“Kingdom Hearts 3,” the twelfth installment in the “Kingdoms Hearts” series, is rumored to be released within the year on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It has neither been confirmed nor denied that there would be a port for the Nintendo Switch, however; due to the success of the Switch thus far, it is possible that it may be ported onto the Switch sometime after its intended release.
Developed by the highly acclaimed Square Enix, “Kingdom Hearts 3” is without a doubt one of the most anticipated games within the gaming industry. Rumors of this game have been surfacing since 2006, and it is only during E3 in 2016, was there an actual confirmation of this game being made.
However, fans have been patiently waiting for this game since “Kingdom Hearts 2” came out in 2005. The way the game ended ensured fans that another installment would be on its way; however, we had no idea that it would have taken 13 years to be made and released.
What makes ‘Kingdom Hearts’ so great?
“Kingdom Hearts” is basically “Final Fantasy” meets Disney. However, unlike most “Final Fantasy” games, it’s not a turn-based RPG (role-playing game) but a real-time, open world RPG much how “Final Fantasy Crisis Core” was on the PSP (PlayStation Portable). This freedom of movement and gameplay won over many veteran fans. It allows a faster flow of the game and allows a lot more creativity than a turn-based RPG thus making each gamer’s experience unique.
The addition of Disney, gave it even more fans. Almost everyone loves Disney; we all watched at least one Disney movie as a child and learned about love and friendship from it. There were characters we loved like Lilo and Stitch, and characters we hated like Ursula and Pete. With that said, it’s not hard to see why so many Disney fans rushed to obtain the game that would allow them to fight alongside Donald and Goofy against the most vile of Disney villains.
But don’t allow what was just said to delude you into thinking that “Kingdom Hearts” is just a Disney Experience, “Kingdom Hearts” in itself has its own complex story that has spanned into several titles; this is what truly makes this game amazing.
Unlike other games like “God of War” or “Pokémon,” the side games within the “Kingdom Hearts” actually add to the main storyline.
The trailer showed just how all the stories from the main and side games actually link together possibly where it all leads to. In fact, if you have yet to play any of the games as yet or would like to replay them in anticipation of the release, it would be wise to take full advantage of any lingering President's Day Sale(s).
What to expect in ‘Kingdom Hearts 3’
“Kingdom Hearts 3” has been so safely guarded, that despite the trailers, there isn’t any information about the game. This is unusual for, in this modern age, information is quickly and easily shared on the internet. Therefore, not much can be said about what to expect for this upcoming title. Be that as it may, the trailers have given us a lot to work with in terms of expectations.
The most obvious expectation is a possible answer in relations to Vanitas, Ventus and Sora question. Though it was obvious to most of us, the last trailer shows that Ventus is alive and well within Sora.
Now the question of what would happen to Sora if Ventus gets freed (would Sora still be a Keyblade Wielder since he didn’t go through the inheritance ceremony?), as well as Aqua’s role and the possibility of Riku wielding his dark powers again, would finally, be answered.
Not much was shown from the trailer, but we did get a glimpse at some new powers that would be at our disposal, such as Disney’s Famous Rides (yes you defeat your enemies while riding a roller coaster), tops and a pair of yo-yos.
One feature that I’m looking forward to is the Flowmotion mechanics that was featured in “Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance” on the Nintendo 3DS/2DS. This was a fun feature that when mastered, gave the game a more dynamic and interactive feel.
“Kingdom Hearts 3” is currently one of the most talked about and anticipated games and for a good reason. This is a game that has gone above and beyond to provide its fans with a game that they would never tire of playing and want more. Slated to be released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it is a sure candidate to take the home Game of the Year.
