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An exceptional RPG that ends all too quickly

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 21 / 25
Date: November 30, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Kingdom Hearts is an exceptional RPG, that ends all too quickly.

The gist of the story: 14 year-old Sora is separated from his friends, Riku and Kairi, when the Heartless (enemies with no hearts) take over their island. Sora joins forces with Donald and Goofy, and becomes the Keyblade Master, the Keyblade being a sacred weapon that can defeat the Heartless, and save the world.

The game contains about 10 different Disney worlds from different Disney movies, and you must travel to them in your Gummi Ship (More on that later).

The sound and voice acting are fantastic, and Kingdom Hearts holds a record as the game where the developer has spent the most money on voice acting, by hiring Haley Joel Osment (Sora), Mandy Moore (Aerith), David Gallagher (Riku), and Billy Zane (Ansem), Lance Bass, and others. All of the Disney characters have their original voices, including Donald Duck's classic helium voice.

The gameplay is also great, but not perfect. You must travel to each of the worlds to seal off the keyhole to that world with the Keyblade, to get rid of the Heartless in that world. The battle system is simple and well-designed. The command menu at the bottom left of the screen is also very easy to use, where you can select to attack, cast magic, use an item, or perform an action. The magic shortcuts are also a nice touch, and comes in very handy during difficult boss fights.

A lot of characters from the Final Fantasy series make cameos, from Final Fantasy VII to Final Fantasy X.

But the one major flaw with Kingdom Hearts is the replay value. Once you finish the game, there is almost nothing left to do, except finish the Coliseum Tournaments, round up any remaining Dalmatians, and find any remaining Trinity Marks, which may seem like a lot, but really isn't.

The best solution to this problem would be to make a Kingdom Hearts 2, and make the game harder, and last a lot longer.

Even still, Kingdom Hearts is a great RPG, and is a blast to play.

Surprisingly good.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 22 / 29
Date: December 17, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Being a mature gamer I am a big fan of Squaresoft, but not a big fan of Disney. When I heard of the seemingly unholy marriage of these two mega corporations, I was terrified yet intrigued. But when I rented this game, it was good -- surpisingly good. In fact, I ended up buying the game. The game has its flaws however, minor ones that in my view cause it to lose only 1 star. The game has tons of pros going for it.

This game has some stunning graphics, although not on par with Final Fantasy X. Animation is smooth and nice, but lacks the overall detail found in most of Square's other games. The 3D cartoon look is good for this game, but it's also a problem. Disney characters look good at first glance, but lack detail. Everything in the world seems to be bland. There are not many textured effects.

Also, I must say the Final Fantasy characters look much better then the Disney characters, because as stated before, the FF characters have insane amounts of detail. Example: hair. Compare Tarzan's hair with Cloud's hair, and you'll see what I mean. Good graphics, but lacking in detail.

As far as gameplay and sound goes, they are top notch. Sword slashing, spell casting, assisting -- all are a breeze to do. The action flows fast and smooth, kinda like the game Shinobi. An effective lock on target makes the combat focused so you don't get overwhelmed by enemies. A good part about this game is that you not only have to think out strategies and attacks, but you have to keep up with the fast pace. I love this type of challenge, as will many older gamers. The game isn't hard at all when it comes to normal battles, however the boss battles are TOUGH! (I lost count of how many times I died while fighting Cerebus.) You'll think this game is easy and simple, until you get slapped in the face with a larger-than-life boss. Then, you might need to go back for training to get stronger...

Now, let's talk about sound and music. They are both great, aside from the opening song (which is sung by one of Disney's mass produced Pop singers, I might add). But don't get me wrong about the opening song: it isn't bad. I wouldn't download or buy it, however it doesn't force me to hit the mute button. Songs for the towns and environments are good, everything from walking in town, to the battle music theme (which WILL get stuck in your head). The sword slashes and magic sounds are ear candy -- everything sounds so real! I like it when I defeat one of the shadow monsters, and the hunny (ie, the game currency) makes a light "clank" sound as it hits the floor. Other little sounds consistently surprise and please your ears. Voice acting is VERY well done, of course, featuring all of the original Disney voices and the well-done voices for the Final Fantasy characters.

Now, this game is unusual in storyline. One minute you're on an island with Final Fantasy X and VIII characters, trying to build a raft to depart. Before you know it, you're teamed up with Goofy and Donald Duck fighting little shadow monsters. I'm not a big Disney fan, in fact I would have preferred to see more Final Fantasy characters then Disney (Shadow, Edgar, Sabin, Kain, Edge, Kefka, etc.). I REALLY wanted to see Shadow in this game! Plus, they seem to combine Square characters. For example, it's awkard to see two opposites come together in one character, such as Cloud who appears to wear Vincent's clothes, as well as his style and occupation.

I liked the beginning storyline, but then it dropped off after the Disney characters appeared. Still a good storyline, but it could have been better.

Overall, this is a good buy and is well worth your money. If you're a Disney fan of course it's a must buy. If you're a Squaresoft fan, check it out first to see if you like it before buying it. Believe me, the idea of Disney and Square together in one game scared me! But after playing it, I ended up loving the game. It's unusual, and it may not be for all older gamers...but it pleasantly surprised me, and I would suggest this game to many people. It may not be the best game out there, but it's definitely ONE of the best!

Kingdom Hearts is awesome....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 17
Date: October 07, 2002
Author: Amazon User

You know, I have to admit it. I'm not much of a Disney fan nor a Square fan either. I've played several of the Final Fantasy games,and even Parasite Eve 1&2 but I can't say I've ever been blown away by any of it. That is, til now.
This game has got to be the most fun I've had in years. I mean, I've never had but two games ever draw me in like all get out to where I can't stop playing it(those games were Quake and Golden Sun). Now, I have a third. It's Kingdom Hearts. For those of you thinking it's a kiddie game, think again because this game will definitely hand that assumption back to you with a lil something extra. You play as Sora and along with Donald and Goofy....you go looking for Mickey meeting some mean ol' nasties along the way. Battles aren't of your usual Final Fantasy Variety as they are fought in real-time but they are awesome just the same as you can summon several Disney characters to help you out(mine favorite being Simba).
If you're into RPGs, even if you're not, try out Kingdom Hearts. It's definitely worth your time. Square did this game justice.
Hope there is a part two.

Kingdom Hearts - Best Game of 2002

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 13 / 14
Date: January 17, 2003
Author: Amazon User

First of all I would like to say that this is the greatest game I have ever played. Many people hear the words "Disney Characters" and they say, "No way, I'm not even going to try that game." Kingdom Hearts goes way past Disney into something that RPG and many other types of gamers have never seen before. They have taken Final Fantasy, the greatest RPG of our time, combined that with Walt Disney's greatest ideas and have come up with something spectacular. The story begins with Sora, voiced by Haley Joel Osment, on a small island called Destiny Islands. Sora is "taken" to a place in which the person playing gets to choose his/her style, what I mean by this is that you choose your strength and weakness. After a series of questions by past Final Fantasy characters (Which I recommend that you answer them on how you feel) you start off on your "journey" so to speak. Throughout the game you will be able to have various Disney characters along side you such as Aladdin, Beast, Tarzan, Ariel, etc., but Goofy and Donald are always with you. The storyline is so deep and complex, you are pulled right in. Sora's world is attacked and "consumed" by the Heartless, and his friends Riku and Kairi are no where to be found when Sora finds himself in Traverse Town. The ending, which I will not give away, is great looking and amazing. It is also a very sad way to end the game. Here are some ratings that I have come up with myself.

Graphics: 9.5
The graphics are truly amazing. Everything fits and is not at all out of place.

Audio: 9.0
The music is excellent, which is expected as with all games by Squaresoft. The vocals are great, Haley Joel Osment has done an excellent job with giving Sora his own personality. The background music fits so well...

Lasting Appeal: 9.5
I have played this game myself 3 times already and plan to start it again when I receive enough free time. There is so much to do with this game its unbelievable.

Controls/Gameplay: 8.5
The controls are confusing until you get use to using them. The Gameplay is smooth but can be confusing at times...

Storyline: 10.0
The storyline is very complex and very good. Everything ties together. Even though Mickey is the King of Donald and Goofy's world, just seeing in the end how Donald and Goofy have searched just to find him is great. Storyline is amazing. You have to get it to understand.

And so, this game is a keeper and is the best game that I have played. If you are wondering what it is that I have played, here are a few. LOTR: The Two Towers, GTA: 3 and Vice City, Mark of Kri, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy 7-10, etc...

Great Game!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 14 / 16
Date: May 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Kingdom hearts is one of the best games I have played. I wasn't sure at first if I should of gotten it, because I knew it had the little mermaid and winnie the pooh. That doesn't make the gameplay worse though, when I played those parts, it only made the game feel more complete.

KH was created by Square and Disney, which is kinda interesting. You will meet tons and tons of Disney characters, and some FF characters as well. In the begining you get to play little games with Wakka, Tidus and some other guys. You will meet Cid and Sephiroth too. The main character is Sora, and he happens to bump into Goofy, and Donald later on.

The story is outstanding-You are Sora on an island with other friends. Then one day darkness invades and you get sucked up and get separated from your friends. Then, worlds have been connected so you can travel to different places (Wonderland, Monstro, Night before Christmas, Tarzan, Mermaid, etc). Bosses you fight are like all the evil Disney people and even Sephiroth. You fight in olympic battles and get rewards for that. You are on a quest to find your friends and Mickey. Well I'm not going to get far into the story, but trust me, there are so much things to do in the game, you wouldn't be dissapointed.

Pros:
-Storyline stands out.
-Gameplay is terrific.
-Music? I was thinking about buying the soundtrack.
-Graphics are pretty good.
-Fun meeting disney people all of the time.
-Every time you enter a new world and look at the
background you'll never get bored because the game
has new fun stuff around every corner.
-Bosses can be challenging (Especially Sephiroth)and
that's what makes this game not just for kids.
-Gaining XP-Leveling Up each party member.
-Watching Goofy and Donald fight with you (You don't
control them, they control themselves!!!)
-During battles you cast damage spells and heal,
use items and attack with weapon.
-Much, much more that you'll have to find out for
yourself.

Cons:
-To attack with your sword, pressing X
repeatedly the whole time may get pretty
annoying to some, but it didn't bother me
that much.
-What the??? Designing a gummi ship??? When Donald
and Goofy tell Sora about traveling in a gummi
ship, Sora said 'Ooookay', and I was thinking
the same thing. I think the gummi ship is
very pointless, boring, and it wasn't very
smart to include it in the game.

Overall great game, lots of fun levels that will keep you playing to the end, and maybe even start over again. A nice addition to any gaming collection. Worth every penny. A+++++

Start playing now and you MAY be done by X-mas...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 13
Date: December 04, 2003
Author: Amazon User

The fascination we have with Disney Characters is possibly matched only by the fascination many gamers have with Final Fantasy. People, I give you the perfect marriage of the two. Kingdom Hearts has you assume the role of Sora, a young boy with a really big honkin' sword called a Keyblade. The story is pretty easy to understand: dark, shadow... things... called Heartless show up on your island, destroy it, your friend Riku and your love interest, Kairi, are nowhere to be found. After running into Donald Duck and Goofy... Goof, who have been commissioned by King Mickey to "follow the Key", or that sword you're carrying, you do the heroic thing and set out to find them and stop the Heartless. Long story short, the graphics are superb, character voices are the best you could expect, and the real-time fighting engine keeps you on your toes. You will love this game. It's a little bit of a challenge, but what good game isn't? I'm now anxiously awaiting the sequel, due X-mas 2004. 5 Stars!

ýWhatever lies beyond this morning is a little later oný

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 13
Date: July 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have to admit that my first reaction to `Kingdom Hearts' was "Oh no! Donald Duck meets Final Fantasy!!" And at a very basic level that is exactly what this game really is. For those of use who actually grew up with Walt Disney's films this combination is a bit jarring at first. Until the story engages the player and then you are trapped, doomed to play until the very last cut scene with great delight.

On an idyllic island Sora, Riku, and Kairi spend most of their time playing with friends and planning to leave and discover other worlds away across the sea. And on a world far away, Donald Duck and Goofy find that King Mickey has left and given them a final assignment - find the keyblade and its bearer. Darkness attacks, and the two groups of characters are drawn together, for good and ill. Sora, who is the key bearer, Donald, and Goofy start a quest to lock the hearts of the worlds safe from the encroaching dark and save their friends.

Game play is a combination of the comfortable and the unique. This is an action RPG where jumping and athletic skills play as much of a part as fighting power and problem solving. At first this irritated me, since even my controller enhanced reflexes often fall short of what is needed for graceful game play. But like everything else, one adjusts, and soon even I was hopping from platform to platform, walloping enemies on the fly and tripping over Goofy's size 99 feet.

The game owes its settings almost entirely to the creations of Walt Disney. Expect everything from `Snow White' to `Tarzan,' and you will still be surprised. But it owes the style of its story to the worlds of Final Fantasy and its relatives. This provides both the action component and a subtext of willingness to attach a spiritual message to what is really an entertainment game. And this is genuinely well done - less obtrusive, say, than FFX, but far from the occasional vacuous moments that haunt a Disney tale.

As such, `Kingdom Hearts' provides an enchantment unusual for what is really not that difficult a game. It is big enough for a guide to be worth consulting, but the normal quest for interesting ways to power up for the big bosses will turn up enough of the side quests to keep up interest for all but the most jaded. In retrospect, I find that I enjoyed this game far more than I expected, and now understand its lasting popularity.

Best PS2 game I've purchased!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 14 / 17
Date: October 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User

When I heard of the game for the first time, it sounded like a really really bad idea. I mean, Disney and FF? Then I played for a few minutes at a friend's house and was HOOKED! The storyline is great, the gameplay is well-balanced, the graphics are fun and there are little Disney & FF in-jokes everywhere. It's not too hard for younger ones because of the two difficulty levels. Seasoned gamers will feel comfortable with the Final Fantasy style commands. This is a must-have game! I'm sure that most PS2 owners would love to receive this one as a gift.

Enjoyable Excellence

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 12
Date: October 24, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Any gamer with an open mind will simply enjoy Kingdom Hearts. Disney or Square fans will absolutely fall in love with it!

The game oozes quality everywhere. Beautiful artwork and animation abounds. I loved the music! The sound effects are flawless and most of the voice overs are extremely authentic. It was a real treat to hear beloved Final Fantasy characters speak for the first time.

The battles were never repetitive for me. Unlike most players I didn't have a problem with the controls at all...once I got a turbo-fire controller, that is. The camera was the only thing that needed improvement, I thought.

Like most Squaresoft games there was a significant amount of tedious item-gathering, but it wasn't as frustrating as in Final Fantasies 7-10. This is only a problem for those gamers who are perfectionists and have to utilize EVERY SINGLE THING in the game...like me.

My personal favorite moment in Kingdom Hearts was finding Sephiroth for the first time and hearing his One Winged Angel theme music. It was too cool for words.

Kingdom Hearts is another Squaresoft masterpiece. It's also something for Disney to be happy about.

Great. Unlikely combination forms a great game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 23
Date: September 08, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The word comes out that Square is partnering up with Disney to make an RPG. You'd think that the world would come to a standstill. Or you would at least think that the world will change. And you're right, the world did change because of this game. It raised the bar for all games.
Even though I have not played the full version of this game, I'm not going to lie and say that I have, I already know that this game will be a huge hit with Disney and Anti-Disney fans alike. For the Disney fans, they can get a kick out of playing with Disney characters and for the Anti-Disney fans, they will get a kick out of beating up Disney characters.
This game raises the bar in almost every aspect. Everything except the camera.
Camera angles, camera angles, camera angles. Those darn camera angles. The camera will get stuck in the cliffs and all the scenery. Even with the terrible camera angles, this game is still highly enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

Pros: Play as and beat up Disney characters
Beautiful graphics
Engrossing gameplay
Good sound
Cons: Frustrating camera angles

I hope that you have found this review helpful in your exploration of this almost masterpiece of a videogame. I hope that this review has either encouraged or disencouraged you from buying this game.

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