Played on PS5

It is exceptionally hard to top Virtue. I didn’t expect this one to. The art direction is very 2013 with Telltale vibes so it has not aged well... a game in 2016 with 2013 graphics is very off putting. Once you get past that, the puzzles, story and characters (f*** Eric though) are absolutely worth it.

Some puzzles were a little much and I hate cursor movement on console games.

All in all, as a game, it’s pretty solid 4/5 but however, considering it an end to a solid franchise, it’s very meh. Again, it is hard to top Virtue. I doubt I’ll play a point and click adventure game better than Virtue for many years. I felt the impact of the end wasn’t as strong as I was hoping.

Anyways though, ignore the predated graphics. You’ll get use to it. It’s worth playing if you’re invested in the franchise.

Adequate souls-like with anime flair. I personally wasn’t too attached to the story so I didn’t do many vestiges once I had the build I wanted. The “life is strange”-like way of telling the stories of side characters and successors is neat but I didn’t feel so attached to anyone. Not to mention I found them a little annoying after awhile. A one off way of telling a few stories makes sense but jeeeeeeez, it was too much.

Bosses aren’t super memorable and levels were sometimes annoying to navigate through. I wish there was a bit more direction after beating a boss. I felt like sometimes I was derping around not knowing where I was going.

The game is good. I had fun playing it nonetheless. The character creator is very fun! Combat was enjoyable. I honestly think if you like soul-like games, it’s worth grabbing on sale.

I played the PS4 version on a normal PS4 and it had some frame rate issues but luckily it was never in combat. I know some people are bothered by that stuff. I’m not however. Figured it was worth noting though.

(Played the remake on PS4, streamed on twitch)

I am shocked to say, outside of some annoyances, the game aged extremely well. Obviously fighting with Donald's unconscious body and an occasionally wonky AI, it still presents a pleasent and oddly charming adventure.

DARKNESS DARKNESS FRIENDSHIP HEARTS is basically the entire story and it is, well, what it is. It was slightly before the current curve of shonen anime where it be like "HURRAY FOR FRIENDSHIP" which is why I am fairly forgiving in terms of story.

I did beat all optional bosses, even got the ultima weapon. I truly enjoyed playing all parts of the game. Truly wonderful.

(Played Final Mix on a PS5)

Kingdom Hearts II improves on the general gameplay like no other. The stark differences between 1 and 2 is surreal. It’s like playing the first game in a series to playing the sixth, not to the second. It was remarkable to see their budget skyrocket.

The game itself was really carried by its own charm and fun gameplay. With quick time events combined with amazing animation, every single fight was a blast, even smaller ones. Here is the however though: the story itself is... well... Kingdom Hearts. I enjoyed the original for the fact that it was basic. It was “anime guy meets Disney guys. They go to Disney worlds, fight evil the end”

Not even just that though, Kingdom Hearts II worlds just feel so separate from the rest of the story. I don’t give a fuck about another Hercules level, I want to know what tf the organization is up to. Whereas in the original Kingdom Hearts, visiting each world had a purpose. It was still to experience whatever Disney property but it still felt like it had weight. In Kingdom Hearts II, I could’ve gone through playing none of the worlds other than radiant garden and Tron world. Those were the only ones with any relevance to the story at all.

Don’t get me wrong though, each world was fun—well, I can do without more Hercules Jfc. It just felt like needless filler when I was actually more interested in its awkward convoluted plot.

It use to be “anime boy goes to Disney worlds to find answers” to “anime boy goes to Disney worlds because he’s lost and/or bored.” The Disney stuff is just happening around them rather than to them. I find that to be a bummer.

Regardless, Kingdom Hearts II is an absolute delight to play. I wish they said Darkness more in this one like they did in Chain of Memories and the original. I miss the Darkness.

Anyways! It’s a great follow up!

Amazing game, however

holy shit

the rewind is so slow with no additional speed options... just one... really... really... slow speed...

but it is definitely a really neat followup to "Her Story" which I truly loved a lot as well.