Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix HD Review (PS3)
Story
You will take control of Sora, who wants to go on a journey to see other worlds along with his best friends, Riku and Kairi. However, something happened as the darkness is enveloping his favourite hideout. As he went there, he obtained a weapon called the Keyblade, a weapon that allows him to defeat the Heartless, enemies of darkness. He will later encounter Donald and Goofy when he was sent to another world, and he will need to find his old friends as well as making new ones in different worlds.
One thing I like about this game's story is that it is both simplistic and terrific. With a rather unique mix of both Disney and Final Fantasy characters in different worlds, as well as many original characters included, I can personally say that this is one of the best crossover games. Great and likable characters of both Disney and Final Fantasy characters are in this game, such as Aladdin, Genie, Hercules, Hades, and many more.
Many characters in this game are likable with great personalities, which included the main cast of Sora, Riku, Kairi, Goofy and Donald Duck. Supporting characters and main villains like Maleficent, Hades, Hercules, Aladdin, Ariel, and others are well-portrayed as well.
This version also contains some additional new scenes of Sora and Riku, to emphasise their character developments even further than the original game.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix was originally released in Japan only, with some brand new content such as new optional boss, new Heartless enemies, new weapons, etc. It also featured some new cutscenes on Riku and Sora as well. Now, the game is now remastered in English and released as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix, both in Japan and in English languages. This game also has Trophy support. Some of the controls has changed slightly, such as the Triangle button is now used to interact with objects or to use special attack abilities.
2) Progression and Exploration Section
Basically, you have to travel to different world by using the gummi ship, which is sort of a spaceship made by gummi blocks. When you are driving it to the world, you will enter into a rail-shooter like section, where you can shoot obstacles or enemy ships. You may collect gummi blocks from destroyed enemy ships on screen or collect power ups while travelling. The objective is to complete the section before the ship's HP is down to zero. You may avoid the ships if you do not like this section.
You may also upgrade your current gummi ship with new blocks to enhance it's defense and firepower. You may also attach new blocks like a shield block for temporary invincibility, or laser gummi blocks. Gummi blocks can be obtained by collecting from enemy ships' drops or by buying it from a certain familiar seller in the game. They may also be found by opening certain treasure chests.
When you are in a world, you may freely explore on foot to fight Heartless, complete mini-games, or open treasure chests. Many of the mini-games in this game are rewarding, such as saving all lost Dalmations or completing the 100 Acre Wood story.
Sora can jump, walk, run or climb ledges if he is able to. You may also control him to lift boxes or etc to progress in the game. There are some puzzles in the game, but fortunately none of them are too complicated and do not impede you progress by much. Progression is rather straight forward as each world is not too big for you to get lost, but you still need to explore thoroughly in the game as there is no map function in the game.
3) Leveling and Upgrading Section
During the tutorial level, you will be tasked to make a choice between three weapons, and which one is to sacrifice. What you choose and what you sacrifice will shape up your current skills and stats progression. For example, by choosing the shield, you can learn defensive abilities such as Guard faster. You should choose which weapon wisely to avoid complications when playing the game.
Also, you will be tasked to answer three sets of questions to shape up your current level progression. For example, if you choose all the top answers for all three questions, you will level up faster until you are in level 40, and will start to level up slower later on.
Experience is gained by defeating enemies and bosses, and one of your stats will increase upon leveling up. You will also learn new abilities in certain levels, such as defensive abilities or Keyblade moves.
The currency in this game is munni, which can be obtained by collecting munni balls upon defeating enemies. You may also collect HP or MP balls dropped by enemies. Enemies will also drop items rarely in the game, such as synthesis materials or healing items like Potions. Munni can be used to buy accessories or new weapons for Donald and Goofy. Healing items can be also bought as well.
4) Combat Section
There is a variety of Heartless in the enemies, such as Heartless that use magic, big-sized Heartless, and etc. In other occasions, you may also fight other Disney characters like Captain Hook or Final Fantasy characters such as Cloud. As different enemies in this game have different methods of attacking and resistances, discretion and strategy are wisely used when fighting them, particularly when fighting bosses. Party members will act accordingly to their A.I. settings, which can be changed from the Start menu if necessary. They also can learn new abilities and gain stats increase upon leveling up as well.
Boss enemies in this game are rather well-designed, where each of them have their own method of attacking and skills. They are much more tougher than regular Heartless enemies, and some of them have their own weak points.
As Sora, you can attack enemies with a combo attack using your equipped Keyblade, use magic, use summon, or use special attacks. Sora can learn new magic, summons, and new skills as he progressed in the game. These can be also obtained by completing optional quests like 100 Acre Wood or completing Cups in the Coliseum.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
The gameplay is very effective and easy to learn. A variety of enemies to be fought, challenging boss fights, good pacing, and steady progression are the highlights of the gameplay. The new abilities and new Heartless enemies are a welcome addition. Camera system is a bit problematic, as it sometimes spin out of control when you use the Auto setting. Gummi ship sections are a bit boring, and even the optional Gummi Missions feel unrewarding. Regardless, the overall gameplay is solid, setting up the foundation of the even-better gameplay in Kingdom Hearts II, which I am extremely fond of.
Graphics
This game has improved remastered graphics, and I can applaud Square Enix's effort on making this game look fantastic. There are some minor issues on many character models on not having full animated expressions during cutscenes, but overall the graphics is great for 12 year old game.
Sound
This game boasts an incredible cast of voice acting, with few exceptions. I generally like the main cast voice actors, Cloud's voice actor, the main villains such as Hades and Maleficent, as well as other supporting characters like Aladdin and Tarzan. Sadly, not every original voice actors reprise their roles from the original Disney movies, but the voice acting in this game is still high quality.
The soundtrack is now remastered, with clearer and better quality sound. I like this game's soundtrack, and one of my favourite pieces is Dearly Beloved. Many good other pieces are excellent as well.
Replay Value
This game has good replay value. You may opt to complete every world in this game, rescue all 99 Dalmations, defeat the optional bosses, complete mini-games, or play the game in a different difficulty mode.
Conclusion
I like this game, but I mainly prefer Kingdom Hearts II as it has better controls and story. Still, this game is still great and it is still better than most newer RPGs nowadays. I highly recommend who likes both a crossover of Disney and Final Fantasy characters or action-RPG games to try this game out along with Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories HD.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting story.
- Extremely likable cast of original characters, Disney characters, and Final Fantasy characters.
- Great combat.
- Good gameplay progression.
- Different variety of boss fights.
- Good remastered graphics.
- Great voice acting.
- Great remastered soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
- Lots of new content compared to the first English release on PS2.
Cons
- Moderate camera issues.
- Gummi ship sections are not rewarding enough.
- World designs feel a bit closed.
- Unreliable party members A.I. at times.
**Images are from Gematsu.
Embark on a journey to find Riku and Kairi, as well as saving other worlds from the Heartless.
You will take control of Sora, who wants to go on a journey to see other worlds along with his best friends, Riku and Kairi. However, something happened as the darkness is enveloping his favourite hideout. As he went there, he obtained a weapon called the Keyblade, a weapon that allows him to defeat the Heartless, enemies of darkness. He will later encounter Donald and Goofy when he was sent to another world, and he will need to find his old friends as well as making new ones in different worlds.
One thing I like about this game's story is that it is both simplistic and terrific. With a rather unique mix of both Disney and Final Fantasy characters in different worlds, as well as many original characters included, I can personally say that this is one of the best crossover games. Great and likable characters of both Disney and Final Fantasy characters are in this game, such as Aladdin, Genie, Hercules, Hades, and many more.
Many characters in this game are likable with great personalities, which included the main cast of Sora, Riku, Kairi, Goofy and Donald Duck. Supporting characters and main villains like Maleficent, Hades, Hercules, Aladdin, Ariel, and others are well-portrayed as well.
This version also contains some additional new scenes of Sora and Riku, to emphasise their character developments even further than the original game.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix was originally released in Japan only, with some brand new content such as new optional boss, new Heartless enemies, new weapons, etc. It also featured some new cutscenes on Riku and Sora as well. Now, the game is now remastered in English and released as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix, both in Japan and in English languages. This game also has Trophy support. Some of the controls has changed slightly, such as the Triangle button is now used to interact with objects or to use special attack abilities.
2) Progression and Exploration Section
Travel to different Disney worlds via gummi ship.
Basically, you have to travel to different world by using the gummi ship, which is sort of a spaceship made by gummi blocks. When you are driving it to the world, you will enter into a rail-shooter like section, where you can shoot obstacles or enemy ships. You may collect gummi blocks from destroyed enemy ships on screen or collect power ups while travelling. The objective is to complete the section before the ship's HP is down to zero. You may avoid the ships if you do not like this section.
You may also upgrade your current gummi ship with new blocks to enhance it's defense and firepower. You may also attach new blocks like a shield block for temporary invincibility, or laser gummi blocks. Gummi blocks can be obtained by collecting from enemy ships' drops or by buying it from a certain familiar seller in the game. They may also be found by opening certain treasure chests.
When you are in a world, you may freely explore on foot to fight Heartless, complete mini-games, or open treasure chests. Many of the mini-games in this game are rewarding, such as saving all lost Dalmations or completing the 100 Acre Wood story.
Sora can jump, walk, run or climb ledges if he is able to. You may also control him to lift boxes or etc to progress in the game. There are some puzzles in the game, but fortunately none of them are too complicated and do not impede you progress by much. Progression is rather straight forward as each world is not too big for you to get lost, but you still need to explore thoroughly in the game as there is no map function in the game.
3) Leveling and Upgrading Section
Level up by fighting off enemies.
Also, you will be tasked to answer three sets of questions to shape up your current level progression. For example, if you choose all the top answers for all three questions, you will level up faster until you are in level 40, and will start to level up slower later on.
Experience is gained by defeating enemies and bosses, and one of your stats will increase upon leveling up. You will also learn new abilities in certain levels, such as defensive abilities or Keyblade moves.
The currency in this game is munni, which can be obtained by collecting munni balls upon defeating enemies. You may also collect HP or MP balls dropped by enemies. Enemies will also drop items rarely in the game, such as synthesis materials or healing items like Potions. Munni can be used to buy accessories or new weapons for Donald and Goofy. Healing items can be also bought as well.
4) Combat Section
Defeat your enemies using the Keyblade.
There is a variety of Heartless in the enemies, such as Heartless that use magic, big-sized Heartless, and etc. In other occasions, you may also fight other Disney characters like Captain Hook or Final Fantasy characters such as Cloud. As different enemies in this game have different methods of attacking and resistances, discretion and strategy are wisely used when fighting them, particularly when fighting bosses. Party members will act accordingly to their A.I. settings, which can be changed from the Start menu if necessary. They also can learn new abilities and gain stats increase upon leveling up as well.
Boss enemies in this game are rather well-designed, where each of them have their own method of attacking and skills. They are much more tougher than regular Heartless enemies, and some of them have their own weak points.
As Sora, you can attack enemies with a combo attack using your equipped Keyblade, use magic, use summon, or use special attacks. Sora can learn new magic, summons, and new skills as he progressed in the game. These can be also obtained by completing optional quests like 100 Acre Wood or completing Cups in the Coliseum.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
Easy-to-learn yet good gameplay.
The gameplay is very effective and easy to learn. A variety of enemies to be fought, challenging boss fights, good pacing, and steady progression are the highlights of the gameplay. The new abilities and new Heartless enemies are a welcome addition. Camera system is a bit problematic, as it sometimes spin out of control when you use the Auto setting. Gummi ship sections are a bit boring, and even the optional Gummi Missions feel unrewarding. Regardless, the overall gameplay is solid, setting up the foundation of the even-better gameplay in Kingdom Hearts II, which I am extremely fond of.
Graphics
Excellently remastered HD graphics.
This game has improved remastered graphics, and I can applaud Square Enix's effort on making this game look fantastic. There are some minor issues on many character models on not having full animated expressions during cutscenes, but overall the graphics is great for 12 year old game.
Sound
Great voice acting and fantastic remastered soundtrack.
This game boasts an incredible cast of voice acting, with few exceptions. I generally like the main cast voice actors, Cloud's voice actor, the main villains such as Hades and Maleficent, as well as other supporting characters like Aladdin and Tarzan. Sadly, not every original voice actors reprise their roles from the original Disney movies, but the voice acting in this game is still high quality.
The soundtrack is now remastered, with clearer and better quality sound. I like this game's soundtrack, and one of my favourite pieces is Dearly Beloved. Many good other pieces are excellent as well.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
This game has good replay value. You may opt to complete every world in this game, rescue all 99 Dalmations, defeat the optional bosses, complete mini-games, or play the game in a different difficulty mode.
Conclusion
A good action-RPG game.
I like this game, but I mainly prefer Kingdom Hearts II as it has better controls and story. Still, this game is still great and it is still better than most newer RPGs nowadays. I highly recommend who likes both a crossover of Disney and Final Fantasy characters or action-RPG games to try this game out along with Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories HD.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting story.
- Extremely likable cast of original characters, Disney characters, and Final Fantasy characters.
- Great combat.
- Good gameplay progression.
- Different variety of boss fights.
- Good remastered graphics.
- Great voice acting.
- Great remastered soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
- Lots of new content compared to the first English release on PS2.
Cons
- Moderate camera issues.
- Gummi ship sections are not rewarding enough.
- World designs feel a bit closed.
- Unreliable party members A.I. at times.
**Images are from Gematsu.
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