Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

Series game has deep, satisfying story; adds multiplayer.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days is part of a series of games in which Disney characters adventure along side characters from the Final Fantasy series of video games. You character will wield a sword and has magical abilities so expect some violence in the game, but there is no blood or gore. This is a good game for families to explore together since the game can accommodate up to four players if each has his or her own DS. With its many hours of game play, the game can be a time sink. But on the plus side, the game requires a lot of reading of dialogue.

Educational value: Not applicable.

Positive messages: The message here is to keep trying in life and to keep fighting for yourself. In that way, you'll get some important answer's to life's meaning.

Positive role models: The main character looks up to many of his pals in the game. They are comforting, slightly humorous, and generally lead him on the right paths to answers and understanding about himself. He does, however, use his sword to slay creatures.

Ease of play: Role playing games usually have a deeper learning curve. While this isn't simple, it's made somewhat easier due to its family-oriented play and good tutorials.

Violence: Violence here is presented without blood or gore but melee attacks are possible. The player uses a sword to slay creatures. Magic attacks are also possible. You will hear the occasional moan of pain, and in one cutscene a dying character slowly transforms and then disappears.

Sex: Not applicable.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What do you think of the story in which the main character loses his memories? Do you think that could happen in real life? Why or why not?
Do you think there should be more Disney characters in the game? Why or why not?
This is a long game, so families might want to discuss time management. How do you balance playing video games with the rest of your life?

What's the story?

The Kingdom Hearts series of fantasy role-playing games are all set in a mysterious world where Disney characters meet Final Fantasy characters. In KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS, the latest installment, the character of Roxas has forgotten much of his life. At the beginning, he can’t even speak. The player travels through Disney-ish lands, completing missions, collecting magical objects, and defeating enemies so as to find out what happened to Roxas' memory.

Is it any good?

The Kingdom Hearts series is one of the strangest mashup in video games, but it works. After lush pop music and a graphically decent opening movie that introduces many characters, an easy-to-understand tutorial follows. Since the game was made for family play, you can easily equip your characters with magic and powers by putting them into a special slot. Adding to the family friendly features is the ability to move through the game with four pals in multiplayer mode. However, there's some repetition of locations and areas to explore. Yet with many hours of gameplay (which includes a mission called Boredom, in which you get the ‘day’ off), bizarre characters, and moody locales, 358/Two Days justifies its slightly pricier cost of entry. It's a fun role-playing story, and one that the fans of this series will greatly savor.

Game themes & details

Game Details

Available on: Nintendo DS
Not available online
Genre: Role Playing
Developer: Square Enix
Released on: September 29, 2009
Price: 34.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Fantasy Violence

Screenshots

This review was written by Harold Goldberg

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

narutofangirl101
kid, 11 years old

best game eva!!!!! i want it!!!!!!!

I dont have the game (yet) but i really like it i have been seeing walk throughs and it is really cool!!!!! but the game can get sad :( but i love it!!!!!!!!!! i am going to get it!!!!! and is violent but its wonderful! i think every one will like besides it has disney characters like hercules phil from hercules and belle from beauty and the beast and more!!! and a younger child might get the game if some one helps like my friend she started getting good at my game she knows how to use it with no help!!!

What other families should know

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Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Game themes & details

Game Details

Screenshots

Review It

Review Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

best game eva!!!!! i want it!!!!!!!

good for anyone

Great game, fun to play

games that are family friendly just kidding

11-12 and up

e.g. Perfect for kids

Awesome game, couple of faults

10 year olds and up

Great for Tweens

The best game ever!

Sad bit slow story

Play it!

Very Fun but very sad game.

KH FTW!

GOOD

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