Square Enix has released their next collection of the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 is a collection of six games brought together from the catalog. The six games are Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re: coded. Since Kingdom Hearts has spawned many games over the years in a variety of platforms, fans of the series will love having all of these chapters on the same game.
I have only started my journey into the Kingdom Hearts world, but having the chance to jump back and forth between six unique games was a bonus to me. All of the games allow players the chance to jump into the story and take part in fantastical quests across imaginary worlds. The best part about any Kingdom Hearts games is the inclusion of Disney characters. Disney Interactive has continued their successful collaboration and the games blend the magic and mysticism of The Legend of Zelda with Disney characters.
My Opinion
In my opinion the value of a video game depends on multiple factors.
Story is essential. For gamers and new players to want to spend so much money on games now, the story has to capture the attention of the player.
Graphics matter. A video game must look good.
There has to be a challenge to the game. Players want either their games to have a quest or some adventure for them to complete. Video games are meant to be an escape. When you work all day, and when you turn on a video game, you have to have the chance to explore far off or mythical worlds. I also don’t want to feel like an idiot and be unable to complete a video game. Thankfully Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX provides these in spades.
Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX offers this to all players, no matter what your experience is. I found that no matter what game I played, I was able to quickly orient myself and didn’t need to spend hours figuring out who was involved and what I needed to do. Within in minutes of starting any of the games, I had my sword in hand and was battling enemies.
Each game starts with the main character of the story staring out to the ocean with the journey about to begin. The start of each game is a great nod to what gamers want to experience, a journey that no one knows what it will be until you start it.
My criticism comes in two areas, and tends to connect with all of the games. The dialogue is overly long. The questions and answer moments that further the story along could be trimmed up.
Let’s talk about the tutorial levels. In some cases they are in the game levels and it feels like you have started the game, but at the same point acquiring your skills in order to be a success. In Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, the tutorial level is unnecessarily long and until you complete it, you as the character Soro, are stuck from getting to the main story, until you finish the tutorial.
I liked following Soro throughout the series. He is an easy character to connect with, and to follow his experiences through the games makes it easier for me as a gamer to connect with the world and want to be successful. I like Soro, and when he is not my avatar I find myself caring a little less about my success. My one and only complaint about Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix was that I was Roxas and not Soro. I missed Soro, and didn’t invest that much time in proving that Roxas wasn’t a thief.
These are minor complaints for a variety of games that are complex, challenging, and fun to play. Gamers love all Kingdom Heart games for their story and the mix of fantasy characters. I loved having Donald Duck, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket helping me along on my quests.
In all of the games on Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX the opening credits always give a hint of the Disney characters you will meet on your journey. Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy are always around in some form, but seeing special credit to the likes of Peter Pan in the opening credits, makes me excited to play well into the night.
Kingdom Hearts fans rejoice. So many great games are now all in one package for your PlayStation 4. New gamers, check out Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX and get caught up with the saga. Disney fans, if you are a gamer, this is a must buy.
Disclaimer: The author of this post received a free copy of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX for this review. The opinions are his own.