Kingdom Hearts 3 Review: A Long-Awaited Reunion, But Does it Deliver?
After 14 years, countless spin-offs, and a mountain of fan anticipation, Kingdom Hearts 3 has finally arrived. But does this long-awaited entry in the beloved Disney/Square Enix crossover series live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the heart of this magical adventure.
Square Enix’s recent track record has been a mixed bag, with titles like Just Cause 4 falling flat and even the successful Shadow of the Tomb Raider failing to recapture the magic of its predecessors. Could Kingdom Hearts 3 break this trend and restore faith in the once-revered JRPG giant?
Kingdom Hearts 3 begins with a helpful recap of previous events and a few customization options before launching players into a thrilling adventure in Olympus, a world threatened by the vengeful Hades. This time, Sora isn’t just competing in the Coliseum; he’s a full-fledged hero tasked with saving the world from the recently unleashed Titans. Armed with the Kingdom Key and facing a familiar world, the game evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the series’ origins.
Having lost his previous Keyblades and abilities, Sora must start anew, rebuilding his strength as he navigates this familiar yet perilous landscape. After Olympus, the main storyline unfolds, revealing the resurgence of the sinister Real Organization XIII, with the return of iconic villains like Xehanort, Xemnas, and Ansem. The game promises to connect the threads of previous narratives, shedding light on the mysteries surrounding Aqua, Roxas, the seven lights, and the Keyblade War.
Kingdom Heart 3 – Sora in Olympus
A Symphony of Sight and Sound
While “Simple and Clean” is absent, Hikari’s powerful vocals and Skrillex’s electronic influence make “Face My Fear” a standout track. Yoko Shimomura’s score further elevates the game’s atmosphere, creating a rich and memorable auditory experience.
Visually, Kingdom Hearts 3, built on Unreal Engine 4, is stunning. Environments are meticulously detailed, from grand architecture to subtle background elements. Character models are also well-crafted, showcasing updated designs and reflecting Sora’s growth. However, facial animations, especially for characters besides Sora, feel somewhat limited.
The Keyblades themselves are a highlight, each possessing unique abilities and transformations. The Shooting Star can shift into dual arrowguns for ranged attacks or a powerful Magic Launcher, while the Hero’s Origin offers defensive capabilities with its Counter Shield form. The Crystal Snow allows for swift combo attacks with its claw and dual-blade transformations, offering players diverse combat options.
A Satisfying Conclusion?
Despite its strengths, Kingdom Hearts 3 doesn’t quite reach its full potential. While it serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the various plot points of previous games, it lacks the impact of a truly fresh story. Many plot points feel predictable, and the core gameplay loop often boils down to a series of rescue missions, from saving minor characters like Zeus and Hamm to key figures like Roxas and Aqua.
Kingdom Heart 3 – Sora in Olympus
The game also lacks challenge, even on higher difficulty settings. The Keyblade transformations, or Formchanges, are overwhelmingly powerful, often trivializing boss encounters. Magic also feels underutilized, lacking variety and impact. Finally, the absence of Final Fantasy worlds, leaving only Disney properties, is a noticeable omission for longtime fans.
Conclusion
Kingdom Hearts 3 is a beautiful and enjoyable game, delivering on the promise of reuniting beloved characters and resolving lingering plot threads. However, it falls short of being a truly groundbreaking entry. While it’s a satisfying experience for fans, it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the series’ best moments.
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Action RPG
- Release Date: January 25, 2019
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
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