Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Final Mix HD Review (PS3)
Story
This game takes place before the original Kingdom Hearts game. Terra and Aqua are tasked to find Master Xehanort and stop the unknown creatures threat called the Unversed. Not only do both of them departed to find him, Ventus, the youngest Keyblade user, also departs to find Terra after hearing some bad rumours about Terra. Their journeys intertwined with each other, and the final battle will test their friendship and resolve.
The story is more complex than previous Kingdom Hearts games, otherwise it is well-told. All three characters' stories are interesting, but I personally think Ventus's story is the best, with Aqua's and Terra's stories rank the same. The director. Tetsuya Nomura recommended that you play Terra's story first, Ventus's story second, and Aqua's story lastly. By playing this order, you can see how the events in this unfold in each other's stories and how they meet each other more coherently. Or, you can just play the game in any order.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
This game is a PS3 HD version of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Final Mix of the PSP version. The new Final Mix version was only available in Japan, and has new content such as new Command Style, new difficulty mode called Critical Mode, addition of Unversed Missions, and new optional boss fights.
As you finish the game's early tutorial, you can choose to control between Terra, Ventus or Aqua for your first playthrough. Each character has their own pros and cons, and they can access some exclusive game areas where the other can't go. Terra is a powerful warrior, with high physical strength, high defense, high HP, and many powerful physical Commands. However, his Magic is not as good as Aqua or Terra, and he has the lowest speed and mobility compared to Aqua and Ventus. Ventus has the fastest speed and most balanced stats. Aqua has lower defense and strength stats than both Terra and Ventus, but she has the most highest magic stat that makes her a very able mage. All three characters have their own exclusive Commands as well as pros and cons, so you won't be bored easily using all three characters despite they share many same Commands.
2) Exploration and Progression Section
The game's exploration is very similar to previous Kingdom Hearts games exploration, You can travel to different worlds via the World Map, and you can only unlock a set of new worlds by completing previous worlds' stories. Each character has different story in each world, and they may have access to exclusive areas where other characters may not be able to visit to. Each character has different sets of treasure chests to be opened in their plauthroughs, so open them as much as possible.
The progression in the game is very linear, and there are not much variety on progression methods for all three characters. For example, Terra fights an exclusive story boss in Enchanted Dominion, whereas Ventus fights a different boss in the same world.
You may also visit the Mirage Arena, with tons of enemy waves to be fought. Clearing certain battles in the Mirage Arena may unlock new Shotlocks or new Command Styles. Medals are obtained by completing minigames in that world, or by completing different battles in the arena. More battles can be unlocked by gaining enough Medals or complete certain minigames requirement in Mirage Arena to increase your Arena Level. Harder battles can be fought as your Arena Level increases.
Completing the game with all three characters does not conclude the story of the game, where you can unlock two more hidden episodes for this game which serve as epilogues of the three characters' stories. The conditions to unlock them vary in different difficulty modes, where playing higher difficulty modes can unlock these hidden episodes more easily.
3) Leveling, Upgrading and Customisation Section
The leveling system is similar to Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's leveling system. You gain a level by getting enough experience points, and will have stats increase. Bonus levels are present in the game, which includes HP bonus, new Deck Command slots or learn new Command Styles. They can only be obtained by fighting special battles such as Boss Battles or Mirage Arena battles. You may also only equip different Keyblades, and each Keyblade has their own pros and cons in terms of stats increase.
You can create new Command by using the Command Meld feature. To combine two different Commands, both Commands have specific levels and only certain combinations may work in order for you to carry out a Command Melding. For example, combining Fire LV2 and Fire LV2 produces Fira LV1. There are many combination of Commands that can be carried out in the game, and it is recommended to try out as many combinations as possible. Commands can be bought from a Moogle Shop, dropped by enemies, or opening treasure chests. You may also mix a synthesis material within as you meld two different Commands to gain a passive ability, which you can equip while equipping that command in the deck.
Commands also have their own levels, which can be gained by defeating enemies in the game. CP, which is used to level Commands, can be also obtained while playing the Command Board. If you max out a Command's level with a passive ability attached, you will master the passive abillity and you can use it freely without equipping that particular Command.
You can customise your Deck with a Shotlock command and different regular Battle Commands as well as Movement Commands. Battle Commands include Attack Commands and Magic Commands, while Movement Commands include commands such as Guard or Carthweel as defensive commands. As you progress in the game, you will be able to equip up to eight Battle Commands slots. Be aware that some Battle Commands in the game may use two slots, which these Battle Commands are the rare and powerful Commands. For example, the Quake Command uses two Deck Command slots in order to be used. You may customise any order of your Commands in a Deck, and you can choose between three Decks during battle. You can only choose or edit a Deck outside of battle.
Command Board is a minigame that plays like the Monoploy board game. You will play against two A.I. controlled opponents to win the game. You may roll a dice to move accordingly to the number that you rolled, or use hand commands by discarding a specific card. If you happen to land an empty panel in the minigame, you can place a Command in order for your enemies to pay a certain amount of GP to you if they land there as penalty. You may also level up the Commands that you have place in the minigame to increase the GP penalty amount and level up your own Command as well. The goal of this minigame is to get the required amount of GP first, and reach the starting point to finish the game. GP can be obtained by going through checkpoints in the board game, getting GP penalty from your opponents, and other ways. Once learned the minigame enough, this could be fun way to increase your Commands' levels, but not necessarily the fastest method to gain CP for your Commands. There are many other variables in this fun minigame, so try it out first.
4) Combat Section
The combat plays similar to previous Kingdom Hearts games' combat. You can use your Keyblade to attack enemies, use Magic Commands like Fire to attack enemies, use Physical Commands like Strike Raid, and others. Using physical attacks repeatedly or using Commands without fulfilling a Command Style criteria allows you to unleash a Finish Command, a powerful finishing blow. You will learn more Finish Commands by fulfilling certain conditions. You may also dodge attacks or block attacks with each character's specific dodge and guard related Commands. In order to use a Battle Command, you need to press the Triangle Button on a chosen Battle Command to activate it. You may scroll the Battle Command using the Up and Down Directional Buttons. Each Battle Command has it's own cooldown period after using it, so be aware of it. Enemies will drop HP, munny or D-Link prizes when defeated, and may also drop rare materials for Command Melding and Commans rarely.
Again, boss fights are the highlights of this game, and each boss require different strategy to defeat. As each character may faces different bosses, you need to choose different approach when fighting against them. For example. Aqua specialises in Magic Commands, and she should load her Deck with lots of powerful Magic Commands like Firage to take advantage of her high natural Magic stat.
The bulk of the command heavily relies on your set of Commands. Using a mix of certain type of Commands will activate a Command Style, which has it's own special Finish Command and endows your physical attacks with increased strength or element. For example, using Fire Commands will activate the Firestorm Command Style, and using Thunder Commands will activate the Thunderbolt Command Style. The Command Gauge is filled by attacking enemies with your Commands or regular physical attacks.
Command Styles and Shotlocks are the key to end battles early.
Shotlocks are powerful attacks that can devastate enemies by locking on to enemies with a certain number of lock-ons. Shotlocks can be extended by pressing certain buttons at the right time. Pressing it too early, too late, or pressing the wrong one may cause the Shotlock command to end earlier. Shotlocks also have their own levels, which can be increased by gaining enough CP, which obtained by defeating enemies. You will learn new Shotlocks by progressing in the game or opening certain treasure chests. Shotlocks can only be used when your Focus Gauge is not empty, which can be filled by attacking enemies. It is highly recommended to use them when you have full Focus Gauge.
As you progress in the game, you will learn new D-Links. D-Links allow you to use other character's set of Commands and Finish Commands. D-Links' level can be increased as you fight enemies, and their own set of Commands can be changed for better. Equipping D-Link also allows you to equip bonus passive abilities, such as Mickey's Double EXP ability. D-Link can only be used when your D-Link Gauge is full, which can be filled by collecting D-Link prizes dropped by enemies.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
The overall gameplay is great, where it rivals Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's gameplay in terms of creativeness and indulgence. Each character has their own story paths, exclusive abilities such as exclusive Shotlocks and Command Styles, and different combat style that makes each character is fun to use on their own way. I really enjoy playing as all three characters, as each character feels extremely unique to play as.
The combat is a highlight and it feels more addictive to play than Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories HD gameplay. Bosses and regular enemies present fair and adequate challenge in different difficulties, personally. However, the game's progression and explorations feels not as good as Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's progression and exploration, as this game's sense of progression feels very repetitive and linear, and the explorations feels smaller in scale compared to Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's exploration. However, considering this game was remastered from the PSP version, both versions are understandable, yet noticeable to any players. The absence of multiplayer mode for Mirage Arena is lamentable for many players, but I for one, am fine with the absence of the multiplayer mode.
Graphics
From what I have played and seen with this game, this game has amazing graphics originally for a portable game. Now remastered into HD version for the PS3, the game's graphics look great again. However, I felt that many of the worlds' design in this game are not creative enough and feel lifeless to me. The lack of NPCs to talk around is noticeable in this game when compared to KHII's numerous NPCs around, but that is understandable since this was made for PSP with many limitations, such as the removal of capes for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. Again, this game used some static character models during cutscenes, which are quite apparent and more of it are in this game. It is not a big deal, since there are many cutscenes where the characters' expressions are fully animated.
Sound
Overall soundtrack is great,even though not the whole soundtrack is remastered. Only two tracks are remastered in this game, which is the final world theme and the Final Episode boss theme. Regardless, the soundtrack is great, and it ranks equally as the best Kingdom Hearts soundtrack along with Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD.
The voice acting is generally good, but I dislike some of the voice acting in the game. Ventus, Master Eraqus, Master Xehanort, Vanitas, and all other supporting characters have great and fitting voices, but not so much with Terra and Aqua's voice actors. Their voices sound unemotional at many occasions, but I think that is because of both character's personalities. They do seem to improve near the end of the game, so I am generally fine with their voice acting as I play on the game. Although I do hope they will improve on their voice acting performance if both Aqua and Terra appear in Kingdom Hearts III. Another notable thing is that Mickey's voice actor is changed to Bret Iwan, as his previous voice actor, Wayne Allwine passed away before the original Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep release. Rest in peace, Wayne Allwine.
Replay Value
With three different characters playthroughs, numerous challenges in Mirage Arena, completing the Reports for each character, and playing minigames, this game offers very high replay value. You may also opt to challenge all four superbosses with three different characters, although they are highly dangerous and requires you to have high levels to beat them effectively.
Conclusion
This game is great, but it has it's own share of faults. Repetitive and linear sense of progression and exploration, minor voice acting quality issues, as well as repetitive and lifeless world designs are the major issues of this game, whereas minor issues include the absence of multiplayer mode of Mirage Arena and minor camera issues. Other than that, this game succeeds well in other areas as a PSP remastered game, and I personally think this is the second best Kingdom Hearts game, with Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD on top.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting individual storyline and gameplay style for each character.
- Two unlockable hidden episodes are well-designed.
- Many likable characters.
- Great combat system, with Command Deck based battle system being fun.
- Different and unique combat style for each character.
- Excellent boss fights.
- Shotlocks and Command Styles are awesome to use.
- Many Battle Commands are stylish and useful to use.
- Creative minigames like Command Board and Rumble Racing.
- Impressive HD remastered graphics for a PSP game.
- Overall good voice acting quality.
- Great overall soundtrack.
- Very high replay value.
- Good number of additions to the Final Mix HD version.
Cons
- Repetitive progression and linear exploration.
- Minor camera issues.
- World and level designs feel a bit static.
- Inconsistent voice acting quality by Terra and Aqua's voice actors.
- No multiplayer mode for Mirage Arena can be an issue for Birth By Sleep fans.
Take control on three new Keyblade Wielders.
This game takes place before the original Kingdom Hearts game. Terra and Aqua are tasked to find Master Xehanort and stop the unknown creatures threat called the Unversed. Not only do both of them departed to find him, Ventus, the youngest Keyblade user, also departs to find Terra after hearing some bad rumours about Terra. Their journeys intertwined with each other, and the final battle will test their friendship and resolve.
The story is more complex than previous Kingdom Hearts games, otherwise it is well-told. All three characters' stories are interesting, but I personally think Ventus's story is the best, with Aqua's and Terra's stories rank the same. The director. Tetsuya Nomura recommended that you play Terra's story first, Ventus's story second, and Aqua's story lastly. By playing this order, you can see how the events in this unfold in each other's stories and how they meet each other more coherently. Or, you can just play the game in any order.
Gameplay
1) Introduction
Lots of new content in this HD version.
This game is a PS3 HD version of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Final Mix of the PSP version. The new Final Mix version was only available in Japan, and has new content such as new Command Style, new difficulty mode called Critical Mode, addition of Unversed Missions, and new optional boss fights.
As you finish the game's early tutorial, you can choose to control between Terra, Ventus or Aqua for your first playthrough. Each character has their own pros and cons, and they can access some exclusive game areas where the other can't go. Terra is a powerful warrior, with high physical strength, high defense, high HP, and many powerful physical Commands. However, his Magic is not as good as Aqua or Terra, and he has the lowest speed and mobility compared to Aqua and Ventus. Ventus has the fastest speed and most balanced stats. Aqua has lower defense and strength stats than both Terra and Ventus, but she has the most highest magic stat that makes her a very able mage. All three characters have their own exclusive Commands as well as pros and cons, so you won't be bored easily using all three characters despite they share many same Commands.
2) Exploration and Progression Section
Explore in many new Disney worlds, as well as some familiar worlds.
The game's exploration is very similar to previous Kingdom Hearts games exploration, You can travel to different worlds via the World Map, and you can only unlock a set of new worlds by completing previous worlds' stories. Each character has different story in each world, and they may have access to exclusive areas where other characters may not be able to visit to. Each character has different sets of treasure chests to be opened in their plauthroughs, so open them as much as possible.
The progression in the game is very linear, and there are not much variety on progression methods for all three characters. For example, Terra fights an exclusive story boss in Enchanted Dominion, whereas Ventus fights a different boss in the same world.
You may also visit the Mirage Arena, with tons of enemy waves to be fought. Clearing certain battles in the Mirage Arena may unlock new Shotlocks or new Command Styles. Medals are obtained by completing minigames in that world, or by completing different battles in the arena. More battles can be unlocked by gaining enough Medals or complete certain minigames requirement in Mirage Arena to increase your Arena Level. Harder battles can be fought as your Arena Level increases.
Completing the game with all three characters does not conclude the story of the game, where you can unlock two more hidden episodes for this game which serve as epilogues of the three characters' stories. The conditions to unlock them vary in different difficulty modes, where playing higher difficulty modes can unlock these hidden episodes more easily.
3) Leveling, Upgrading and Customisation Section
Gain new attacks by melding two Commands into a new one.
The leveling system is similar to Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's leveling system. You gain a level by getting enough experience points, and will have stats increase. Bonus levels are present in the game, which includes HP bonus, new Deck Command slots or learn new Command Styles. They can only be obtained by fighting special battles such as Boss Battles or Mirage Arena battles. You may also only equip different Keyblades, and each Keyblade has their own pros and cons in terms of stats increase.
You can create new Command by using the Command Meld feature. To combine two different Commands, both Commands have specific levels and only certain combinations may work in order for you to carry out a Command Melding. For example, combining Fire LV2 and Fire LV2 produces Fira LV1. There are many combination of Commands that can be carried out in the game, and it is recommended to try out as many combinations as possible. Commands can be bought from a Moogle Shop, dropped by enemies, or opening treasure chests. You may also mix a synthesis material within as you meld two different Commands to gain a passive ability, which you can equip while equipping that command in the deck.
Commands also have their own levels, which can be gained by defeating enemies in the game. CP, which is used to level Commands, can be also obtained while playing the Command Board. If you max out a Command's level with a passive ability attached, you will master the passive abillity and you can use it freely without equipping that particular Command.
You can customise your Deck with a Shotlock command and different regular Battle Commands as well as Movement Commands. Battle Commands include Attack Commands and Magic Commands, while Movement Commands include commands such as Guard or Carthweel as defensive commands. As you progress in the game, you will be able to equip up to eight Battle Commands slots. Be aware that some Battle Commands in the game may use two slots, which these Battle Commands are the rare and powerful Commands. For example, the Quake Command uses two Deck Command slots in order to be used. You may customise any order of your Commands in a Deck, and you can choose between three Decks during battle. You can only choose or edit a Deck outside of battle.
Command Board is a minigame that plays like the Monoploy board game. You will play against two A.I. controlled opponents to win the game. You may roll a dice to move accordingly to the number that you rolled, or use hand commands by discarding a specific card. If you happen to land an empty panel in the minigame, you can place a Command in order for your enemies to pay a certain amount of GP to you if they land there as penalty. You may also level up the Commands that you have place in the minigame to increase the GP penalty amount and level up your own Command as well. The goal of this minigame is to get the required amount of GP first, and reach the starting point to finish the game. GP can be obtained by going through checkpoints in the board game, getting GP penalty from your opponents, and other ways. Once learned the minigame enough, this could be fun way to increase your Commands' levels, but not necessarily the fastest method to gain CP for your Commands. There are many other variables in this fun minigame, so try it out first.
4) Combat Section
Use your special Commands and Shotlocks to devastate your opponents.
The combat plays similar to previous Kingdom Hearts games' combat. You can use your Keyblade to attack enemies, use Magic Commands like Fire to attack enemies, use Physical Commands like Strike Raid, and others. Using physical attacks repeatedly or using Commands without fulfilling a Command Style criteria allows you to unleash a Finish Command, a powerful finishing blow. You will learn more Finish Commands by fulfilling certain conditions. You may also dodge attacks or block attacks with each character's specific dodge and guard related Commands. In order to use a Battle Command, you need to press the Triangle Button on a chosen Battle Command to activate it. You may scroll the Battle Command using the Up and Down Directional Buttons. Each Battle Command has it's own cooldown period after using it, so be aware of it. Enemies will drop HP, munny or D-Link prizes when defeated, and may also drop rare materials for Command Melding and Commans rarely.
Again, boss fights are the highlights of this game, and each boss require different strategy to defeat. As each character may faces different bosses, you need to choose different approach when fighting against them. For example. Aqua specialises in Magic Commands, and she should load her Deck with lots of powerful Magic Commands like Firage to take advantage of her high natural Magic stat.
The bulk of the command heavily relies on your set of Commands. Using a mix of certain type of Commands will activate a Command Style, which has it's own special Finish Command and endows your physical attacks with increased strength or element. For example, using Fire Commands will activate the Firestorm Command Style, and using Thunder Commands will activate the Thunderbolt Command Style. The Command Gauge is filled by attacking enemies with your Commands or regular physical attacks.
Command Styles and Shotlocks are the key to end battles early.As you progress in the game, you will learn new D-Links. D-Links allow you to use other character's set of Commands and Finish Commands. D-Links' level can be increased as you fight enemies, and their own set of Commands can be changed for better. Equipping D-Link also allows you to equip bonus passive abilities, such as Mickey's Double EXP ability. D-Link can only be used when your D-Link Gauge is full, which can be filled by collecting D-Link prizes dropped by enemies.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
Great gameplay with some issues with the game's progression and exploration.
The overall gameplay is great, where it rivals Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's gameplay in terms of creativeness and indulgence. Each character has their own story paths, exclusive abilities such as exclusive Shotlocks and Command Styles, and different combat style that makes each character is fun to use on their own way. I really enjoy playing as all three characters, as each character feels extremely unique to play as.
The combat is a highlight and it feels more addictive to play than Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories HD gameplay. Bosses and regular enemies present fair and adequate challenge in different difficulties, personally. However, the game's progression and explorations feels not as good as Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's progression and exploration, as this game's sense of progression feels very repetitive and linear, and the explorations feels smaller in scale compared to Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD's exploration. However, considering this game was remastered from the PSP version, both versions are understandable, yet noticeable to any players. The absence of multiplayer mode for Mirage Arena is lamentable for many players, but I for one, am fine with the absence of the multiplayer mode.
Graphics
Another great HD remastered PSP game for a bigger console.
From what I have played and seen with this game, this game has amazing graphics originally for a portable game. Now remastered into HD version for the PS3, the game's graphics look great again. However, I felt that many of the worlds' design in this game are not creative enough and feel lifeless to me. The lack of NPCs to talk around is noticeable in this game when compared to KHII's numerous NPCs around, but that is understandable since this was made for PSP with many limitations, such as the removal of capes for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. Again, this game used some static character models during cutscenes, which are quite apparent and more of it are in this game. It is not a big deal, since there are many cutscenes where the characters' expressions are fully animated.
Sound
Great soundtrack, but with some inconsistent issues with the voice acting quality.
Overall soundtrack is great,even though not the whole soundtrack is remastered. Only two tracks are remastered in this game, which is the final world theme and the Final Episode boss theme. Regardless, the soundtrack is great, and it ranks equally as the best Kingdom Hearts soundtrack along with Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD.
The voice acting is generally good, but I dislike some of the voice acting in the game. Ventus, Master Eraqus, Master Xehanort, Vanitas, and all other supporting characters have great and fitting voices, but not so much with Terra and Aqua's voice actors. Their voices sound unemotional at many occasions, but I think that is because of both character's personalities. They do seem to improve near the end of the game, so I am generally fine with their voice acting as I play on the game. Although I do hope they will improve on their voice acting performance if both Aqua and Terra appear in Kingdom Hearts III. Another notable thing is that Mickey's voice actor is changed to Bret Iwan, as his previous voice actor, Wayne Allwine passed away before the original Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep release. Rest in peace, Wayne Allwine.
Replay Value
High replay value.
With three different characters playthroughs, numerous challenges in Mirage Arena, completing the Reports for each character, and playing minigames, this game offers very high replay value. You may also opt to challenge all four superbosses with three different characters, although they are highly dangerous and requires you to have high levels to beat them effectively.
Conclusion
A great remastered PSP game for high-definition experience.
This game is great, but it has it's own share of faults. Repetitive and linear sense of progression and exploration, minor voice acting quality issues, as well as repetitive and lifeless world designs are the major issues of this game, whereas minor issues include the absence of multiplayer mode of Mirage Arena and minor camera issues. Other than that, this game succeeds well in other areas as a PSP remastered game, and I personally think this is the second best Kingdom Hearts game, with Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix HD on top.
Score
Story: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.75/10.0 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting individual storyline and gameplay style for each character.
- Two unlockable hidden episodes are well-designed.
- Many likable characters.
- Great combat system, with Command Deck based battle system being fun.
- Different and unique combat style for each character.
- Excellent boss fights.
- Shotlocks and Command Styles are awesome to use.
- Many Battle Commands are stylish and useful to use.
- Creative minigames like Command Board and Rumble Racing.
- Impressive HD remastered graphics for a PSP game.
- Overall good voice acting quality.
- Great overall soundtrack.
- Very high replay value.
- Good number of additions to the Final Mix HD version.
Cons
- Repetitive progression and linear exploration.
- Minor camera issues.
- World and level designs feel a bit static.
- Inconsistent voice acting quality by Terra and Aqua's voice actors.
- No multiplayer mode for Mirage Arena can be an issue for Birth By Sleep fans.
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