Kingdom Hearts II: Afterthoughts
Sunday, April 9th, 2006
Wellp, I beat Kingdom Hearts II. Didn’t 100% it yet, didn’t try hard mode. But I got to the ending. And what an ending it was.
I’m not even going to bother posting anything spolierish. Most folks who’ve got it prolly haven’t beaten it yet. But I will divulge my impressions on the game as a game since the last time I got to play it.
The story was complex as hell. Luckily, Jimminy’s Journal keeps notes on everything that happens so you can refresh yourself. You’re going to need it sometimes, if you’re like me. I’m pretty decent at handling complex japanese plots, but the metaphysics behind this one are a bit of a doozy. But the good part is that it wraps up a loooooot of loose ends from Kingdom Hearts I and KH: Chain of Memories. In fact, after this game’s feel good ending, the sense of closure is pretty strong. Strong enough to not need another sequel.
But there’d better be.
The presentation was just fucking gorgeous. More animation, more dialogue, more voiced dialogue, more music, better graphics, better sound (Dolby Surround for those compatible)… just amazing. All the dazzling light effects and fantastic character desgins, everything. I could gush on.
Gameplay was stepped up exponentially. It was just more fun to play, really. Enemy specific reactions commands were a blast, as well as the Drive forms (forms Sora can take to become more powerful). The controls were a lot better, but I miss the exploration that Kingdom Hearts I had. There’s not much of that in KH2, as the worlds don’t really extend beyond a handful of larger screens. With less interactive landscapses, to boot. But the other best improvement is that flying the Gummi ship isn’t lame anymore. Like it definitely was in the first one.
I really can’t go into too much more depth without spoiling a fuckton of cool suprises. Kingdom Hearts II is flat out amazing. Highly recommended for any Square or Disney fan, and essential to anyone who enjoyed the first game.