Common Sense Note
This game encourages reading and strategizing, and it has a positive message. Parents should note that despite being blood-free, the game does contain some fantasy violence. Additionally, it uses well-known Disney and Final Fantasy characters, which creates some inherent commercialization concerns.
This game could help parents strike up a converstion about marketing with even their youngest children. Is playing a game featuring familiar characters and locations more fun? Does it make your think about these characters more? What do businesses like Disney have to gain by putting their charcters in video games, or putting their images on other products like cereal, TV shows, or T-shirts?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jeremy Gieske
KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES mixes well-known Disney and Final Fantasy characters together for a card-based adventure game. This sequel to the successful PS2 game Kingdom Hearts proves to be fun and challenging to play, making it easy to see why it has become a hit in its own right.
The story begins shortly after the conclusion of the first game, with hero Sora and his two friends Donald Duck and Goofy returning from their travels. A series of animated cut scenes lay out the plot: Sora needs to search for something or someone that is important to him. In the process, however, he may lose something very dear to him.
Led by a mysterious stranger, Sora and friends enter into Castle Oblivion. Here Sora discovers that Castle Oblivion is actually the memories of friends he met and places he visited during the adventures of the first Kingdom Hearts game, including the 100 Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh, Neverland with Peter Pan and Agrabah with Aladdin. The mysterious stranger continues to explain that Sora will need to use special "cards" to defeat his enemies as well as gain access to other areas of the castle/Sora's memories.
As the game progresses, Sora finds his enemies, known as "The Organization," along with its minions, called the "heartless." These enemy creatures change depending on Sora's location. For example, they turn into palace guards when he is in Agrabah. When Sora bumps into one of the "heartless" characters a battle ensues. Once started, Sora uses a combination of real-time action (moving around and jumping) and special cards to attack and defend against the enemy.
The player needs to strategize carefully to win, selecting the right card or cards from Sora's deck throughout the battle. The cards have different abilities and cause varying amounts of damage. Special moves can be created by grouping cards together and by using the right combinations of cards at the right time. If Sora is victorious in battle, he often picks up new cards from defeated enemies, strengthening his deck. But be warned: Wading in without a plan of attack makes victory much more difficult.
Parents should know that these battles are bloodless and free of gore. Enemies simply disappear when defeated. Additionally, the game's story is uplifting and positive, focusing on the importance of friendships, of being helpful and kind, and on being true to oneself and others. Finally, much of the story is told through text, which encourages reading and imagination.
Ultimately, while there are Disney and Final Fantasy tie-ins that may warrant discussion, this is a creative and challenging title. Good readers ages 6 and up will get the most out of the game. Even for older players, the card-based fighting is a refreshing change from the simple mayhem of first-person shooters.
Rate It!
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ViolenceSome violence; however it is clearly fantasy-based and bloodless. |
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LanguageMinor swear words ("hell") used once or twice |
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Social BehaviorImportance of friendships, memories and identity are all encouraged and stressed; good and evil characters are clearly identifiable |
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CommercialismDisney and Final Fantasy characters and locations are used throughout the game |
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Educational ValueThe card-based combat system requires strategy and skill to use effectively |
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