bit-tech Shopping: Square Enix Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)

• Action/Adventure
• Role Playing Games (RPG)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Striking graphics, fun new worlds, more Kingdom Hearts!

Weaknesses: A bit easier than the first one.

Summary: Kingdom Hearts came out of nowhere combining the Final Fantasy and Disney worlds into a unique action RPG. Due to its success it was only a matter of time before we saw Kingdom Hearts II. The game has great graphics, a wonderful story like the first game, and is definitely a good time. However, the combat has become a bit easier than the first title, which had it's share of challenging bosses. This might make the game a bit tedious for more experienced players. On the plus side, the Gummi Ship sections (when you travel between worlds) are greatly improved over the first title and are actually a joy to play. The new selection of worlds is nice, including Tron, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the retro Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie. If you liked the first game, this is a must buy. If you haven't played the first one, get that and play through it while you wait for Kingdom Hearts II to become a Greatest Hits title (and thus only $20).

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Awesome production values and "polish" or quality. Superb graphics for a PS2 game. Fun, easy to play, yet satisfying experience.

Weaknesses: Camera issue still a bit difficult and stilly annoying at times. Sometimes a bit too easy?

Summary: If you played the first Kingdom Hearts, then you'll know what to basically expect from this anticipated sequel...except nearly everything is improved for the positive in most regards. Like the game, the main character, Sora, is a little bit older, and appropriately everything in the sequel has "grown" a bit more mature or better as we know it. Let's start off with the graphics. Square-Enix games are known for their high production quality, and being one of their marquee games, KH2, is no exception. Quite possibly one of the best looking PS2 games on the market at the moment, hands down in my opinion. And if you're a fan of cutscenes and in game movies (hey if you're a Square-Enix fan, then how could you not?!), then KH2 delivers the many (many)scenes in glorious spades. Honestly, graphically, it's pushing the PS2's graphical abilities to the max. Sound production, like graphics are top-notch as well. Having a myriad of Disney characters, most of them are voice acted by the actors which voiced them in the movie or tv shows, and although a couple times and some dialog may sound a bit funny (for the wrong reasons), 90% of it is pardon the pun, sound. The special effects are satisfying and the score/music for the game is solid, although probably not spectacular, as I actually preferred the music in the first game, especially the main theme from Japanese pop-star, Utada. The game controls. Well, they are changed a little bit from the first game, and they've tweaked some things and added some shortcuts and combo sequences to "improve" from the first title. And although it'll take a little bit of time to reacquaint yourself with them, if you were an avid KH1 player, then it shouldn't take too much time. In this sequel though, the Triangle button is very important, and much of the action is dependent on it. Also, while there is a lot of magic and spells available to use and assign to your dualshock, I felt like I could pretty much just hack throughout the whole game and still finish it okay, without much tinkering with all the spells, go figure. To RPG nuts, that may be a bit of a downer, but hey, that's just my opinion. Length wise, the game will run 40-50 hours, I like to take my time so it ran at just a bit over 51 hours of game for me. Long write-up already, I'll try to conclude my thoughts and sum it up. Basically if you like the first you'll like the sequel in Kingdom Hearts 2. While the camera and controls are still not perfectly balanced and the story, while good, is nothing that will be written into a novel anytime soon, the graphics are so good and the fun factor is very high. If you're into Disney nostalgia, like action rpgs, or just wanna kick some butt roaming across different scenes from your favorite Disney movie memories, then this is the title for you!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Graphics, great characters, story and gameplay

Weaknesses: Easier than the first game

Summary: Kingdom Hearts 2 is the sequel to the popular Kingdom Hearts video game that combines the best of both Square-Enix and Disney worlds. It is rated "E", suitable for children and adults alike. The graphics is awesome, coupled with great and familiar characters and excellent gameplay. The only drawback is that it seems a little too easy comparing to the first game. Nevertheless, gamers young and old will still find the game fun and entertaining.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Diverse environments, improved camera, great action, diverse characters, great graphics and sound

Weaknesses: Needed backstory from KH1 & KH: COM, a bit easy

Summary: Kingdom Hearts II is a sequel to Kingdom Hearts, and picks up exactly where Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories ends. The story from the prior two games is needed, since it doesn't fill it in in KH2. The graphics are upgraded and look fantastic, and the sound is equally impressive. The combat system has been upgraded and provided fast, frantic action throughout the numerous environments. One small issue is that the game is easier than the previous ones, though it's a minor issues. Fans of the first ones should pick this up without question , as well as any action fans.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Graphics, FF cameos

Weaknesses: The Little Mermaid Stage

Summary: I really like this game. I liked it so much that even the worst part, the Little Mermaid DDR ripoff stage, did not stop me form playing. I like the characters, especially Chicken Little in the game. I hope next time they will add Pixar character into the game.