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Kingdom Hearts Franchise

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:39 pm
by Zephie-chan
This issue might or might not have been addressed in previous shows. I just started my job and, now that I've finally gotten used to it, I plan on once again taking more interest in BreakmanX.com shows and the forums. But, while I do have free time, I wanted to know the opinions of the staff about the Kingdom Hearts franchise and it's next installment which has just begun the conception phase, said Tetsuya Nomura to Famitsu.com.

I'd like to hear an in-depth discussion on the show, mainly.

That's about the end of the request. Below, though, is a rant that goes along with it...

Frankly, I think Kingdom Hearts is a breath of fresh air, and has easily embedded itself into the gaping hole which Final Fantasy left since Final Fantasy X and up -- with the exception of Dirge of Cerberus. Though not as fun as I hoped, I liked it better than FFX and FFX-2. I'm probably biased, though.

Noting the differences between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, I have to say each has it's good points and it's bad points. Of which the latter is very few. The biggest complaint I had between the two games was the difficulty.

I replayed Kingdom Hearts before I slapped in Kingdom Hearts II, and the very first thing I noted was the difficulty: Kingdom Hearts II, in my opinion, was easier on Normal Mode that Kingdom Hearts was on Easy Mode. Which was weird. However, since I like to lay back and enjoy a game rather than always get insanely fucking lucky on bosses, it was rather appealing to me that way.

I talk a little about the endings to the games below, just my feelings on the subjects, so as long as you don't mind that, it really gives none of the story away and you can read it (by highlighting it):
Another thing I noted were the endings: Kingdom Hearts' ended with a huge bang and hit all the right places. I was both laughing, crying, and incredibly intrigued. Kingdom Hearts II's ending left me with a feeling of grand satisfaction, but no crying or emotional stuff.

That, at first, bothered me, but I came to accept it and realize thus: What I've waited for since the ending of Kingdom Hearts has come and I'm so fucking happy about that, that I just don't care. YES! I said to myself, "Well, my friend, you have just beaten an incredible series and, though I don't have any future installments to look forward to, I will carry the enchanting, original, and absolutely stunning story of Sora and his friends forever.

Then came the second ending (the one after the credits). I kind of stared at my screen for a minute. Then I stood up and said, very loudly, "GOD FUCKING DAMNIT! Now I have to wait another four fucking years until my questions are answered! STOP IT! NO! I DON'T WANT TO IMAGINE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT! NO~!"

It didn't help saying it out loud... unfortunately. I gave my thanks, though, that all previous questions/mysteries were answered and solved and all I had to think about was the future. Or whatever that was in the secret video you get for either filling our the Journal (what I did) or beating that Valor Mode, or whatever, that's unlocked after beating the game.


Regardless, I look forward to the future that Tetsuya Nomura, Square-Enix, and Disney Interactive/Buena Vista Games will bring for the series. Does any/every-one else feel the same way, or am I just a weirdo nerd who likes visual novels, all old and some new Disney movies, and actually enjoys working at a school? Only time will tell...

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 10:28 pm
by Triad636
I will be reviewing Kingdom Hearts II as soon as I finish other things for the site.

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 11:56 pm
by Verence
I do agree that the franchise as a whole is rather fresh somehow, considering the basic concept is merely a crossover. And hey, Kingdom Hearts brought Aeris back. Could any man ask for more? (Even though her voice in KHII is terrible.)

I just finished Suikoden V, so I've only just started KH II.

Thanks for the invisible spoilers. :wink:

BTW, has everyone heard about KHII: Final Mix? Yeeeaaah, there bringing back the card battle system from KH: COM. :x

Hopefully you don't HAVE to play that way.

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:30 am
by RurouniQ
Verence wrote:BTW, has everyone heard about KHII: Final Mix? Yeeeaaah, there bringing back the card battle system from KH: COM. :x
You're... joking, right? What system?

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 12:08 pm
by Verence
Ever play Chain of Memories?

The battle system is a mix of real time and cards. A BAD mix in my opinion. I did not enjoy it.

Moot point probably. They might not release Final Mix in the US. They didn't release the Final Mix of the first Kingdom Hearts, after all.

Though there have been a lot of games lately (DMC3, MGS3, Midnight Club 3, Etc.) that are releasing extended editions when they become greatest hits, so it's possible.

As I said, I pray that the card battle system is OPTIONAL. :(

http://www.the-magicbox.com/0609/game060913e.shtml

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:32 pm
by RurouniQ
Oh yes I played it. I'm just shocked they would pull such a thing.