Kingdom Hearts

[Michael Rabattino]

I don't know about all of you, but this has now become my most anticipated game of 2002.

A few reasons to like it:
<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/playstation2/kingdomhearts/kingdomhearts_screen007.jpg" alt="" />
Donald!

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/playstation2/kingdomhearts/kingdomhearts_screen008.jpg" alt="" />
Goofy!

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/playstation2/kingdomhearts/kingdom_screen004.jpg" alt="" />
Purdy FMV!

Go <a href="http://www.squaresoft.com/playonline/kingdomhearts/" target="_blank">here</a> for the official site with a REALLY cool trailer.

Too bad we have to wait until the fall.

[Cheese Biscuits]

It looks pretty cool, and it's an action PRG like Zelda (no random, pop-out-of-fucking-no-where turn based battles... thank God). My only problem... the Disney licensee. It's just too... sweet and innocent. I'd like to see that same game with either:

Horror Film characters
Video Game characters
The Reservoir Dogs
Loony Toons
The Sopranos
The cast of the Today Show... so I could beat the shit out of them

[Dennis]

Very excited about this one, and I'm hoping it's going to be as good as everyone says it is.

[Michael Rabattino]

This was supposed to be the Box Art, but the link didn't work. When I find a linkable shot i'll fix this.

[Tony Ryan]

Post the link I'll put it on my site to make it work.

[Michael Rabattino]

Hmm. When I post the link on here, it says permission denied.

Go to TheGia.com, find Kingdom Hearts, go to Media, click on Other, and you should see a link for the Japanese Box Art.

[Tony Ryan]

Here you go.

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/gettinglostjam/Boxart.txt" alt="" />

[Michael Rabattino]

Thanks, Tony, you rule.

[OvermindX]

I can't begin to describe to you how excited I am about this game. The impressions have been very good also.

[Michael Rabattino]

This forum is so dead. How pitiful that no one wants to talk about video games.

Come on, folks.

[Michael Rabattino]

A few new screens:

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/playstation2/kh/kh_screen029.jpg" alt="" />
Good ol' Winnie the Pooh
<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2002/playstation2/kh/kh_screen031.jpg" alt="" />
Tinkerbell

And the release date is set for October 14th, 2002.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Download the Kingdom Hearts Soundtrack here

<a href="http://www.gamingforce.com/audio/mp3/gr/kingdomhearts.php" target="_blank">http://www.gamingforce.com/audio/mp3/gr/kingdomhearts.php</a>

Best Tracks: "Hikari Kingdom Orchestra Instrumental" - Track 2 CD 1
"March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra" - Track 31 CD 2
"Destati" - Track 35 CD 2

[Tony Ryan]

How come I can only download like 2 of the songs off that site and for the rest I get an error?

[Ryo Hazuki]

Tony Ryan:
How come I can only download like 2 of the songs off that site and for the rest I get an error?You can only download one song at a time.

[Tony Ryan]

Ahhh, I see thanks.

[Ryo Hazuki]

This game was featured in the 10:30 PM episode of Blister on G4, and they showed about 6 minutes worth of the game. It totally blew me away. I was hyped for this game before but not like I am right now. One scene they showed in that really got me was one of the very first scenes in the game. It showed Sora, Goofy, and Donald about to set of on their epic adventure. They were all talking and huddled up, and then Sora put his hand in the middle of their circle, and then Donald put his on top of Sora's, and then Goofy did. All this while the main theme was played in the background, you know what I'm talking about Verbal. I just got like this good ol' fashion tinglely feeling inside. Man this game is going to rock, I already the know the soundtrack has for a while.

[Matt Goldberg]

Kingdom Hearts is definitely the next game I'm gonna buy. I've been fairly dissapointed with the games released for PS2. There haven't been many that have sparked my interest.

Kingdom Hearts is my subsititute Final Fantasy. I've gotten every FF since 7, but 11 just doesn't sit well with me. I don't like the idea of having to pay hundreds of dollars for a hard drive, then pay a monthly fee for online service, and plus I like the idea of playing an RPG for myself and not against total strangers.

FF:TSW and FFXI...I swear, if Square doesn't get back on the ball they're gonna go bankrupt, and that would be a shame.

[Jacob Singer]

I just can't get past the cutesy factor. frown

[imported_T_M]

When it was first revealed: What the hell is Square thinking?!

Now: Must...have...game!

Seriously, this could very well be the sleeper PS2 hit of 2002 - well, okay, depending on your view.

[otisthecat]

Jacob Singer:
I just can't get past the cutesy factor. :(True, but Disney & Square make some of the prettiest games around, combine there talents in art plus talent for story telling and throw in Squares domination of the RPG market and it will be tough for this to go wrong. Cutesy or not. :)

[Tin-Lun Lau]

i hear that Haley Joel Osmont is going to be involved with the english dub of the game.

[sorro]

Tin-Lun Lau:
i hear that Haley Joel Osmont is going to be involved with the english dub of the game.I heard that too. Games have come a long way since the Mortal Kombat guy said "Raiden wins." More and more Hollywood is using games like movies, and people are pitching in to make some really good voiceovers.

[(Z) squared]

Here is the cast list
May 14, 2002 - In a press release issued today, Square Co. Ltd. and Disney Interactive announced the English voice cast for Kingdom Hearts, the upcoming 3D action-RPG that blends the characters of both companies into a single adventure. It's a star-studded list, headed by Sixth Sense lead Haley Joel Osment, who will play the young hero Sora. Sora's close friend Riku will be played by Seventh Heaven's David Gallagher, and Hayden Panettiere (from Remember the Titans) provides the voice of the third original lead, Kairi.
Other roles will be played by Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), David Boreanaz (Angel), Mandy Moore (A Walk To Remember), Christy Romano (Even Stevens), and NSYNC's Lance Bass. Also, many of the Disney characters featured in the game will be voiced by the stars who played them in their original film appearances.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Just found the confirmation that doing the voice of Aeris Gainsborough in Kingdom Hearts is going to be no other than Mandy Moore. I kind of knew it already but now I went on IMDB and they had the cast list there finally. I don't know who is doing Cloud's voice but it is damn good, it is just like I imagined it.

[Ryo Hazuki]

I forgot to add, this goes to Verbal, why look at that the search engine works, you have time on your hands so use it.

[imported_T_M]

I don't know who is doing Cloud's voice but it is damn good, it is just like I imagined it.By process of elimination - Lance Bass.

[Dan Whitehead]

I played this at ECTS/PlayStation Experience a few weeks back and it's stunning. It plays more like Jak & Daxter, with full freedom to run, jump, crawl and climb wherever you want to go. Combat is more in the Final Fantasy style.

As for the cuteness, I'm not a big Disney fan but the game features more than just the core Mickey, Donald, Goofy characters. It features practically every character from every Disney movie ever - from the early classics right up to Tarzan and (I suspect) Lilo & Stitch. Not sure if it'll include anything from Atlantis though.

Trust me, it'll be worth the wait and unless you really, really hate cute things - the polish on the game will make up for any saccharine aftertaste.

As for applying this template to other franchises - I've always hoped that Square would finally get to work on their long-rumoured Star Wars RPG, or hook up with Marvel Comics and produce a game that truly captures the scope and interconnectedness of the Marvel Universe.

[neaux]

I for one am totally hyped up to play it when it comes outnext week. I know extended play is doing a full review friday nite at 9 pm on it.

[Michael Rabattino]

Coming out today or tomorrow...hopefully today.

And I just found out who Lance Bass is doing the voice of......oh boy. Don't know if I should say.

[Dan Whitehead]

Pluto?

[Michael Rabattino]

You would think, but nope.

Here, i'll tell you. I guess i'd consider it a spoiler.

SPOILER
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Sure you wanna know?
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Sephiroth.

[Dan Whitehead]

The fact that the character is in it is fucking cool. The fact that he'll be voiced by one of N*SYNC troubles me...

Squaresoft raped my childhood!

[girlcreeture]

I'm headed to Best Buy for lunch, God help me and my Best Buy credit card. If this is there, plus the Young Ones box set, plus Monsters Inc., plus the fact I don't have Warcraft III yet, PLUS there's an Old Navy next door, cripes I'm gonna go bankrupt before I'm 30 if I keephaving Tuesdays like this...

[Michael Rabattino]

I probably won't get the game until tomorrow, but I dlded the english version of Hikari on Kazaa and it's damn good. The version I got is techno or something but it's so good.

Just type in Simple and Clean and it should come up.....or just Hikari.

[Michael Rabattino]

Oh, and be sure to look for the commercial in circulation on MTV and Cartoon Network.

[gravedigger]

I saw a commercial for it while watching Spongebob last night. The pop song threw me off. I'm not a big fan, or very good at, of RPG's (i.e. I've spent 30+ hours on FFVII and am still on the first disc), but this game really intrigues me.

It looks pretty, word on the street is the music is good, and the gameplay seems more attuned to an action-adventure game. I may have check this bastard out.

[otisthecat]

This game is great, it is just fun to look at, if you have a PS2, like RPGs, buy this. It is really fun.

[otisthecat]

Really, this game deserves attention. I am tempted to start a new thread for those actually playing, but I'll wait and see.

[Dennis]

If I'm not typically drawn to RPGs will I still like it? Is it a standard RPG or an RPG with a twist(namely a more robust battle system)?

[otisthecat]

Hard to say, the battle system is real time, you are actually fighting and fighting skill seems to be important. It is like playing FF with all the slick visuals but you have full control over your character, including jumping, parrying, things of that nature. At least rent it, I normally don't encourage renting RPGs, but after watching the opening, and playing for an hour or two, you will be hooked.

[Dan Whitehead]

Great game, with only a few minor disclaimers stopping it from being a classic. Been playing the living heck out of this game the past few days - expect a review in this weeks games update. I'll be reviewing Onimusha 2 as well, if Nick's got the space on the main site.

[Michael Rabattino]

Don't worry Otis, i'll have it later tonight. I can't WAIT.

And yeah Dennis, it's definitely a departure from your standard turn-based RPG. If you're remotely interested in Disney, or great games, get it.

[Dan Whitehead]

I'd describe it more as an adventure game, with RPG and platform elements. If it's the fear of a turn-based FF combat system that's putting people off, don't worry - this is much more fluid and arcadey.

[Jacob Singer]

Jacob Singer:
I just can't get past the cutesy factor. :(Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again.

See above.

Just curious. Do you guys still play Chutes 'n Ladders? wink

[otisthecat]

Jacob Singer:
Jacob Singer:
I just can't get past the cutesy factor. :( Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again.

See above.

Just curious. Do you guys still play Chutes 'n Ladders? wink dick :p

[otisthecat]

Harmonica (Verbal):
Don't worry Otis, i'll have it later tonight. I can't WAIT.Good deal Verbs, was hoping someone would buy. I should have known it would be you. :)

[Michael Rabattino]

Oh yes..AWESOME. Played for about 3 hours, i'm so immersed in it. Just met up with Donald and Goofy and had a boss-fight, still in Traverse Town. What a blast, and that opening movie.....amazing. The music is terrific.

Voice acting is top-notch too, especially David Boreanaz as Squall. The fight system is great, and there are some neat moves to perform. And the camera is not a problem as many reviewers have said. It's very adjustable and at times can get frustrating but hardly.

This is one of the few games that you start playing and think that you want to stop, only for fear that it might end at some point. Go and get this game if you have a PS2....NOW!

[imported_T_M]

So if Lance Bass is THAT - then what's Cloud?

Good lord, an N'Syncer gone bad?

[Michael Rabattino]

I'm not sure who does Cloud....nobody known, I don't think.

[Dan Whitehead]

Just sent my review to Nick...

[otisthecat]

It is kind of neat, when you travel between worlds in your ship you actually have to fly and fight on your way to the next area, fun little extra.

[Dennis]

The Abominable Doctor Whitehead:
Just sent my review to Nick...How far did you get in the game?

[Matt Goldberg]

Can't wait to read the review. I was hardcore about buying this game but then videogames.com gave it an 8.2 and gamers.com gave it a 9 and they both cite the same faults so now I'm not as definite about purchasing the game as I once was. I could definitely use more insight.

[Dan Whitehead]

Dennis:
The Abominable Doctor Whitehead:
Just sent my review to Nick...How far did you get in the game?Well, given the time restrictions I didn't finish it, but I managed to get through the first three worlds. Not as much as I'd normally like before reviewing something, but Squaresoft are a reviewers enemy when it comes to stuff like that.

I love it, with minor reservations.

[Waco]

Given EB's return policy, I decided to go ahead and check it out. I'm a little wary - but I have to be honest, even a cynical bastard like myself couldn't help but grin the first time Donald started talking. There goes my street cred!

I thought the menu music set a great tone, and then a pop song comes on during the opening FMV. That was a little disappointing, but after playing through the character setup and the first little mini quest, I guess its inline with the overall tone so far.

I heard the ship was actually disappointing, and that the level design was pretty bland - interested to hear what you have to say about it.

And I can't wait to get home and play some more :)

[Michael Rabattino]

Matt Goldberg:
Can't wait to read the review. I was hardcore about buying this game but then videogames.com gave it an 8.2 and gamers.com gave it a 9 and they both cite the same faults so now I'm not as definite about purchasing the game as I once was. I could definitely use more insight.Every game has faults. Don't let jaded reviewers throw you off...and what's so bad about a 9!

The camera is the only frustration in this game. That's it. Other than that it's a pure joy to play. BUY IT NOW.

[Michael Rabattino]

And whoever said the levels were bland needs to get laser eye surgery.

[Waco]

Verbal -&gt; <a href="http://www.gameforms.com/games/ps2/khearts/review.php" target="_blank">Here</a>

The locations don't fare as well, with worlds such as Agrabah (from Aladdin) that are impressive, but others that suffer from problems. Sometimes the difference is size, such as in the wonderful Halloween Town, home of the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The action area is very well-developed, but the town itself seems like a small and cramped afterthought.

Other worlds are basic almost to the point of being bland, including Wonderland and Deep Jungle, Tarzan's home. With the amount of effort dedicated to the plot and characters, it's disappointing to see areas that didn't get the work to maintain that level of quality.
The summary:
There is much to love about Kingdom Hearts, and any game with such unique themes, a strong storyline, and remarkable production values is definitely worth playing. But no number of extra bosses for the U.S. version, interesting and fun as they are, make up for the camera not being simply reassigned to the right analog stick. If you can accept the whiplash, then you'll find a game near the top of its class.

[Michael Rabattino]

I will personally tell you that the only tedious aspects of the game are the camera, which gets in the way a lot and you often can't see all of a boss that you are fighting, and the gummi ship in between worlds. That's IT!

Other than that, this game is a rare gem. Please don't miss out on it, folks.

[Matt Goldberg]

Harmonica (Verbal):
Every game has faults. Don't let jaded reviewers throw you off...and what's so bad about a 9!

The camera is the only frustration in this game. That's it. Other than that it's a pure joy to play. BUY IT NOW.I'm not saying that there's anything bad about a 9, but previously all I heard about this game was how amazing it was. I probably will buy this game, but I just need to make my purchases carefully, that's all.

[Waco]

Matt Goldberg:
I'm not saying that there's anything bad about a 9, but previously all I heard about this game was how amazing it was. I probably will buy this game, but I just need to make my purchases carefully, that's all.Which is why I bought it at EB. If all else fails, I can take advantage of their "This game sucks" return policy and get credit for GTA Vice or something.

[Michael Rabattino]

Well then, rent and decide for yourselves.

But by the Gods, give it a fair shake. Just because it hasn't gotten 10s across the board doesn't mean it isn't another quality Square title.

[Matt Goldberg]

Hey, you don't have to sell me on Square. Kingdom Hearts is my substitue Final Fantasy because FFXI doesn't look like the game for me (I'm not a fan of MMORPG). I'm 90% sure I'm gonna buy Kingdom Hearts. But I'm also planning on buying Tekken 4 so I can't let my wallet get too thin.

[Waco]

Harmonica (Verbal):
Well then, rent and decide for yourselves.

But by the Gods, give it a fair shake. Just because it hasn't gotten 10s across the board doesn't mean it isn't another quality Square title.Which is why I bought it, already gave my "15 minute review", and said I can't wait to get home and play some more.

Reading is fundamental wink

[imported_T_M]

About the erractic camera - yep, it's not perfect but it certainly doesn't put a hinder on the gameplay. A lot of games have camera problems...still, if you're scared of it, just don't lock onto the Heartless during fights.

[Matt Goldberg]

Great review Whitehead. I'm sold.

[Michael Rabattino]

Excellent review, and you summed it up PERFECTLY-an "arcade role-playing game". That's exactly what it is.

And that IS James Woods doing Hades but it isn't Danny DeVito....it sure sounds like him though, doesn't it?

[Dan Whitehead]

I thought it would be James Woods, because he loved playing Hades so much he even reprised the role for the Hercules animated series (which is pretty much unheard of for an actor of his stature). So I kinda expected him to come back for the videogame.

I agree on the Gummi ship sections, it's a great idea poorly implemented. As it's only a "between worlds" mini-game it's not a deal-breaker, but a bit of extra spit and polish would have made it an amazing bonus treat.

It's just a really endearing and immersive game. Fuck credibility, just enjoy it!

[neaux]

damn this game is good. And I for one think the Techno remix of Simple and Clean is wonderful!

[Waco]

Posted by me:
even a cynical bastard like myself couldn't help but grin the first time Donald started talkingFrom Dan's Review:
but even a stone-hearted bastard like myself had to cave in to the sheer charm on display in this game2 out of 3 bastards agree, this game is a good time.

I have to admit - the ship flying feels like a cheap version of Rez ( which I love, and you should too ). That's not really a bad thing, but, well, you know what I mean.

[Ryo Hazuki]

I'm waiting for someone to get it in my dormatiory, so I can get to play it. I'm just too broke to go out and buy it.

[Dan Whitehead]

Waco:
2 out of 3 bastards agree, this game is a good time.If Square/Disney don't use this as a slogan, I'll be bitterly disappointed.

[gravedigger]

Great review, Dan. Must now add to list of games to acquire. Looks like the ladies will be putting in some overtime on the corner this weekend...too many games coming too soon!

[Michael Rabattino]

God help me, I just dlded "Part of That World" from The Little Mermaid.

This game will make you want to see every Disney movie featured in it...

[Jacob Singer]

Great review. Still not interested.

[Waco]

Jacob is the 3rd bastard.

[Michael Rabattino]

Jacob Singer:
Great review. Still not interested.Well, then again...save for Sleeping Beauty I guess you didn't grow up on many of these Disney films.... wink

[Jacob Singer]

Waco:
Jacob is the 3rd bastard.Coming soon to a theatre near you:

Jacob Singer is The Third Bastard

Rated R, for crotchetiness.

[Tony Ryan]

LOVEing this game much.

[Michael Rabattino]

Tony Ryan:
LOVEing this game much.Really glad to hear it.....

[Michael Rabattino]

23 hours in, I just beat Maleficent and died twice trying to beat her second form but it's very easy. Just gotta know where to stand....

Hope I beat this soon. Gonna be tough......

[otisthecat]

I dig this game a lot, playing much slower than you though Verbal, I'm just now heading back to the Coliseum for the second time. I have been obsessed with THPS4 again, about every two months I pick up Tony Hawk 4 and just don't care to play anything else, and I don't even play on-line.

[otisthecat]

I'm aware that it is a few hours after the fact but I meant THPS3.

[Michael Rabattino]

This really was one of the best games i've ever played.

Beat it around 2 o'clock today....memorable ending that sets it up for a sequel.

Note that if you are level 55 and up when you attempt to beat it....it's pretty much a cakewalk.

I've never played a game full of so many memorable characters and encounters....this one is already a classic.

[Cheese Biscuits]

Holy Crap. I picked this up yesturday and... sweet Jesus... it's the most amazing game I've ever played. Wait, no, ICO is the most amazing game I've ever played. This comes in a close second.

I will say, the camera can be FUCKING INSANE at some points.

[Michael Rabattino]

But you will learn to live with the camera...it gets aggrivating in spots but it's more agreeable when you lock onto enemies.

You're gonna love the game, though...it's a bonafide memorable experience.

[Sleeplesslumber]

Tony what did you choose in the begining of the game as your strong point. I chose the shield and gave up the sword.

[BigRoundSailor]

That's a pretty good choice. It balances you out across all three. I chose the sword and discarded the staff. I get lots of critical hits and high damage, but my defense is about as effective as a wet paper bag.

[neaux]

Lemme just say that playing this game without a Hintbook increases the difficulty tremendously...

I have never cursed so much playing a Disney game in my life.

[Michael Rabattino]

I chose the sword. I didn't wanna screw around...plus for that part I didn't even follow my guide so whatever I picked, I picked blindly.

The sword helps you level up the fast, i'm pretty sure...

[otisthecat]

Anyone else played through the 100 arce wood yet? It is really pretty but is also boring as hell. It is always nice for RPGs to throw some mini-games at you but these are just not fun.

[otisthecat]

although I guess they are better than the fucking jumping rope game from FFIX.....