Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this game has a lot of (mostly bloodless) action-packed fighting scenes. The plot does demonstrate the importance of friendships, loyalty, and kindness, but all of the characters and backdrops are from Disney movies or the Final Fantasy series of games. Parents also need to know that the GBA version's cartoonish graphics are more realistic in the PS2 version, making the violence much more in your face. The biggest difference between this game and its previous installments is the introduction of creepier enemies. And there are some pirates who drink.
Families who play this game may want to discuss its unique mixture of Final Fantasy and Disney characters. Does the use of existing and familiar characters diminish or increase the game's appeal? Do they act as you expect they would, or does the game introduce new aspects of their personality? If you were creating a video game, would you make up your own character, or use one that you already liked?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jeremy Gieske
A deep, involving storyline and outstanding graphics make KINGDOM HEARTS 2 a worthy sequel. Players familiar with the first Kingdom Hearts installment and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for the Game Boy Advance will recognize the characters and plot style. Those new to the series are given a chance to catch up through a number of dream sequences shown early in the game -- and will likely find themselves new fans.
Once again, memories, the parting and uniting of close friendships, love, and mystery are all intertwined in the complex plot. Sora returns as the protagonist (here a teen), and characters are either from Disney movies or the Final Fantasy series of games. Chosen by the "keyblade" (a magical key/sword), Sora and his friends Donald Duck and Goofy are tasked with a number of missions, some set in Disney backdrops such as Aladdin's Agrabah or Beast's Castle (from Beauty and the Beast), as they fight to defeat an evil, mummy-wrapped king.
Throughout the game, players face two main foes. The kind of cute-looking black blobs known as the Heartless will be instantly recognizable to fans. New and more menacing are the NoBodies, which have zipper-like mouths and odd elongated bodies and appendages.
Players defeat the enemies in action-packed fighting sequences. Wielding the keyblade like a sword, Sora can unleash devastating combo and magical attacks. Following a battle, players gather experience points -- and occasionally learn a new skill or magic spell. Donald, Goofy, and other characters participate in battle as well, helping with additional magic or physical attacks. While battles are abundant, they continue to be bloodless and gore-free.
From flying to missions in a fully customizable "gummi ship" (co-piloted by no less than Chip and Dale!) to talking to Minnie Mouse or traveling through the 100-acre woods, this game has a lot of fun surprises tucked up its sleeve -- including great mini-missions. Overall, with a playing time of easily over 30 hours, Kingdom Hearts 2 offers a lot of value and a lot of entertainment.
Rate It!
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ViolenceAlthough the weapons are atypical (the main character uses a giant key), the battles are pretty intense. Almost completely bloodless. |
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Social BehaviorFriendship, kindness, loyalty, and a host of other good values can be found in the main characters. |
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CommercialismFinal Fantasy characters, many Disney characters, and references to Disney movies. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoPirates and other characters swig alcohol. |
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