OOOOOOOHHH, NOW YA DID IT, YOU PISSED OFF MICKEY…

Well, it’s been almost a decade since Disney and Squaresoft started this little dance that we call ‘Kingdom Hearts’. And while people are waiting with bated breath for the third installment in the series, we have been given a prequel in the form of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. As with any release associated with a high-profile series Birth by Sleep has come under some scrutiny from many critics. So, how has this game stood up to the others? Click the link and I’ll tell ya.

Well, let’s see how much can I cram in here. The story revolves around three characters: Ventus (balanced bladed fighter), Terra (physical attacks) and Aqua (Magic, acrobatics). As these three friends try to find each other in the world, each gives us a different story arc to follow with different tasks to complete. As a prequel, Birth by Sleep not only tie’s into the original Kingdom Hearts, but also Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, which is very cool. The secret ending also gives heavy insight into the future of the series, so make sure to check that out. Graphics are beautiful and definitely show off some of the PSP’s prowess. Disney has made sure that there are faithful recreations of the characters and environments. The new characters and environments are expected but cool nonetheless (check out the Enchanted forest from Snow White, and yes I know how that sounds…bite me). Combat is great and features new upgrades like the D-Link system (Associated Dimension Links) where you take on the styles of other characters (good or evil which is cool). This leads into the new combo system which favors using a certain style in your attacks (physical, magical etc.). When implemented it induces a heightened state where attacks are more powerful and the beefed up chained combos can link into huge, ultra powerful finishing moves. Customizable abilities are equipped in slots which increase in number as you level. Hunting for new skills become a task unto themselves as they are hidden in various chests, dropped by enemies and so on and so forth. New Keyblades are abound also.

Minigames are another addition and include multiplayer modes to increase replay. Most of which are forgettable but the Command Board – a board game, go figure – is designed to earn and improve skills so as to be not only entertaining but very helpful as you progress. Other multiplayer options are 6-player battles and teaming up to defeat waves of enemies and bosses.

And as great as this all is, there are still some problems that bring the experience down a bit. First off, the age old Kingdom Hearts problem of crappy platforming rears its ugly head again (really people, you gotta get on that). The repetition of areas, enemies, cutscenes and even a boss battle get really annoying really fast. For all the cool combos there are, button mashing is still the prevalent way to play, which kind of feels like moving backwards for all that is offered for combat options. The storytelling seems a bit off which is really uncharacteristic for the series. There’s no real online. The Rumble Racing minigame is truly abysmal and Terra’s voice acting sounds like somebody was recruited from a Methadone clinic. The worst transgression is in the form of the camera and the slowdown. The slowdown is occasional and is mildly forgivable considering the frame rate and graphics. But the camera at any given time can’t seem to keep up while your locked on an enemy – this is especially during a tough boss battle. Seriously people, what the hell.

This may not be the game that everyone was looking forward to. And the above stated problems may be a bit too much for some people – particularly those who aren’t huge into the series. But for many of us this game may not be up to par with other releases but will be a nice bridge into the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts III. With about 40 hours of gameplay, awesome boss battles, a tweaked, evolving combat system and great leveling there is more than enough to sink your teeth into. Voice acting from Leonard Nimoy, Mark Hamill and Jesse McCartney doesn’t hurt either. Enjoy the ride people.

[A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.]