For starters, this game is much more impressive than I imagined it to be. The chemistry between the Disney and Square characters has worked surprisingly well. But enough hype, into the details.

The story: The initial segment starts off as a dream sequence in which KH gives you a brief tutorial of the basic game mechanics. Also, in a style similar to the old "choose your path" Scholastic books, the player is given a series of choices which will affect the outcome throughout the game.

Spoiler #1: (Highlight with the mouse to read) The first instance of this features a sword, a staff (with Mickey Mouse ears atop) and a shield. Each can be likened to the characteristics that define a warrior, one with mystical power, and the other which holds the power to defend others (friends). You can only choose one, and in turn, must select the others which you choose to give up. As the tutorial progresses (covering the battle controls, examining/opening items, etc). - a series of steps will appear, leading to a higher platform. Reaching the top will eventually lead you to a bright light, in which you face your first boss encounter...but again, this is all part of the dream sequence. Things will make sense in due time...you'll awaken to find Kairi calling you a 'lazy bum'.

The game:

Sora (the main character) and his friends - Riku and Kairi have been on Destiny Island for as long as they can remember, though they have questioned the existance of other worlds, a deeper significance beyond what they've experienced and have learned. Its their theory that only by setting out on an adventure to discover what lies beyond their island to find the answer. Though little do the three adventures realize that a much greater destiny than any of them can imagine awaits. One night, a strom ensues - followed by a dark force which comes upon Destiny Islands. Sora sets out to investigate...(though he manages to find Riku and Kairi, it appears that he's helpless to save them, let alone himself from a myriad of dark creatures who look like something out of Vivi's family tree).

Meanwhile, in the Magic Kingdom, Donald Duck makes his daily visit to see the King (who by the bgm tells us all that it's none other than Mickey Mouse...yes, it plays the slightly remixed edition of the soundtrack: M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E...MICKEY MOUSE...etc). Donald goes ballistic after reading a cryptic message left behind "Now, there's somebody with a 'key' - the key to our survival... We need that key."

Spoiler #2 (Highlight with the mouse to read) The key turns out to be (surprise) - the weapon which you see Sora holding in the screenshots circulating the net aptly named the Keyblade. This key holds magical power to seal the worlds that have been somehow opened...connected by a force who aspires to bring all dimensions to ruin (those which are inhabited by the characters respectively from the universes within Disney and Square). It reminds me something out of "Those Who Hunt for Elves". Mickey leaves orders for Donald and Goofy to go in search of the Keyblade (who they initially believe to be held in possession of Leon (better known as Squall). Eventually, as Sora tries to make sense of his surroundings (Traverse Town), Donald and Goofy are searching out for Leon. Here's where we are introduced the first next set of Final Fantasy characters...the Moogles are here! Along with Cid, Leon (Squall), Yuffie, and...Aerith!!!! (the first set of characters initially introduced on Destiny Islands are Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus). After a battle with Leon, who challengs Sora for the Keyblade...which has no effect on the progression on the story...after this segment is where things are explained in a bit more detail (Leon/Yuffie explaining to Sora...and Aerith to Donald/Goofy) as to why the worlds between the Square/Disney universes are being connected and rapidly being removed from existance, leaving any fortunate ones who fled without a home.

(The arch nemesis behind this dimensional disaster is known as...well, you'll find out) If you really want to know...highlight the text below...

Spoiler #3 (Highlight with mouse to read)

The arch-nemesis of KH is named, Ansem.

The gameplay is incredibly simplified, obviously for the fact that this game is geared not so much towards Square fans, but younger gamers as well. The battle system for instance can be likened to FFX/Zelda meshed into one. All battles take place in real-time (seamless loading, yes!!!) There's a psuedo Z-targeting system featured in the game, allowing Sora to lock onto any enemy (who are called the Heartless (the creatures who are relentlessly hunting down Sora for the Keyblade) at a given time, using the R1 button (tapping the button again will disengage this function; the option is available in the configuration mode to set it to Auto - immediatly target lock on an enemy during a battle encounter or Manual - only initiate a target lock when the R1 button is held). Goofy and Donald (your primary party members) can not be issued standard commands as typically featured in RPGs. This doesn't mean that they just attack and run aimlessly behind you - rather you're actually able to customize their AI behaviour patterns based upon several settings. For example, you can configure them to be conserative, attack relentlessly, go on the defense at all times, or balance their actions overall. The settings consist of Regular Attacks, [use] Offensive Magic. [use] Defensive Magic, [use] Advanced Magic, [use] HP and MP items respectively. In addition, press the Triangle button to call for assistance, but this only works in certain situations. Experience points and rewards are provided by defeating enemies. The types of rewards you can pick up are green orbs (restores HP), yellow/blue orbs (the monetary system, given the ingenious pun - munny) black orbs refill you charge guage (this perhaps is the limit break, haven't acquire this yet, it's expressed in the manual), and then there are the treasure chests).

All your NPCs are going to die numerous times, but the game will only end (at least from what I can see) is when Sora loses all his HP. For example, Donald can be knocked unconscious, but he's not dead...just stunned, and will eventually be revived to full health. The controls during battle are fairly easy, but took a bit of adjustment, since I am accustomed to tapping buttons. You can use the d-pad, but it's actually easier to use the right analog stick. Plus, there are shortcut commands to easily make use of your magic spells, simply by holding the L1 button in conjunction with the X, Triangle and Circle buttons. Within minutes, this will become second nature and make battle encounters a breeze. Speaking of which, the game isn't that difficult on the Normal setting (yep, there's actually an option at the beginning of play to choose betwen Normal or Expert Play - I am curious to see how much things change in the more advanced setting). While the boss characters still have an HP, it's not represented by numbers, but a guage (which can be seen onscreen if Sora has the Scan ability equipped). I'd say that this game could easily be played by anyone 14 and up...it's fairly obvious to see that younger players were taken into consideration, and are likely to stick with the normal setting, while the more experienced RPG types will select the expert setting.

Sora's battle attacks is essentially a case of 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, a dash attack (Spoiler: given to by Cloud after you defeat Cerebrus at the Olympic Coliseum tournament, and yes - you have to face him too).

There's also a number of mini-games...the first of which you'll experience while on Destiny Islands. For example, Sora can work on his battle techniques by sparring with Selphie (who's so amusing when she's getting hit, Wakka, and Riku (quite the badass...good luck in trying to beat him). Speaking of which, it seems Riku and Sora have a innocent little rivalry, though nowhere at the level of Squall and Seifer. Currently, I am also in search of all the 99 Dalmatians who've been scattered throughout the various worlds (fortunately, you don't have to find them one-by-one...they're located in sets, hidden in treasure chests...no, you never actually see them, least...not yet anyways).

So far, I've been through several worlds, and have already encountered Alice, the Queen of Hearts, Tarzan, Jane, Hercules, Hades and a few others. When you reach a new world, a stylish logo depicting each world (in the same presentation as featured in FFX) is displayed onscreen...unless you've taken a gander at high-res screens, anything else would not do it justice. Next to FFX, this is easily one of the best examples of the PS2 at work. TONS of vivid colors, hues and textures which literally make KH an interactive cartoon. Thus far, the story is very good...it's nothing that many will find to be corny or played upon simply because Disney was involved. In fact, the crossover of Disney and Square elements feels very balanced. I am really intrigued as to what Maelficient and the other Disney baddies are planning, so far - Alice has mysteriously disappeared from the Land of Wonderland, eluding her trial, while Sora and the others are in search of Mickey, Rikku and Kairi.

The music:

Well, it's not of Nobuo caliber, but it works for KH Much of the music is what I expected - soft, playful tunes or mildly dramatic themes for the major boss battles. It's nothing epic or on the level that you'll be breaking your neck to downlod the MP3s, though I do dig Utada-san's music (first treat of her stuff is introduced in one of the early segments during the start of the game - techno style, nice, but I dunno how Square fanboys are going to take to it). The music is a mix between Disney and Square themes. They offer enough variety, and from what I've experienced, seem pretty balanced between the two companies, which is definitely a good thing. The voice acting is top notch, very well executed. It's unfortunate though that not all the original Disney voice actors were able to reprise their roles (i.e. Robin Williams as the voice of the voice of Genie).

I'd like to be objective, but for the time being - yah...I don't care too much for the Gummi Ship (which is Disney's idea of transportion like the Highwind was to Final Fantasy VII). This is unfortunately, necessary to reach other worlds. It's very limited...since you have to go in the paths that are outlined...so even if you've reached another world, you can't take any shortcuts to reach the Olympic Coliseum (Hercules' world) for example...you need to go through that world, just to reach another...which is actually pretty annoying and mundane. Enemies are targeted the same way as standard battles using the R1 button, weapons are activated with X. Later on, you can empower your ship with a charge guage, but this will user up power on your ship. Every type of item has a Gummi suffix (i.e. shield, haste) This particular portion of the game is like a bad version of Starfox...hardly exciting, and can certainly see this being the most disliked featured of the game. To its credit, you can customize your own Gummi ship by collecting parts during this sequence (and you'll get special pieces as you progress). This seems to be yet another staple for the younger gamers, in which you must construct something that will - well, fly. I am sure there's a greater significance to it, I just don't care to exploit it just yet...

Next up...

Well, at this point in time, I am looking forward to my first experience with the Summon feature, along with the remaining nuances incorporated throughout the game. We'll be back soon with a full, hands-on review. Kingdom Hearts officially ships to retail next week, Sept. 17th.

··· Bahn

  Last Update: 7/23

Squaresoft and Disney Interactive have joined together for the first time in history to create a unique action RPG known as Kingdom Hearts. Featuring many characters from Disney movies and Squaresoft games as well as several original characters, Kingdom Hearts is expected to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Kingdom Hearts is a story of adventure, heroism, and, of course, sacrifice (What were you expecting? It's developed by Squaresoft!) Sora, a 14-year old boy, is the main character that the player will control throughout the game. He is an upbeat, cheerful boy with a strong sense of justice. Sora's best friend, a 15-year old boy named Riku (No, not Rikku. Sorry.), is a calm, cool, and collected young man who also tends to be a bit curious at times. Of course, it wouldn't be an RPG without a female love interest for the main character. Kairi, a cute 14-year old girl, is a good friend of both Sora and Riku. She seems to be fragile, but she possesses strong and unyielding willpower. At the start of Kingdom Hearts, a violent storm hits the island where Sora, Riku, and Kairi live. The three friends are separated from each other and become scattered to completely different worlds. After the storm passes, Sora decides to embark upon a quest to find his friends. Sora soon meets the Court Wizard Donald (yes, Donald Duck) and Captain Goofy, the protectors of Disney Castle. The two are currently on a mission to find the missing King Mickey. Sora, Goofy, and Donald decide to journey together in order to find King Mickey and Sora's missing friends. Oh, and they'll also be saving the universe from the Heartless as well.

During their travels, Sora, Riku, and Kairi learn all about the Heartless, a race of creatures who - you guessed it - have no hearts. They attempt to steal the hearts of others and can appear in numerous forms. These beings originate from another dimension and were the cause of the storm that separated the three children. The Heartless, however, aren't the only enemies in the game. Various Disney villains are also plotting evil behind the scenes.

Each world in Kingdom Hearts is connected by what is known as a "keyhole". These keyholes are special entryways used by the Heartless in order to invade and destroy the worlds. Sora's special weapon, the Keyblade, has the power to lock these keyholes and prevent further invasion by the Heartless. The keyholes, of course, won't be left unguarded. The (appropriately named) Heartless Boss will stand in Sora's way and attempt to prevent him from locking the keyhole.

Unlike some of Squaresoft's other RPGs, there are no random battles in Kingdom Hearts (Yes, I hear the collective sigh of relief). Instead, battles will take place directly on the field map. Players will be able to easily find hidden items and passageways, since the camera angles are completely under the player's control. In certain environments, the characters will even change form in order to adapt to the diverse worlds that they visit (for example, Sora will grow fins when traveling underwater). Magic in battle is standard Squaresoft style, consisting mostly of elemental and summoning spells. These, however, aren't your regular Square summons. You'll be able to summon several Disney characters, such as Mushu (Mulan), Bambi (Er… Bambi), and Simba (The Lion King) to aid you in battle. Kingdom Hearts marks the first time in history that multiple Disney characters exist within the same product. Over one hundred Disney characters make appearances in the game, such as The Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland), Jack Skellington (Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas), Jafar (Aladdin), Hades (Hercules), Clayton (Tarzan), the aforementioned summons and many, many more.

For the most part, the Disney characters will be similar to their movie roles. For example, Peter Pan will fly, Tarzan will climb trees (and probably yell really loud), and Ariel, obviously, will swim (and will most likely distract the male player from the task at hand). It has been announced that some of the characters will have new costumes, but they'll stay true to their film roles. Several classic Disney characters have important roles in the plot of Kingdom Hearts. Donald, the Court Wizard and loyal servant to the King, is a feisty and impatient character. It seems as though Donald's typical Disney personality will remain unchanged for his appearance in the game. Goofy, the Captain of the Royal Knights and friend of Donald, is a noble yet clumsy soldier who does not approve of the use of weapons. Goofy is an easygoing character with an endearing charm, as always. Minnie Mouse is the Queen of Disney Castle who takes charge while her husband is absent. She entrusts Donald and Goofy with the mission to save King Mickey. Daisy Duck is an aristocrat who resides at the castle. She encourages Goofy and Donald before their departure and hopes for their safety and success. Lastly, Pluto will appear in Kingdom Hearts as the loyal and friendly pet dog to the King.

Kingdom Hearts will be starring several returning Squaresoft characters such as Yuffie, Cid, Selphie, Squall, Wakka, and Tidus, all of whom come from Square's renowned Final Fantasy series. Cloud will also be making an appearance, and boy, Square must think that we really like the guy - this is his fourth cameo appearance in a Squaresoft game. (Other Cloud cameos were seen in Final Fantasy Tactics, Chocobo Racing, and Ehrgeiz.) The original characters of Kingdom Hearts are designed by Tetsuya Nomura, known well for his work in designing the characters of Final Fantasy 7, 8 and 10, Parasite Eve 1 & II, as well as The Bouncer.

An all-star cast will be lending their vocal talents to the game (though some of the voice actors are, unfortunately, pop stars). Sora will be voiced by Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense). David Gallagher (Seventh Heaven) will be Riku's voice actor, and Hayden Panettiere (Ally McBeal) will be voicing Kairi. In addition, Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Rudy), Lance Bass (a member of N*Sync… argh), David Boreanaz (Angel), Mandy Moore (uber-hottie! - ed.), and Christy Romano (Even Stevens) will also make guest appearances. Also, for the first time in Squaresoft history, facial movements will be completely redone in order to match the English voice-overs for the American release of the game.

Yoko Shimomura will be writing the music for Kingdom Hearts. Shimomura's diverse styles heard in Legend of Mana, Front Mission, and Parasite Eve will certainly put magic into the world of Kingdom Hearts. Following Squaresoft tradition, a vocal song will be included in the soundtrack of KH. The title of the song is "Hikari" (the Japanese word for "light"), and it is sung by Hikaru Utada, a very popular Japanese singer.

With a talented production crew of over 100 members from Squaresoft and Disney Interactive, Kingdom Hearts is sure to be popular when it hits North American shores this fall. Keep your eyes (and your mind) open - Kingdom Hearts sounds like it's going to be big.

··· Ren