 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
- Game Boy Advance
- Price: $39.99
- Genre: Role Playing
Common Sense Media says
Unique GameBoy game (with a dose of Disney).
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that 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.
What's it about?
KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES mixes well-known Disney and Final Fantasy characters for another card-based adventure. Led by a mysterious stranger, Sora and his friends Donald Duck and Goofy enter into Castle Oblivion, and he 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. The stranger explains that Sora will need to use special cards to defeat enemies and gain access to other memories.
Enemies change depending on Sora's location -- for example, they turn into palace guards in Agrabah. Sora uses real-time action (moving and jumping) and special cards to attack and defend. Players need to select the right card or cards from Sora's deck throughout the battle. Special moves can be created by grouping cards and using the right combinations of cards at the right time.
Is it any good?
Parents should know that battles are bloodless and free of gore. Enemies simply disappear when defeated. Also, 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.
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. 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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about marketing with even their youngest children. Is playing a game featuring familiar characters and locations more fun? Does it make you think about these characters more? What do businesses like Disney have to gain by putting their characters in video games, or putting their images on other products like cereal, TV shows, or T-shirts?
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AGE
Good little game!
I like KH, I'll admit, but when I heard about this game I was a little iffy about whether it would be good considering previous card battle games weren't all that great. And I didn't have an SP, but it gave me good reason to get one! I had my thoughts that the card battle system would be tedious, but it actually allows for freedom for the player to utilize Sora however they want. The system isn't that difficult to learn, either. My seven year old cousin picked it up and understood it rather quickly. Beyond that, the story was good and a good lead-up to the second PS2 installment of the franchise. I actually have no big complaints about the game other than Riku. When you beat Sora's game you can play as Riku and he gets frustrating as you can't customize him like you can Sora, which forces you to think a little more. Otherwise, this is a solid game for the SP!
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AGE
A dissappointment
I'm a huge fan of KH, so I was excited for this gamr. It was pretty good, but nowhere near as good as KH 1 and 2, mainly because of the card-battle system, which takes a long time to get used to. Buy it to understand the story, then play KH2 (the best PS2 game ever).
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AGE
Good RPG
I enjoyed this game's thick plotline as well as the gameplay. I found the battle style very unique in the sense that it tries to combine the best aspects of virtually every battle system. It was quite a challenge, admittedly. I found myself playing bosses numerous times before finally defeating them, but that made victory all the more enjoyable. I also liked that there are two versions of the game, the default one and the one you unlock after beating the default. I did not like concept of assmebling decks, though, for although I appreciate games which take strategy to win, I found that this consumed too much time and had too many specific requirements and limitations. Violence is entirely fantasy and minimal at that. The only reason I would not recommend it for players as young as six is that I fear they would not be able to grasp the storyline as well as slightly older players. Depending on the child's reading comprehension skills, the age at which they would be ready for this game varies. If you're into RPG's like me, pick up this game.
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AGE
It was pretty good...
This game was pretty good, it can really keep your interest but I found it to be somewhat confusing.
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AGE
Challenging, but fun.
Card-battling takes a while to get used to, but most will get the hang of it in a short time. This game is fun, addictive, and best of all, challenging, but not overly so. My only dislike about this game is how the cut-scenes (dialogue, etc.) are very lengthy and full of fluff. Otherwise, this is a great game.
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AGE
a fun game for kids
i think the game kingdom of hearts is a good game for kids because it involves disney characters like the friendly mickeymouse wich is like the king of disney.well there is one thing i kinda left out they tag along with some characters from finale fantasy.well you want to know what i think about that 'i think that is what makes this game so much for kids to play.
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AGE
pretty good
its a good game but i really didnt like the card battling i would have rather had it fighting like in the 1st and 2nd kingdom hearts games because it is better fighting
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| Platforms: | Game Boy Advance |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Role Playing |
| Developer: | Square Enix |
| Release date: | December 7, 2004 |
| Price: | $39.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E |
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