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Updated: 9/18/2002 - First Impressions Squaresoft has finally released their latest title, Kingdom Hearts, and we've spent a fair bit of time playing through the game. Best described as Final Fantasy meets Disney, this joint Square/Disney venture is quite an interesting game so far. Having passed on the Japanese version, the game was fresh and new to me. Right from the getgo, Kingdom Hearts shows off what you would expect from a Squaresoft developed game; a gorgeous title screen and opening CG sequence, along with a beautifully voiced theme song and orchestrated music. After a mini-questionnaire which determines your "path" and a quickie moves tutorial and introduction to the enemy, you are dropped right into what at first looks like super cute version of Final Fantasy X, complete with kiddy versions of Tidus and Wakka. Although looking like the setting of FFX, the world where Sora (you) live in, is quite a bit different. You quickly join your friends Riku and Kairi, in daydreaming of what "other" worlds and lands would be like. As soon as the main characters begin talking, the Disney influences become super obvious. Haley Joel Osment provides the voice for Sora, and Riki and Kairi are voiced by David Gallagher ("7th Heaven") and Hayden Panettiere ("Ally McBeal," "Remember The Titans") respectively. Not only do the voices sound like they were destined for a Disney flick, the character animations and especially the accentuated facial motions, are dead on perfect. I would say that the voices are so far, very well done, and seemingly portray more emotion than 95% of the cast of Shenmue II on the Xbox. The bright colorful environments and menus also fit the game well. Soon after performing a few tasks, Kingdom Hearts cuts to "another" world, this time, the Disney Kingdom, complete with King Mickey, Queen Minnie, Captain Goofy and Wizard Donald. Again, the animation and voices are exactly as you would expect. King Mickey notices that something is up in the universe, and heads out to find the one with the "key" to help stop it. The enemy, known as "The Heartless", have conjured up a big storm which basically tears Sora's world apart, and scatters him, Riki and Kairi among strange worlds. It is then, that you awaken in Traverse Town, along with many other individuals from many other worlds. Goofy and Donald, along with Final Fantasy VII's Yuffie and Aerith, and FFVIII's Squall (as Leon), then fill Sora in on the situation and promise to help him out. Battles start up pretty quickly thereafter, with the Heartless popping up left and right. Unlike Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts is a purely realtime, action RPG. Right from the start, Sora can attack with his keyblade, beat-em-up style, complete with both simple ground and air combos. Items and magic spells must be used while avoiding attacks, and as enemies are taken down, experience is gained and HP/MP and Munny capsules are released. The camera seems to occasionally spin wildly when fighting in close quarters, but the control so far seems tight and responsive. Once Goofy and Donald join the party, the constantly appearing Heartless can be disposed of much quicker. Eventually Sora is given some magic abilities (somewhat dependant on what path you chose in the beginning), and other fighting abilities, as progress is made. So far, Kingdom Hearts definitely has my interest, despite the somewhat lighter tone. The various cameos by all the Disney cast and past Final Fantasy games have already, personally made playing the game worthwhile. The visuals are nice, the sound and voices excellent, and the story is interesting. Final judgement coming soon!
The videogame world is chock full of rather odd, but very interesting partnerships. One of the latest to really grab everyone's attention is Kingdom Hearts, an Action Role Playing Game in which both Disney, of motion-picture animation fame, and Squaresoft, of RPG videogame fame, are still hard at work on. The cast of Kingdom Hearts stars a selection of new Disney created characters (by Tetsuya Nomura), along with classic Disney characters from over the years, and even cameos by some of the most famous Final Fantasy characters. Will such a combo be a hit with gamers all over the world? How could it not. Kingdom Hearts is the story of Sora, a 14-year-old boy whose world is shattered when a violent storm hits his island-paradise home, and he is separated from his two closest friends, Riku, a 15-year-old boy, and Kairi, a 14-year-old girl. The storm scatters the three to different and unknown worlds. Sora, while searching for his friends in a strange and mysterious land, meets Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, protectors of the Disney Castle, who are on a mission to find King Mickey. The three learn of ominous creatures known as the Heartless - beings without hearts derived from an unknown dimension and, as it turns out, the ones responsible for the devastating storm. And while the Heartless invade and destroy many worlds, the Disney villains collaborate behind the scenes to realize their devious intentions. Upon discovering the link between the Heartless, the storm and the disappearance of the King, Sora, Donald and Goofy join forces to recover Sora's friends, return the King to his rightful position and save the universe from the Heartless. In Kingdom Hearts , each world contains a special Keyhole. The Heartless, originating from the power of darkness, enter through the Keyhole to invade the various worlds. Sora and company must defeat the Heartless Boss and lock the Keyhole with the powerful magic of the Keyblade to stop the flow of Heartless into the world. - Four new DISNEY main characters make their debut in KINGDOM HEARTS: Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Heartless.
- For the first time, multiple DISNEY characters and worlds coexist in an interactive product.
- More than 100 DISNEY characters appear in the game, including Jafar from Disney's Aladdin, Clayton from Disney's Tarzan™, Hades from Hercules, and The Queen of Hearts from Disney's Alice in Wonderland, among others.
- Classic DISNEY characters will appear in fresh new ways in KINGDOM HEARTS. These include new costumes and the characters' ability to morph into different forms as they take on characteristics of the diverse worlds they visit.
- Disney characters engage in action sequences using movements and behaviors true to their film personas - so Peter Pan flies, Tarzan climbs and Ariel swims, to name a few examples.
- Characters are endowed with numerous motions such as climbing, flying, swimming and the ability to pick up items that can be utilized in battle or stacked so other areas can be accessed. Characters will also react differently to various locations and situations; for example, the width of a tree will determine how Sora will climb it.
- Magic can aid in battle through the use of elemental attacks and summon spells. Examples of elemental attacks include fire, to blow a single enemy, and lightning to damage several enemies. Several DISNEY characters, such as Mushu from Disney's Mulan and Simba from Disney's The Lion King, will be accessible to Sora as a summons attack.
- Players can control the camera, allowing Sora to view his surroundings through a first-person perspective.
- Battles take place directly on the field map, eliminating the need for random battles.
- Selphie from FINAL FANTASY VIII, and Tidus and Wakka from FINAL FANTASY X make guest appearances in KINGDOM HEARTS, along with other familiar SQUARE characters.
NEW DISNEY MAIN CHARACTERS
Sora, age 14 As a teenager he has his share of concerns, but overall, he manages to keep an upbeat attitude. He seems too simple-minded at times, but he has a strong sense of justice. Riku, age 15 Riku is Sora's best friend. He may seem cool and collected for his age, but he is far from the quiet type. Always curious about the unknown, he begins to question the small, closed world in which he lives. Kairi, age 14 Kairi moved to Sora and Riku's island a few years ago. She may appear gentle and fragile, but she possesses a strong and unyielding will. The Heartless The Heartless, beings without hearts, appeared out of nowhere. Their origin and purpose are shrouded in mystery. The Heartless cast the world into darkness, stealing away people's hearts. They assault Sora and his world without mercy. The Heartless appear in numerous forms and their attacks and motions vary based on their attributes.
CLASSIC DISNEY CHARACTERS
Minnie Mouse Queen of Disney Castle. She takes charge of Disney Castle during the king's absence. Entrusting Donald and Goofy with the king's mission, she awaits their safe return. Daisy Duck An aristocrat who resides at the castle. She kindly encourages Donald and Goofy before their journey, and like the queen, prays for their safety-especially Donald's. Pluto The king's pet dog. Extremely loyal to the king. Donald Duck Court wizard and loyal servant to the king. He embarks on a journey to carry out the missing king's orders. Feisty, impatient babbler whose antics are a real highlight of the game. Goofy Captain of the Royal Knights, a soldier who despises weapons. Under the king's orders, he accompanies Donald on the quest to find the key. Easygoing, clumsy goof whose endearing charm evokes smiles even in the worst of times.
DISNEY SUPPORTING CAST
Other Disney characters making appearances include: Jafar and Genie from Disney's Aladdin; Clayton and Jane from Disney's Tarzan™; Hades from Hercules; The Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat from Disney's Alice in Wonderland; Ursula and Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid; Mushu from Disney's Mulan, and Simba from Disney's The Lion King.
SQUARE CHARACTERS CAMEO APPEARANCES
Wakka, age 15 Final Fantasy X A soft-hearted youth with a stubborn streak. He plays the dependable, pleasant big brother, teaching the others many things. He envies Riku because he is good at everything. Tidus, age 13 Final Fantasy X A cheerful, strong-willed, excitable boy who gets carried away quickly. He is very confident in his athletic skills and often challenges Sora to practice duels. Selphie, age 13 Final Fantasy VIII An innocent, carefree girl. She is very outgoing. She always wants to be the leader of the group, and gives Wakka a hard time. Squall (as Leon), age 25 Final Fantasy VIII A swordsman in Traverse town who fights the Heartless. He is reticent and often seems aloof. Yuffie, age 16 Final Fantasy VII A female ninja working with Squall. She's a freespirit and somewhat self-centered. Cid, age 42 Owner of an accessory shop in Traverse Town. He can be crass, but he is honest as well. He also has uncanny dexterity for a simple shop owner… Cid has a reoccurring role in the Final Fantasy series. Moogle Works as a store clerk with Cid. Moogles are well known for their roles in the Final Fantasy series, and make an appearance in this title as well. Kingdom Hearts Images
© 2002 Disney
Developed by SQUARESOFT Tarzan and "Deep Jungle" Images
Tarzan™ Owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Used by Permission
© 2002 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Developed by SQUARESOFT FINAL FANTASY Characters and Images
© 1990, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 SQUARE CO., LTD.
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