torch to new writers

But the inevitable question is, what will happen to Kingdom Hearts if Tetsuya Nomura retires? It's most likely that Disney and Square Enix will keep pushing for the development of new games, and fortunately for fans, Nomura is already testing the waters with a fascinating experiment: he revealed that he hired new writers that have never worked in the Kingdom Hearts franchise to write scenarios for the upcoming mobile game, Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link.

Ultimately, he is still in charge of writing the main script, but only time will tell if this experiment is going to benefit the franchise or not. The plot of Missing Link will cover a brand-new period in the timeline, so I'd be curious to see what new characters and worlds they will meet in this new title. It's at least refres??hing to know that Nomura is already hiring new people to bring new ideas to the series??.

Another point of interest in the interview was the overwhelming complexity of Kingdom Hearts' story, somethi??ng that has affected the franchise's reputation over the years. Nomura acknowledged that the scenarios he writes can be quite complex, and even revealed that voice actors often have difficulty following the plot of the games. Nevertheless, he and his staff usually help other people comprehend the story, and he even encourages them to ask him about it whenever they need to do so.

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Disney Worlds are arguably the biggest selling point of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, since fans endlessly speculate about the movies they're going to be able to revisit ev??ery 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 worlds, so fans immediatel?y 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 franchise.

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 upcomi??ng title. Whether fans wil??l approve of it or not, depends entirely on its execution.

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The PS2 is arguably the best console ever created with many popular franchises like Kingdom Hearts, Devil May Cry, and God of War taking root on the system. Other series really took off during this generation of consoles, like the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Here are the 10 best selling PS2 games, ra??nked by sales numbers.

10. Kingdom Hearts

The strange crossover between Disney and Square truly worked during the PS2 generation of consoles with over 5.9 million copies sold worldwide, as of 2007. Sora, Donald, and Goofy fought against dark creatures called the heartless in Disney worlds we all know and love like The Little Mermaid's Atlantica and Hercules' Olympus Coliseum. The action-RPG system is fast-paced, and lets you summon the likes of Dumbo and Genie to the battle. While the first game hasn't aged the best, the Kingdom Hearts franchise is still beloved worldwide.

9. Final Fantasy XII

After the success of the 10th entry, Final Fantasy XII took us back to the world of Ivalice, featuring kingdoms and olden-style language. It sold over 6 million copies, according to a 2009 interview with Yoshinori Kitase in Gendai. This entry in particular was different from other entries in the series, as it featured a real-time system similar to an MMO. "It was a triumph in many ways with its open world combat flow and groundbreaking (at the time) AI-manipulating gambit system," said our review for the remaster The Zodiac Age.

8. Tekken 5

Tekken 5 is also reported to have sold around 6 million units. This is the fighting game sequel that introduced the fan-favorite characters Asuka and Lili, in addition to the badass Dragunov and Raven. The game has an impressive 88 Metacritic score based on 62 reviews. "Better balancing, a ton of gameplay modes, smarter AI, and high-quality presentational elements are tough things to beat -- but Tekken 5 has all of them," said IGN's review when the game was released in 2005.

7. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

When you combine the reported sales of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Substance, you'll find that a total number of 7.03 million copies were picked up at stores. Launching in 2001, this game was a gigantic step in Hollywood-style storytelling within games. The second title also added a first-person camera for aiming down sights and the ability to hold foes up at gunpoint. Many love this game, despite? a surprising switch ?of the main protagonist.

6. Grand Theft Auto III

Grand Theft Auto III revolutionized gaming when it first came out on October 22, 2001 because of its big open world mechanics and mature content. As a result, it sold around 8.3 million copies worldwide. I remember going around my friend's house at nine years old and being amazed at how open the game was, and freaked out by how many atrocities could be performed by the player. A remaster was released for this game, but the less said about that, the better.

5. Final Fantasy X

Final Fantasy X was the best-selling PS2 game in the series at over 8.5 million copies, according to a 2013 press release. This was a big deal back in 2001. FFX was the first game in the RPG franchise to have voice acting with James Arnold Taylo??r as Tidus and Hedy Burress as Yuna. The elaborate love story between the two main characters also attracted many to the RPG. Composer Nobuo Uematsu also constructed a musical masterwork in the game's soundtrack, with standout tracks like "Movement in Green," "To Zanarkand," and of course, the epic battle theme.

4. Gran Turismo 4

The Gran Turismo series was huge during the PS2 generation, as its modern competitor Forza was yet to take shape. It drew 11.76 million racing fans to buy the game from store shelves in 2004. This game was praised for its fantastic graphics at the time and simulation mechanics. "Gran Turismo 4 is the Encyclopedia Britannica of driving, with more than 700 distinct sets of wheels to prove it, and introduces you to it with the restrained reverence of a martial arts instructor," said Eurogamer's review. "It wants you to win through training an?d discipline, not brute force and chrome elbows to the side paneling."

3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The Grand Theft Auto series began to take over the industry with its next entry, Vice City. It sold a total of 14.2 million copies worldwide (according to the Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition book). This entry took us back to the '80s; the theming was exceptional, with a fantastic soundtrack and neon throughout the city everywhere. It also features an engaging narrative following Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Goodfellas actor Ray Liotta. "The game of fast cars and ruthless criminals packs more action and excitement into the first few hours than can be found in the entirety of most games," said IGN's 2003 review.

2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec accelerated excitement from the PlayStation 2 fanbase even more, with almost 15 million copies sold in 2001 and beyond. It brought incredible visuals for racing enthusiasts at the time, and likely convinced many to take the leap from the PS1 to the PS2. The official website says the game added "impairing sunglare, shimmering heat waves, real-time reflections" and more to make this game as realistic as possible at the time. There was also an Arcade mode and a Simulation mode added to Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec to mak?e it as ap??pealing to a wide audience as possible.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Arguably the best of the PS2 trilogy, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is on top of the best selling PS2 games list with 17.33 million copies reportedly purchased by PS2 players around the world, according to the Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition. Playing as Carl Johnson, you're living in the '90s, trying to save Carl's family after his mother was murdered and trying to flee corrupt cops who frame him for homicide. The game has an amazing 95% Metacritic average rating from 80 outlets.

Game Informer gave it a perfect score, saying "San Andreas breaks the video game mold and emerges as something far greater." (Via Me??tacritic) Despite a terrible remaster much later on, it seems to still hold a place in many fans' minds as one of the best in the serie?s.

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Given the anticipation for the long-awaited Steam releases of the Kingdom Hearts games, it should come as no surprise to hear that they're selling well. In less than 24 hours, the HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX compilation has rocketed up the platform's sales charts and is currently the top-selling Steam game, outperforming even Helldivers 2 and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, the latter of which only launched today.

While the series has been available for PC owners via the Epic Games Store since 2021, Steam users have obviously wanted to see it launch on their platform of choice. I have to imagine a decent number of these sales are a result of established fans buying the games again (I should know, I'm one of them). Aside from them being playable on Steam Deck, Square Enix is discounting the whole series by 31% until July 11. So, the HD 1.5+2.5 collection, which consists of four games and?? two cutscene compilations, is going for $34.49/£27.59. You can even get the whole series (seven games in total) for $68.99/£58.64, which is a frankly amazing deal.

Admittedly, the Kingdom Hearts 2.8 collection and Kingdom Hearts 3 aren't performing as strongly, and are ranked much lower in the Steam sales chart. They also have smaller player counts according to SteamDB, peaking at only 186 players (for KH2.8) and 817 players (for KH3). By comparison, the HD 1.5+2.5 collection peaked at 6,809 players and, at the time of writing, has 4,336 concurrent players.

It makes sense for the HD 1.5+2.5 collection to be the most popular. It's the cheapest of the three offers, it includes more games, and it's also the recommended starting point for new fans, covering the first eight years of Kingdom Hearts content. As such, KH2.8 and KH3 could start to pick ??up in player count in the coming weeks ?or months.

It'll be interesting to see how long the HD 1.5+2.5 collection stays at the top of the sales charts but, regardless, this has hopefully proved to Square Enix that there's an audience for future Kingdom Hearts games on Steam. With any luck, Kingdom Hearts 4 will come to PC the same day as its console counterpart, which isn't too far-fetched considering Square Enix wants more multiplatform titles in the future. Presumably, KH4 is at least in development for PlayStati?on 5 and Xbox Series X|S, but there's been no official confirmation on release platforms.

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The day has finally arrived. After three years of Epic Games Store exclusivity, the Kingdom Hearts series will make its debut on Steam later today, and Square Enix has handily shared exact la?unch times for when the games will be available for p?urchase.

We already have a breakdown on exactly which Kingdom Hearts titles will be available but, as a quick reminder, there will be seven games across three separate compilations (plus three movies), and you can purchase all of them as part of a Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece collection. As for when you can actually start playing them, below is a list of release times for every timezone as provided by Square Enix:

• Los Angelesâ€?am PDT June 13
• New Yorkâ€?2pm EDT June 13
• Brazilâ€?pm BRT June 13
• Londonâ€?pm BST June 13
• Berlinâ€?pm CEST June 13
• Tokyoâ€?am JST June 14
• Australiaâ€?am AEST June 14

At the time of writing, no prices have been shared, but I have to imagine the games will cost about the sam?e as they do on other platforms:

• Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIXâ€?49.99/£39.99
• Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologueâ€?59.99/£49.99
• Kingdom Hearts 3 + Re Mindâ€?59.99/£49.99
• Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpieceâ€?89.99/£79.99

While this is a meaty collection of games, and perfect for anyone looking to get into Kingdom Hearts, it doesn't include any of the mobile games. Said mobile games can't be played anymore, but you can still download them to watch their cutscenes (or watch them on YouTube) if you crave extra lore and backstory. What's more puzzling, though, is that this Steam line-up doesn't include Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, a rhythm game spin-off released after Kingdom Hearts 3. It's available on every other platform, including the Epic Games Store, and yet there's been no mention of a Steam release. Hopefully, it's only a matter of time since aside from being a very fun game in its own right, it has important plot details that help lead into Kingdom Hearts 4.

Speaking of Kingdom Hearts 4, the game was sadly absent from Summer Game Fest, and while there have been rumours of it launching in 2025 or 2026, Square Enix has yet to share any official info. Given the publisher intends on "aggressively pursuing" a multiplatform strategy going forward, perhaps we'll see KH4 launch on consoles and PC at th??e same time, which wou??ld be ideal.

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The Kingdom Hearts games previously made their way to PC via the Epic Games Store, and no??w it's Steam's turn. Square Enix announced plans to dump a bucketload of intertwining lore on Steam, with three s?eparate titles and a comprehensive bundle launching on June 13, 2024.

Titles on the way to Steam include Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + ReMind DLC. All of those compilations can also be snagged together in the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle, which comes in way above the legal limit of Kingdom Hearts content. 

If you're new to Kingdom Hearts, or if y?ou understandably just need a refresher on what? these individual releases include, here's a breakdown. Naturally, you'll want to start at the beginning with:

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX

The saga starts here, with four games and two collections of remastered HD cutscenes. The games are Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX. When you're ready to sit back with some popcorn and a story-tracking notebook by your side, you can watch more cinematics in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded.

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue

A pair of games and an HD movie bridge the gap between the first collection and Kingdom Hearts III. This release packs Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD with Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, which takes players directly into the third entry. For an even deeper dive into the timeline and more info on the Foretellers, you'll need to check out the included KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover movie.

Kingdom Hearts III + ReMind

The final piece of the puzzle (for now) is contained here. In addition to the main Kingdom Hearts III game, this one comes with the ReMind DLC ??that followed, introducing new features, some challenging boss fights, and mor??e. 

Amazingly, the Kingdom Hearts series has been kicking around crossovers that previously seemed improbable for over 20 years. In that time it's established a sprawling saga of its own, and more people getting a chance to experience it all is definitely a good thing. Just don't let a??ny negative word of mou?th sour you on Goofy and Donald. They're your FRIENDS and you need to trust them to make good decisions, okay?

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Lately, there has been chatter of Kingdom Hearts, everyone's favourite mash-up of Disney magic and Final Fantasy-esque action, getting a movie adaptation. These rumours come courtesy of Disney fan site The DisInsider and film industry insider DanielRPK, but I'm not here to discuss the validity of their claims. Rather, I want to talk about how if Disney really does want a Kingdom Hearts movie, it faces an inc??redibly steep uphill battl?e.

I can imagine pitches for a Kingdom Hearts movie adaptation have floated within Disney for a while, especially in more recent years. After decades of embarrassments, video game movies have been popping off lately, with the likes of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Uncharted movie, and both Sonic the Hedgehog movies proving profitable for their respective IP holders. Kingdom Hearts is a big name, big enough for non-fans to recognize it, and its inclusion of beloved Disney characters would undoubtedly attract people who don't even know what a Sora is. However, I do not think you can meaningfully translate Kingdom Hearts from a video game into?? a movie; not without some audience-alienating compromises.

You'd have to assume any Kingdom Hearts movie would be based on the original 2002 game which, despite the series' reputation for having extremely complicated lore, does feature a fairly simple storyline. A young boy named Sora sets out on an adventure spanning multiple Disney worlds, alongside Donald Duck and Goofy, to save the universe from dark monsters while searching for his missing friends. I'd say that's an apt and easy to understand summation of Kingdom Hearts' story, but it also barely scratches the surface. There is a lot going on in Kingdom Hearts; too much to condense into even a two-hour movie. Movie adaptations typically and understandably cut out chunks of their source material in order to fit their runtime, but when it comes to Kingdom Hearts, there's nothing you can cut ??without it feeling incredibly jarring.

One of the main draws of the series is getting to visit all these faithful recreations of worlds based on beloved Disney movies. The first game alone is full of gems, from the madcap world of Wonderland from Alice in Wonderland to the gothic streets of Halloween Town from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Besides some of its outlandish story beats, this is what general audiences know Kingdom Hearts for, so you'd think a movie would make this a big focus. The problem is you wouldn't be able to fit all of the first game's nine Disney worlds into a rough runtime of two hours. Plus, with how self-contained most of these worlds are, only occasionally nudging the main plot forward, jumping from one to the next would feel incredibly jarring, even if Disney cut the number down to, say, only three worlds. It'd feel like one of those old direct-to-video Disney sequels, like Atlantis 2, which claimed t?o be movies but were clearly hastily stitched together standalone episodes of a TV show that never got off the ground.

On top of that, making the Disney visits the priority risks giving little time to the elements original to Kingdom Hearts. In the game, the open??ing hour is spent introducing Sora, his friends, and his island home before it's all taken away from him. This is followed by his meeting with Donald and Goofy and learning about their quest, the threat of the Heartless, and the magical weapon known as the Keyblade. It's the kind of set-up you can't condense into the first 20 minutes of a feature-length film, not without it being haphazardly rushed or confusing to anyone who's not touched the games.

So, is the answer to prioritize those elements and maybe skip over the Disney world stuff? Well, no, because then you're eliminating an easy way of getting non-fans to watch the movie. I know some game fans wish the series would ditch the Disney element completely, but it's a key part of its identity. Take that away, and you have another typical Square Enix RPG. Even if a movie were to put less emphasis on them, Disney characters would still be present, but would your average Disney lover be willing to sit through a Kingdom Hearts movie if the only charact??ers to make an appearance were Donald, Goofy, and maybe Mickey Mouse himself? I don't think so. Perhaps the only other alternative would be to completely overhaul the first game's story to better fit it into the style of a movie, but then you're left with something completely unrecognizable to fans.

No matter what, it feels like a direct movie adaptation is a no-win situation. It's why I think the smartest thing to do would be to follow Amazon and Bethesda's example with their Fallout TV show, and have a completely original plot set within the Kingdom Hearts universe. That way, you can craft a story that's perfectly suited to the medium of film, rather than awkwardly truncate roughly 30 to 40 hours of video game. Unfortunately, that's not entirely viable either, since it'd only really appeal to established fans. The average movie-going audience is far less likely to be intrigued, especially if it requires a deep understanding of Kingdom Hearts lore. Knowing this series, I can absolutely see a potential movie incorporating important plot points mandatory for understanding Kingdom Hearts 4 or something, like Square Enix di?d with the mo?bile games.

If anything, the structure of Kingdom Hearts would be a much better fit for a Disney+ TV show. In the games, each world acts like their own story arc, and can quite easily be condensed into one or two episodes. A show could even expand upon each world with new story elements. Die-hard fans already know there was a pilot for such a TV show back in 2003 that obviously never got the greenlight. If Disney wants ??to bring a new audience to the games, a Disney+ series would be?? a smart way of doing it.

I would not be surprised if this rumoured movie is real, but ultimately gets shot down before any actual progress is made for whatever reason. Some pitches simply never get off the ground. However, the current climate could embolden Disney to give it a shot. Cross-promotion works as evidenced by Amazon's aforementioned Fallout show increased sales and player counts for Bethesda's games.

That's not the only example; Nintendo's enjoyed a boost in sales thanks to the Mario movie (per this financial report), and The Last of Us saw renewed interest thanks to its own TV adaptation. A well-made movie combined with the launch of Kingdom Hearts 4, whenever that is, could be huge for Disney and Square Enix. I do not envy whoever is put in charge of such a project, though, because it is far too easy to get catastrophically wrong, resulting in a product that fails to sell Kingdom Hearts to potential new fans while angering the o?nes it ??already has.

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There's no question that Sephiroth is an icon, striking fear into players even remotely familiar with the villain. Just the opening notes of his theme song, One Winged Angel, are enough to get the heart racing. But Sephiroth didn't make a name for himself with Final Fantasy alone. A particular Disney and Square Enix collaboration, Kingdom Hearts, introduced the villain to a new era of fans, and his appearances in that series are just as menacing, if not more so, than his Final Fantasy 7 presence.

If players missed out on Sephiroth's 1997 Final Fantasy 7 debut, it might be hard to discern why fans go gaga over the character. Heralding a planet-ending event and haunting protagonist Cloud Strife throughout FF7, Sephiroth presented himself as a fearsome villain from the get-go. However, for some of us, Sephiroth's anxiety-inducing encounter in Kingdom Hearts is what truly cemented him as a terror.

In 2002, found myself on the other end of Sin Harvest, and it was in this Disney amalgamation that the One-Winged Angel left an impression that still lingers. See, I wasn’t really old enough to get on the FF7 wave when it was hot, and it wouldn’t be until years later that I experienced the title. So, for me, Kingdom Hearts was the game that introduced Sephiroth. And?? man, what an introduction that was.

Sora's Platinum match

As players near the end of Kingdom Hearts, they can revisit the Olympus Collesuem to participate in new tournaments. One of these is the Platinum match, which sheds many of the boss fight conventions experienced up to that point. It? pits Sora against Sephiroth in a fight most players will initially lose.

Until encountering the Platinum match, I barreled my way through enemies without much preparatio??n. Sure, some grew a little tedious, but after retreading a few zones to nab a few easy levels, I cleared obstacles in a flash, though nothing prepared me for a fight requiring speed and quick-thinking to match a demigod. 

After starting the Platinum match, Sephiroth teleports into the arena and wordlessly readies his weapon as his theme song builds. The powerful villain doesn't sprint or engage in a reckless assaul??t. No. Much more hauntingly, Sephiroth slowly walks towards me as if to say, “Oh, are you here too?�as One Winged Angel blasts over the arena. This unabashed d?isplay of badassery sets the tone.

Thanks to his massive sword, Sephiroth could reach me from nearly anywhere, and his impossibly fast sword swipes met me whenever I faltered. If I tried to clos?e the distance with a brute-force approach, he would completely ignite his surroundings in a fiery tempest. Alternatively, if I tried to play the backfield, Sephiroth could teleport and leap around the arena to line up an attack. There was no safe footing. 

By some miracle, I was able to push the One-winged Angel enough to start taking me seriously. Then the big attac??ks came out, summoned meteor showers or, even worse, that Sin Harvest move that takes Sora down to one HP and zero MP in the blink of an eye. It’s all I can muster to stay alive through the assault, meekly chipping at his health here and there. All the while, it doesn't even look like Sephiroth breaks a sweat.

Faster than I realize, it’s already over. Sephiroth catches me in the center of one of his fire attacks, and in my haste to heal, I stop?? right in front of his sword. The first time I lost the Platinum match, it felt unwinnable. But that’s precisely what drove me to throw myself at it again and again until I eventually ?scraped by.

Sephiroth's Dark Depths

While Kingdom Hearts might have led to me think I knew what to expect from Sephiroth, his second appearance continued to throw curveballs. The battle occurs in a rocky area with more room than the previous bout, but maneuverability worked against me. Throughout Kingdom Hearts 2, I unwisely neglected the painstakingly-slow-to-unlock movement and traversal abilities, and that made my Sephiroth rematch all the more imposing. The villain moves around a lot more in Kingdom Hearts 2, often teleporting behind or taking to the sky, and I had no m?ea??ns to defend against these hit-and-run tactics.

In stark contrast to his previous appearance, Sephiroth charges as soon as the fight starts with an attack that’s only avoidable via an unexpected quick-time event. This wasn’t the only time he tried to catch me off guard with the deadly strike, it randomly happens throughout the fight. It’s something I had to always stay on the lookout for, as? the blow has the potential to end the match instantly. Without giving me a chance to counterattack, Sephiroth moved back to familiar tactics, teleporting and leaping around, testing my defenses with his blade.

Difficulty felt exaggerated by the fact that nearly all of Sephiroth's attacks could bring me down to critical HP, and he'd unleash onslaughts back to back without care. This quickly backed me into a new game of attrition, with Sephiroth effortlessly whittli?ng away my health while I scrambled to keep my head above water. We danced around that arena for what felt like hours, with Sephiroth laying out one spectacular display o?f strength after another and me panic healing and scratching slices off his health with quick combos.

When I finally bested Sephiroth again??, a scene shows him literally brushing some dirt off his armor like he’s brushing off our maddening encounter. In the ultimate insult to injury, Sephiroth concludes that only Cloud ??can offer him a real challenge before sending me off to fetch the ex-SOLDIER for him. Ouch man, that hurts.

Reintroducing Sephiroth

The Kingdom Hearts series offered Square Enix an opportunity to grow Sephiroth's fame and notability. The character was already a fearsome antagonist to those who first met him in FF7, but Kingdom Hearts would open the door for the One-winged Angel to transcend his own universe. It would have b??een easy to use Sephiroth for a throwaway cameo like Tidus or Selphie, but the more substantive approach paid off.

Before Kingdom Hearts, Sephiroth only existed to me as an enigmatic legend I heard about from friends�older siblings or on online forums. But once Kingdom Hearts presented the terrifying foe, his reputation suddenly made sense. Going through the toils of preparation and practice to beat Sephiroth in these Disney games is forever cemented in my memory. It forced me out of my comfort zone and got me thinking in a game that primarily encouraged button mashing. And no doubt, whether players like the character or not, Kingdom Hearts ensured Sephiroth lived up to his hype.

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Kingdom Hearts and Street Fighter 2 composer Yoko Shimomura will receive a Lif?etime Achievement trophy during the D.I.C.E Awards this year. It ??will occur on February 15 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

"I myself am very surprised," said Shimomura on Twitter (through a translation provided by the platform). "I'm very honored." She als?o mentioned this is "possible thanks to [our] support."

Who is Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura?

Yoko Shimomura is a game composer known for her decades of work in the industry. She's behind the scores of Street Fighter 2, the Kingdom Hearts series, Super Mario RPG (with a re-orchestrated soundtrack for the remake), Final Fantasy XV, and the Parasite Eve franchise. Her vi??vid and illustrious music has now been recognized by her ??peers in the industry.

"Dearly Beloved," the main menu theme from Kingdom Hearts, is arguably her most notable song. What impresses many is that each game has its own take on the original piano-led track. For example, there's a swing version of the track in the rhythm game Melody of Memory.

“I was playing the beginning of the game, set in the Destiny Islands, and I was struck by a lot of imagery about the sea," said Yoko Shimomura to Square Enix. "Dearly Beloved just came to my mind one day, while I was thinking about that - picturing the sea and the waves.�/p>

Streamed through IGN, the D.I.C.E. Awards will be hosted by Kinda Funny's Greg Miller and IGN's Stella Chung. The finalists for Game of the Year include Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Cocoon, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

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Get your wallets ready because the soon-to-be "Dearly Beloved" Sora amiibo is on its way. The latest Super Smash Bros. amiibo arrives on February 16.

Pre-orders have started to pop up at retailers, though it already seems like folks are clamoring to get their own Sora. It will likely be available at usual retailers, though. Sora marks the last Super Smash Bros. character to get an amiibo.

Better summon your bank account for this Sora amiibo

The Sora amiibo clocks in at the standard $15.99 that other Super Smash Bros. Ultimate amiibo have cost. I?f you aren't able to pre-order Sora, you'll likely have to face the wrath of the second-hand market.

Just like the rest of the Smash Bros series, Sora takes on the same pose as his appearance in the character select screen in Ultimate. He's giving a big smile as he holds the keyblade over his shoulder. His attire is based on Sora's original costume from the first game. It's one of his best looks, but that might be my nostalgia talking.

The amiibo can be used in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and will learn from your attacks as it levels up. You can use it in amiibo battles online and in regular Smash matches. It would be cool if it had some integration with Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, but right now, there's no other usage announced.

Something else you should know about Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

You may have forgotten this, but if you have a Melody of Memory save file on your Switch, you'll unlock a new song in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It's the "Dearly Beloved" theme from the rhythm game's main menu. It's an upbeat, jazzy take on the track that works well in battles within Ultimate.

_{This story has been updated to reflect pre-orders and pricing going live at some retailers.}

The post The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ?Sora am??iibo arrives in February appeared first on Destructoid.

Let's be honest, Kingdom Hearts 4 isn't coming anytime soon. So fans of the series may want to look elsewhere to get their fix of the Disney-verse. Luckily, with closed beta recruiting beginning today, Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may not be all that far away.

Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link is arriving in 2024. Also, between today and November 19, iOS and Android users in the UK and Australia can sign up to potentially be chosen for the title's upcoming closed beta. In total, roughly 3,000 participants will be selected across the two platforms. To co??mmemorate the announcement, the publisher also dropped a new trailer for the game:

As for the Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link closed beta schedule, iOS users are up first. Square Enix revealed that invitation emails will be going out around November 28, with the closed beta spanning from November 29 to December 8. Selected Android users will follow, with their closed beta launching at some point in January 2024. Square Enix recommends following the Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link X account for future news on the Android beta.

Not much is known about the new mobile title to this point. At the game's initial reveal, we were told that the adventure would depart from Scala ad Caelum and instead take place in the real world. The Heartless would once again be a focal point as players experience a brand new story. And if these words mean nothing to you, feel free to check out Destructoid's full Kingdom Hearts timeline explained.

Today's tra?iler describes the upcoming game as a "GPS Action RPG". It's unclear how exactly GPS is incorporated, but you do see a real-world global map with various chests scattered about. Though the trailer also states you can "travel the world withou??t stepping outside".

The trailer also teases the ability to adventure through various Disney worlds and collect Disney charact??ers to aid you. In a couple of quick battle c?lips, we can see Mickey, Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, Ariel, Woody, Aladdin, Rapunzel, Tinker Bell, Simba, and a few others.

As far as Kingdom Hearts 4 goes, we don't know much about that project either, aside from a teaser trailer. We do know a general timeframe that we will have Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link on our phones. Square Enix stat??es in today's new trailer that the game will release sometime in 2024. Unless, of course, you're one of the lucky 3,000 that gets to try the game out e?arly.

The post Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link launches in 2024, closed? beta ??sign-ups live now appeared first on Destructoid.

I was in the passenger seat of my cousin’s Mazda 3 as we sat in the drive-thru line at Whataburger. To pass the time, I thought to do what anyone else would do in my position �explain the ever-complicated lore of Kingdom Hearts. It should be stated that my cousin is in his early 20s�and hasn’t seen or heard anything about this franchise since he watched me play Kingdom Hearts II back in 2006.

You can imagine the look of horror on his face as I break down �game-by-game �a very abridged summary of what happens in Kingdom Hearts. It was a very entertaining car ride. But then, he asked me a question that took me by surprise: ‘do you remember Mushroom Kingdom Hearts?�/p>

That’s a very good question. Do you?

The crossover of all time

Mushroom Kingdom Hearts was an April Foolsâ€?prank pulled by Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) in their April 2007 issue. It was slated as a brand new spinoff or sequel to Kingdom Hearts in the era between Kingdom Hearts II and 358/2 Days. Th??e associated artic??le boasted that “over 41 Nintendo charactersâ€?would be joining the already stacked roster. 

I recall being a dumb little child, seeing this, and actually believing it was real. And here I am, a dumb, fully-grown adult using my position as a writer for Destructoid to tell you that I still wish it was real. To add, I believe we have never been in a better position to make Mushroom Kingdom Hearts real.

I’ll start with the most obvious point in favor of this Disney x Square Enix x Nintendo polyamorous triad: as of late, it seems as if the series is somehow re-entering the realm of video games. In Kingdom Hearts III, the Toy Box world features advertisements for a game called Verum Rex, and the main character of this game, Yozora, is very much tied to Sora in some way. If Tetsuya Nomura is pl??anning to take a video game character and throw him into the worl??d of another video game character, he could just as easily let Sora team up with Mario and Luigi to defeat a heartless Bowser. It’s a scenario simply begging to happen.

Also, it’s not as if Mario hasn’t been making some cross-dimensional moves lately. The fact that Mario + Rabbids is now a franchise is proof enough of that. If that’s allowed to exist, there is no reason at all that we can’t toss Sora, Donald and Goofy into a world based on Splatoon or Donkey Kong where they become giant anime monkeys or inklings. Can you imagine a boss battle with a heartless Mr. Grizz? Or, maybe King K. Rool gets ??tempted to embrace the darkness by Maleficent and Pete? I’m salivating.

I know some readers might be inclined to point out that Disney and Nintendo are both notoriously protective of their IP, and wouldn’t let this crossover happen in a million years. But, hear me out: the two companies have already worked together to bring Sora to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, so the precedent for collaboration is already there. Also, Square and Nintendo have a rich history of teaming up to bring us titles such as Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and the early days of the Final Fantasy series.

I know that it’s very unlikely this will ever happen, let alone be considered by the powers that be. But, that won’t stop me from saying that it absolutely should happen. Mushroom Kingdom Hearts is such an excellent crossover idea for a series of which the fou?ndation is? a crossover.

But, more than that, it's such a brilliant prank that I completely forgot about until it came bubbling back to the surface whilst at Whataburger. I suppose all I'm saying is that, with Kingdom Hearts 4 coming soon �or, before I become geriatric, at least �it's not entirely impossible to make a trip down the w?arp pipe to let Sora, Donald, and Goofy meet Mario, Luigi, and Toad.

The post M??ushroom Kingdom Hearts ?is an old April Fools�I still wish was real appeared first on Destructoid.

Disney fans are dreaming of what Kingdom Hearts 4 worlds we're going to see: and at this point, with how much Disney owns, there are a ton of possibilities. Some may be hoping for a beautiful Kingdom Hearts Elemental world to explore, and one artist named Rhael on Twitter (also known as @Hallsth_Eien) depicted Sora and the gang ?as residents of Element City.

The fan art shows Sora, Donald, and Goofy furiously riding one of the ??bikes from the movie, each with their own customized appearance. We also see a few keyblade designs inspired by the Pixar flick.

A Kingdom Hearts Elemental world with Sora and Kairi

One of the best parts of the 2023 animated film is the romance between Ember and Wade. They're fire and water, two different elements that obviously aren't supposed to mix. There's one particular scene, i??n which they risk th?emselves to touch each other's hands: with utter bewilderment, they find out they can indeed be together.

It's absolutely adorable, and Sora and Kairi are depicted as fire and water reaching out for their hands. It shows how a scene like this could work in a Kingdom Hearts Elemental world.

Additionally, we see Donald and Goofy a?s a tree and a formation of clouds. The cloud-inspired design for Donald works well. The white fluffy texture of the clou?ds looks like the ruffles of his feathers. Meanwhile, the leaves flowing from Goofy's head match as a great replacement for the dog's floppy ears.

A special keyblade design

Sora's Elemental keyblade, depicted by Rhael, is a cute reference to the film, which showcases water and fire coming together to create glass. This is a big factor of the movie, and it would fit neatly as a keyblade design. Currently, we only know Kingdom Hearts 4 features the Quadratum realm, but some fans also believe there's a tease for Star Wars' Endor within the announcement trailer. It has been confirmed there will be Disney worlds within Kingdom Hearts 4 at least, so hopefully Elemental's Element City will be one of them.

The post Talented artist shows how well Pixar’s Elemental would fit into Kingdom Hearts appeared first on Destructoid.

Nintendo has announced a Sora amiibo, featuring the Kingdom Hearts protagonist as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The company also dated The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom figures and the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 duo.

Finally, the time has come, and no, you aren't seeing things. Nintendo's Sora amiibo is the real deal, as revealed in today's direct, and will launch in 2024. For his Switch figure, Sora sports his original Kingdom Hearts look, just as he does in Smash. He'll look perfectly out? of place next to your? Sephiroth and Cloud amiibo on the shelf.

The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom also got an update on its fig??ures. Both Zelda and Ganondorf make their debut on November 3, 2023.

Finally, Nintendo announced new Xenoblade Chronicles 3 amiibo launch on January 19, 2024. The next duo features another pair to collect, this time with Noah and Mio. They're another 2-pack, just like Pyra and Mythra from back in July.

Even if you aren't really itching to get your hands on a Sora amiibo, the latest Nintendo Direct showed off quite a few surprises. Games like Trace Memory saw an enhanced port announcement, and Super Mario RPG showed off new foo??tage. Quite a big da??y for older games making a return to strut their stuff on the Switch.

For a full list of characters, including the Sora amiibo, we gave full lineup readily available.

Update - The next wave of amiibo are up for pre-order - except Sora

The second round of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo, as well as the Noah and Mio amiibo, have gone up for pre-order at multiple ret??ailers in the US. That includes Best Buy and GameStop.

The Sora amiibo is not available for pre-order at the time of this update. Typically retailers provide online pre-orders for figures that have a release date, and with?? Sora's "TBA 2024" window, we'll need to wait a while until that comes into focus.

The post Nintendo announces Sora amiibo, dates Ze?lda and Xenoblade figures (Update) appeared first on Destructoid.

I just can't wait once we set sail! It will be great!

Fortnite is a bustling home for creativity after the Creative 2.0 tools were released, and a Kingdom Hearts fan has actually recreated Destiny Islands in the game for others to enjoy. In a video posted by HiddenxRoxas on Twitter Monday, the Destiny Islands area was showcased within Fortnite, and the video has been watched by over 60,000 people. It's still a work-in-progres??s by creator iamintehmafia, but some key elements of the introductory world are re??plicated very well with the Unreal Engine.

Our hearts led us here with a guiding key

[caption id="attachment_378730" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

If you use the Island code 3604-1677-0449, you'll be dropped into the small world of Destiny Islands in Fortnite. You're placed where Sora first wakes up in the original Kingdom Hearts. You'll see the waves rushing into the sand, the crooked palm trees, and the charming wooden bridge that takes you to an offshore area. The waterfall and rooms around the higher sections of the map are also around this user-generated location. You'll also notice the HP and MP meters from Kingdom Hearts on the bottom right. 

The main aim of this island is to collect all the coins around the area. It's an easy task, but this place is more about exploration than anything else. On the offshore island, you can actually see Sora and Kairi sitting on a tree gazing at the ocean view. It calls to mind the sad Kingdom Hearts 3 ending when Sora is taken to Quadratum.

Can you see the cave from Kingdom Hearts' Destiny Islands in Fortnite?

[caption id="attachment_378731" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

As you collect more coins, a path will open up, revealing the cave where the keyhole lies. You'll see Sora's cute drawing of him and Kairi sharing a paopu fruit, and an Organization member. If you accept the darkness that he offers, the world furthers into the night, and creatures begin to attack you. Unfortunately, a keyblade doesn't come to your hand, but as it's a work-in-progress, perhaps more elements will be int??????????????????????????roduced later.

There is no music to be had in this Destiny Islands recreation as of yet, so I recommend playing a version of it in the background. Kingdom Hearts characters are currently not in the game, but there have been hints that Sora could join Fortnite with a survey from Epic Games showing interest, according to FN News.

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They've got a friend in you

Sometimes you need a friend to succeed against the greatest foes. Just like Woody & Buzz in the Toy Story films, y?ou can also have great companions in gaming.

They'll guide you to the next location, give?? your character moral support, or sometimes even support you in battle. Here are the best companions in gaming history, ranked.

10. Midna (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)

[caption id="attachment_374779" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

The most memorable companion in The Legend of Zelda series is Midna. Her cheeky nature intrigues you as she gives a sly grin whenever you question her motives. That laugh is still in the back of my head too, even though I played Twilight Princess over a decade ago. Seriously, Nintendo, bring Twilight Princess HD to the Switch already.

She also helps Link turn into a wolf and take out foes in one fell swoop. Whenever the emotional track "Midna's Lament" plays, you also remember the moments in which the character is on the brink of death. You care about the character and want to make sure she's safe. Tha?t's a sign of a great companion.

9. Donald & Goofy (Kingdom Hearts)

[caption id="attachment_374913" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

As you'd expect from Mickey's best pals, Donald & Goofy are extremely loyal to Sora. They were tasked with following the key in the first game and have since grown a strong relationship with the keyblade wielder. Goofy surprisingly acts as the voice of reason in the group, giving the teenager advice, while Donald becomes the irrational-but-kind comedic relief. They're extremely helpful in the games, healing Sora whenever he's in trouble or teaming up for powerful attacks like Trinity Limit and Duck Flare, among others. They're even looking for their lost friend in the Kingdom Hearts IV reveal trailer within the darkness of Hades' Underworld.

8. Pey'j (Beyond Good & Evil)

[caption id="attachment_374915" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Ubisoft[/caption]

One of the best companions in gaming that very few have heard of is Pey'J. He's the uncle of the protagonist Jade in Beyond Good & Evil. He's a charming little pig that provides humor along the way as he encourages Jade to follow through on her plans. Without a father, Pey'J becomes that figure for her, providing valuable advice to the heroine. He's also a technical whiz, building elaborate boots that lift him off the ground and help Jade solve puzzles. Play Beyond Good & Evil and realize how cool Pey'j is in this game.

7. Sully (Uncharted series)

[caption id="attachment_374916" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via P??layStation's YouTube Channel[/caption]

Someone that's always been there for Nathan Drake through thick and thin is Sully from the Uncharted series. Seeing potential in the youngster, Sully practically raised him to become a treasure hunter from when Nate was a teenager. During Nate's adventures??, Sully has hi??larious banter with the protagonist as he keeps up with the death-defying platforming ahead, despite his age. He's very loyal and treats Nathan Drake like a son. Their relationship is very sweet, and this comradery makes Sully one of the best companions in gaming history.

6. Atreus (God of War series)

[caption id="attachment_374922" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PlayStation[/caption]

The father-son relationship in the Norse-era God of War series is impeccable. Before Kratos teamed up with Atreus, he was ferocious, blunt, and, quite frankly, lacking in depth. However, as the relationship grew between Atreus and Kratos, the walls of his stoicism began to crumble. He finally began to care about the well-being of someone's safety, and it showed another side of the Greek god. It strengthens further in God of War: Ragnarok as Kratos learns to give his son more freedom and lets Atreus become who he wants to be. The natural progression of this father-son dynamic is astonishing and should be praised. Other than the story elements, Atreus is helpful with setting up attacks fo??r his dad and can cause damage with ?his bow and arrows.

5. Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie series)

[caption id="attachment_374925" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot vi??a Super Smash Bros' YouTube Channel[/cap??tion]

There are few other platforming duos that are more iconic than Banjo and Kazooie. In the Nintendo 64 era, they were the bee's knees as Kazooie helped the bear climb tough hills and glide across Treasure Trove Cove. The speech between the characters is endearing, even though Kazooie can be irrational from time to time. They also appeared as an exciting duo character in the Super Smash Bros. series. Hopefully, one day, Microsoft will finally remake Banjo-Kazooie or even develop a new entry for the Xbox Series X a??nd S. Let's cross our fingers.

4. Ellie (The Last of Us Part 1)

[caption id="attachment_374928" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PlayStation[/caption]

There is a reason why Ellie is featured on the front of the cover rather than Joel. In The Last of Us Part 1, she is a key component of why the game has connected to so many fans around the world. This companion, like Atreus, grows throughout the adventure as she begins to t??rust her father figure and is trusted to wield a g??un to protect herself. Through her funny humor and sharp wit, Ellie is a great counterpart to Joel's furious nature. They work together as a duo so well, which makes the sequel devastating. By the end of the game, we truly believe how much Joel cares for Ellie due to the horrendous acts he pulls against the Fireflies to save her.

3. Clank (Ratchet & Clank series)

[caption id="attachment_374929" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PlayStation[/caption]

Clank is a quirky robot that stands (or hangs on) by Ratchet's side (or back). With his goofy laugh, the robot offers funny remarks about Ratchet's adventures. The two play off each other well as Clank provides the brains of the operation, while Ratchet is the brave warrior taking out waves of enemies with his cavalcade of guns. Their friendship is believable, and both the lombax and the robot go out of their way to help each other. Sometimes, it's even to their detriment, as we see in Rift Apart. 

2. Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog series)

[caption id="attachment_374930" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Sega[/caption]

Despite his young age, Tails is a genius inventor that helps Sonic in every way he can. Their friendship is endearing and has led them to many adventures, especially in the original Genesis/Mega Drive trilogy. One of the coolest moments is when Tails pilots the Tornado and escorts Sonic in Sky Chase Zone. In Sonic Heroes, he also helps Sonic and Knuckles fly through the a??ir and la??nd on the other side of hard-to-reach platforms. Sonic and Tails' friendship is like the hedgehog looking after a little brother; it's adorable. Tails is easily one of the best companions in gaming.

1. Luigi (Super Mario series)

[caption id="attachment_374932" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Mario's longest companion and brother, Luigi, has always been by his side. As a fellow plumber, he has assisted Mario through many levels, fought goombas with his brother in the portable RPG series Mario & Luigi, and win tennis games as a duo. He was also successful in saving Mario in Luigi's Mansion, despite his huge fear of ghosts. While Mario and Luigi don't have the depth of Joel and Ellie's relationship, they are inseparable in the hearts and minds of many Nintendo fans around the world. Luigi's shy personality matches well with Mario's brave and upbeat quirks. It's evident from the movie adaptation of the series that Mario and?? Luigi are an amazing team in the final battle against Bowser.

The post Top 10 best companions in gaming history, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

More potential to discover

With the success of Castlevania and the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime series, it is clear that game anime adaptations are worth i??nvesting in. They can heighten a franchise’s standing among the mass audience and attract new fans to each game.

Castlevania and Cyberpunk Edgerunners elevated the worlds they were based on. They had unique art styles, engaging ch?aracters, and intriguing storylines that should inspire any game anime adaptation. Here are a few we’d love to see follow in tha??t same pattern.

Bloodborne

[caption id="attachment_369924" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PlayStation[/caption]

The best live-action and anime adaptations take the source material and run with it. That’s what a studio should do with Bloodborne. It can take the gorgeous gothic world of Yharnam and layer it with a mysterious story loosely based on the game’s lore. It would be creepy, have a gripping art style, and be a huge win for Sony. Maybe it would even lead to a Bloodborne sequel at some point in the future.

Final Fantasy X

[caption id="attachment_369925" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix[/caption]

Final Fantasy XV saw a promotional anime mini-series based on the lead protagonists�friendship. However, we haven’t received a full-on anime series based on any of the franchise’s entries. That is absolutely bizarre, considering the grand source material. Final Fantasy X has one of the stro?ngest narratives that a game anime adaptation could ask for. Each character has a great story arc, and the romance between Tidus and Yuna would tantalize viewers until the very end.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

[caption id="attachment_369926" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Fire Emblem: Three Houses would make a compelling anime series you’d want to catch every week. Each character is well-written, and there’s a compelling plot about three factions forged between former friends. There could be intense fight scenes that play out on the battlefield, making every spell and swing of the sword look stunning in animated form. A studio could also add additional scenes that bring more nuance to the original game’s plot. There’s a lot of potential for an anime based on a game as dramatic as Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Kid Icarus

[caption id="attachment_370327" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Kid Icarus: Uprising is a thrill, despite its terrible control scheme on the 3DS. Part of what made the game’s fans toughen out the awkward controls is the script. The banter between Pit and Palutena is hilarious and would be perfect for a comedy. The action would be spectacular as Pit soars across the sky and shoots down foes. There were a few anime shorts to promote Kid Icarus: Uprising, but it would be outstanding to get a full show.

Kingdom Hearts

[caption id="attachment_370377" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix & Disney[/caption]

Even the most dedicated of fans would admit that the Kingdom Hearts lore is hard to follow. However, an anime based on the series could help with that. Rather than a full game, an anime recapping the events of the mobile games Unchained X, Union X, and Dark Road would be fantastic. The dramatic story of the Foretellers and other influential characters from those games is essential for future Kingdom Hearts ga?mes, as they’re positioned to be the next antagonists of the series. Rather than watching cutscenes from the now-defunct mobile game, it would be great to get an anime retelling to keep mainstream fans informed.

The Legend of Zelda

[caption id="attachment_370384" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

The Legend of Zelda is begging for an anime. You have engrossing characters, the gorgeous land of Hyrule, and a mighty antagonist for the hero to defeat. Breath of the Wild specifically would be fantastic for a game anime adaptation. You have the dramatic story of keeping Hy??rule safe from Ganondorf, the growing relationship between Link and Zelda, and mighty battles against the likes of Master Khoga and the Divine Beast encounters.

Metal Gear Solid

[caption id="attachment_370396" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Konami[/caption]

One of the greatest game series in the eyes of many is Metal Gear Solid. However, it is so difficult to get into nowadays. Almost every game in the series isn’t available natively on the PS4 and PS5. Also, the older titles on the PS1 and PS2 have awkward controls by modern standards. An anime series based on the espionage titles would be amazing, especially with how the narrative has been praised over the years. It would catch up potential fans who missed the Metal Gear Solid franc??hise in its prime and ideally prepare them for a remake.

Metroid

[caption id="attachment_370379" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

The Metroid series is rich in lore and stunning sci-fi world design. It would lend itself to some beautiful animated scenes and grandiose battle scenes with Ridley and other aliens across the galaxy. With Metroid Prime 4 around the corner, an anime based on this cult-favorite series could bring Samus Aran into the limelight. If the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher could make Geralt a household name, it could work for Metroid.

A new Street Fighter anime

[caption id="attachment_370404" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

With today’s animation styles and an energetic sequel on the horizon, a new Street Fighter anime would be perfect. It could give the characters more depth and get folks invested in the battles of Street Fighter 6. Additionally, the fight scenes would look spectacular and take inspiration from the splash effects from the latest game. Ideally, this anime could give us more backstory on the events of Street Fighter 6.

Xenoblade Chronicles

[caption id="attachment_370409" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Another Nintendo franchise that’s waiting for a game anime adaptation is Xenoblade Chronicles. Imagine seeing the stunning Gaur Plains brought to life as Shulk and the gang stroll around the environment. Furthermore, the engrossing story would capture anime fans who have never given the series a chance. The music could be adapted beautifully too. To quote Shulk, “I’m really feelin�it!�/p>

The post 10 game series that deserve anime adaptations 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 f??or 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, Chicke??n Little), plenty of them can g?reatly assist Sora and his friends, both offensively and defensively.

Here are the seven best Kingdom Hearts summons.

7. Peter Pan (Kingdom Hearts II)

[caption id="attachment_369909" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

While not as pow??erful 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 lowe??r on the list. Regardless, "The Flying Boy" can save Sora in a pinch if used correctly.

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 a?bility like Sonic Blade, Bambi can stock you up quickly. What a "Thu??mper" 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 incoming combos while th??is mo?ve is active.

3. Genie (Kingdom Hearts II)

[caption id="attachment_369908" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Agrabah's Genie provides some stellar attacks in Kingdom Hearts II. Taking inspiration from Sora's drive forms, he provides alternate attacks depending on the outfit he is wearing, and they're all pretty powerful. The Master Form has the Arcana, which has Genie s??pinning 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 fo?rms 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 battle and cine??matic 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 you??r 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 can be used to completely stun Bar??bossa's minions in pla??ce.

[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 opponents into 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 spell is heightened as it forms 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 add??i??tion, 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 spe??ll, 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 battl?e 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 ef??fects occurring in the moder??n 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 bigger 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 Sora to neutralize incoming attacks and it can stack however long the game allow??s 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.

A legendary cast of characters

The best Kingdom Hearts characters have a ton of personality, have been through hardship, or simply have powerful and exciting abilities that dynamically elevate the series' battle scenes. A key element why Kingdom Hearts resonates with so many people is not?? just the non-stop action; but the passion behind the cast's motivations.

Characters like Sora and Roxas aren't afraid to express their emotions: to cry, to scream, to love, to smile. And many of the legendary series characters are mor??e intriguing than the average RPG cast, and it's refreshing to see heroes, (or in some rare cases, villains), that we are able to relate to.

Warning: There are spoilers for Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts 3: Remind in this list.

[caption id="attachment_367229" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

10) Xigbar/Luxu

One of the best factors of the Kingdom Hearts narrative is how it intrigu??es its fans with subtle nods and mystery.

Xigbar is certainly one of those characters that make you think. If you've played and finished Kingdom Hearts 3, you'll know he is in fact Luxu, the Master of Masters' right-hand man. His witty humor makes him a great foil for Sora, and his boss battle in KH2 is phenomenal.

[caption id="attachment_367231" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

9) Goofy

Despite his clumsy origins in cartoon form, Goofy is a reliable ally for Sora. He's the one in the Keyblade Hero 3 that gives the spiky-haired hero valuable advice and is? the level-headed person in the group.

He's endearing and kind which makes ?him a great friend!

[caption id="attachment_367236" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

8) Master of Masters

We really don't know much about the Master of Masters, but from his few appearances so far, fans have been intrigued by his presence. He seems to have everything planned with th??e Book of Prophecies in his mind and has a strangely goofy (not our ??pal Goofy) vibe from him.

His personality makes him such an odd antagonist, and the intrigue makes him one of the best Kingdom Hearts characters.

[caption id="attachment_367237" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

7) Xemnas

Xemnas is a badass antagonist in Kingdom Hearts 2.

The Organization XIII leader has dual blades, and his battle skills with these laser swords would put even Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul to shame. Xemnas is also an antagonist who has a just cause for his actions. He wants himself and his fellow Nobody Organization members to have hearts again but can only do so by making Sora defeat the Heartless. T??herefore, he causes chaos throughout the worlds.

[caption id="attachment_367240" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

6) Xion

Xion is another nobody stuck with a dreaded path ahead of her. Those who have played 358/2 Days know that she's a fun, charismatic character that's similar to Sora in many ways. Roxas and Axel ??get to know her throughout the game as she struggles to wield the keyblade.

The story behind h??er existence is a fascinating mystery that begins to unravel as the days continue. By the end, your heart will be broken as a ??friendship is torn apart by fate.

[caption id="attachment_367241" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

5) Aqua

Another character Kingdom Hearts fans love (myself included!) is Aqua. She is strong-willed, disciplined, and has a sharp wit about her that few other Kingdom Hearts characters possess.

She has a stern exterior, but when it comes to her friends, she will do anything in her power to protect them, especially Ven, who drifted to sleep for a decade before she could rescue him again. She's one of the best Kingdom Hearts characters ??in my mind because of her adept abilities and strength.

[caption id="attachment_367242" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

4) Axel/Lea

Axel (or Lea) is a Nobody that nearly everyone loved as soon as he appeared on-screen. He?????????????????????????? has a rambuncti??ous personality and likes to work outside the lines.

His unpredictable nature and break-the-rules flair helped him gain a buddy in Roxas. He also goes through a tragic story as he's forced to take out his own best friend, who has lost their memories. Axel is just plain one of the best Kingdom Hearts characters: "got it memorized?"

[caption id="attachment_367243" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

3) Roxas

The character that has arguably lost the most in the Kingdom Hearts series is Roxas. He loses his friends, has his body completely taken away from him, and is told that he was never meant to exist. It's quite tragic! During his t??ime in Twilight Town, he tries to think positively. He is loyal to his friends like ??Hayner and Axel.

However, Roxas is less trusting of others than Sora in many ways. It makes for a refreshing change of pace from Sora's happy-go-lucky approach. He's more critical, able to think on his feet, and is a sharp wise-cracker. He also has a wonderfully dramatic theme song. Hopefully, we get another game with Roxas again, his badass dual-wielding styl??e included.

[caption id="attachment_367232" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

2) Sora

To some, Sora can be a nuisance. He's loud and obnoxious at times. However, what makes Sora one of the best Kingdom Hearts characters is his compassion for others. Unlike many video game protagonists, he is willing to show his feelings. He begs on his knees to see Kairi again towards Organization XIII member Saix. He cries when the Guardians of Light fail in one fell swoop in Kingdom Hearts 3. 

That willingness to show his emotions, within a genre filled with masculine protagonists, ??is a breath of fresh ??air. He's super relatable.

[caption id="attachment_367233" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

1) Riku

It can be argued that Riku has the most character progression of all of the cast in the KH series. He grew accustomed to the darkness as Maleficent convinced him to twist him into a servant. He betrayed his best friend Sora for the wellbeing of Kairi, (even fighting against him). Then, after X??ehanort's Heartless took over his body, Riku suffered for a long time, even taking the form of the person he hates.

But he took that form to protect Sora and fight off the powerful (and angry) Roxas. Riku has an amazing character arc as he tries to reconcile his past mistakes. His struggle is the reason why he's the best Kingdom Hearts character.

The post Best Kingdom Hearts Characters, 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

[caption id="attachment_366982" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 brig??ht ye?llow hilt make Sora's default keyblade pop on the screen. Whenever you see it, you'll get a blast of nostalgia.

Dual Disk

[caption id="attachment_367028" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 perfectly 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, i??s the keychain of Ever After.

Grand Chef

[caption id="attachment_367038" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 se??ction 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 t?he Pixar movie.

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

[caption id="attachment_367006" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 transformation has Sora lancing at enemies quickly, disappearing into light as he dashes from place to place. The last form that this keyblade helps form is Sora duel wielding both Oathkeeper and Obl??ivion. There's nothing cooler than having two keyblades at once.

The Stroke of Midnight

[caption id="attachment_367020" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_367012" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_367025" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 adv?enture 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.

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