Editing Kingdom Hearts (series)

{{About|the series||Kingdom Hearts (disambiguation)}}

{{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 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.

 

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 March 2022, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has shipped over 36 million copies worldwide.<ref>[https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/pdf/ar_2022en.pdf Square Enix 2022 Annual Report]: "The series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and has shipped over 36 million units worldwide."</ref>

''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters as well as original characters designed and created by Tetsuya Nomura. There is a variety of worlds from {{w|Disney}} and {{w|Pixar}} films, along with characters from Square Enix franchises including ''{{w|Final Fantasy}}'', ''{{w|The World Ends with You}}'', and ''{{w|Einhänder}}''. In addition, the series includes many locations unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' franchise.

 

The playable character will visit these worlds and interact with these characters, typically protecting them from enemies along the way. Often, their actions in these worlds closely follow the stories of the original Disney film, but some worlds have original stories based on the Disney setting instead. In addition, some shorter installments in the series focus almost entirely on original ''Kingdom Hearts'' worlds and characters, such as ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''.

[[File:Sora, Riku, and Kairi (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 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, as 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.

[[File:Firaga KH.gif|thumb|250px|left|Keyblade wielders 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 games are influenced by the design of the ''Final Fantasy'' series, carrying over many gameplay elements into a new action-based, hack-and-slash system. Typically, combat occurs in real-time, allowing the player to engage the enemy directly.

Like many traditional role-playing games, character progression in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is determined by an experience point system, rewarding the player for defeating enemies with stronger attributes and new abilities. Characters can also be made more powerful through equipping different weapons, armor, and accessories. New equipment can be earned through exploration and story progression, purchased from a shop, or crafted with [[synthesis]].

Typically, the games are structured into a set of worlds, being analogous to different levels. The gameplay in each world primarily centers around defeating enemies and completing linear objectives. In some games, travel between each level is automatic; in others, going to a new world is done through a [[mini-game]], such as the [[Gummi Ship]] or [[Dive Mode]]. Mini-games like these are an important part of the gameplay in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series; nearly every installment features a wide array of mini-games, with many being required for story  progression.

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.

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.

Overall, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is designed as a single-player experience, although ancillary multiplayer modes or features are included in ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'', ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'', ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded'', ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'', and ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''.

The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series keeps a majority of its content "child-friendly", maintaining Disney's values. It refrains from using profanity and making sexual references, as well as from dressing its female characters in revealing outfits. Death and suicide are also not treated realistically in the series, often with characters disappearing or dying off-screen.

There are only a few 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 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 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'').

There are thirteen main installments in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. The games are not always released in chronological order with respect to the story; for a chronological list of ''Kingdom Hearts'' installments, see the [[/Timeline|timeline]].

The main games of the series and their remasters, remakes, and companion releases, along with their original release dates follow:

#*''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]'' (2015-2021)

#'''''[[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]''''' (2017)

All titles of the Dark Seeker Saga are collected in some form between five releases:

**''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD'', an HD remaster of ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''

There are several smaller games made to promote or act as a companion to main entries in the series. These titles do not feature any story development and are not considered canon.

The chronology of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series is separated into three phases, according to series director Tetsuya Nomura.

*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 ''[[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.

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.  

Overtime the Player's heart merges with that of a cloaked figure.

 

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.

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.

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.  

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.   

Still seeking his answers to the mysterious people in his dreams as an elderly man he returned to the Magic Mirror in the Dwarf Woodlands for answers revealing how he found 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]] who is an ancient willful Darkness. 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.  

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.

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 hordes of 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's reunited with Mickey who informs her that she's been missing from the realm of light for a decade. Mickey explains that he's there to find a Keyblade from the realm of darkness that'll help in closing the Door to Darkness, thus stopping the Heartless threat. Soon the two make their way to the remains of Destiny Islands where Aqua is reminded of her encounter with two boys that lived there, Sora and Riku. Mickey informs that the two boys are doing well and that they're helping in closing the door. Soon after Mickey's acquired the necessary Keyblade he and Aqua are separated as she's taken away by a [[Demon Tide]]. She defeats the swarm of Shadows but are left wandering the Dark Realm alone once more.

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.

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