Now that I've told you straight up some things I don't like about this game, let's talk about something I do like. I like the overall presentation in Kingdom Hearts 3D. The player controls characters Sora and Riku in a quest to unlock seven sleeping worlds to become true keyblade masters. The graphics are really excellent and some of the best on the Nintendo 3DS. And though I detest the plot, it unfolds in a better manner than in any previous entry to the series. Gone are the inconsistent text bubble segments that could have and should have been voice acted. In fact, I don't remember seeing or reading from a single story-essential text bubble in the whole game, and it's a very welcome improvement to the series.
Gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 3D also impressed me. Button mashing is still a problem, like in every other Kingdom Hearts game, but KH3D adds a few twists that do an admirable job at keeping the combat fresh and exciting. The first of those is called flowmotion. Using the "Y" button, the player can send Sora or Riku into walls, poles, and enemies to perform impressive acrobatics. Within battle, flowmotion unleashes devastating attacks against enemies. Outside battle, flowmotion can be a quick, entertaining way to get around. A second gameplay addition called reality shift lets the player interact with certain elements on the touch screen. Each of the game's worlds has a particular brand of reality shift. While some are better than others, all provide a satisfactory break in the monotony of combat.
Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts 3D continues the series tradition of digging itself into a twisted, not-the-least-bit-captivating storyline. I stopped caring about Sora as a character a long time ago. And Xehanort, the main villain, doesn't evoke even the smallest shred of fear in me. The game attempts to create suspense, only to cause confusion. It endeavors to surprise, only to bore, because anything that can happen, does happen! There are no surprises left!
Conclusion
Though it's clear by now that I have come to dislike the Kingdom Hearts storyline, I hope you realize that that didn't stop me from really enjoying Kingdom Hearts 3D. Yes, the combat is ultimately button-mashy, but a couple of tactful gameplay twists keep it exciting. The 30+ hours it took to beat it felt well-spent. All in all, I recommend this game.
Sigh...I just want someone to call me when they finally decide to stick a "3" somewhere in a game's title, even though it's been so long and I've skipped so many entries that I don't really care anymore...
ReplyDeleteThere is a 3 in this one, though! Its official title is Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.
DeleteIn all seriousness, though, if KH3 ends up on a non-Nintendo console, it's not likely I'll be able to play it for a long time, if ever. It's a stretch just to wish for a Wii U at this point, in fact. Darn tuition expense! But story aside, I'm actually quite satisfied with Dream Drop Distance. In fact, I can see myself revisiting it in years to come.
Random question: do you own a 3DS?
No, I don't have a 3DS, just a DS Lite that I was lucky enough to get at a thrift store for $1 after my last one gave out. With that and a Wii U on my wish list, I can't see myself investing in another console just to play ONE game. Borrowing a friend's or going without are pretty much my only options.
DeleteYou got me with the 3 thing, by the way. Placement, it's all in the placement.
Wish this hobby wasn't so darn expensive!
DeleteBut good deals do exist! Kudos on the DS Lite find!