Review: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

• January 11, 2011
• James Skemp
• gaming, review

Having played Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 years ago, I skipped most of the other iterations of the Kingdom Hearts series either because I didn't have the console (DS) or because the games just didn't seem to have the same appeal (Chain of Memories).

Shortly before picking up my PSP I heard a lot of really great things about this game, with most reviews saying it had a good story, graphics, and an improved combat system, but a quirky camera.

Having put almost 43 hours into the game, over the course of 10 days (having completed it yesterday), I can honestly say this game has been one of the most enjoyable I've played in the last year.

The game features a combat system similar to the first two Kingdom Hearts games, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. The story, while a little confusing because we follow three (playable) characters, is pretty good. I only wish I had remembered more about the first Kingdom Hearts, since it's a prequel to the events that take place there (although if you haven't played the other games in the series you'll still do fine). I'm once again a little embarrassed that I'm enjoying a game featuring Disney characters, but Square once again merges the different characters together very nicely.

Voice acting for all characters is decent to great.

As noted above, I've put at least 42 hours into the game, completing each character's stories, and the final episode, but could easily put a dozen hours more into the game getting further completion and in the arena (which is still enjoyable, even though I don't know anyone else with a PSP).

All-in-all, I give this game 5 stars across the board. Square and Disney have really hit the mark with this game.

• playstation portable
• sony psp
• rpg
• review