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{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}}, officially stylized as '''''KINGDOM HEARTS''''', is an {{w|Role-playing video game|role-playing game}} series developed and published by {{w|Square Enix}}, formerly {{w|Square (video game company)|Square}}. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and {{w|Disney Interactive Studios}} under the direction of {{w|Tetsuya Nomura}}. ''Kingdom Hearts'' is  a crossover between Square Enix and Disney properties based in a fictional universe.
{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}}, officially stylized as '''''KINGDOM HEARTS''''', is an {{w|Role-playing video game|role-playing game}} series developed and published by {{w|Square Enix}}, formerly {{w|Square (video game company)|Square}}. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and {{w|Disney Interactive Studios}} under the direction of {{w|Tetsuya Nomura}}. ''Kingdom Hearts'' is  a crossover between Square Enix and Disney properties based in a fictional universe.


The series consists of numerous entries across different video game platforms, with almost every game being re-released in a set of compilations on the PlayStation 3 and later the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and on PC. Many games have received enhanced ports with the subtitle "Final Mix", while others have gotten full-scale remakes. Although the bulk of the series can be played in these modern compilations, a few games are adapted into cutscene movies instead, and others remain exclusive to mobile devices. There are currently 13 main installments (bolded in the "Games" section below, although note that the [[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover|ninth]] is a movie).
The series consists of numerous entries across different video game platforms, with almost every game being re-relased in a set of compilations on the PlayStation 3 and later the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and on PC. Many games have received enhanced ports with the subtitle "Final Mix", while others have gotten full-scale remakes. Although the bulk of the series can be played in these modern compilations, a few games are adapted into cutscene movies instead, and others remain exclusive to mobile devices. There are currently 13 main installments (bolded in the "Games" section below, although note that the [[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover|ninth]] is a movie).


The plot of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is focused on the conflict between [[light]] and [[darkness]], and it is split up into three phases. The story revolves around the main character [[Sora]] and his friends, their encounters with Disney and Square Enix characters in their worlds, and their clashes with the primary antagonist [[Xehanort]] and other forces of darkness.
The plot of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is focused on the conflict between [[light]] and [[darkness]], and it is split up into three phases. The story revolves around the main character [[Sora]] and his friends, their encounters with Disney and Square Enix characters in their worlds, and their clashes with the primary antagonist [[Xehanort]] and other forces of darkness.
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===Creation and influence===
===Creation and influence===
[[File:Sora, Riku, and Kairi (Concept Art).png|thumb|250px|Early sketch of Riku, Sora, and Kairi.]]
[[File:Sora, Kairi, and Riku (Concept Art).png|thumb|250px|Early sketch of Riku, Sora, and Kairi.]]
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also works as the character designer of the games. Nomura has stated that unlike working with ''Final Fantasy'' characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He has also noted that, although many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story – and, despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics. Even though Disney gave Nomura considerable freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds. When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting.
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also works as the character designer of the games. Nomura has stated that unlike working with ''Final Fantasy'' characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He has also noted that, although many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story – and, despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics. Even though Disney gave Nomura considerable freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds. When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting.


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There are many allies that aid the playable characters. Typically, the allies rely fully on A.I. controls, with later entries allowing for limited customization of their behavior. In addition to accruing [[party member]]s, allies can be called into battle through the [[Summon]] system. Alternatively, the player can temporarily expand the main playable character's array of abilities through use of [[Drive Form]]s, [[Dimension Link]]s, or the [[Link System]].
There are many allies that aid the playable characters. Typically, the allies rely fully on A.I. controls, with later entries allowing for limited customization of their behavior. In addition to accruing [[party member]]s, allies can be called into battle through the [[Summon]] system. Alternatively, the player can temporarily expand the main playable character's array of abilities through use of [[Drive Form]]s, [[Dimension Link]]s, or the [[Link System]].


Another recurring element of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is the [[Report]]. It records information about the characters, story, and enemies, as well as providing simple hints, tracking progress through mini-games and side quests, and recording various other gameplay statistics.
Another recurring element of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is the [[Report]]. It records information about the characters, storying, and enemies, as well as providing simple hints, tracking progress through mini-games and side quests, and recording various other gameplay statistics.


Some entries in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series have a specialized or alternative battle system. ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' all use the [[Deck Command]] system, placing all abilities other than basic movement and attacks into a customizable "deck". ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' uses a {{c|Card|com|card-based}} combat system, while levels and abilities in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' are handled through the [[Panel System]]. The games in the [[χ series]] use Cards and {{c|Medal|ucx}}s for combat, with actions being performed purely through menu selection instead of moving the character in the environment. Finally, ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'' features rhythm-based gameplay instead of traditional combat.
Some entries in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series have a specialized or alternative battle system. ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' all use the [[Deck Command]] system, placing all abilities other than basic movement and attacks into a customizable "deck". ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' uses a {{c|Card|com|card-based}} combat system, while levels and abilities in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' are handled through the [[Panel System]]. The games in the [[χ series]] use Cards and {{c|Medal|ucx}}s for combat, with actions being performed purely through menu selection instead of moving the character in the environment. Finally, ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'' features rhythm-based gameplay instead of traditional combat.
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*In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', Maleficent uses the word "Hell" (albeit referring to the plane of afterlife) before facing Aqua and [[Prince Phillip]] in battle.
*In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', Maleficent uses the word "Hell" (albeit referring to the plane of afterlife) before facing Aqua and [[Prince Phillip]] in battle.
*"Hell" is again used in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' by [[Sam Flynn]] when he argues with his father, [[Kevin Flynn]], in one of the game's flashback sequences.
*"Hell" is again used in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' by [[Sam Flynn]] when he argues with his father, [[Kevin Flynn]], in one of the game's flashback sequences.
*The field theme for [[Beast's Castle]], debuting in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', is named "[[Waltz of the Damned]]" (although the title itself would not be visible in a game until ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'').
*The field theme for [[Beast's Castle]], debuting in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', is named "[[Waltz of the Damned]]" (although the title itself would not be visible in a game until ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'').


==Games==
==Games==
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The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to series director Tetsuya Nomura.
The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to series director Tetsuya Nomura.
*The ''[[χ series]]'' is set in the ancient past, long before the adventures of Sora. It consists of ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' and its related titles.
*The ''[[χ series]]'' is set in the ancient past, long before the adventures of Sora. It consists of ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' and its related titles.
*The ''[[Dark Seeker Saga]]'', or the ''1st Phase'', portrays the conflict against Master Xehanort and his various incarnations. It spans all other titles from ''Kingdom Hearts'' to ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind''.
*The ''[[Dark Seeker Saga]]'', or the ''1st Phase'', portrays the conflict against Master Xehanort and his various incarnations. It spans all titles between the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game to ''Kingdom Hearts III''.
*The ''[[Lost Master Arc]]'', or the ''2nd Phase'' began with the {{c|Secret Episode|3rm}} of ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and will contain future titles of the series.
*The ''[[Lost Master Arc]]'', or the ''2nd Phase'' began with ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and will contain future titles of the series.


==Story==
==Story==
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===Hope for The Future and Xehanort's True Origins===
===Hope for The Future and Xehanort's True Origins===
With a brief reprieve, the Union Leaders wonder if everything Darkness said is true meanwhile the fight against the entity left Ventus unconscious again with Lauriam apologizing to him for his actions. Then, he was alerted with news that his sister is alive by Elrena as her Chirithy saw her walking with someone in a [[black coat]]. Shocked at first but remembering they are in data Daybreak Town and the Pride Shift the Union Leaders knew that all their data existed here meaning someone could've accessed Strelitzia's. Hopeful that Strelitzia could be alive and worried about the state of the world. The group head to basement and found the world was being destroyed. Seeing the Ark room's condition and there were five pods left but with many trapped, little time and trying to keep hope alive the Union Leaders separate. Brain heads to the real world with Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus while Ephemer, Skuld and Player watch over the dandelions. Before leaving, he passed on his [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade and the Book of Prophecies to Ephemer.  
With a brief reprieve, the Union Leaders wonder if everything Darkness said is true meanwhile the fight against the entity left Ventus unconscious again with Lauriam apologizing to him for his actions. Then, he was alerted with news that his sister is alive by Elrena as her Chirithy saw her walking with someone in a [[black coat]]. Shocked at first but remembering they are in data Daybreak Town and the Pride Shift the Union Leaders knew that all their data existed here meaning someone could've accessed Strelitzia's. Hopeful that Strelitzia could be alive and worried about the state of the world. The group head to basement and found the the world was being destroyed. Seeing the Ark room's condition and there were five pods left but with many trapped, little time and trying to keep hope alive the Union Leaders separate. Brain heads to the real world with Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus while Ephemer, Skuld and Player watch over the dandelions. Before leaving, he passed on his [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade and the Book of Prophecies to Ephemer.  


In the real world, Brain tries to figure out how he can save everyone but couldn't so he resolves to save Ephemer and the others, and sent Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus into the future. Afterwards he met Luxu who warns him that the Ark is incomplete and to use it properly the senders must have a medium and someone who remembers them at their destination and as for the data world being locked. Meanwhile the three friends are attacked by the remaining willful darknesses who wanted them to open the gate so they can spread but Ephemer, Skuld and Player refused however remembering their first encounter. To save their friends and in a ploy to seal the darknesses away Player pretended to controlled by them and attacked Skuld and Ephemer before delivering the final blow Ephemer tearfully sent them through a gate along with the remaining darknesses. Inside the cable Player revealed deception and sealed the gate trapping them and reunites with their Chirithy one more time enveloped in light. Meanwhile as the two pods appear Ephemer and Skuld head for the real world to find them alone checking on the condition outside they see the world is being destroyed and like the others they attempt to leave for the future as the tower crumbles around them.
In the real world, Brain tries to figure out how he can save everyone but couldn't so he resolves to save Ephemer and the others, and sent Lauriam, Elrena and Ventus into the future. Afterwards he met Luxu who warns him that the Ark is incomplete and to use it properly the senders must have a medium and someone who remembers them at their destination and as for the data world being locked. Meanwhile the three friends are attacked by the remaining willful darknesses who wanted them to open the gate so they can spread but Ephemer, Skuld and Player refused however remembering their first encounter. To save their friends and in a ploy to seal the darknesses away Player pretended to controlled by them and attacked Skuld and Ephemer before delivering the final blow Ephemer tearfully sent them through a gate along with the remaining darknesses. Inside the cable Player revealed deception and sealed the gate trapping them and reunites with their Chirithy one more time enveloped in light. Meanwhile as the two pods appear Ephemer and Skuld head for the real world to find them alone checking on the condition outside they see the world is being destroyed and like the others they attempt to leave for the future as the tower crumbles around them.
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Meanwhile Brain wakes in an unknown town and meets [[Sigurd]] who explains that he is the only one that made it to this time and before leaving to his group's headquarters; Sigurd takes Brain to the fountain square to explain that he is in [[Scala ad Caelum]] and the mysterious person shows him a statue of the town's founder and first Keyblade master. Arriving Brain was happy to see that it was his old friend Ephemer.   
Meanwhile Brain wakes in an unknown town and meets [[Sigurd]] who explains that he is the only one that made it to this time and before leaving to his group's headquarters; Sigurd takes Brain to the fountain square to explain that he is in [[Scala ad Caelum]] and the mysterious person shows him a statue of the town's founder and first Keyblade master. Arriving Brain was happy to see that it was his old friend Ephemer.   


Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a cloaked figure.
Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a newborn named [[Xehanort]].  


===Xehanort's Path as a Keyblade Wielder of light and a Dark Seeker===
===Xehanort's Path as a Keyblade Wielder of light and a Dark Seeker===
In their elderly years, the cloaked figure spirited a descendent of Ephemer named [[Xehanort]] to the [[Destiny Islands]] to protect him from the Darknesses, believing him to be the "Child of Destiny". As a child, Xehanort was told stories about his lineage and his destiny as the "Child of Destiny" who would one day leave the islands when he was strong enough. Due to his strong connection growing up he sampled through dreams his caretaker's memories of the Keyblade War, seeing people and worlds he didn't know but wanted to meet. As Xehanort grew, the cloaked figure faded into the afterlife, knowing they repaid their debt to Ephemer and the world was in good hands.
With believing Xehanort was the "Child of Destiny" and an descendant of his dear friend Ephemer to protect him as a baby he was sent to [[Destiny Islands]] by a cloaked figure where the Darknesses couldn't find him. As a child, Xehanort was told stories about his lineage and due to his strong connection growing up he sampled through dreams his caretaker's memories of the Keyblade War, seeing people and worlds he didn't know but wanted to meet. And was told one day he would leave the island when he was strong enough as Xehanort grew Player faded into the afterlife knowing they repaid their debt and the world was in good hands. As the dreams continued wanting answers and viewing his island as so small he desired to see these worlds. Until one day, he was visited by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]], his Heartless from the future, who offered him a way off the island and Xehanort accepted. Getting his first taste of darkness his heart being affected by powerful negative emotions despite being horrified he was fascinated aware that his heart could still feel. He also believed that with a strong enough heart darkness could be channeled and controlled.
 
Xehanort's dreams continued, and he began to view the islands as small and uneventful, wanting to explore the worlds beyond. One day, he was visited by [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]], his Heartless from the future, who offered him a way off the island and Xehanort accepted. Getting his first taste of darkness his heart being affected by powerful negative emotions despite being horrified he was fascinated aware that his heart could still feel. He also believed that with a strong enough heart darkness could be channeled and controlled.


Returning to Scala ad Caelum he was taken in by [[Keyblade Master]] [[Odin]], becoming his seventh apprentice. Through his training, Xehanort eventually came to see his fellow pupil [[Eraqus]] as a brother and as their favorite pastime the two often played a chess game called [[Alba & Ater]]. Then Xehanort and his fellow classmates were taught the ways of the Keyblade and their role as Keyblade wielders was to protect the worlds of light from darkness. However, he was unsatisfied with this ideal so he often visited other worlds without permission to learn more. To protect himself from the darkness between worlds during his travels, he was gifted [[Keyblade Armor]].
Returning to Scala ad Caelum he was taken in by [[Keyblade Master]] [[Odin]], becoming his seventh apprentice. Through his training, Xehanort eventually came to see his fellow pupil [[Eraqus]] as a brother and as their favorite pastime the two often played a chess game called [[Alba & Ater]]. Then Xehanort and his fellow classmates were taught the ways of the Keyblade and their role as Keyblade wielders was to protect the worlds of light from darkness. However, he was unsatisfied with this ideal so he often visited other worlds without permission to learn more. To protect himself from the darkness between worlds during his travels, he was gifted [[Keyblade Armor]].


Then, one day Xehanort and his classmates were informed by Master Odin that the upperclassmen of Keyblade wielders were missing, including Baldr's sister, Hoder. In an effort to find them they split up into two groups to search the worlds with him, Eraqus and another apprentice, heading to Agrabah once there he realized that the world was still rebuilding from the destruction of the Keyblade War, as no humans were here. Then moved onto Wonderland, where they avoided the insanity of the Queen of Hearts, but Xehanort wondered if slaying those controlled by darkness was needed to protect the world. As they continued to travel the worlds the way they were to be protected differed among some of their upper classmates especially Vadir whose grief made him seek Kingdom Hearts to purge the Darkness but didn't follow through. But just like Union Leaders they were deceived by a Willful Darkness that sowed the seeds of sadness and pain first killing Hoder, then using him as a vessel strike down everyone else by the end Xehanort and Eraqus were all that survived or so they thought as Bragi was taken as Luxu's next vessel.  
Then, one day Xehanort and his classmates were informed by Master Odin that the upperclassmen of Keyblade wielders were missing, including Baldr's sister Hoder. In an effort to find them they split up into two groups to search the worlds with him, Eraqus and another apprentice, heading to Agrabah once there he realized that the world was still rebuilding from the destruction of the Keyblade War, as no humans were here. Then moved onto Wonderland, where they avoided the insanity of the Queen of Hearts, but Xehanort wondered if slaying those controlled by darkness was needed to protect the world. As they continued to travel the worlds the way they were to be protected differed among some of their upper classmates especially Vadir whose grief made him seek Kingdom Hearts to purge the Darkness but didn't follow through. But just like Union Leaders they were deceived by a Willful Darkness that sowed the seeds of sadness and pain first killing Hoder, Baldr's sister, then using him as a vessel strike down everyone else by the end Xehanort and Eraqus were all that survived or so they thought as Bragi was taken as Luxu's next vessel.  


Xehanort was visiting the graves of his many fallen comrades believing their demise was his fault until Eraqus told him otherwise. Then, he planned to go out into the worlds to learn more before their Mark of Mastery exam and was told by his comrade to return before the exam. Returning to Wonderland, Xehanort found that time barely passed since his first visit. Still seeing the Queen of Hearts being influenced by darkness, her willingly approached her.   
Xehanort was visiting the graves of his many fallen comrades believing their demise was his fault until Eraqus told him otherwise. Then, he planned to go out into the worlds to learn more before their Mark of Mastery exam and was told by his comrade to return before the exam. Returning to Wonderland, Xehanort found that time barely passed since his first visit. Still seeing the Queen of Hearts being influenced by darkness, her willingly approached her.   
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learn more about the Darkness in an effort to defend his world but as the experiments continued Ansem worried about his amnesic apprentice's well being. Then, a lab was made below the castle for further study similar to Xehanort, Ansem had another subject an imprisoned amnesiac girl known as [[Subject X]]. Believing she disappeared due to the experiments snowballing out of control he ordered them to cease unknown to either that Braig secretly released her. Then he sank into despair over his error in experimenting on Xehanort.
learn more about the Darkness in an effort to defend his world but as the experiments continued Ansem worried about his amnesic apprentice's well being. Then, a lab was made below the castle for further study similar to Xehanort, Ansem had another subject an imprisoned amnesiac girl known as [[Subject X]]. Believing she disappeared due to the experiments snowballing out of control he ordered them to cease unknown to either that Braig secretly released her. Then he sank into despair over his error in experimenting on Xehanort.


Sometime later Xehanort opened the door in Ansem's basement, despite making [[Gummi Ship]] travel possible, Ansem worried about the world's stability. Soon he met King Mickey Mouse and they became great friends, conversing over many subjects, and finding solace in their companionship. Then, seeing Xehanort had continued the experiments in secret, accidentally creating the emblem Heartless Ansem forbade an further experimentation with the Heartless as they threatened the world's stability even more. Then, he accepted new apprentices [[Isa]] and [[Lea]] more devastating Ansem discovered the Ansem Reports, penned under his name, but written by Xehanort. He began to see that the damage he caused had become irreversible. To stop his interference, Ansem was sent to the [[Dark Realm]] by his apprentices allowing Radiant Garden to fall into darkness continuing on Xehanort sent a young Kairi into the other worlds in attempt to find a keyblade wielder believing she was a [[Princess of Heart]]. Some time after, Xehanort began to reclaim his memories and his ability to use the Keyblade. Then, turning the blade on himself and apprentices he created their heartless and most of the Nobodies to form the original [[Organization XIII]]. With his body temporarily gone his desire to forge the x blade and claim Kingdom Hearts lived on his Heartless, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, and his Nobody, Xemnas.
Sometime later Xehanort opened the door in Ansem's basement, despite making [[Gummi Ship]] travel possible, Ansem worried about the world's stability. Soon he met King Mickey Mouse and they became great friends, conversing over many subjects, and finding solace in their companionship. Then, seeing Xehanort had continued the experiments in secret, accidentally creating the emblem Heartless Ansem forbade an further experimentation with the Heartless as they threatened the world's stability even more. Then, he accepted new apprentices [[Isa]] and [[Lea]] more devastating Ansem discovered the Ansem Reports, penned under his name, but written by Xehanort. He began to see that the damage he caused had become irreversible. To stop his interference, Ansem was sent to the [[Dark Realm]] by his apprentices allowing Radient Garden to fall into darkness continuing on Xehanort sent a young Kairi into the other worlds in attempt to find a keyblade wielder believing she was a [[Princess of Heart]]. Some time after, Xehanort began to reclaim his memories and his ability to use the Keyblade. Then, turning the blade on himself and apprentices he created their heartless and most of the Nobodies to form the original [[Organization XIII]]. With his body temporarily gone his desire to forge the x blade and claim Kingdom Hearts lived on his Heartless, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, and his Nobody, Xemnas.


===Aqua and Mickey's Adventure Through the Dark Realm===
===Aqua and Mickey's Adventure Through the Dark Realm===

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