During the March Caprice 2.0 event, several fans shared new creative content ranging from video essays to celebratory anniversary artwork. One of the former that deserves notable acclaim is a video by creator Chrisora that compared the events of the original Kingdom Hearts between its video game releases, manga adaption, and light novel iteration.
However, at around 28:00 in the video, Chrisora reveals that he got Xemnas' voice actor, Paul St. Peter, to voice the 'Unknown' scenes in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix! For those unaware or have simply forgotten, the Final Mix version of the first Kingdom Hearts added a plethora of new content, including an optional boss battle against who we'd come to know as Xemnas. He is not voiced in either of the two scenes he appears in though, which is what makes this recent revelation truly noteworthy.
Chrisora states that this audio was received via a radio show interview years ago. You can listen to this voicework by Paul St. Peter himself below (timestamped):
It feels oddly cathartic to finally hear these lines voiced by the official voice actor himself. Props to Chrisora for making this happen and check out the rest of the video!
With today being the Kingdom Hearts series' 20th anniversary, I decided to reflect on which scenes in the games impacted me the most. It was a time-consuming process, and my mind will probably change in due time, but each of the following scenes is undoubtedly engraved within my heart.
Of course, there’s nothing objective about this list as it’s primarily dependent on nostalgia and personal impact. Still, there's bound to at least be a few most of us agree on.
Before beginning the piece proper, I'd like to credit the following individuals:
Regular Pat for creating the handy Wayfinder Project, an amazingly convenient tool for finding most of the cutscenes in the series. Identifying the names of most of the aforementioned scenes would have been truly burdensome if not for this resource.
Damo279, since the Kingdom Hearts Union χ screenshots I used throughout this piece are from his video compiling the game's final scenes.
20. An Unexpected Bond
Re:Coded receives a decent amount of flack, and some of it is justified. However, its Castle Oblivion segment is arguably one of the most underrated finales of any Kingdom Hearts title. Data Sora confronting Data Roxas about accepting his pain, even if it consumes him, is one of the few times I was genuinely moved in this game.
Despite this not being the Sora we’ve come to know and love throughout the series, he still is Sora. Further, Roxas’ lashing out afterward is starkly emotive. Frankly, just seeing an iteration of Roxas acting somewhat antagonistically toward Sora directly is noteworthy, especially in Re:Coded, where it is a spread-out, gradual process. Alas, if only the HD 2.5 movie showcased their fight instead of skipping past it.
19. 7 and 13
Due to its platform and genre, I don’t have as much of a connection to Kingdom Hearts Union χ as I do the other games, but following its plot, despite its sporadic updates, was a thrilling experience. The finale contained a bunch of bombshells, such as the final seen conversation between the Master of Masters and Luxu.
The revelations regarding the truth of the Foretellers’ being trained to unwittingly harbor the willful Darknesses, Luxu’s immediate opposition to it, and the Master’s chilling attitude were immensely memorable, to say the least. As heinous as the Master’s acts are, the gray morality showcased here has me indescribably excited for his future endeavors and Luxu’s actions.
18. Disorder
This is most likely the strangest entry on this list, but this is easily one of the most standout scenes in 358/2 Days and the series as a whole. Roxas finds himself on Destiny Islands and sees Xion in the distance. However, after approaching her, she removes her head and reveals herself to be…Zexion?
From then on, it becomes a disturbing mishmash of Riku’s and Zexion’s final conversation from Chain of Memories, with Roxas morphing into various other figures. After realizing that this is essentially a nightmare of Xion’s comprising her struggling with her identity, its oddities become far clearer. Due to its somber subject matter and the legitimately chilling sound design, this is honestly the most unnerving scene in the franchise, and it will likely always stick with me.
17. Fall to Darkness
Back to Kingdom Hearts Union χ, the finale contained yet another notable scene; the Player’s false betrayal toward Ephemer and Skuld. The sheer shock value of this scene alone, alongside the eventual reveal of Ephemer and Skuld being the final bosses, was jaw-dropping, to put it mildly.
Even as an onlooker of this game, I was amazed by the boldness of this twist, and the eventual reveal of the Player faking it all to deceive the Darknesses makes this initial occurrence even more notable. This scenario reminds me of the classic phrase stating that to deceive your enemies, you must fool your friends first, and while that happens here, it’s severely tragic. Skuld and Ephemer aren’t aware that the Player was not taken over. Moreover, the Player perishes soon afterward. A bitter, sudden farewell for all parties involved.
16. Phantom Promise or Not
Chain of Memories has some of the best showcases of Sora’s characterization, and this scene of him, Donald, and Goofy confronting Marluxia exemplifies it. Marluxia threatens Namine to eliminate Sora’s memories which would lead to his demise due to the inherent connective tissue memories boast in this series.
However, Sora doesn’t fear this at all. In fact, he dares for the erasure to occur. His faith in himself and his friends piecing himself back together displays how selfless and open-hearted he is. Honestly, reflecting on moments like this when Sora’s selflessness and love for others ultimately led to his eventual banishment makes exchanges like this somewhat ominous.
15. Closing the Door
The Kingdom Hearts I ending sequence is classic and its placement shouldn’t require much explanation. Admittedly, I can’t deny that my love for this scene, and many forthcoming ones, primarily stems from nostalgia.
Still, the effectiveness of Sora and Kairi parting ways, the worlds’ restorations, and the beginning of "Simple and Clean" hitting as soon as Sora’s and Kairi’s hands leave each other is such magnificent timing. It’s simply a fantastic ending sequence that undeniably struck many of us since our first viewings.
14. Darkness' Call
Despite its mixed reception, I adore Dream Drop Distance’s endgame for a multitude of reasons. One of those reasons stems from Riku’s final conversation with Ansem, where Riku frankly acknowledges his mistakes, even questioning his fittingness for the Keyblade.
His honesty and lack of fear here say volumes when speaking in front of Ansem Seeker of Darkness himself. Additionally, the revelation of Riku being a Dream Eater is a noteworthy, excellent twist. Riku’s growth is stellar, and seeing it so transparently depicted here is remarkably satisfying.
13. Place to Belong
Days has several impressive scenes, with one of the more memorable ones being Axel’s confrontation with Xion in front of Twilight Town’s mansion. Axel is really the star of this exchange, as his simultaneous adoration and frustration with Xion and Roxas reach a boiling point. “…I’ll always be there to bring you back” is an iconic line, perfectly encapsulating Axel’s fervent desire to keep the three of them together for as long as possible.
12. Vexen's End
Speaking of Axel, him eliminating Vexen in Chain of Memories is, as the kids say, ‘kino.’ Throughout this title, Axel remains a consistent enigma. His true allegiances are shrouded in whatever personal goals he’s pursuing, and it isn’t until this instance that the sheer strength of his determination is showcased.
Personally, I find him burning Vexen in Re:Chain of Memories more brutal than the chakram stab in the GBA version. Regardless, Axel’s absence of hesitation makes this a grim departure, and Sora’s exclamation at who precisely these black-robed fellows are aligned with those of us who experienced this game before Kingdom Hearts II.
11. My Friends Are My Power!
My favorite scene in Dream Drop Distance is right before Sora’s final boss in The World That Never Was. While there is a fair amount of exposition here detailed between Xemnas and Xigbar, I found it to amplify the already present tension emitted from Sora’s shock. It also made the tragedies that took place in Days more prominent in efficacy.
Still, even in the face of these veiled truths, Sora’s cheesy yet effective faith in his friends allows him to strive further, even taking Xigbar aback. That visual alone of Sora with the other central cast members makes this scene a top pick.
10. Kairi Awakens
Of all the moments in the original Kingdom Hearts, Sora’s Sacrifice is the most emotionally impactful. Even when removing all context, the imagery of Sora stabbing himself to restore the Princess’ hearts is astounding. The musical choice here is also notable, resulting in this scene being one of the first I think of in relation to this title. Roxas’ and Namine’s eventual creation also stems from this sacrifice, making it truly hallmark.
9. Dreams Connected
Putting an opening here may be cheating somewhat, but this is my favorite visual sequence for any Kingdom Hearts introduction. The well-timed musical beats with the imagery are sublime. It also excellently recaps the previous two games in engaging, distinct ways.
8. Light Expires
The Guardians of Light all falling was an appalling sight. From Donald’s Zettaflare to Riku’s final stand, everything here was a bombardment of surprise. However, what elevates this scene for me above all else, is Sora’s emotional breakdown, highlighting his disconcerting sense of self-worth.
As it turns out, his reliance on others granting him strength has been too severe, tainting his self-image. Ultimately, seeing Sora, of all characters, lose himself in such a state exemplifies the bleakness of this tragedy.
7. You Admit it / Candid Words
The Days trio reuniting provided an indescribable sense of catharsis that few pieces of media have managed to make me feel. Roxas, Axel, and Xion are my favorite of the trios, primarily due to how 358/2 Days' pacing was handled. Its slow-burn focused on the growing friendship between these three, and it was heart-wrenching to see it all ripped away by the end. Honestly, just seeing these three crying and laughing together brought me to tears.
6. Lost Masters
The Kingdom Hearts III Epilogue remains one of the most startling sequences in the series, especially with added retrospect from Kingdom Hearts Union χ. Xigbar being Luxu puts so many prior oddities into newer, wilder contexts, and several scenes make inestimable more sense. I still vividly remember my shock when seeing Luxu pull off his hood and my mind scrambling to arrange puzzle pieces into their proper place.
5. Birth by Sleep
This is an unoriginal and almost cheesy pick, but the secret ending of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix still amazes me. It’s a visual treat boasting intense combat and the masterful “Fate of the Unknown.” When I was younger, I viewed this scene on YouTube countless times, transfixed by what this breathtaking cinematic alluded to in the future, or as we’d come to learn, the past.
4. Blank Points
Blank Points needs no words. It expertly weaves in prior series elements, culminating in a tear-jerking finale where the burden Sora bears is evident. The swapping between multiple perspectives and times amplifies the weight Sora carries. Following the melancholic atmosphere Birth by Sleep tends to embrace, Blank Points provides a profound sense of hope for the future.
3. I've Been Having These Weird Thoughts Lately
Yozora remains an enigmatic existence. Still, the Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind Secret Episode gave us a decent lens regarding his personality and what to potentially expect from the future. And, the scene when losing against Yozora probably gave us more than what any of us expected.
Between Sora’s crystallization and Yozora waking in a recreated shot from Final Fantasy Versus XIII, I was quite literally speechless for longer than I’d like to admit. Then, of course, the addition of the original Kingdom Hearts opening quotes was the cherry on top, ultimately providing a distinct sensation reminiscent of my childhood memories of magical wonder with the series.
2. Tears
If there’s one scene that made me cry unrestrained, it was this one. Xion’s acceptance of her fate, combined with the fading memories and Roxas’ mystification at the events before him, is almost too much to bear. Further, Xion’s hopeful grasping for Roxas to fulfill her wishes despite the memory conundrum is endearing amidst all the grief.
A scene is undeniably effective if it still impacts you after dozens of viewings, and this cleanly fits that bill. The updated scene in HD 1.5 with the shown battle between the two is also very much appreciated.
1. Kingdom Hearts III Ending
Kingdom Hearts III’s ending managed to make me feel what I thought was impossible with an entry this long-awaited; simultaneous satisfaction and yearning. The sheer sight of the vast cast playing together on Destiny Islands always causes me to have a joyous smile when combined with the phenomenal “Don’t Think Twice.”
Furthermore, the updated visuals near the launch of Re Mind only enhanced my appreciation for this segment. Finally, and most notably, Sora’s fading by the end left me hooked. While I completely understand the distaste for this final shot, I've remained enthralled by its implications and what the future will be like with this altered cast.
With the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event arriving April 10th, 2022, us fans will certainly have a whole new era of Kingdom Hearts to look forward to. I, for one, can not wait, and am eagerly looking forward to making more memories with this franchise.
Which Kingdom Hearts scenes are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The official Japan Twitter account for Final Fantasy VII Remake has released new artwork commeorating the Kingdom Hearts franchise's 20th anniversary! Cloud is depicted akin to the Sora on the original Kingdom Hearts box art!
Earlier this year, Square Enix shared Kingdom Hearts art celebrating Final Fantasy VII's 25th anniversary.
You can view the commemoratory artwork via our gallery below:
Square Enix and Bandai Japan have unexpectedly announced that Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tamagotchi will be available for pre-order from March 28th and end on May 5th, with a planned shipment window of October 2022. Details of this Tamagotchi release have been summarized by our team's Ryuji, viewable below:
General Information
Two types of the egg shell exist. In the example image posted below, Sora is Dark Mode, Kairi is Light Mode. Whichever you choose is up to your own personal preference.
There will be over 20 characters to play as, but the way it works is that if you buy the Tamagotchi, it will start off with KH1 Sora, and have the chance to randomly grow up into another.
Kingdom Hearts Tamagotchi - How To Play
You can feed the character Paopu Fruit or Sea-Salt Ice Cream. Sometimes Heartless will appear on the screen, and you can defeat them.
You can view the official images of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tamagotchi below:
You can pre-order the Dark Mode and Light Mode Tamagotchis via Aitai Kuji for ¥3,100. More information regarding these products can be viewed via Bandai Japan's official website.
This merchandise is certainly unconventional, but undeniably appealing for particular crowds. Do you intend on purchasing this item? Let us know in the comments below!
Square Enix and U-Treasure have announced that various Organization XIII necklaces are available for pre-order via the latter's storefront from March 28th, 2022 through April 18th, 2022. August 16, 2022 seems to be the shipment date based on the Silver Necklace store page.
You can view each Organization necklace via our galleries below as well as links to their respective store pages:
Silver Organization XIII Necklace (¥19,800)
Yellow Gold Organization XIII Necklace (¥110,000)
Pink Gold Organization XIII Necklace (¥110,000)
Platinum Organization XIII Necklace (¥121,000)
Do you see yourself purchasing any of these extravagant necklaces? Let us know in the comments below!
The official Japan Kingdom Hearts Twitter account has shared an update from series director Tetsuya Nomura, stating that he does not have a celebratory piece of artwork ready just yet, as he began illustrating yesterday. However, he hopes to finish the art in time for the anniversary event on April 10th.
Additionally, this tweet houses a teaser for what to expect from the full illustration!
You can view the official teaser image via our gallery below:
A translation of Nomura's message has been provided by our team's Ryuji, viewable below:
UPDATE (03/28/2022): The English Kingdom Hearts Twitter account has provided an official translation of Nomura's message, viewable below:
A Kingdom Hearts reference has appeared in the latest "The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" spring special on Disney+. At the 17:43 mark, Kingdom Key D, the keyblade that Mickey uses for the majority of the Kingdom Hearts series can be spotted in the bag that Minnie is holding. You can also see Master Yen Sid's hat referencing Sorcerer Mickey from "Fantasia" as well as Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance.
UPDATE: Twitter user @mbrleigh tweeted that she was one of the artists that help worked on the special and has posted two photos of pre-visuals detailing the Kingdom Key D in Minnie's bag when she was answering the door. She also said that these shots were done in November 2020.
You can check them out in the gallery below.
"The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse" is now available to watch on Disney+.
What do you think of this nice nod to Kingdom Hearts? Let us know in the comments below!
Square Enix and Japanese retailer Zoff have revealed new celebratory Kingdom Hearts 20th-anniversary merchandise; glasses and cloths representative of the main cast. The case is engraved with iconic Kingdom Hearts imagery. These items will be available for pre-order from March 25, 2022, through April 25, 2022. Furthermore, the currently estimated shipping time is late October 2022.
The three trios all share an identical glasses cloth, though each of the nine characters has their own unique pair of glasses. Moreover, two 20th-anniversary-specific glasses cloths will be sold separately. The character glasses are each ¥13,300, while the two additional anniversary cloths are both ¥500. Finally, there is a specific 20th-anniversay pair of glasses with its own cloth and case priced at ¥16,300.
Each pair of glasses and separate cloths are viewable via our galleries below alongside respective store page links:
Destiny Trio
Sora
Kairi
Riku
Days Trio
Roxas
Xion
Axel
Disciples Trio
Ventus
Terra
Aqua
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition Glasses Cloth - Sora & Kairi
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition Glasses Cloth - Mickey
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition Glasses, Cloth & Case (¥16,300)
UPDATE [March 25th]: Aitai Kuji has begun accepting pre-orders for the glasses and cleaning clothes. Each character pair of glasses will cost ¥14,200 (about $125.00) each while the 20th Aniversary set will cost ¥17,800 (about $155.00). The cleaning clothes will cost ¥900 (about $8.00) each and the glasses case will cost ¥3,650 (about $32.00). All these items will be shipped in October 2022.
Sora
Kairi
Riku
Roxas
Xion
Axel
Ventus
Terra
Aqua
20th Anniversary set
Cleaning Cloth (Black)
Cleaning Cloth (White)
20th Anniversary case
Do you see yourself purchasing on any of these aforementioned glasses or cloths when they become available for pre-order? They're rather pricey but quite stylish. Let us know in the comments below!
Chapter 22 for the Kingdom Hearts III manga is now available in English from Yen Press. Toy Box Part 3 can be bought as a digital download from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, Google Play, iBooks, and Kobo. The issue's price varies from $1.99 for the United States to $2.99 in Canada.
Chapter 23-1 was released in Japanese on Gangan Online back on March 17th. Chapter 23-2 is planned to release on Gangan Online on March 31st.
You can also check out the articles for the previous chapters by clicking on the links below!
Chapter 0 Prologue Japanese English
Chapter 1 The New Departure Japanese English
Chapter 2 Olympus Coliseum Part 1 Japanese English
Chapter 3 Olympus Coliseum Part 2 Japanese English
Chapter 4 Olympus Coliseum Part 3 Japanese English
Chapter 5 Olympus Coliseum Part 4 Japanese English
Chapter 6 Olympus Coliseum Part 5 Japanese English
Chapter 7 Olympus Coliseum Part 6 Japanese English
Chapter 8 Olympus Coliseum Part 7 Japanese English
Chapter 9 The Dark World Japanese English
Chapter 10 Unbreakable Connection Japanese English
Chapter 11 The Self inside the Mirror Japanese English
Chapter 12 Reunion Japanese English
Chapter 13 Warmth Japanese English
Chapter 14 Destiny Island Japanese English
Chapter 15 Remaining Light Japanese English
Chapter 16 Tracking the Bond Japanese English
Chapter 17 Following the Heart's Guidance Japanese English
Chapter 18 Twilight Town [1] Japanese English
Chapter 19 Twilight Town [2] Japanese English
Chapter 20 Tox Box [1] Japanese English
Chapter 21 Toy Box [2] Japanese English
Chapter 22 Toy Box [3] Japanese English
Chapter 23 Toy Box [4] Japanese
In addition, Volume 2 of the manga is now available for Japan. The English version is schedule to release on May 3rd.
First announced in 2013's E3 event, Kingdom Hearts III had the longest developing period of the several installments in the franchise due, for the most part, to Square Enix's decision to change game engines.
Some frustration grew, but the excitement never waned as the anticipated release date spanned from 2017 to 2018.
Of course, for many, the most anticipated element in a Kingdom Hearts game is the roster of Disney inspired worlds; what films will be used and how the films’ plots will be incorporated into the Kingdom Hearts plot, utilize characters and locations from the film, the role of protagonists Sora, Donald and Goofy and more.
After several years of the franchise containing the same roster with revamps to the extent the films allow, at last, in January 2019, Kingdom Hearts III was released with an almost all-new roster of Disney worlds, and the debut of Pixar inspired worlds.
Is it enough, though? Do the new worlds introduced in Kingdom Hearts III live up to the anticipation?
Here I’ve ranked the Disney worlds of Kingdom Hearts III from worst to best to best.
1. Arendelle (Frozen)
The biggest and most successful Disney film since The Lion King (1994) and one of the most anticipated additions to Kingdom Hearts since its release was a big gimmicky mess that leaned too much on the film's massive popularity.
Sora and company were more observers than participants in a worthless, hole-filled film plot adaptation, spending half of it scaling a mountain just to be thrown down and interacting with Larxene more than the film characters to the point of not establishing relationships with them.
The 'Let it Go' number was included exactly as it was in the film as nothing more than an exploit. Despite being the central villain of the film Hans’ has two cameos, first walking to the palace with an unconscious Ela slung over his shoulder and wrapped in some dark aura, and then when Anna stops him from killing her.
We only ever hear the name Hans once as the name of Anna's supposed true love with no connection made to this character who is threatening Elsa. Those who haven't seen the film were unable to understand the importance of this name or the character or that the two are the same.
The events are just thrown out there quite randomly with no explanations. Kristoff's trust in Sora and company based on Anna's judgment bugged me; he has a whole song about how he doesn't trust people. The Organization’s angle of securing new princesses of heart fell flat on Elsa as it did Rapunzel because of the missed potential. Or perhaps because the popular theory was that she’d be manipulated or exploited for her powers, and instead, she was left to her self-imposed isolation with the littlest role in the world.
2. Kingdom of Corona (Tangled)
A complete utter waste of the film plot with disjointed, almost non-existent storytelling and Sora and company as more observers than participants.
There are no backstories or explanations to engage Sora and co. in the film's plot or its significant elements, causing some abrupt unclear reactions from him, such as his congratulating Rapunzel on being able to return to her real home.
Flynn’s thug associates are absent from this adaption, their roles fulfilled by Marluxia. However, Mother Gothel still uses her film line: “Let’s go quick before they come to,” establishing a second participant who did not exist and Flynn being set up to appear to be ditching Rapunzel with the crown doesn’t have the build of Mother Gothel insisting to Rapunzel that he was just entertaining her for the crown which made it abrupt and confusing to those who have not seen the film.
Rapunzel's magic hair and Mother Gothel's character lent themselves well to this installment's callback to the age of Fairytales and the Keyblade War as Mother Gothel had been using the flower for immortality for centuries, and that drop of light that became the flower could have been one of the few surviving shards of light from the war. Those opportunities, however, were ignored in favor of Rapunzel just being a new princess of light.
3. 100 Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh)
The chance of pace from the redundant destruction of the book was weak, and the introduction of Lumpy had excellent potential for a plot revolving around the group’s reluctance to trust a Heffalump. Instead, there was no substance whatsoever. This world was a short and pointless waste of beautiful crisp illustrative graphics.
I also don't think Tom Kenny does a good Rabbit at all.
4. The Toy Box (Toy Story)
While this world is nostalgic to those who remember the Super Nintendo and PS games and informs the future of the franchise with the introduction to the video game Verum Rex, this long-anticipated world and Pixar’s official debut in Kingdom Hearts had to create a lot of flat excuses for Sora and co. to fit into a world focused on inanimate objects. No doubt to eliminate the characters that could not be voice cast, such as Mr. Potato Head and Jessie.
The concept of a mirror image of the world to isolate the toys' hearts and harness the strength and vulnerability of their innocence is intriguing. Still, the lack of development left it feeling hollow. We didn't learn what this mirror world was made of or how it was made. Is it a data world like the other Twilight Town? I believe it should have been filled with Dream Eaters or Nobodies, not Heartless.
Buzz and Woody switch their third film roles so that Buzz was the Andy-attached distrusting one to Woody’s openness towards Sora and co. and Buzz’s concern about being turned against his friends was inconsistent with the canon and off-putting. The latter would have been fantastic if this was set after the third film in which he was reset to factory/'real space ranger delusion' mode, but I believe Nomura had said it was placed between the second and third films, which made it random and nonsensical.
Then we have one of the worst resolutions in the franchise to date when out of nowhere; the group accepts being trapped in the mirror world and separated from Andy.
It went against their belief in the love of a child in the films, the second film in particular, which focused on a child's love vs. sitting in a glass case in a museum, and the former won out.
5. Monstropolis (Monsters Inc.)
The teaser stills of Sora and co.’s monster forms were all that was needed for this to become one of the worlds we most looked forward to, and the use of the scream energy concept was perfect for reintroducing the creator of the unversed, negative emotions incarnate, Vanitas. The incarnate of the darkness in Ventus’ heart.
His behind-the-scenes involvement represented by film villain Randall Boggs created an intriguing if not predictable build-up, which almost made it the best use of an Organization member.
This was not quite as successful a post-film plot as San Fransokyo due to lack of development and inconsistencies.
While we don’t see her, Boo’s voice in the film's last moment is indisputably older, so to involve her in this plot as the toddler, she interfered with the timeline's presentation. Additionally, Vanitas needed more backstory as Ventus defeats him in Birth by Sleep. The world was also quite empty as it consisted of so few characters.
Granted, it might have been more difficult to justify Sora and co.’s alliance while screams were still the resource. However, using the film plot rather than a post-film original plot might have solved these issues since the Disney + series Monsters at Work had not existed, as Vanitas lends himself well to the role of Waternoose.
6. Olympus (Hercules)
Although one of few returning worlds in this game, I felt it was more successful as a whole plot-based world than, for the most part, an optional extracurricular.
Pairing Sora’s lost powers with Hades’ coup against Zeus, thus giving him a bit of Hercules’ role, flowed well and as the place where Hercules had his first success, using Thebes and in a state of rebuilding was a very symbolic way to set the scene.
The titan boss battles were long overdue but waiting for the right technology was well worth it as the sheer scale. In particular, the Rock titan battle was stunning, although the wind titan battle was a little too similar to the Genie Jafar battle in Kingdom Hearts II, which is a lost point for originality.
As a continuation of an established timeline within Kingdom Hearts, the Hades coup was abrupt and not quite connected with the previous uses of the Hercules-based world or Hades' character. A short flashback of the Fates explaining the prediction with the planets aligning would have helped this somewhat.
The brief and exclusively film-based use of Zeus' character was the lowest point. Although he's not usually supposed to interact with mortals, I'd expected him, as an immortal god, to have original substance and experience similar to King Tritan in Kingdom Hearts I implying that he has met a Keyblade wielder before. Remember the 'Look inside your heart' conversation in the film? That would have been an excellent line to incorporate regarding Sora's quest to regain his lost powers.
7. The Caribbean (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End)
Although I have not seen the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the film plot is quite prominent in this world as central conflicts and even an attempt to tempt Sora.
The box containing Davy Jones’ heart being confused for the mysterious box given to Luxu by the Master of Masters in Kingdom Hearts Union X was a strong plot point not just for Organization XIII but because it maintained the main plot’s relevance within the film.
In contrast to the prior version of this world introduced in Kingdom Hearts II, the landscapes here are the vastest and just gorgeous and is one of the few worlds in this game to give Sora and co. a form or costume change.
The ship battles and the swimming underwater were a little less than appealing.
Controlling the large ships was a challenge because of the weight and slowness. The water wall defense wasn't too effective since one can't shoot in the brief moment that it's up. Also, I felt the underwater controls were more complicated to remember vs. those of Atlantica in Kingdom Hearts I and II. It took me a bit of time to stop reflexively attempting to apply the Atlantica controls.
8. San Fransokyo (Big Hero 6)
This breathtaking cityscape with Kingdom Hearts’ first-ever day and night cycle is one of the most authentic and vast worlds we've ever seen.
The plot felt a little disconnected from the rest of the game but overall had the best incorporation of the film elements as viable Kingdom Hearts lore and character interactions that made Sora and Co. feel a part of the events. The return of the original Baymax, who had sacrificed himself to the void of dimensional space with the martial arts chip corrupted by darkness, is one of the best uses of a Disney character in Kingdom Hearts history, and Replica Riku provided some of the most Organization XIII action in the game.
The one flaw was that when Hiro decided to destroy the martial arts chip and the team tried to tell him that it wasn't necessary, he needed to acknowledge that the chip's darkness was his own because he created that chip out of rage and a thirst for revenge. It would have been nice to explore the bridge more as well.
Overall, the film choices were spot on, and there were some shining successes while some suffered from underuse of the characters and plot and favoring of the new princesses of heart angle that went nowhere. Going forward after defeating Xehanort for good, Sora’s journey is now continuing into a whole new realm. The fictional or “unreality” realm as his violation of the design in Re Mind to save Kairi’s heart has resulted in his being trapped in the world of Verum Rex. This video game informed his persona in The Toy Box with its main character Yozora and without his iconic companions Donald and Goofy.
Does this mean that he is done in the realm of Disney? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Alongside the recent reveal of the merchandise that will be available for purchase from the Kingdom Hearts 20th-anniversary cafe, its menu items have also been displayed.
Our team's Ryuji has translated the descriptions for each food and drink, and they are all listed below alongside their respective images via our gallery.
It is also worth noting that since there are two cafe locations (ARTNIA & Square Enix Cafe), the menu items slightly differ. The following list comprises the food and drinks from both businesses. Regarding pricing, tax is included for every item.
FOOD
Destiny Island Trio's Tomato Pasta (¥1,480)
A dish that features tomato sauce pasta in the image of Sora, scrambled eggs in the image of Riku, and red core radish salad in the image of Kairi. Truly, a trio of destiny.
The King's Best Friend Burger Plate (¥1,680)
A burger in the image of King Mickey, accompanied with Donald-inspired glass yogurt, and Goofy-inspired broccoli soup, all in one plate.
*Burger patties made with soy meat.
*Donald's rod picks can be taken home.
Twilight Scene Sea Salt Ice Glass (¥1,200)
A combination of lemon, orange jelly and yogurt, based on the sunset sky of Twilight Town. This item is also garnished with soy whip and sea salt ice cream.
The Secret Place’s Tropical Soup (¥1,250)
A soup plate inspired by Destiny Island. It’s a Laksa-style soup made with konjac noodles, and is served with bread decorated with the doodles drawn by Kairi and Sora.
Pancake Glass of the Pinky Promise (¥1,100)
A combination of blue pineapple jelly and yogurt, inspired by the tropical climate of Destiny Island. This is also decorated with star-shaped pancakes in the shape of paopu fruits.
Realm of Darkness Curry (¥1,450)
A pitch-black curry, inspired by the Shadow of your own heart. The yellow eyes are decorated with quail yolk, and it is served with purple cabbage and cherry tomato salad as a palate cleanser.
Organization XIII’s High Tea Set (¥3,500)
This high tea set is inspired by Organization XIII, and features thirteen different types of fruit.
Upper plate: black jelly and assorted fruits
Middle plate: yogurt whip, black scone and maple syrup
Lower plate: Fruit sandwich on black bread, salad and fruit smoothie
Two cups of black bean tea are included in the set.
*This menu item is recommended to be shared as a 2-person meal.
*This menu comes with two luncheon mats.
Disciples’ Rest High Tea Set (¥1,980)
This high tea set is inspired by the friendship between Terra, Ventus and Aqua.
The mango smoothie is inspired by the Wayfinder, and contains a fruit sandwich, fruit salad, a mini tart of mashed potatoes and a mango smoothie.
DRINKS
*All of the items below allow the straw charm to be taken home.
Kingdom Smoothie (¥980)
A low sugar apricot yogurt smoothie garnished with mango and mint, inspired by Kingdom Key’s colour scheme.
The Light Promise (¥880)
A blue Hawaii-flavored low-sugar lactic acid drink with rosemary and mint garnish, inspired by Oathkeeper’s color scheme.
Dark Memories (¥980)
A low sugar grape yogurt smoothie inspired by memories of times gone by, garnished with blueberries and mint.
Ultima Soda (¥880)
A light blue, low sugar pineapple soda inspired by the Ultima Weapon, garnished with rosemary and mint.
Darkside Cola (¥880)
A Darkside-inspired zero cola decorated with lemon and mint.
Destiny Islands Smoothie (¥980)
A light blue, Destiny Island-inspired low-sugar watermelon yogurt smoothie garnished with pineapple and mint.
Twilight Squash (¥880)
A low-sugar orange soda inspired by Twilight Town, garnished with rosemary and mint.
Nobody Soda (¥880)
Zero-calorie cider, inspired by The World That Never Was, garnished with blueberries and mint.
King’s Castle (¥880)
A Disney Castle-inspired blueberry-flavored low-sugar lactic acid drink garnished with rosemary and mint.
The Mysterious Tower (¥980)
Blue low-sugar strawberry yogurt smoothie with an image of The Mysterious Tower, garnished with lemon and lemon peel mint pulled into a star shape.
Apricot Yogurt of Fleeting Memories (¥850)
A yogurt layered with apricot syrup in the image of Naminé’s white attire. Taste the mouthfeel that is as ephemeral as her presence!
If you're residing in Japan from March 26th, 2022, to May 6th, 2022, be sure to check out either of these cafes for some celebratory Kingdom Hearts goodness, and let us know how the menu is!
The Square Enix Japan cafe website has been updated with merchandise related to its Kingdom Hearts 20th-anniversary event collaboration. Each product is viewable on the bottom of the cafe website's main page. Prices are displayed, but since they aren't purchasable outside of this collaboration event, they also have no dedicated store pages.
Additionally, each item can be viewed via our gallery below:
We will be providing translations for the Kingdom Hearts 20th-anniversary menu items later today.
Gangan Online have posted the first part of Chapter 23 for the Kingdom Hearts III manga. Chapter 23 will be in two seperate parts. You can check out the previews for the chapter in our gallery below. You can read the full chapter on their site by clicking here or on their online app.
UPDATE [April 2, 2022]: The second part of Chapter 23 is now available to view on Gangan Online. You can check out the preview shots in our gallery below. Chapter 24 will be available April 21st.
You can also check out the articles for the previous chapters by clicking on the links below!
Chapter 0 Prologue Japanese English
Chapter 1 A New Journey Japanese English
Chapter 2 Olympus Coliseum[1] Japanese English
Chapter 3 Olympus Coliseum[2] Japanese English
Chapter 4 Olympus Coliseum[3] Japanese English
Chapter 5 Olympus Coliseum[4] Japanese English
Chapter 6 Olympus Coliseum[5] Japanese English
Chapter 7 Olympus Coliseum[6] Japanese English
Chapter 8 Olympus Coliseum[7] Japanese English
Chapter 9 World of Darkness Japanese English
Chapter 10 Connected Japanese English
Chapter 11 The Self inside the Mirror Japanese English
Chapter 12 Reunion Japanese English
Chapter 13 Warmth Japanese English
Chapter 14 Destiny Island Japanese English
Chapter 15 Remaining Light Japanese English
Chapter 16 Tracking the Bond Japanese English
Chapter 17 Following the Heart's Guidance Japanese English
Chapter 18 Twilight Town [1] Japanese English
Chapter 19 Twilight Town [2] Japanese English
Chapter 20 Toy Box [1] Japanese English
Chapter 21 Toy Box [2] Japanese English
Chapter 22 Toy Box [3] Japanese English
In addition, Volume 2 of the manga is now available for Japan. The English version is schedule to release on March 22nd.
Square Enix has announced that a carry-on bag themed around Kingdom Hearts III is available for pre-order via their Japanese digital storefront for ¥18,480 (roughly $158.95). Additionally, it is currently stated to ship on July 30, 2022.
Adorned with countless symbols representative of the series, this bag is certainly appealing for those desiring more low-key merchandise. Further, it is being advertised as an extension to the celebratory 20th anniversary suitcases.
You can view the official images of this upcoming Kingdom Hearts III Carry-On Bag via our gallery below:
We will update this article once the product is available for pre-order via other storefronts.
The product is also available to pre-order via digital retailer AmiAmi for a discounted price of ¥17,550 ahead of its July 2022 release.
UPDATE (4/28/2022)
The product is now available for pre-order via Square Enix North America for $179.99 ahead of a provided November 2022 release window.
Square Enix has announced that they will be hosting a a Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Café in select locations throughout Japan from late March to early May. Details on these occurences have been translated by one of our team's translators, corfidbizna, viewable below:
The placemats and coasters one can obtain from this special event can be viewed below:
If you plan on being Japan during this notable occasion, then be sure to stop by this café!
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