Parents' Guide to

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Fantasy game shows same story from different viewpoints.

Game PSP 2010
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Game: Screenshot #1
  • Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Game: Screenshot #2

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

globox85
globox85 Adult
March 28, 2019
age 12+

Fun Disney RPG for kids and adults alike

In Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, the player gets to experience the stories of three teenagers called Terra, Ventus and Aqua as they journey through worlds inspired by various Disney movies and fight evil. While there is a fair amount of fighting in the game, it's nothing beyond what you'd see in your average cartoon or Disney movie. The heroes and the two main villains fight using giant key-shaped swords, although there is no blood involved. However, in Terra's storyline, there is a scene in which a villain's eye is destroyed by a blast of magic, as well as a scene where the main villain stabs himself (with his giant key-shaped sword) to release his soul from his body. In Ventus' storyline, Ventus gets stabbed in a similar fashion. For something based on Disney, the storyline is unusually dark, and the game doesn't have your typical Disney ending. However, it is fun to play, and the main thing that makes it unsuitable for younger children is difficulty. Some parts of the game are incredibly hard and require the player to master the game in order to stand a chance.
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What’s It About?

In KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP, three heroes must work together to explore fantastical worlds and seek out a mysterious evil in order to restore peace. Each of the three protagonists has something special and unique to bring to the table. They must learn how to use the power of teamwork to find the character at the source of the world's troubles, Master Xehanort. As a prequel to the original Kingdom Hearts game, Birth by Sleep follows a story set in the universe that Kingdom Hearts players have become familiar with. It introduces characters and provides back stories that previously went unexplored. As such, many story components are laid out with the notion that the player knows about the previous Kingdom Hearts lore, though playing through older games in the franchise is not a prerequisite for this game. The general storyline of characters working together to provide support for each other while embarking on a quest to save the world is a universal story that anyone can enjoy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (8):

The Kingdom Hearts franchise has garnered wild interest because of its compelling storytelling as well as its interaction with likable Disney characters. Birth by Sleep is no exception. There is a lot of exploration around very whimsical environments, keeping the game fresh and unique through its numerous hours of play. The battle system is more about having a sharp mind and incorporating the right strategy than it is about attacking enemies with mindless rampancy. This provides the game with an overall captivating experience. The story is very well crafted and should keep the player intrigued and instilled with wonder throughout the entire game. In short, with a great story and lots of interaction with familiar Disney characters, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is a worthy addition to the successful Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the three main characters work together in the game. Why is it helpful to work together with friends?

  • What are other alternatives to solving problems that don't involve fighting? Why do you think so many games involve violence?

Game Details

  • Platform: PSP
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Square Enix
  • Release date: September 7, 2010
  • Genre: Role-Playing
  • ESRB rating: E10+ for Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
  • Last updated: August 30, 2016

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