It goes without saying that no one should ever judge a game before it's final release, and yet, certain biases took precedence without fail. Fortunately, most of the skepticism was quelled after the first screenshots and details were dispensed, which in turn was further supported by numerous media impressions based upon the demo featured at E3. It was enough to instill a substantial spark of interest among the gaming public. While your intial impressions may consider it to be kid's play, dominated by Disney nuances, Kingdom Hearts in most respects is essentially a Square RPG - epic in its presentation and challenging for gamers of all ages.

It's a small world after all…

As a recap for those who may have missed our previous coverage outlined in our first impressions - the story focuses on the quest of three young kids - Sora (the main character) and his friends Riku and Kairi. Each has longed for the knowledge of what lies beyond their homeland, Destiny Island, and set out on a quest for the answers. However, their destinies become reshaped quite unlike they ever imagined as Sora is awakened by an unsettling, ominous force only to discover that his friends are in danger. Totally powerless to save them, let alone himself from a myriad of dark creatures (known as the Heartless) - Sora finds himself transported to another dimension where he soon encounters Donald and Goofy, commissioned to locate a special item (the Keyblade) which holds the fate of numerous worlds by which the three journey throughout and must save from imminent destruction. Admittedly, the story feels somewhat contrived, but overall the execution and chemistry works surprisingly well in blending the characters from both universes.

Kingdom Hearts is easy for anyone to pick up, even if you've the slightest idea how to play an RPG - thanks to a short tutorial segment featured in the beginning of the adventure. Compared to previous Square RPGs, the gameplay is moderately simplified - which I've assumed was designed in this manner to accommodate the younger audiences. Sora's battle attacks for example can be classified under Mash-ism. Simply press the X button at the right time to trigger a combo attack (additional moves can be tagged on by acquiring new abilities, such as an ability to unleash a finishing move, and other more powerful moves which can be acquired throughout the game.)

However, this doesn't suggest that the overall challenge and objectives is a walk in the park. Far from it actually and even should you consider the standard challenge factor to be a breeze - an option to increase the difficulty setting up a notch is available at the start of play. Battles take place in real-time, a plus for players who have grown tired of the seemingly endless random battle encounters which console RPGs are commonly known to incorporate (fyi - yes, I greatly dislike them). The battle system utilizes a Z-targeting system which can be likened to Zelda: The Ocarina of Time allowing Sora to lock onto any enemy using the R1 button (tapping the button again will disengage this function.) Meanwhile, your party members' action (by default Donald and Goofy) are issued commands based upon a selection of AI offensive/defensive patterns. In short, you can configure them to attack relentlessly, take up defense (recommended for weaker party members…um, like Donald), or configure the battle behaviors to save your own neck when you're in a pinch (which mind you will occur very often throughout the game). Furthermore, pressing the Triangle button will call for instance (available only in certain situations). This proves highly beneficial in heated encounters - like those gaudy versions of the Heartless who irked me more times than I can count. Experience points seem so insignificant, but be assured - you'll want to get your characters stronger and agile as possible as you advance throughout the respective worlds.

Heart of gold

Speaking of which, Kingdom Hearts unquestionably is visually impressive. Featuring a cast of 100 Disney characters, each has been faithfully reproduced. While their respective worlds from Neverland to Agrabah, in addition to several new worlds created exclusively for the game delivers a dynamic, virtual cartoon atmosphere that's come to life. Symphonic samples and mellow tunes make up the musical composition developed by Chrono Cross composer Yoko Shimomura. Plus, the main score "Simple and Clean", sung by the talented Utada Hikaru is a welcome treat, especially for those who are especially fond of J-pop. Imagine that - Square purists embracing techno / J-Pop. Lastly, the true stars who bring the respective characters to life deliver a solid voice acting performance, supported by a myriad of the original voice actors reprising their roles for the respective Disney characters in the game. In short, Kingdom Hearts hosts an all-star cast of talent on all fronts that radiates from beginning to end.

So that's the good news, the bad is - well, the obtrusive camera angle. For an action RPG, (or any adventure game for that matter) that embodies such an extensive degree of player movement should not be hindered like this. A few areas in the game take on a platforming theme which make navigating Sora and co. an exercise in hand-eye coordination and patience (not necessarily in that order). The Gummi Ship, Disney's answer to the traditional airship theme featured throughout nearly every Final Fantasy title looks as if it was thrown in the last minute. Throughout the game, you'll experience dynamic visuals, full of depth and imagination only to suddenly get a muddled feeling after your first encounter with the Gummi sequence. It leaves you wondering just where the development team went wrong (at least I did). Even when I tried to look at this particular element objectively, I still felt cheated - not to mention, I didn't find the customization and nuances of the Gummi Ship very enjoyable. Fortunately, there's a number of mini-games and secret characters which can be explored…aspects which are highly encouraged especially with the game being somewhat shorter than the average RPG.

Happily ever after?

Longevity notwithstanding, Kingdom Hearts is a game that won't disappoint unless you're the type who's overly picky. It's a stunning, magical adventure - one which every avid RPG fan should definitely have in their library. Though in all honesty, based on Square's track record - one should expect nothing less than excellence (albeit that icky camera issued expressed earlier which would have net the game a slightly higher score). Gamers who've been skeptical up to this point should definitely consider renting it, though by now, the collective positive reports circulating the net alone should be all the evidence you need.

· · · Bahn