Sora is back (Kingdom Hearts II (PS2))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)
Date:	25/06/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Much more of the same of the first game

Disadvantages: Quite challenging

Disney and Square Enix struck it lucky with the first Kingdom Hearts - they successfully combined two disparate worlds together into a convincing whole. Can they strike again?

Fortunately, the answer is mostly yes. The narrative is structured in a far less-linear way than the previous game, because it covers the story of Roxas, then it diverges to cover Sora, Donald and Goofy from the first game, and then returns to Roxas. This structure could very well have alienated fans of the first game (considering that games rarely go the route of such a segmented narrative), but it works. The game does make it very clear that there is much more left to be tied up at the end, so I just hope that Square Enix crack on with a third game soon.

Aurally, just as the first game, things are fine but a little stale after a while. Again, the game could do with some theme tunes from the various Disney characters in the game rather than a few leitmotifs scattered around, but once again, one must be fair and recognise both the expense of such a feat, and the logistics of securing all of the royalties. Otherwise, though, the magic sound effects and voice work is as stellar as the first game. There are also far more soundbytes for each character than there was in the first Kingdom Hearts. The Gummi Ship also has some awesome sonic effects as it whirls around.

The visuals are a strong suit, just like previously. The opening cut-scenes in particular stand out as exceptional, and the final cut scene of the game also is mind-blowingly impressive. All other cut-scenes are good also, but those are the stand-out ones. It would be fair to assert that the graphics aren't that far evolved from the likes of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2, but nevertheless they do a more than adequate job.

Where the game really shines is in the gameplay department. It is incredibly addictive, and like any good RPG, has a wealth of extra content to keep you playing for up to hundreds of hours at a time. Aside from the numerous quests and the often difficult bosses (although never too hard to totally frustrate), there are mini-games, levels you can traverse with the Gummi Ship, and even a journal that you can read through. The difficulty has been noticably steeped up since the last game, which some younger players (given the Disney theme) may find a bit cumbersome. Nevertheless, they're never impossible difficult, and can be beaten after a little while and some strategy.

Kingdom Hearts 2 is a surprisingly challenging outing that even the most ardent RPG players will have to work to beat. That said, it's a sufficient and welcome challenge, seeing how much easier games have become in recent years. The storyline is involving and leaves you wanting more, and the presentation is top-notch, with as much authenticity to the Disney aspects as the first game had.

Summary: A surprisingly challenging but fun RPG