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[[File:Kingdom Hearts Series Logo.png|350px|right]] | [[File:Kingdom Hearts Series Logo.png|350px|right]] | ||
{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}} | {{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}} is a series of action role-playing games (''RPG'') developed and published by {{w|Square Enix}}. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and {{w|Disney Interactive Studios}} under the direction of [[Tetsuya Nomura]], a longtime Square character designer. ''Kingdom Hearts'' is a crossover between Square Enix and Disney based in a fictional universe. The heroes of the series clash against the multiple incarnations of the primary antagonist, Xehanort, throughout the series. The series centers around the main character, [[Sora]]'s, search for his friends and his encounters with Disney and Square Enix characters in their worlds. ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' included characters from ''{{w|The World Ends with You}}'', another Square Enix property, while properties from {{w|Pixar}} and ''{{w|Einhänder}}'' were included in ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''. | ||
The series consists of | The series consists of various games across different video game platforms which was initially a point of contention for many players who could not afford all the platforms, although in the 2010s, most of the games were released in compilations on the PlayStation 3 and later, the PlayStation 4. The main bulk of the series can all be played on PlayStation 4, and those that can not such as ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]'' were adapted into movies for these compilations. Some of the games were re-released as remakes or enhanced ports with the subtitle "Final Mix". There are currently 14 main installments released in the series (bolded in the "Games" section below, although note that the [[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover|tenth]] is a movie). | ||
There have been several types of merchandise released along with the games, such as soundtracks, [[Formation Arts Figures|figurines]], and companion books. In addition, the games have also been adapted into a [[Kingdom Hearts series (manga)|manga series]] and [[Kingdom Hearts (novels)|novels]]. | |||
Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each installment has seen varying levels of success. As of December 2006, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has shipped over ten million copies worldwide, with 2.0 million copies in PAL regions, 3.0 million copies in Japan, and 5.6 million copies in North America. | |||
Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each installment has seen varying levels of success. As of | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
:''Further information: [[:Category: Characters|Characters of Kingdom Hearts]]'' | |||
[[File:Tetsuya Nomura.png|thumb|150px|left|Tetsuya Nomura, the creator and director of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.]] | [[File:Tetsuya Nomura.png|thumb|150px|left|Tetsuya Nomura, the creator and director of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.]] | ||
''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters as well as | ''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and ''Square Enix'' characters, nearly all of them coming from the ''Final Fantasy'' series, as well as several new characters designed and created by Tetsuya Nomura. Though the series features locations unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' franchise, worlds from Disney films are heavily explored. Sora must visit these worlds and interact with popular Disney characters to protect them from enemies. Often, Sora's actions in these worlds follow closely to the stories featured in their accompanying Disney films. However, in later games in the series, there is less focus on the ''Final Fantasy'' aspects and more focus on the ''Kingdom Hearts'' characters, instead making small nods and references to ''Final Fantasy''. In one of the dialogues, Donald Duck tells Sora not to interfere with the worlds too much, since such interference would cause problems. [[Moogle]]s, small creatures from the ''Final Fantasy'' series, are another common element in the games. They provide the player with synthesis shops in order to create items for use in the game. | ||
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==Creation and Influence== | |||
[[File:Sora, | [[File:Sora, Kairi, and Riku (Concept Art).png|thumb|right|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 | 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 stated that though 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. Though Disney gave Nomura 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. | ||
Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games | The inclusion of specific ''Final Fantasy'' characters was based on the opinions of fans and the development staff. Another criteria for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe. Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the background work of such characters. For ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff. Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura did this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game gets old, people can still be happy with it. In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', Tetsuya Nomura used characters from ''The World Ends with You'', another Square Enix series, and in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' a boss from Eihander was used. | ||
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==Gameplay== | |||
[[File:Firaga KH.gif|thumb|250px|left|Keyblade | [[File:Firaga KH.gif|thumb|250px|left|Once protagonists have obtained the Keyblade, they are able to fight using various spells inspired by the ''Final Fantasy'' series, such as "Firaga".]] | ||
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series contains both 3rd-person fighting and role-playing game elements. The games are driven by a linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a cutscene, though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. | The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series contains both 3rd-person fighting and role-playing game elements. The games are driven by a linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a cutscene, though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. Furthermore, there are allies to aid the main character, Sora. The allies in play rely fully on A.I. controls, though players could later modify and customize their ability usage frequency. The combat system takes on real-time, meaning Sora could engage the enemy directly; various actions, such as attack and magic, are executable, during or after the battle. | ||
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]'' the combat system was altered as Sora is no longer aided by his friends, and all of his combat commands are only executable via [[cards]], with special attacks being executed with [[sleight]]s. Additionally, combat no longer takes place in the same space as exploration; rather, whenever Sora engages an enemy, he is taken to a confined field for combat. | |||
The [[Gummi Ship]] is another common theme in the series, where it serves as a means of transportation for Sora and company to travel towards other worlds. Players can modify and customize these ships via blueprints and selected parts. In the release of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'', the first game contained Gummi Ship side quests. However, due to the criticism regarding the complexity of the Gummi Ship customization, the third game's Gummi Ship was toned down, providing easier and wider modifications, allowing players to customize it into either a small classed battle ship, or a grand carrier. | |||
Another recurring element of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is [[Jiminy's Journal]], which functions as a bestiary and provides hints and simple character information. The journal also records Sora's minigame results, as well as unfinished side quests, allowing players to have easier resolutions to track the game. | |||
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', the battle system introduced a new gameplay element: [[Drive Form]]s, which allow Sora to gain access to new abilities via his combat garment, and wielding two Keyblades for a limited time (however, not every form possess this ability). Magic is simpler to execute, and Sora's MP gauge will recharge automatically once it is used up. Another gameplay element introduced is the [[Reaction Command]], various actions only executable in several specific situations. These actions vary from talking to a character to performing combat abilities in battle. | |||
''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' introduced several new features to the series, such as [[Deck Command]]s, which allow you to use several unique attacks as well as items and magic, and the [[Dimension Link]], which gives you access to several deck commands otherwise unavailable to the player. There is also the [[Shot Lock]], which allows you to attack a multitude of enemies with many attacks, and the Focus Gauge, which is what allows you to use the Shot Lock feature. It also introduces Command Styles where the player gains the use of a different and more powerful combo. By filling up the command gauge with either attacks or deck commands, the player will be able to execute a powerful finish command. Which command you use is different depending on if the player is using a D-link or a command style. | |||
The games are influenced by their parent franchise, ''Final Fantasy'', and carry its gameplay elements over into their own action-based, hack-and-slash system. Like many traditional role-playing games, ''Kingdom Hearts'' features an experience point system which determines character development. As enemies are defeated, the player gains experience which culminate in a "level-up", where the characters grow stronger and gain access to new abilities. The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained. | |||
Another recurring feature is the World music; all worlds have at least one normal field song and most have at least one battle theme. | |||
==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|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 | Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a newborn named [[Xehanort]]. | ||
===Xehanort's Path as | ===Xehanort's Path as a Dark Seeker=== | ||
For unknown reasons as a baby Xehanort was sent to [[Destiny Islands]] by a cloaked figure. Over the years growing up due to the heart merge he had dreams of Player's memories of the Keyblade War, seeing people and worlds he didn't know wanting answers and viewing his island to being 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. | |||
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 | Then, one day Xehanort and his classmates were informed by Master Odin that the upperclassmen of Keyblade wielders were missing, including Baldr's sister. 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. | ||
Xehanort was visiting the graves of his | Four years later, Xehanort was visiting the graves of his four 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. | ||
During his travels, Xehanort returned to Destiny Islands and reunited with his future Heartless, who gave him the power to time travel to gather 12 other incarnations of himself for the [[Real Organization XIII]]. After doing so as "[[Young Xehanort]]", he returned to his time, but forgot about his experiences from the future, while the memories were etched into his heart. With the exam drawing closer, Xehanort saw to travel again seeing darkness as something the worlds need, wanting to be on par with Eraqus and wishing of the world's equal balance. Traveling he met the Master of Masters, gained the black coat and believed that the worlds were under a "false light" wanting to change it overtime he possessed true strength over the darkness no longer needing his coat or armor. | During his travels, Xehanort returned to Destiny Islands and reunited with his future Heartless, who gave him the power to time travel to gather 12 other incarnations of himself for the [[Real Organization XIII]]. After doing so as "[[Young Xehanort]]", he returned to his time, but forgot about his experiences from the future, while the memories were etched into his heart. With the exam drawing closer, Xehanort saw to travel again seeing darkness as something the worlds need, wanting to be on par with Eraqus and wishing of the world's equal balance. Traveling he met the Master of Masters, gained the black coat and believed that the worlds were under a "false light" wanting to change it overtime he possessed true strength over the darkness no longer needing his coat or armor. | ||
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Eventually, Eraqus and Xehanort became Keyblade Masters; while Eraqus became Odin's successor, Xehanort wandered the worlds. Gaining vast knowledge and in the midst of trying to unravel the mysteries of the Keyblades, the war and more Xehanort became obsessed. Diving deeper he came across something called the [[χ-blade]] and wanted to reenact the Keyblade War to forge it, to obtain the power of Kingdom Hearts so that he may create a balanced world. However, Xehanort grew very old, and devised a plan to use his Keyblade to extract his own heart and transfer it to a younger body to prolong his life until his ambitions were fulfilled. So he discussed his ideas about the Keyblade War with Eraqus, but when his comrade refused he continued on his own. | Eventually, Eraqus and Xehanort became Keyblade Masters; while Eraqus became Odin's successor, Xehanort wandered the worlds. Gaining vast knowledge and in the midst of trying to unravel the mysteries of the Keyblades, the war and more Xehanort became obsessed. Diving deeper he came across something called the [[χ-blade]] and wanted to reenact the Keyblade War to forge it, to obtain the power of Kingdom Hearts so that he may create a balanced world. However, Xehanort grew very old, and devised a plan to use his Keyblade to extract his own heart and transfer it to a younger body to prolong his life until his ambitions were fulfilled. So he discussed his ideas about the Keyblade War with Eraqus, but when his comrade refused he continued on his own. | ||
Then, he came across his pupil Ventus and trained him to use as a vessel in the Badlands but when Ventus refused to use the darkness inside of him the elderly master extracted it out of him creating [[Vanitas]]. With Ventus' condition Xehanort brought him to Destiny Islands so he could die in peace however Ven's heart comes across the heart of a new born [[Sora]] seeing that the merge allowed Ventus to live Xehanort continued to use him to forge the legendary blade and looked for a new vessel for his body and brought his comatose pupil to train under his old friend Master Eraqus. | |||
===Xehanort's Quest and The Origins of Sora=== | ===Xehanort's Quest and The Origins of Sora=== | ||
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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 | 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=== | ||
After Aqua fell into the realm of darkness to save Terra, she travels through the realm and is shocked to notice the remnants of previous worlds were already there. Aware that something is wrong in the realm of light, Aqua continues to fight her way through | After Aqua fell into the realm of darkness to save Terra, she travels through the realm and is shocked to notice the remnants of previous worlds were already there. Aware that something is wrong in the realm of light, Aqua continues to fight her way through countless Heartless, and soon comes across apparitions of Terra and Ventus. Upon finding them, she learns from Terra that he still has ties to the darkness and that Xehanort is looking for Ventus, but Aqua assures him their comrade is safe. Eventually, she is reunited with Mickey, who is shocked that she had been missing from the realm of light for a decade. | ||
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===Sora's Journey Begins=== | ===Sora's Journey Begins=== | ||
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But along the way, Sora and Riku become separated and each end up encountering a mysterious young man in a black coat with ties to Master Xehanort and accompanied by Ansem, Xemnas and Vanitas, whom they believed to have been defeated long ago. Ultimately, Sora's journey leads him to the World That Never Was instead of the Realm of Light, where he meets up with Xigbar and the young man himself, who reveals that he is actually [[Young Xehanort|Master Xehanort in his youth from the past]], who was paid a visit via time travel by the disembodied Ansem, who sent him on a mission to travel to different periods of time to gather various incarnations of Xehanort to build the real [[Organization XIII]]. Sora fights his way to the castle, but is intercepted by Xemnas and ends up with his heart damaged, whereupon he falls into a coma and is taken to the castle by Young Xehanort. | But along the way, Sora and Riku become separated and each end up encountering a mysterious young man in a black coat with ties to Master Xehanort and accompanied by Ansem, Xemnas and Vanitas, whom they believed to have been defeated long ago. Ultimately, Sora's journey leads him to the World That Never Was instead of the Realm of Light, where he meets up with Xigbar and the young man himself, who reveals that he is actually [[Young Xehanort|Master Xehanort in his youth from the past]], who was paid a visit via time travel by the disembodied Ansem, who sent him on a mission to travel to different periods of time to gather various incarnations of Xehanort to build the real [[Organization XIII]]. Sora fights his way to the castle, but is intercepted by Xemnas and ends up with his heart damaged, whereupon he falls into a coma and is taken to the castle by Young Xehanort. | ||
Riku tracks Sora to the World That Never Was and finds him in the castle, where he battles and manages to defeat Young Xehanort with help from Mickey. Following the fight, Master Xehanort is finally revived, and reveals his true intentions: following his failure to use the χ-blade to summon Kingdom Hearts by pitting a heart of pure light against a heart of pure darkness, he has learned an alternate way of creating the χ-blade, since years before, after the Keyblade War, the χ-blade was shattered into thirteen darknesses and seven lights, and if Master Xehanort creates an Organization out of thirteen incarnations of himself, he will be able to recreate the χ-blade and start another Keyblade War. As Master Xehanort moves in to turn Sora into the thirteenth and final vessel for the Organization, Lea, Donald and Goofy arrive to aid Riku and Mickey, and Master Xehanort is forced to retreat with Young Xehanort, Ansem, Xemnas, Xigbar, Saïx | Riku tracks Sora to the World That Never Was and finds him in the castle, where he battles and manages to defeat Young Xehanort with help from Mickey. Following the fight, Master Xehanort is finally revived, and reveals his true intentions: following his failure to use the χ-blade to summon Kingdom Hearts by pitting a heart of pure light against a heart of pure darkness, he has learned an alternate way of creating the χ-blade, since years before, after the Keyblade War, the χ-blade was shattered into thirteen darknesses and seven lights, and if Master Xehanort creates an Organization out of thirteen incarnations of himself, he will be able to recreate the χ-blade and start another Keyblade War. As Master Xehanort moves in to turn Sora into the thirteenth and final vessel for the Organization, Lea, Donald and Goofy arrive to aid Riku and Mickey, and Master Xehanort is forced to retreat with Young Xehanort, Ansem, Xemnas, Xigbar, Saïx and his other six hooded vessels. | ||
Riku brings Sora's comatose body back to Yen Sid, where he dives into Sora's [[Dive to the Heart]] and collects the fragments of Sora's shattered heart, in the process battling a corrupted Sora himself and winning. Riku succeeds in waking Sora up, but Yen Sid only names Riku as a Keyblade Master for his efforts. Sora, undaunted by his failure, congratulates Riku and immediately after Lea shocks everybody present by summoning his own Keyblade, something he had only recently mastered and was unable to use against the Organization. After this, Sora departs again to train alone, not having been able to properly resist darkness. | Riku brings Sora's comatose body back to Yen Sid, where he dives into Sora's [[Dive to the Heart]] and collects the fragments of Sora's shattered heart, in the process battling a corrupted Sora himself and winning. Riku succeeds in waking Sora up, but Yen Sid only names Riku as a Keyblade Master for his efforts. Sora, undaunted by his failure, congratulates Riku and immediately after Lea shocks everybody present by summoning his own Keyblade, something he had only recently mastered and was unable to use against the Organization. After this, Sora departs again to train alone, not having been able to properly resist darkness. | ||
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===The Final Showdown=== | ===The Final Showdown=== | ||
In order to thwart Master Xehanort's plans, Sora, Donald and Goofy embark on a quest to find Seven Guardians of Light and the "Key to Return Hearts", while Riku and Mickey search for previous Keyblade wielders. | In order to thwart Master Xehanort's plans, Sora, Donald and Goofy embark on a quest to find Seven Guardians of Light and the "Key to Return Hearts", while Riku and Mickey search for previous Keyblade wielders. | ||
{{ | |||
==E/E10+ Rating== | |||
Despite instances of mild censorship breaks, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series keeps a majority of its content "child-friendly". It refrains from using profanity and making sexual references, as well as from dressing its female characters in revealing outfits. While these elements are common in the ''Final Fantasy'' series, ''Kingdom Hearts'' prides itself on maintaining Disney's values. Death and suicide are also not treated realistically in the series, often with characters disappearing, dying off-screen, being revived later, etc. | |||
There are only five instances in the entire series where these rules are broken: | |||
* In ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'', Axel uses the words "hell" and "damn". | |||
* The main reason ''Kingdom Hearts II'' received an E10+ rating, however, was the appearance of blood and alcohol in [[Port Royal]]. | |||
* Axel uses the word "damn" in conversation with Saïx in ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. | |||
* 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 used once again in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' by [[Sam Flynn]], specifically when he argues with his father, [[Kevin Flynn]], in one of the game's flashback sequences. | |||
==Games== | |||
For the most part, the series takes place in sequential order. The first game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' timeline is ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' and intersects chronologically with the beginning of ''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'' and the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'', followed by ''Kingdom Hearts Dark Road'' taking place many years later and ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-'', which take place approximately 60 years after that again. The first ''Kingdom Hearts'' takes place 10 years after ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and intersects chronologically with the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-''. The direct sequels to ''Kingdom Hearts'' are ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. The sequel to ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'' is ''Kingdom Hearts II'', which takes place one year after ''Kingdom Hearts'' and intersects chronologically with the ending of ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. ''Kingdom Hearts coded'', which takes place shortly after Xemnas's defeat and King Mickey's return to Disney Castle at the end of ''Kingdom Hearts II'', leads into ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'',<ref>[http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/21/kingdom_hearts_3ds_next Kingdom Hearts 3D is Next]</ref> which sets the stage for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and the conclusion of the "[[Dark Seeker Saga]]".<ref>Weekly Famitsu interview, Novermber 17, 2010: '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "''Kingdom Hearts 3D'' connects to ''Kingdom Hearts III''; I plan on showing how they evolutionarily progress. [...] both the system and the story are tied to ''Kingdom Hearts III''. It's likely that the ending of ''3D'' will continue into the story of ''KH3''."</ref> | |||
The main games of the series and their remasters, remakes and companion releases, along with their original release dates follow: | |||
#'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''' (2002) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'' (2002) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]''''' (2004) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]'' (2007) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''' (2005) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]'' (2007) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]''''' (2008–2010) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'' (2010) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''' (2009) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''''' (2010) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]'' (2011) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''''' (2012) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD]]'' (2017) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts χ]]''''' (2013-2016) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]''''' (2015-2021) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]''''' (2017) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''''' (2017) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''''' (2019) | |||
#*''[[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]]'' (2020) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Dark Road]]''''' (2020-2021) | |||
#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]''''' (2020) | |||
===HD Collections=== | |||
All titles of the series are collected in some form between five releases: | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX]]'' (2013), including HD remasters of | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'' | |||
**all ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'' cutscenes | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX]]'' (2014), including HD remasters of | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix'' | |||
**all ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded'' cutscenes | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' (2017), a compilation introducing | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-'', an original short game | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD'', an HD remaster of ''Kingdom Hearts 3D'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'', an HD theater video that ties in the events from ''Kingdom Hearts χ'' | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX]]'' (2017), including | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX'' | |||
**a theater mode for ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' (DLC) | |||
**an additional scene for ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'' (DLC) | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far]]'' (2018) | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue'' | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package]]'' (2019) | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far'' | |||
***''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX'' | |||
***''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue'' | |||
**''Kingdom Hearts III'' | |||
===Spin-offs=== | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts V CAST]]'' | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts Mobile]]'' | |||
Two flash games were created to promote canon, important entries to the series: | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Gummiship Studio]]'' | |||
*''[[Kingdom Hearts Magical Puzzle Clash]]'' | |||
==Phases== | |||
The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to its director, Tetsuya Nomura. | |||
*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 ''[[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 ''[[2nd Phase]]'' began with ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' and will contain future titles of the series. | |||
==Trivia== | |||
*Thirteen is a recurring number throughout the series: | |||
**It is primarily associated with [[Organization XIII]] and, by extension, [[Mushroom XIII]], [[Finest Fantasy 13]], and the thirteen floors of [[Castle Oblivion]]. | |||
**The [[Director's Secret Report XIII]] is a thirteen-part exposé by Tetsuya Nomura. | |||
**Riku's Session Limit includes an ability named "XIII Blades." | |||
**There are thirteen letters in "Kingdom Hearts." | |||
**[[Ars Arcanum]] consists of thirteen strikes if one includes the ability's follow-up attacks. | |||
**In ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', one can fight a grand total of thirteen matches at the [[Mirage Arena]] (this is no longer the case in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix''). | |||
**Thirteen [[Orichalcum+]] are required to synthesize the [[Ultima Weapon]] in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. | |||
**The sum of all the letters in the names "Sora, Riku, Kairi" is thirteen. The same is true for "Roxas, Sora, Xion," as well as for "Roxas, Axel, Xion." | |||
**There are thirteen letters in "Terra-Xehanort" and "Ventus-Vanitas." | |||
**There are thirteen letters in "End of the World," "Hollow Bastion," and "Radiant Garden." | |||
**Put together, there are thirteen letters in "Light" and "Darkness." | |||
**In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', it takes thirteen hits to defeat [[Seifer]] for the first time. | |||
**Donald's [[Centurion]] has a strength increase of thirteen in ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix''. | |||
**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', there are thirteen System Sectors, one of which contains thirteen floors. | |||
**Sora is "Combatant thirteen" when he faces [[Rinzler]] in [[The Grid]]. Sora was also intended to be the thirteenth member of the true Organization XIII. | |||
**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'', there are thirteen [[Training Toy]] candies. | |||
**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', to enter the last room in Castle Oblivion, one needs a card value of thirteen or more. | |||
**Following the Keyblade War, the χ-blade was shattered into twenty pieces: thirteen of darkness, and seven of light. | |||
**The sum of the time displayed on the clock present [[No Name]] (and by extension, [[Young Xehanort's Keyblade]]), 8:05, is equal to thirteen. | |||
**Using the Restore Count reaction command during the battle against Marluxia's Absent Silhouette and Data Replica in ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' will restore the hit counter by thirteen points. | |||
**In ''Kingdom Hearts'', the [[Keyhole]] in [[Neverland]] is located at the thirteen minute point on Big Ben's clock face. | |||
**There are 13 tracks original to ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''.<ref>Dearly Beloved, Results and Rewards, Mystic Moon, Critical Drive, Sacred Moon, Musique pour la tristesse de Xion, Xemnus, Secret of Neverland, Crossing to Neverland, At Dusk, I Will Think of You..., Fight and Away, Vector to the Heavens, Another Side -Battle Ver.-</ref> | |||
**The box art for ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' features thirteen characters. | |||
*On a similar note, seven is also a recurring number: | |||
**It is mostly associated with the Seven Guardians of Light and the Princesses of Heart. | |||
**Sora's [[Fenrir]] has the highest strength increase of all his ''Kingdom Hearts II'' Keyblades, at +7. Similarly, [[Winner's Proof]] has the highest magic increase, also at seven. | |||
**There are seven magic spells Sora learns in the first game: Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Cure, Aero, Gravity, and Stop. | |||
**Vanitas is fought up to seven times throughout ''Birth by Sleep'': once by Terra, three times by Ventus, and three times by Aqua, not counting the Vanitas Remnant. | |||
**Roxas landed seven hits on DiZ's computer. | |||
**Roxas spends seven days in the simulated Twilight Town. | |||
**There are seven Orichalcum+ in both ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''. | |||
**There are seven tracks original to [[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]].<ref>Dearly Beloved, On the Debug!!, Wonder of Electron, No More Bugs!!, Wonder of Electron -Bug Ver.-, No More Bugs!! -Bug Ver.-, and Pretty Pretty Abilities</ref> | |||
**There are seven lights on the chandelier in the [[Garden of Assemblage]] in ''Kingdom Hearts III''. | |||
**As stated before, the χ-blade was shattered into seven pieces of light. | |||
==Notes and references== | ==Notes and references== | ||
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*[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/ Official JP website] | *[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/ Official JP website] | ||
*[https://www.kingdomhearts.com/home/gb/ Official EU website] | *[https://www.kingdomhearts.com/home/gb/ Official EU website] | ||
{{KH series}} | {{KH series}} | ||
[[fr:Kingdom Hearts (Série)]] | [[fr:Kingdom Hearts (Série)]] | ||
[[de:Kingdom Hearts (Serie)]] | [[de:Kingdom Hearts (Serie)]] | ||
[[Category:Games]] |