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InnerLight13

The 100 Greatest Kingdom Hearts Scenes (70-61)

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After taking a break from the Kingdom Hearts series for a few months, I decided I wanted to piece together a summer project that I can share with the world. This is that project. I will be counting down the 100 greatest scenes in the series’ history. Ten scenes will be revealed at a time, so this will run for a few days. No text box cutscenes or opening cinematics are included in this list. Each of the scenes is listed under their “Theater Mode” title. I hope you enjoy the countdown, and I hope it can spark some hearty discussion.

 

70. “The Grey-Haired Youth” (Dream Drop Distance)

Not Mr. Mew! Young Xehanort seriously has no limits. Our introduction to this time-travelling conniver is short and mysterious, but we know he’s on the wrong side. Things are made all the more confusing by the fact that this is Riku’s dream. How can this guy be here and how does he know it’s a dream? This is a nice set-up scene that brings up more questions than one regarding Dream Drop Distance’s unconventional premise. Regardless, one thing becomes quite clear: this Mark of Mastery exam will be far more complicated than smashing some balls of light.

69. “Darkness’s Call” (Dream Drop Distance)

Riku is revealed to be a Dream Eater in this scene, but it’s not the only role he serves. No one has undergone a more emotional and strenuous transformation throughout the series than Riku. His heart’s fragility in the original game would make you question whether this confrontation with Ansem multiple games later would ever be possible, but here it is. In the darkest depths, there is no sense of fear in the young man who grew up more than anyone since first appearing on that island. When he delivers his solemn oath to use the darkness to protect the light, he simultaneously puts his gained courage right out in the forefront.

68. “Case of Luxu” (Back Cover)

Ray Chase’s work as the Master of Masters is probably unparalleled in this series in terms of its completely manic tone. Of course, it also helps to have some intriguing and far-fetched words to say (Oh, ya think that’s gross, do ya?). Apart from the comedic edge given to Back Cover’s penultimate scene that is listed right here, there are also a few massive bombshells dropped. The metaphorical eye of the Master that is lodged into the No Name Keyblade gives a brand new meaning to what we know of who Luxu becomes, and the Black Box is worthy of predictive discussions as the narrative moves forward. The “Case of Luxu” is the sturdiest mythological backbone we have to go off of as the series transitions into its next phase.

67. “The χ-blade’s Forging” (Birth by Sleep)

Vanitas’s early game taunts are given a little bit more juice, as we finally learn why the Unversed exist and what their utility was in Master Xehanort’s plan. Vanitas’s stunning face reveal is only the first of this scene’s cursed images. The χ-blade’s light unlocking Kingdom Hearts and Aqua’s seemingly lifeless body flying off of the battlefield contribute to the scene’s drearily negative tone. All of this thematic weight sits on the shoulders of poor Ventus. With pressure mounting, there’s no friends or Master to bail him out this time. Being forced into taking on this threat in a distinctly lonely moment is Ventus’ most trying character moment to date.

66. “The Hidden Room” (Kingdom Hearts II)

Any insight into the murky period of time between Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts is always appreciated. Obviously, the kicker here is Aqua’s armor lying in the Chamber of Repose. Xemnas’ greeting can probably be taken as ironic, but the chilling realization that there is a little bit of Terra left within the Organization’s leader is the sharper read and a fantastic slice of character building. This is also one of the most rewarding scenes to pause in the entire series. The camera that Xemnas destroys identifies him as “Unknown,” his de facto Final Mix persona, and the six-pronged password that is used to open the path downstairs coincides with the names of Ansem’s apprentices.

65. “Phantom Promise or Not” (Chain of Memories)

Maybe he didn’t have to be so rude about it, but Marluxia definitely has a point before Chain of Memories’ final clash. From the perspective of someone who has been told that they lack a heart and therefore do not exist, it must be pretty harsh on the ears to hear Sora say that he’ll willingly allow his heart to be destroyed. On top of that, the heroes hatch possibly the least forward-thinking plan in the history of plans when they offer to rebuild the broken heart and mind of Sora. Marluxia’s frustration is acceptable, but he is the one who made the ultimate threat in the first place. Had he not been swept up in the sadistic culture of Organization XIII, perhaps his intelligence could have been deployed in a much more helpful way.

64. “’Return my friend’s heart!’” (Birth by Sleep)

Terranort’s complete lack of vigor in this scenario is the series at its creepiest. If that’s not enough for you, consider the nasty sound effect that accompanies the eerily subtle choking-out of Aqua. As she gasps for life and pleads for Terra to fight back, we are given a glimmer of hope. He struggles, plants his face in hands and…our hope is extinguished. The darkness has won, and the fate of this universe now hangs in the balance. However, that is not a fight that can possibly be won by Aqua. The opportunity to restore Terra’s light, due to this moment, falls into the laps of the next generation.

63. “An End to Slumber” (Kingdom Hearts III)

Kingdom Hearts III delivered the goods when it counted. This is one of those times, both in the long-running series and in this singular title. Collecting the Guardians of Light, Ventus waking up and Sora finally getting a crack at the power of waking all collide just in time for Aqua to be saved. In addition to wish fulfillment almost a decade in the making, the commentary on the power of waking’s use is of particular interest. Had Sora not felt the impulse to save Aqua from the Realm of Darkness, it’s likely that he never would have found himself in the position to use the power. Say what you will about his thought process, but Sora certainly has a heart to be reckoned with.

62. “Xemnas’s Agenda” (Kingdom Hearts II)

How do you follow up the extremely epic Battle of 1000 Heartless? Let’s try introducing the most interesting moral dilemma in the series. Xemnas is only there for a moment, but Axel and Saix more than make up for his disappearance with a pair of game-changing appearances. Axel is at his most rogue and apathetic. While carrying a sense of failure, it’s hard to keep allegiance to anything. Then there’s Saix, the ultimate errand boy, here to let Sora in on what the Organization is up to. It makes sense to confirm Axel’s blabbering at this point, as the win-win result of Sora’s altruism will reward the Nobodies. Saix also makes a mockery of Sora’s begging bended knee before he sees himself out. Yes, we are all angry and we hate you. Maleficent’s role here only goes to show her foolishness in the face of a much more sinister conflict. Now knowing the details, the brave defense of Hollow Bastion that preceded these revelations is forever marred.

61. “Walls of the Heart” (Birth by Sleep)

It’s hard to say exactly who we’re rooting for in this scene. The crossroads moment for Terra, Aqua and Ventus in the city of light will see no one walk away with a clear conscience. Ven was so happy to see the grown-ups, but things deteriorate into talk of questionable motives rather quickly. Aqua pulls the classic “I was just following orders” line to defend her spilling the beans regarding Eraqus’ role in the tension, yet Terra refuses to buy it. This is especially the case due to his failure and guilt, not to mention his accidental run-ins with the dark forces of each world he had travelled to. Terra and Aqua both have a point, but neither really communicates their feelings well. Rather than letting it out, the two elder members of the trio set the Wayfinders on a collision course with evil. Such an unfortunate turn of events for a scene that starts with “We make a great team!”

 

To 80-71: https://www.kh13.com/forums/topic/121594-the-100-greatest-kingdom-hearts-scenes-80-71/

To 70-61: https://www.kh13.com/forums/topic/121623-the-100-greatest-kingdom-hearts-scenes-60-51/

 

 

Edited by InnerLight13

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