Kingdom Hearts

Kingom Hearts
ESRB: E
Single Player
Platform: PS2
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix

Introduction: Many people think this game is directed and manufactured especially for children, as it involves Disney characters. That is not the case. Once you begin to immerse yourself in this vivid game, you'll begin to forget Disney made this game. I myself used to believe this game was idiotic, another incompetent game by Disney. Once again, once you really experience this game and play it, it'll become an elaborate and well made game indeed. So let's begin this review of the unique game, Kingdom Hearts.

Concept/Story: Score - 10/10
The first chapter of an incredible and stupendous story. It starts off with a movie about one dream a young boy, named Sora, has. Shortly after this movie, he finds himself on a pillar illuminating with the image of a Disney princess on it. Sora must choose between 3 weapons, once he does he must give up a weapon. After multiple tasks, he must prove his strength and fight his shadow. Once Sora has brought his shadow to it's demise he awakens on his home, the Destiny Islands. Sora's marvelous and difficult adventure has just begun. Sora ventures to many worlds to unravel the esoteric and mysterious disappearance of King Mickey, also keeping a look out for his close friends Riku and Kairi. In comparison with most other first games of a series, this one is not slow. I loved the story, as it was interesting. All in all, I give the Story a 10/10 for having an uncommon and unusual plot and story line.

Graphics: Score - 10/10
Don't even get me started. The graphics are incredibly realistic. The enemies have a conspicuous feel to them. The cut scene graphics are probably the most meticulous graphics of all. The characters are precisely detailed from head to toe. Levels are relative and sometimes even exact to the setting in the Disney movies. Most levels feature the backgrounds in the Disney movies. I'm surprised Disney was able to produce these graphics; never would've that in a million years Disney's graphics would be this well made. Items in the game are clear and not that fuzzy poor graphics in other games. The worlds do feature some refreshing scenery, I never get tired of seeing the sea from the Destiny Islands. Throughout the massive length of the game is beautiful and wonderful graphics, I assure you. All I can say is wow Disney, you've outdone yourself this time. 10/10.


Playability/Control: Score - 10/10
Easily gotten used to. Very easy to comprehend, although using items and such does go kind of slow in battle. These are undoubtedly controls that take about 10-25 Minutes to get used to. These controls utilize mostly the majority of the buttons. "X" is used to Attack and to confirm selections. The square button depends on the ability you currently have equipped. Abilities and combos are also another reason that the battle system is great. The other buttons also give a helping hand. Using and mastering the ability and combos to their full content will come in handy a lot during this game. The controls don't require you to keep mashing like a total idiot, just a few gentle and rapid clicks of the button can trigger a powerful combo to destroy those pesky Heartless. The controls might feel a bit awkward at first, but soon after the controls will feel somewhat smooth. The only thing I complain about is the Magic and how slow it is to access it; but since there is a shortcut route I accept that flaw. Bravo Disney, 10/10.

Music/Sound Score - 9/10
Another golden thing here. The SFX sound is simply awesome. The background music goes perfectly with the type of situation you're in. Most music results in casual, normal songs. If you're battling a hard enemy or a boss, it'll have a special song. Sephiroth has the Final Fantasy song "One Winged Angel" playing in the background while fighting him. The clashing and clanging of swords never gets old, different sounds ever time you attack. The majority of the worlds each have their own specific music playing. Mostly everything you do has a different sound. Compared to other games that were released when Kingdom Hearts was, the sound and music was without a doubt superior to those other games. The quality of the sound isn't have bad. For a Disney game, it's actually fantastic. The sound deserves a 9/10, it could've had better but overall it's very good.

Entertainment/Replay Value Score - 10/10
Kingdom Hearts will undoubtedly entertain you for many months to come. Whether it's saving all those Dalmatians that are scattered all over the worlds; or just collecting all the Keyblades and synthesizing all the items, Kingdom Hearts never gets dull. There's simply a lot of stuff to do, ranging from side quests to eccentric missions and even to battles with extra bosses (Sephiroth, for example). Kingdom Hearts is basically packed with all kinds of things to do. This is obviously another reason why the Replay Value is so high. There's also Expert Mode, so you'll be playing this game for a loooooooong time! This is definitely 10/10.

Score:
Concept/Story - 10/10
Graphics - 10/10
Playability/Control - 10/10
Music/Sound - 9/10
Entertainment/Replay Value - 10/10
Overall - 10/10 This game is absolutely worth your time! If you don't have it, it's a great thing for your Christmas list.