Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
- November 12, 2008 10:41 AM PST
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While long overdue, Square Enix is finally sending the PS2 remake to the original Kingdom Hearts sequel outside of Japan. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, originally released as part of KH II's Japan-exclusive "Final Mix", will once again tie together the Kingdom Hearts saga for gamers who missed the GBA sleeper hit. The PS2 remake will feature a revamped card combat system, a full 3D graphics overhaul, and new cutscenes.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories has a long history with RPG fans. It was a card-based RPG follow-up to the first Kingdom Hearts, and our first introduction to KH II's resident bad guys, Organization XIII. When Kingdom Hearts II as released in Japan, a full remake for Chain of Memories was added to the "Final Mix" package, but this time constructed with the original Kingdom Hearts engine. Now, American gamers finally get their crack at this port-of-a-remake-of-a-spin-off-of-a-sequel just in time for the holidays.
Old Friends, New Worlds
Re:Chain of Memories, built on the first Kingdom Hearts engine, will look and sound just like the PS2 titles. Taking place in Organization XIII's ominous Castle Oblivion, players will revisit the worlds of Kingdom Hearts as Sora, Donald, and Goofy progress through the game. Neverland, Agrabah, Halloweentown and more worlds can be unlocked the further Sora ascends through the castle, with several Disney and Final Fantasy characters making guest appearances along the way. This remake also features newly animated cutscenes and fresh voice acting, making solid use of the PlayStation hardware.
Everything we've seen so far in KH Re:CoM so far feels like an interesting trip down memory lane. All of the worlds are as familiar as ever -- yet still different -- thanks to the grid-based layout of the maps in the game, mixing a certain degree of newness with the old locales. The transition from the 2D combat on the GBA title to the 3D action in this PS2 remake aims to retain the frantic split-second decisions needed to survive, and so far, it seems addictive enough to snag faithful fans of the Kingdom Hearts series.
A Heart In The Cards
By far, the challenging card-based system in KH Re:CoM will thoroughly test the tactical skills of RPG fans. Tossing out the menu-laden, button-mashing combat, players will now have to use various cards to determine their actions in battle. Melee attacks require Keyblade Cards, Potions are activated with Item Cards, and other types of cards can also augment your abilities and magic skills. There's still a good amount of 3D action, with dodging and targeting still being used on the fly as with the first Kingdom Hearts. More powerful cards become available the higher you go in Castle Oblivion, and you'll also gain Map Cards to unlock rooms in each world. No card is a throwaway piece, and collecting the right ones can mean all the difference between loss and victory.
The real trick comes down to how much your cards are worth, with number values dictating which attack are successful and which can be repelled. Once you get the basic flow of battle, smart players will learn how to stack their cards for an advantage in bigger fights. Also, every door you open changes depending on what cards you use to unlock it. Are more Heartless waiting in the next area? Or will you create a room with a much needed save point? If it sounds tough, it can be -- every card you use in KH Re:CoM affects the worlds you visit, as well as the different ways you can fight.
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories hits U.S. shelves the first week of December. If you haven't played the GBA title yet (or even if you have), this remake may be the holiday gift RPG fans will enjoy for days and days. We'll be back in a few weeks with our review to see if this story is worth unlocking again.
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- Nov 12 2008 at 12:42:18:PM PST
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cool will look great on the 360, oops sorry only playable on the ps2 and ps3. well will look great on the ps3.
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Guess those Partitions to Square Enix paid off. Finally the bought in to North America and hopefully Europe too.
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Ya, Japan gets everything first but there should be a release date for when game to come out and every place in the world should get it on the same day. I hate going online and somebody had already bet the game. Then I get beat really bad because I just go the game here.
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Long over due...Is an understatement. If they sold Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2 Final Mix with this game, Square would make a killing here.
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