Before Kingdom Hearts 3 releases, players can revisit the popular gaming series in this latest “ReMIX”, which was preceded by the successful Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX. Players get includes Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
The Hype
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX is an HD remastered compilation of KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX. Previously exclusive to Japan, both games will be available for the first time to North America for the PlayStation 3 system. HD remastered cinematics from KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded will also be included in the compilation. The game is a sequel to last year’s KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX and will lead into the highly anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS III. The Kingdom Hearts saga continues with 3 magical journeys in one package! Experience new content never seen before in North America. If you’re new to the franchise, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.
The Reality
Square Enix combines their Final Fantasy characters with the mainstay Disney characters to battle evil forces from both franchises amid imaginative fantastical worlds. In this unique collaboration, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX offers an HD remastered collection that continues the showcase of this pioneering action-RPG game series.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix includes Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, previously available as a Japanese import enhanced from the original 2006 PlayStation 2 game, and the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, also previously available as a Japanese import enhanced from the 2010 original PlayStation Portable (PSP) game, both get the high-definition treatment with trophy support (displayed as separate games)
The additional visuals, remixed audio and additional music orchestrations enhance the original experience well here. The multiplayer Mirage Arena is only a single player mode now
The 2011 Nintendo DS game Kingdom Hearts Re:coded is presented in a “theater mode” with some additional events, new voice acting, and a cool new scene that also incorporates the recent 3DS game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.
There are more than 100 Disney characters and their familiar rivals and adversaries. Enemy battles involve melee fighting and magic spells. The replay value is high with over 50 hours of gameplay for players with average skill levels.
The HD remastered cinematics look great and the improved controls are even better with a right analog stick use instead of the R1 and L1 buttons as in the 1.5 ReMIX. The battles still amaze while new weapons and updated item locations recreate a nostalgic, yet fresh gameplay.
The musical scores are great and can even be too much at times. Players only need 10.7 MB hard drive space for this collection, so it won’t fill up their likely close-to-capacity PlayStation 3 consoles.
Veterans to this game series get enough changes while new players will enjoy the improved graphics and controls as they use summons, attacks, and magic to beat the baddies along with special actions where they team up with other characters and various objects.
A great action RPG game collection that is also available in various limited and collector’s editions. This unlikely but successful collaboration between Square Enix and Disney Interactive is a strong one player experience for all ages.
The upcoming Kingdom Hearts III will be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX is $39.99 at various stores and currently $29.99 on Amazon.
Source: Reviewer copy provided by publisher
What I Like: Story; enhancements; improved sound; sharper visuals
What Needs Improvement: Better visuals; a bit too much button mashing combat