Kingdom Hearts

Page semi-protected
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

This article is about the series. For the game, see Kingdom Hearts (video game).

Kingdom Hearts
Genre(s)
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
  • Square
  • Square Enix
Creator(s)
Composer(s)Yoko Shimomura
Platform(s)
First releaseKingdom Hearts
March 28, 2002
Latest releaseKingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory
November 11, 2020
Parent seriesFinal Fantasy

Kingdom Hearts

game designers Tetsuya Nomura and Shinji Hashimoto, being developed and published by Square Enix (originally by Square). It is a collaboration between Square Enix and The Walt Disney Company
, and is under the leadership of Nomura, a longtime Square Enix employee.

Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney properties based in an original fictional universe. The series centers on the main character, Sora, and his journey and experiences with various Disney characters, as well as some from Square Enix properties, such as Final Fantasy, The World Ends with You, and Einhänder, in addition to original characters and locations created specifically for the series.

The series consists of thirteen games available for multiple platforms, and future games are planned. Most of the games in the series have been positively received and commercially successful. As of March 2022, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 36 million copies worldwide. A wide variety of related merchandise has been released along with the games, including

action figures, companion books, light novels, a collectible card game, and a manga
series.

Media

Main article: List of Kingdom Hearts media

Games

Release timeline
2002
Missing-Link
TBAKingdom Hearts IV
  • Kingdom Hearts Final Mix on December 26, 2002.[1][2] Final Mix includes the content from the North American release and additional enemies, cutscenes, and weapons.[3]
  • Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix on March 29, 2007, and in North America as a standalone game on December 2, 2008.[7][8]
  • Nobodies, which are the cast-off shells of those who have become Heartless. The gameplay is similar to that of the first Kingdom Hearts game, with the addition of the Reaction Command, which performs reflex-sensitive actions in battle. Kingdom Hearts II was revised into Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, which contains more material than the original release, such as additional cutscenes and bosses. Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix was released with Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories in a collection titled Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+, which was released in Japan on March 29, 2007.[11]
  • Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, and features updated gameplay combining that of two later entries in the series, 358/2 Days and Birth by Sleep. Unlike the original version, Re:coded was released internationally: October 7, 2010, in Japan;[13] January 11, 2011, in North America;[14] and January 14, 2011, in Europe.[15]
  • AI-controlled partners.[16][17]
    Gameplay is mission-based with optional objectives that yield additional rewards. The game also has a unique panel system which governs character improvement, special abilities, and equipped weapons.
  • Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
     on January 20, 2011, with the content from the English versions as well as new features, such as an additional fifth scenario.
  • Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was released on March 29, 2012, in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS. The game focuses on Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam under Yen Sid in anticipation of Xehanort's return and their subsequent conflicts with enemies from their past.[20] In addition to similar systems inherited from Birth by Sleep, this game features "Dream Eaters" which serve as both enemies and allies. Players may collect and breed friendly Dream Eaters and train them to become more powerful. The English edition came out on July 20, 2012, in Europe while it came out on July 31, 2012, for North America.
  • Kingdom Hearts χ: At Tokyo Game Show 2012, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts χ, previously known as Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers.[21] It is a browser game for PCs, and is only playable in Japan since July 18, 2013. It features cartoon-like 2D models and is a prequel to the series, detailing the events leading up to the Keyblade War.
    • Kingdom Hearts: Unchained χ: An international port of Kingdom Hearts χ that was released for Android and iOS devices.[22] Unchained χ was released in Japan on September 3, 2015,[23] in North America on April 7, 2016,[24] and in Europe on June 16, 2016.[25] Later in April 2017, it was rebranded as Kingdom Hearts: Union χ, featuring an all-new story that expanded and diverged from the original.[26] In January 2019, the game was available on the Amazon Appstore for Amazon devices.[27] The app was rebranded once again to Kingdom Hearts: Union χ Dark Road with the release of Kingdom Hearts Dark Road.[28] The game was shut down and converted into a cutscene viewer in May 2021.[29]
      • Kingdom Hearts Dark Road is a mobile game accessed within Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross],[28] which released worldwide on June 22, 2020.[30] The game is set 70 years before Birth by Sleep and explores the origins of Xehanort and his eventual turn to darkness,[31] and was developed by the same team working on Union χ.[32] Following the shutdown of Union χ, Dark Road was converted into an offline game and received its final story update in August 2022.[33]
  • Kingdom Hearts III: In September 2010, Tetsuya Nomura stated that his team was too busy with other projects such as Final Fantasy XV (known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII at the time) to work on Kingdom Hearts III. He also stated that his team was researching how to create the high-definition graphics of the game, which depended on the technical restrictions of the next generation consoles.[34] On June 10, 2013, at the E3 Sony press conference, after years of rumors and speculations, Nomura introduced a teaser for Kingdom Hearts III, which stated it was in development for the PlayStation 4. It was announced the next day to be in development for the Xbox One as well.[35] In Kingdom Hearts III, the series protagonist Sora embarks on a journey to regain his lost "Power of Waking" while Sora's friends, Riku and King Mickey, search for the Keyblade wielders Aqua, Terra, and Ventus in preparation for their final battle against Xehanort. The game concludes the "Dark Seeker Saga".[36] The game was released on January 25, 2019, in Japan and on January 29 worldwide.[37][38] A cloud version for the Nintendo Switch of the game plus the Re Mind DLC was released on February 10, 2022.[39]
  • Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm-based game for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.[40][41] It released in Japan on November 11, 2020, and worldwide on November 13.[42] Featuring 140 songs, it sees players travel to each stage in a Gummi ship, and features gameplay similar to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.[40][41][43] Melody of Memory continues Kairi's story from the end of Kingdom Hearts III,[43] with Nomura saying the Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind title screen laid "some of the groundwork for it".[32]

Other

  • A Kingdom Hearts game was developed for V CAST,
    Verizon Wireless's broadband service, and was released on October 1, 2004, in Japan and on February 4, 2005, in the United States.[44] It was one of the launch games for the V CAST services.[45] The game, developed by Superscape and published by Disney Mobile with no involvement from Square Enix, features gameplay akin to the first Kingdom Hearts game, modified for the input method of mobile phones.[46]
    The game's storyline features Sora struggling to free himself from a nightmare induced by Maleficent's magic.
  • Kingdom Hearts Mobile was a Kingdom Hearts-themed social game in which players could play mini-games together. Unlike Kingdom Hearts for the V CAST and Kingdom Hearts Coded, this game does not have a storyline and focuses more on socializing. The service operated in conjunction with Kingdom Hearts Coded — new avatar costumes became available after the player completed an episode of Kingdom Hearts Coded. Kingdom Hearts-related media such as wallpapers, ringtones, graphics, and other items could be purchased and downloaded through the service for mobile phones.
  • Kingdom Hearts VR Experience: Announced in September 2018, Kingdom Hearts VR Experience is a free, 10-minute interactive video "featuring iconic moments [and music] from the Kingdom Hearts games" with the ability to unlock additional content by progressing through the experience.[47] The first part was released in Japan on January 23, 2019, with the second part releasing in early 2019.[48][49] The first part had initially been scheduled to release on January 18, 2019,[49] after initial release dates of December 25, 2018, for the first part, with the second part releasing on January 18, 2019.[50]

Collections

  • Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix was released for the PlayStation 3 in Japan on March 14, 2013.[51] The collection includes remastered versions of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Re:Chain of Memories, which include gameplay enhancements and trophy support. In addition, a "Theater Mode" has been added, consisting of high definition cutscenes from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.[52] The collection was released in North America on September 10, 2013[53] in Australia on September 12, 2013,[54] and in Europe on September 13, 2013.[55] A cloud version for the Nintendo Switch was released on February 10, 2022.[39]
  • Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix: After the announcement of HD 1.5 Remix, Nomura stated that it would be "pretty unnatural" if Kingdom Hearts II did not receive an HD update.[56] In the credits of HD 1.5 Remix, clips of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded were shown, hinting at another collection.[57] On October 14, 2013, the collection was announced for the PlayStation 3, and included the previously mentioned games, with Re:coded appearing as HD cinematics, similar to 358/2 Days in HD 1.5 Remix.[57] The collection was released in Japan on October 2, 2014,[58] North America on December 2, 2014, Australia on December 4, 2014, and Europe on December 5, 2014.[59] A cloud version for the Nintendo Switch was released on February 10, 2022.[39]
  • Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue: In the credits of HD 2.5 Remix, clips of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance were shown as well as the inclusion of a secret ending related to the game, hinting at a possible additional collection.[60] In September 2015, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. The collection features an HD remaster of Dream Drop Distance as well as Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover, a cinematic telling of the backstory behind the events of Kingdom Hearts χ, and Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage, a new game taking place after the events of the original Birth by Sleep, told from the perspective of Aqua.[61] It was released in Japan on January 12, 2017, and in North America and Europe on January 24, 2017,[62] with a later release on February 18, 2020, for the Xbox One.[63] A cloud version for the Nintendo Switch was released on February 10, 2022.[39]
  • The following are repackaged versions of the above collections:
    • Kingdom Hearts Starter Pack: HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix: A collector's pack released in Japan includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix.
    • Kingdom Hearts Collector's Pack: HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix: A collector's pack released in Japan includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix, a code to get an Anniversary Set for Kingdom Hearts χ, music, and a booklet with art from the series.[58]
    • Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix: In October 2016, Square-Enix announced a single-disc compilation release of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix for the PlayStation 4. The compilation was released on March 9, 2017, in Japan; March 28, 2017, in North America; and March 31, 2017, in Europe.[64] It was later released on February 18, 2020, for the Xbox One.[63] A cloud version for the Nintendo Switch was released on February 10, 2022.[39]
    • Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far: Announced in early October 2018, this bundle collects the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix PlayStation 4 collection and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. It was released in North America on October 30, 2018, for the PlayStation 4.[65]
    • Kingdom Hearts: All-In-One-Package: This bundle contains everything in The Story So Far, along with Kingdom Hearts III. It was released digitally on the PlayStation 4 in North America on January 29, 2019.[66] The bundle became available physically in North America on March 17, 2020.[67]
    • Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece for Cloud: This bundle contains cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind for the Nintendo Switch which was released on February 10, 2022.[39]

Future

  • Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: In April 2022, Square Enix revealed Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link was in development for iOS and Android devices. It is set in Scala ad Caelum between the events of Union X and Dark Road. A closed beta was originally set for late 2022.[68][69] However, it was delayed to October 30, 2023 for its closed beta. The game is set for a 2024 launch on mobile devices.
  • Kingdom Hearts IV: Though Kingdom Hearts III was the end of the "Dark Seeker Saga" which revolved around Xehanort, it had been decided where certain characters end up in order to potentially continue their stories in future games.[70] In January 2020, Nomura said there would need to be "more time" before the next main entry in the series,[32] later noting in September that Yozora would "definitely... be involved" in the future of the series, in an unexpected and surprising way.[71] In April 2022, Square Enix revealed Kingdom Hearts IV was in development, confirmed that Sora, Donald, and Goofy would return, and that the game would be set in Quadratum, a realistic world inspired by Tokyo. Kingdom Hearts IV will be the start of the "Lost Master arc".[68] In March 2023, during a Kingdom Hearts concert breath concert, Nomura vaguely announced something happened that determined the "direction of the series" going forward.[72]

Additional clarity and direction for the series was determined after the April 2022 Kingdom Hearts event.[73]

Common elements

Disney and Square Enix characters

Further information: Characters of Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters, as well as several new characters designed and created by Nomura.[74] In addition to original locations, the Kingdom Hearts series features many worlds from Disney films. Sora must visit these worlds and interact with various Disney characters to protect them from enemies. Often, his actions in these worlds closely follow the storylines of their respective Disney films. The main characters try not to interfere with the affairs of other worlds, as it could negatively affect the universe's order.[75][76] Various Final Fantasy characters also make appearances within several worlds throughout the series. This includes Moogles, small creatures who are another common element in the games. They provide the player with a synthesis shop in order to create and purchase items used in the game. The main cast from The World Ends with You also makes an appearance in the series in Dream Drop Distance, and Kingdom Hearts III features characters from Pixar films such as the Toy Story series and Monsters, Inc., as well as Schwarzgeist, one of the bosses from Einhänder.[77][78][79] Nevertheless, the usage of Disney characters is not without restrictions. For example, Nomura had requested the use of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in Kingdom Hearts III, but the response from Disney was that the character would be "too difficult" to use, with no further clarification or details from Disney.[80]

Story

Kingdom Hearts
chronology

The series starts with Kingdom Hearts, where a boy named Sora is separated from his friends

Princesses of Heart whose power would open the way to Kingdom Hearts, the heart of all worlds.[83][84]
Though eventually defeating Maleficent and reunited with Kairi after sacrificing himself to restore her heart to her body, Sora learns that Maleficent was manipulated by a sentient Heartless who possesses Riku and claims himself to be the Heartless researcher Ansem. Though Sora defeats Ansem, he is forced to trap Riku and Mickey in the Realm of Darkness after sealing the door and resolute to find them while Kairi remains at the Destiny Islands for their return.

In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Sora's search for Riku and Mickey leads his group to Castle Oblivion,

Naminé to alter the group's memories for his agenda. After Marluxia's defeat, the three are placed in a year-long sleep by Naminé to restore their original memories while losing their experience in Castle Oblivion.[86] At the same time Sora ventured through Castle Oblivion, Riku ended up in the basement levels and ascends to the ground floor with Mickey's aid while dealing with a Replica of himself that fought Sora. Finding the comatose Sora while joining forces with the mysterious DiZ, Riku helps Naminé keep his friend safe until he is awoken. In Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, a snag in the plan over the year forces Riku to capture Roxas
—Sora's Nobody and Organization XIII member that came into being when Sora briefly became a Heartless in the first game-after he was forced to defeat and absorb Xion, a Replica of Sora in Kairi's image.

In Kingdom Hearts II, after Roxas was integrated back into him, an awakened Sora and his friends resume their search for Riku and King Mickey, the latter's mentor

Xemnas, him and the Heartless Ansem revealed to the splintered halves of the real Ansem's apprentice Xehanort.[87][88] The Organization's plan is also revealed: regaining their lost hearts by using Keyblade users to create an artificial Kingdom Hearts from slain Emblem Heartless. Axel, a rogue Organization member who is Roxas' friend and first encountered Sora in Castle Oblivion, abducts Kairi in an attempt to see Roxas. Axel's action only give Saix, his former friend and Xemnas' enforcer, leverage to force Sora into finishing what Roxas and Xion began. Axel sacrifices himself to help Sora's group reach The World That Never Was (Organization XIII's headquarters) and, after defeating Xemnas's right hand Xigbar, reunite with Riku and Kairi. DiZ, revealed to be the real Ansem, attempts dissipating some of the artificial Kingdom Hearts before being engulfed in an explosion when his extraction device self-destructs and is sent to the Realm of Darkness.[89] Sora and his friends then battle Xemnas.[90] After Sora and Riku defeat Xemnas, they get trapped in the Realm of Darkness, but a letter from Kairi summons a gateway for them, and the two are reunited with their friends at their home.[91]
Sometime after his first adventure in Disney Castle, Sora discovered a portal at Disney Castle, and ventured through it to find a mysterious armour referred to as 'Lingering Will'. During their exchange, it mistook Sora for Xehanort, after which Sora fought the mysterious armour. Sora won the battle, and the Lingering Will merely knelt down after this, saying that he once felt the power Sora possessed.

Sometime later after the events of the game, Sora, Riku, and Kairi receive a letter from King Mickey. The letter, written by Mickey during the events of Kingdom Hearts Coded, describes the parts of their past that Naminé learned while restoring Sora's memory.

Ventus sacrificing his heart by fighting his dark counterpart Vanitas, while trying to prevent Xehanort from recreating the legendary χ-blade which allows the user to control Kingdom Hearts, and hiding within four-year-old Sora's heart; and new Keyblade Master Aqua trapped within the Realm of Darkness while an amnesic Xehanort ended up Ansem's apprentice alongside his accomplice Braig (Xigbar's original self).[93] King Mickey also discovers that the destruction of "Ansem" and Xemnas has led to Xehanort's restoration.[94] To combat the new threat Xehanort poses, Sora and Riku take an exam to attain the Mark of Mastery that will allow them to become Keyblade Masters themselves.[95]

During the test in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Sora and Riku enter the Realm of Sleep where they encounter a young version of Xehanort who can travel through time.[96] The two Keyblade wielders also learn how Xehanort has long manipulated events since Birth by Sleep with Organization XIII's true purpose in providing thirteens vessels for him to inhabit and use against seven hearts of pure light in an ultimate battle to recreate the χ-blade.[97][98] But Sora's interference forced Xehanort to retrieve his alternate selves, Marluxia, Larxene, Demyx, Luxord, Vanitas, and Xion from across time in Replica bodies to form his ideal Organization XIII with Xigbar, Saix, and Vexen.[99] Sora is narrowly saved from being Xehanort's final vessel with the aid of Lea (Axel's original self) and Riku learns about data that Ansem the Wise had implanted within Sora during his year-long sleep, which may be used to save those connected to Sora.[100] At the end of the exam, Riku is declared a Keyblade Master;[101] in Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Sora embarks on another journey to regain his "Power of Waking" while Riku helps Mickey find Aqua, Yen Sid training Kairi and Lea so they can help in the final battle against Xehanort and keep him from the Princesses of Heart.[102]

In Kingdom Hearts III, Sora regains his "Power of Waking" in his group's travels while Riku and Mickey retrace Aqua's steps to find her and Terra. Sora later discovers Eraqus's Keyblade on the beach and uses it to open a door to the Realm of Darkness, finding Aqua who has been consumed by darkness after Ansem was abducted by Xehanort's Heartless. Once Aqua is purified by Sora and Riku, she leads them to Castle Oblivion which she restores to its true form as the Land of Departure to revive Ventus despite Vanitas' interference. The group are joined by Kairi and Lea as they face Xehanort and his followers, with a Riku Replica completing the group, at the Keyblade Graveyard. After initially losing the fight, Sora once again uses the "Power of Waking" to restore the guardians and call upon the "Lingering Will" armour, to assist in the fight. Afterwards it is revealed that Saix and Vexen sabotaged the Organization's plan by restoring Roxas as Sora's group manage to defeat all of Xehanort's remaining selves while freeing Xion and Terra from his control. Xehanort kills Kairi to force Sora to manifest the χ-blade, revealing his true plan is to use the true Kingdom Hearts to wipe the slate on reality clean before finally being defeated. Xehanort departs with Eraqus's spirit into the light as Sora closes Kingdom Hearts. Sora also sacrifices himself by using the "Power of Waking" once more to revive Kairi. Sometime later, all the guardians, including their close friends and allies, celebrate victory at Destiny Islands. Xigbar, revealed to be the current incarnation of the ancient Keyblade Master Luxu from the time of the Keyblade War, summons the Foretellers, his fellow Keyblade Masters, to the present for the next phase of his mission. A year later, all attempts to find a clue to Sora's current whereabouts have proven to be futile until Riku and Kairi, with the help of the Fairy Godmother, find clues that lead them to believe that Sora has been transported outside of their reality. Riku embarks on a search for him after opening a portal to another reality in the Final World. Elsewhere, Sora meets Yozora, a supposedly fictional character from a video game. During their exchange Yozora claims that he is tasked to "save Sora" and the world is transported into Shibuya. Sora is challenged to a fight by Yozora, whom he defeats. Yozora fades away as Sora returns to The Final World. Both Sora and Yozora wonder if their meeting was real, with neither character making sense of it.

The Kingdom Hearts timeline

Gameplay

The Kingdom Hearts games contain elements of

non-playable characters
that aid Sora in battle. In the first and third game, their behavior can be altered to suit different combat objectives. The games feature real-time combat that incorporates physical attacks, magic, and summonings, though each game handles battles differently. The game also allows for items to be used on the field of battle to heal oneself or one's party members.

Gummi Ships are another common element of the series, which serve as the main mode of transportation between worlds in the games. The gameplay for the Gummi Ship sections is more akin to a rail shooter. Because it received negative criticism in the first game, it was modified in the third game.[103] Most games also feature a journal which is accessible from the main menu. This journal keeps track of information regarding the story, characters, enemies, and locations. In Kingdom Hearts, Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II, and Kingdom Hearts III, the journal is kept by Jiminy Cricket, who was appointed by Queen Minnie as the royal chronicler.[104] In 358/2 Days, Birth by Sleep, and Dream Drop Distance, the main characters write their own journal entries.

A battle in the first Kingdom Hearts game

The games are influenced by their parent franchise,

abilities.[106] The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained.[107]

Music

Further information: Music of Kingdom Hearts

The music for the series has been primarily composed by

New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.[108][109] Soundtracks were released for the first and third installments following the release of their respective games. A compilation soundtrack was later released that included soundtracks for the entire series, including reworked tracks for the re-released Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.[110][111]

While the themes for some of the Disney-based worlds are taken directly from their Disney film counterparts,

One-Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy VII.[111]

The main

Sanctuary", and "Don't Think Twice" respectively, for the North American and European releases. Utada was the only singer Tetsuya Nomura had in mind for the first Kingdom Hearts theme song.[114] This marked the first time Utada had produced a song for a video game. Both of the first two theme songs reached notable popularity; on weekly Oricon charts, "Hikari" reached No. 1 in 2002 and "Passion" reached No. 4 in 2005.[115][116]

Development and history

History

The initial idea for Kingdom Hearts began with a discussion between

Disney Theme Parks, especially Animal Kingdom. However, Nomura could not get the IP with just "Kingdom", so the development team began to think about "heart" as a core part of the story, so they decided to combine the two to form "Kingdom Hearts".[122][123]

Nomura placed a secret trailer in Kingdom Hearts in hopes that fans would want a sequel. He was unsure if fans would want a sequel and felt that if they did not, then it would be best to leave certain events in the first game unexplained.

Kingdom Hearts Final Mix was completed, development for Kingdom Hearts II began.[125] There were several obstacles to clear before development could begin on a sequel. One was the development team's desire to showcase Mickey Mouse more;[124] Mickey's inclusion in the first game was restricted to a very small role.[121] Nomura had planned for the sequel to take place a year after the first and originally intended for the events of that year to be left unexplained. To bridge the gap between the two games, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was developed.[126] Nomura was hesitant about releasing a game on the Game Boy Advance because he felt the 3D graphics of the original game would not translate well into 2D. He changed his position after hearing that children wanted to play Kingdom Hearts on the handheld system.[127]

Creation and design

Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds.[128] Nomura has stated that though many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story and despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics.[129] He also felt managing and keeping multiple worlds was problematic.[130] When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting and made an effort to minimize any overlap in the overall look and feel of each world.[121][131]

The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of both fans and staff.[132] Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe.[133] Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the backstory of such characters.[134] For Kingdom Hearts II, he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff.[132] Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura does this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He has stated that with speculation, even though a game gets old, people can still be happy with it.[124]

Promotion

The first Kingdom Hearts was announced at

E3 in May 2001.[74] Initial details were that it would be a collaboration between Square and Disney Interactive, and would feature worlds developed by both companies and Disney characters. New characters were designed by Nomura and include Sora, Riku, Kairi, and the Heartless.[74][135] On May 14, 2002, a press release announced a list of the English voice actors. The list included Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, and Hayden Panettiere as the three new characters introduced into the game. It was also announced that many of the Disney characters would be voiced by the official voice actors from their respective Disney films.[74][136]

A secret trailer in the first Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Final Mix hinted at the possibility of a sequel. Rumors for a sequel on the PlayStation 2 were spurred in Japan when a Japanese video game site, Quiter, stated that "an internal (and anonymous) source at Square Japan" confirmed that development of Kingdom Hearts II had begun.[137] It was not until Kingdom Hearts II was announced, along with Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003 that rumors were confirmed.[138] Initial details were that it would take place some time after Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, which takes place directly after the first game. Other details included the return of Sora, Donald, and Goofy, as well as new costumes. At the 2004 Square Enix E3 press conference, the producer, Shinji Hashimoto, stated that many mysteries of the first game would be answered.[139]

To help market the games, websites were set up for each game and demos were on display at gaming events. Each game in the main series was also re-released in Japan with additional content and served as canonical updates to the series.[140] The additional content foreshadowed later plot elements in the series. The rereleases of the main series games had the term "Final Mix" added after the title, while Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts Coded were re-released as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded and released on the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, respectively, with 3D graphics, voice overs during some cutscenes, and new game content.[141][142]

Reception

Japanese and Western review scores
As of January 24, 2019.
Game Famitsu Metacritic
Kingdom Hearts 36/40[143] 85[144]
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 36/40[145] 76[146]
Kingdom Hearts II 39/40[147] 87[148]
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
 		68[149]
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days 36/40[150] 75[151]
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep 37/40[152] 82[153]
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
 		66[154]
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance 38/40[155] 75[156]
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix 77[157]
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix 81[158]
Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ 70[159]
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue 34/40[160] 78[161]
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix 84[162]
Kingdom Hearts III 39/40[164] 83[163]
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory 34/40[166] 74[165]

The Kingdom Hearts series has been critically and commercially successful. As of March 2014, the series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

NPD Group reported that Kingdom Hearts II was the highest-selling console game in North America, with 614,000 copies.[174] In the month after its release in North America, Kingdom Hearts II sold an estimated 1 million copies.[175] As of February 2019, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 30 million copies worldwide.[176] This number reached to over 35 million copies shipped by October 2021.[177] On April 11, 2022, Kingdom Hearts III was revealed to reach a total of 6.7 million units as of September 2021 surpassing Kingdom Hearts 6 million units to become the current best selling title in the series.[178] As of March 2022, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 36 million copies worldwide.[179]

The games have also received high ratings and positive comments from reviewers. All of the main games in the series have scored a 36 out of 40 or higher from the Japanese gaming magazine

G4 awarded it "Best Story" at their 2003 G-Phoria awards show.[184] Electronic Gaming Monthly awarded Kingdom Hearts II "Best Sequel" of 2006.[185] It tied with Resident Evil 4 as Famitsu's Game of the Year 2005.[186] The manga series has also been well received. Several of the manga volumes were listed on USA Today's "Top 150 best sellers".[187][188][189] The highest ranked volume was Kingdom Hearts volume 4 at #73.[188]
Every volume listed stayed on the list for at least two weeks; Kingdom Hearts volume 4 stayed the longest at four weeks.

Other media

Both Square Enix and Disney have released a wide variety of Kingdom Hearts merchandise including toys, figurines, clothing, and jewelry.

trading card game by the Tomy corporation of Japan.[194] An English version of the game was released in November 2007 by Fantasy Flight Games.[195]
The video games have also been adapted into manga and novel series.

Like the Final Fantasy games, a series of "

Brady Games released strategy guides for each game. For Kingdom Hearts II, they released two versions, a standard version and a limited edition version. The limited edition was available in four different covers and included a copy of Jiminy's Journal along with 400 stickers.[197]

Sora has made guest appearances in other video games, including World of Final Fantasy and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.[198][199]

Printed adaptations

A

Monthly Shōnen Gangan and eventually released in tankōbon format. The first tankōbon was released in Japan in October 2003.[200] The manga was released in the US by Tokyopop two years later in October 2005.[201] Yen Press now holds the rights to publish the books for the USA market. The first series, Kingdom Hearts, consists of four volumes, while the second series, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, has two volumes. The third series, Kingdom Hearts II, has ten volumes total, taking a hiatus to publish a fourth series based on Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days which has five volumes total, after which Kingdom Hearts II resumed. As of April 2019, a fifth series based on Kingdom Hearts III has been serialised monthly in Gangan Online with Amano returning to do story and artwork.[202] Yen Press also licensed the series and published it online in English on apps such as Comixology and BookWalker alongside the Japanese release. This series will soon have two volumes published in tankōbon format.[203][204]

The games have also been adapted as a light novel series, written by Tomoco Kanemaki and illustrated by Shiro Amano. Like the manga series, it is divided into separate series based on the games. Kingdom Hearts is divided into two volumes; "The First Door"[205] and "Darkness Within".[206] Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is divided into two volumes. Kingdom Hearts II is divided into four volumes; "Roxas—Seven Days",[207] "The Destruction of Hollow Bastion",[208] "Tears of Nobody",[209] and "Anthem—Meet Again/Axel Last Stand".[210]

Television series

A pilot for a television adaptation of the first Kingdom Hearts game was commissioned in 2003 for the Disney Channel, but did not go forward as a series. [211] In October 2022, the pilot's director, Seth Kearsley, uploaded the pilot animatic to his personal YouTube channel and shared more details on the production. The cast of the games reprised their roles for the pilot with the exception of Haley Joel Osment, who was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced with Bobby Edner.[212] According to Kearsley, the pilot tested well with their test audiences, but the decision was made not to go further into production due to the franchise's expansion and the difficulty of maintaining consistency with the ongoing game series.[213] The animatic was later taken down by Kearsley at Disney's request.

On May 27, 2020, it was reported that a TV series based on the franchise was in development for Disney+.[214]

Further reading

  • Square Enix (2021) [2014]. Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: The Story Before Kingdom Hearts III. Milwaukie:
    ISBN 978-15-0672-523-9
    .
  • Square Enix; Disney (2021) [2020]. Kingdom Hearts Character Files. Milwaukie: Dark Horse Comics.
    ISBN 978-15-0672-578-9
    .

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Japanese: キングダム ハーツ, Hepburn: Kingudamu Hātsu

References

  1. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts Info". GameFAQs. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2007.
  3. ^ IGN Staff (September 11, 2002). "Kingdom Hearts Final Mix Images". IGN. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  4. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". IGN. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
  5. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Info". GameFAQs. Archived from the original on February 13, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
  6. ^ Craig Harris (October 3, 2003). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories – Square-Enix continues its Disney-based adventure on the GBA. New screens and details". IGN. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  7. ^ "Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories for North America". Square Enix. September 19, 2008. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  8. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories Heads to Retailers Today". IGN. December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  9. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II". IGN. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
  10. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Info". GameFAQs. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  11. ^ Anoop Gantayat (September 13, 2006). "Kingdom Hearts II Update For PS2". IGN. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  12. ^ "キングダム ハーツ coded" (in Japanese). Square Enix. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  13. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Decoded in October". Siliconera. July 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  14. ^ "KINGDOM HEARTS RE:CODED CONFIRMED FOR RELEASE JANUARY 11, 2011". Square Enix. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on October 12, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
  15. ^ Square Enix Europe (October 6, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts Re:coded is coming to Europe 14 January 2011". Twitter. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  16. ^ Siegel, Scott (September 20, 2007). "TGS07: New Kingdom Hearts games coming to DS, PSP, mobile". Joystiq. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2007.
  17. ^ Onyett, Charles (September 19, 2007). "TGS 2007: Three New Kingdom Hearts Titles". IGN. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  18. Sony Computer Entertainment. Archived
    from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  19. ^ Charles Onyett (September 19, 2007). "Three New Kingdom Hearts Titles". IGN. Archived from the original on November 19, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
  20. ^ Anoop Gantayat (June 18, 2010). "Tetsuya Nomura on Kingdom Hearts 3D". Andriasang. Archived from the original on June 19, 2010. Retrieved June 16, 2010.
  21. ^ Square-Enix (February 19, 2013). "【PCブラウザ】KINGDOM HEARTSχ[chi] 正式タイトル＆タイトルロゴ決定". Square-Enix. Archived from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  22. ^ あなたの手の中に、『KH』の世界が法がる [The world of "KH" expands into your hands]. Famitsu Weekly (in Japanese). No. 1380. Enterbrain. May 15, 2015. pp. 30–35.
  23. ^ Romano, Sal (September 1, 2015). "Kingdom Hearts: Unchained Chi launches September 3 in Japan". Gematsu. Archived from the original on September 2, 2015. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  24. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ is coming to North America!". Square Enix. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  25. ^ Sata (June 15, 2016). "Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ Will Be Available In Europe And In 100 Countries Later Tonight". Siloconera. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  26. ^ Hume, Manon (March 10, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts Union X Cross Update Announced". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  27. ^ Compendio, Chris (January 29, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross] is Now on Amazon Devices". DualShockers. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  28. ^ a b Tricome, Nick (February 19, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts Dark Road Details, Screenshots Released". DualShockers. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  29. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS Union χ[Cross] [@kh_ux_na] (February 25, 2021). "Message From The Development Team" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  30. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 20, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts Dark Road Smartphone Game Also Launches in English on June 22". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  31. GamesRadar. Archived
    from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  32. ^ a b c "KINGDOM HEARTS III and Re Mind DLC: Q&A with the developers". Square Enix. January 29, 2020. Archived from the original on February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  33. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Dark Road Will Get Its Final Chapter Soon".
  34. ^ Electronic Gaming Monthly. September 14, 2010. pp. 12, 13.
  35. ^ "Square Enix Announces Next Generation Development of Kingdom Hearts III". Square Enix. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  36. ^ Gifford, Kevin (June 19, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts 3 detailed by game director Tetsuya Nomura". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  37. ^ Romano, Sal (June 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III launches January 25, 2019 in Japan and Asia, January 29 in North America and Europe". Gematsu. Archived from the original on June 10, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  38. ^ Wallace, Kimberly (June 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Finally Gets A Release Date". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on June 10, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  39. ^ a b c d e f Franzese, Tomas (October 6, 2021). "Kingdom Hearts Nintendo Switch Release Date, Trailer, and Cloud Version Details". Inverse. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  40. ^ a b Fahey, Mike (June 16, 2020). "There's A Kingdom Hearts Rhythm Game Coming To Consoles This Year". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  41. ^ a b Mercante, Alyssa (June 16, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm game coming to consoles later this year". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  42. ^ Romano, Sal (August 27, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory release date announcement trailer". Gematsu. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  43. ^ a b Cooper, Dalton (June 16, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory Revealed, And It's Not What Fans Expected". Game Rant. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  44. ^ "Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  45. ^ Levi Buchanan (February 2, 2005). "V CAST Launches". IGN. Archived from the original on July 1, 2007. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  46. ^ Levi Buchanan (October 20, 2004). "Kingdom Hearts – Disney Mobile presents the future of wireless gaming". IGN. Archived from the original on March 30, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  47. ^ Radulovic, Petrana (September 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts is getting a virtual reality experience". Polygon. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  48. ^ Romano, Sal (January 16, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts: VR Experience delayed to January 23". Gematsu. Archived from the original on January 16, 2019. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  49. ^ a b Graham, Peter (December 21, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts: VR Experience Has Been Delayed by a Month". VR Focus. Archived from the original on March 14, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  50. ^ Nelva, Giuseppe (December 9, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts: VR Experience for PlayStation VR Gets Release Date and New Screenshots". Twinfinite. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018. via: "『キングダム ハーツIII』OPテーマ｢Face My Fears｣公開！ OPムービーを使った発表トレーラーをチェック！" (in Japanese). PlayStation Blog Japan. December 10, 2018. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  51. ^ Romano, Sal (December 20, 2012). "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Japanese release date set". Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
  52. ^ "Kingdom Hearts HD Collection Announced". GameInformer. September 19, 2012. Archived from the original on September 22, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  53. ^ Kishimoto, Mathew (May 7, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX: Pre-Order for Limited Edition Artbook". Archived from the original on March 8, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
  54. ^ Bruno, Travis (May 10, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix release date announced for Australia and NZ". Capsule Computers. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  55. ^ Bateman, Benjamin (May 7, 2013). "Pre-order Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX, limited edition art book available". Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
  56. ^ Romano, Sal (October 2, 2012). "Nomura teases Kingdom Hearts II HD". Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  57. ^ a b Karmali, Luke (October 14, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix coming to PS3 in 2014". IGN. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  58. ^ a b Spencer (June 6, 2014). "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix Heads To Japan In October With A Collector's Pack". Siliconera. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  59. ^ Moriarty, Colin (June 5, 2014). "PS3'S Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Gets A Release Date". IGN. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  60. ^ Dunsmore, Kevin (January 14, 2015). "Get Ready to Play a New Kingdom Hearts Game in 2015". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  61. ^ Wallace, Kimberly (September 15, 2015). "[Update] Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Revealed For PS4". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  62. ^ Romano, Sal (September 13, 2016). "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 launches January 12 in Japan". Gematsu. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  63. ^ a b Sherman, Jennifer (February 18, 2020). "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Games Launch on Xbox One". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  64. ^ Nunneley, Stephany (October 27, 2016). "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix announced for March release on PlayStation 4". VG 24/7. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  65. ^ Khan, Imran (October 5, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far Bundle Includes Every Game You Need To Get Caught Up". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  66. ^ Cheing, Kevin (January 27, 2019). "File size revealed for Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package on PS4". Game Idealist. Archived from the original on February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  67. Games Radar. Archived
    from the original on February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  68. ^ a b McWhertor, Michael (April 10, 2022). "Kingdom Hearts 4 announced, will kick off Sora's new story arc". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  69. ^ Roth, Emily (April 10, 2022). "Kingdom Hearts IV announced at 20th anniversary event". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  70. ^ Romano, Sal (June 23, 2015). "Kingdom Hearts III has mostly new worlds, release window internally decided". Gematsu. Archived from the original on June 25, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  71. ^ Oloman, Jordan (September 7, 2020). "'Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory': the future of the franchise through music". NME. Archived from the original on September 7, 2020. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  72. ^ @aibo_ac7 (March 19, 2023). "KHコンサートより、野村氏の「昨年のKHイベントの後KHを左右するる出来事があった」を補足。" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  73. ^ Bellingham, Hope (March 20, 2023). "Kingdom Hearts 4 got a behind-the-scenes pivot after its reveal, but its director won't say why". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  74. ^ a b c d "Kingdom Hearts Company Line". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 18, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  75. ^ Square (November 15, 2002). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts. Donald: But we can't. If we take him to another world, we would be... / Goofy: Muh... Mudd-- / Donald: Meddling!
  76. ^ Kingdom Hearts manga, Volume 1. Page 99. Tokyopop.
  77. ^ Frank, Allegra (July 15, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 gets a new trailer and its first Pixar-based world". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 15, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  78. ^ Wallace, Kimberly (July 16, 2017). "Nomura Shares More Details On Kingdom Hearts III And Its Toy Story World". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  79. ^ Pereira, Chris (February 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer Shows Monsters Inc. World, New Gameplay Details Revealed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  80. ^ Hoggins, Tom (March 10, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3: Tetsuya Nomura on working with Disney and catering to fans both old and new". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  81. ^ Turner, Benjamin (September 3, 2002). "Kingdom Hearts Review (PS2)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2007.
  82. ^ Square (November 15, 2002). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts. King Mickey's Note: Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin' goodbye, nevertheless, there's big trouble brewin'. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin' out, one by one. And that means disaster can't be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I've gotta go check into it. There's someone with a "key"—the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we're doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He'll point you in the right direction. P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal.
  83. ^ Dave Zdyrko (February 6, 2002). "Kingdom Hearts Preview". IGN. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  84. ^ "Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation 2 (2002)". MobyGames. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  85. OCLC 122414850
    .
  86. ^ Square Enix (December 2, 2008). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Jiminy: So you can put 'em back together? / Naminé: Yes, but first I have to undo the chains of memories I made on my own. After I've done that, I have to gather up the memories scattered across each of your hearts and them reconnect them. It might take some time. But I think it might work. No—It will work. I'm sure. It's my turn to look after you. / Sora: All right. We all really trust you. / Jiminy: Oh... Wait just a second! You said you'd have to undo the links you made. But that means— / Naminé: Yes. You won't be able to remember anything about what happened here. / Sora: Not even you? / Naminé: I'm sorry. It's the only way, I'm afraid.
  87. ^ Square Enix (March 28, 2006). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Mickey: But, what you actually fought was his Heartless. Ya see, he wasn't really Ansem. He just went around telling everybody that he was.
  88. ^ Square Enix (March 28, 2006). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Mickey: Now I remember! Xehanort! Ansem's apprentice! The leader of Organization XIII is Xehanort's Nobody!
  89. ^ Square Enix (March 28, 2006). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Ansem the Wise: It's a device to reclaim Kingdom Hearts and encode it as data. / Mickey: Not sure I get it. / Ansem the Wise: I do not claim to know the outcome of this venture, either. After all...Hearts are unpredictable.
  90. ^ Square Enix (March 28, 2006). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Xemnas: Heed me, Kingdom Hearts! Lend me your power, so that we may be complete! The power to erase the fools that hinder us.
  91. ^ Square Enix (March 28, 2006). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Sora: W-We're back. / Kairi: You're home.
  92. ^ Square Enix, h.a.n.d. (January 11, 2011). Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (Nintendo DS). Square Enix. Data-Naminé: It all began with these memories that were sleeping way down deep in Sora's heart. / Data-Sora: These are my memories? / Data-Naminé: No. Not yours. These belong to people connected to you. [...] When I first found them while repairing your memory, I thought I'd made a mistake.
  93. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Xehanort: Ah, but destiny is never left to chance. I merely guided them to their proper places. The broken boy who failed to be the blade...the misguided master who sacrificed herself for a friend...and the feckless youth who became my new vessel.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  94. ^ Square Enix, h.a.n.d. (January 11, 2011). Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (Nintendo DS). Square Enix. Mickey: Xehanort? But his two halves are gone. There was Ansem, who commanded the Heartless...and Xemnas, who commanded the Nobodies. Didn't Sora defeat them both? / Yen Sid: Correct, those two met their end. However, therein lies exactly our problem. Their destruction now guarantees the original Xehanort's reconstruction. /.../ In short...this means Master Xehanort will return.
  95. ^ Square Enix, h.a.n.d. (January 11, 2011). Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (Nintendo DS). Square Enix. Yen Sid: Mickey, please summon Sora hither. Riku as well. / Mickey: Of course, but...why? / Yen Sid: To show us the Mark of Mastery.
  96. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Young Xehanort: I am Xehanort from the most distant past. My future self gave me a task—to visit the splintered versions of myself in many worlds, and ensure they gathered here today.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  97. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Xigbar: Xemnas and Xehanort formed the Organization for a specific reason—round up a bunch of empty husks, hook them up to Kingdom Hearts, then fill them all with the exact same heart and mind. Translation—they were gonna turn all the members into Xehanort.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  98. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Mickey: Why? How was I so blind? I should've seen it, as soon as Maleficent started gathering the seven princesses of heart. / Xehanort: Yes. They were all my doing. I used the evil fairy to find seven pure lights for me, just as I prepared thirteen vessels to fill with pure darkness.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  99. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Xehanort: All of the pieces are destined to appear. Your seven lights just like my thirteen darknesses, whose final clash will beget the prize I seek— / Xehanort and Mickey: The χ-blade!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  100. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Ansem the Wise: Perhaps I wanted to atone for events of the past, even if no apology can undo the harm I have wrought. I felt...that I ought to leave at least something behind. So I digitized myself and my research, and hid them within Sora. /.../ He has touched countless hearts, he has accepted them, and he has saved them. And some of those hearts have never left him—whether they fell into darkness or were trapped there—whether they sleep in the darkness of Sora's heart, or were welcomed into its warmth--they can be saved. All Sora needs to do is be himself and follow wherever it is that his heart takes him. It is the best and the only way. The rest is in there.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  101. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Yen Sid: I believe we need a new Keyblade Master, one with a new kind of power. Sora and Riku, you both deserve the honor. However, one of you braved the realm of sleep again to unlock the final Keyhole and save a friend. Riku, I name you our new true Keyblade Master.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  102. ^ Square Enix 1st Production Department (July 31, 2012). Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Nintendo 3DS). Square Enix. Yen Sid: [Even] if we deliberately avoid finding our seven lights to avert another Keyblade War, Xehanort will still target the seven princesses in order to forge the χ-blade. [...] To protect the seven pure hearts, we will need seven lights strong enough to stand against the thirteen darknesses.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  103. ^ "1UP – E3 2005 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on August 8, 2007. Retrieved August 31, 2007.
  104. ^ Minnie: Oh, and to chronicle your travels, he will accompany you. / Jiminy: Over here! Cricket’s the name. Jiminy Cricket, at your service. Square (November 15, 2002). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts.
  105. Future Publishing
    . July 2007. pp. 80–81.
  106. ^ Square (2002). Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet. Square.
  107. ^ Greg Kasavin (September 9, 2002). "Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation 2 Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 2, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  108. ^
    Toshiba-Emi
    Limited. 2002.
  109. ^
    Toshiba-Emi
    Limited. 2006.
  110. ^ a b "Game Music / Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete". CD Japan. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
  111. ^ a b "キングダムハーツサントラコンプリートBoxとKH2FM+を買ったよ!レポ" (in Japanese). Intermezzo. March 30, 2007. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2007.
  112. ^ IGN Staff (January 10, 2002). "Hikaru Utada Sings Kingdom Hearts Theme". IGN. Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  113. ^ Hirohiko Niizumi (July 29, 2005). "Kingdom Hearts vocalist returns for sequel". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2007.
  114. ^ Stephen Coleman (August 22, 2002). "Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  115. Tokyo Broadcasting System. Archived from the original
    on March 30, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  116. Tokyo Broadcasting System. Archived from the original
    on March 30, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  117. ^ a b "Iwata Asks". Iwataasks.nintendo.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  118. ^ Final Fantasy Retrospective Part XI (GameTrailers.com feature). GameTrailers. October 10, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
  119. ^ Anoop Gantayat (September 23, 2004). "TGS 2004: Tetsuya Nomura Q&A". IGN. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2007.
  120. ^ "Kingdom Hearts キングダム ハーツ" (in Japanese). Final Fantasy 2000. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2007.
  121. ^ a b c "KHU Interview w/Tetsuya Nomura". Kingdom Hearts Insider. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
  122. ^ Splechta, Mike (June 26, 2013). "Tetsuya Nomura discusses Kingdom Hearts 1.5, Kingdom Hearts 3 and Final Fantasy 15". Gamezone. Archived from the original on October 23, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  123. ^ Square Enix (June 25, 2013). Square Enix Presents E3 2013 – Day1 [#03] – KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX Interview. Youtube. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  124. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania – Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on July 10, 2007. Retrieved August 10, 2007.
  125. ^ GameSpot staff (October 10, 2003). "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2007.
  126. ^ Raymond Padilla (December 8, 2004). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpy. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2007.
  127. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2007.
  128. ^ "Nomura Interview TechTv". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  129. ^ "Playstation.com Europe – E3 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on April 18, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  130. ^ "IGN – Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.
  131. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Tetsuya Nomura interview". Video Game Blogger. August 11, 2006. Archived from the original on August 11, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2007.
  132. ^ a b Boulette, Bryan (November 27, 2005). "Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details". RPGamer. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
  133. ^ "Tetsuya Nomura 1st 1UP Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  134. ^ "Dengeki – Kingdom Hearts 2 Progress Report". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
  135. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (May 17, 2001). "E3 2001: Square announces Disney RPG for PS2". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  136. ^ IGN Staff (May 14, 2002). "IGN: Kingdom Hearts Voice Cast". IGN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  137. ^ IGN staff (March 7, 2003). "Kingdom Hearts 2 on PS2?". IGN. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  138. ^ Justin Calvert (September 26, 2003). "TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 18, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2007.
  139. ^ Benson, Mike (May 12, 2004). "Square Enix E3 Press Conference and "Dear Friends" Concert". Gaming Age. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  140. ^ "「キングダム ハーツII ファイナル ミックス」に新要素が!!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. March 24, 2007. Archived from the original on July 11, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
  141. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix". IGN. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
  142. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ (Limited Package Version)". Play-Asia. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
  143. ^ プレイステーション2 - キングダム ハーツ. Weekly Famitsu. No.915 Pt.2. Pg.75. June 30, 2006.
  144. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 3, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  145. ^ a b "News: November 3, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved May 23, 2007.
  146. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  147. ^ a b Josh Freund (December 20, 2005). "News – Latest Famitsu review scores – Kingdom Hearts II, Mario & Luigi 2, & more". Gamesarefun.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
  148. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 26, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  149. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 26, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  150. ^ "Famitsu review scores – First Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days score". NintendoEverything. May 19, 2009. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2010.
  151. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 26, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  152. ^ Famitsu Staff (January 21, 2010). "Introduction of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 47.
  153. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  154. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  155. ^ "Kingdom Hearts, Baseball with Normal Sized Heads Get 10s in Famitsu". Adriasang. March 21, 2012. Archived from the original on February 1, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  156. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  157. ^ "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 22, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  158. ^ "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  159. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  160. ^ Romano, Sal (December 27, 2016). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1465". Gematsu. Archived from the original on January 19, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  161. ^ "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  162. ^ "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  163. ^ "Kingdom Hearts III Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  164. ^ Romano, Sal (February 5, 2019). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1575". Gematsu. Archived from the original on February 10, 2019. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  165. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 11, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  166. ^ Romano, Sal (November 4, 2020). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1666". Gematsu. Archived from the original on April 11, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  167. ^ "Businesses – Square Enix Holdings". March 31, 2014. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  168. ^ Calvert, Justin (November 18, 2002). "October video game sales". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved July 5, 2007.
  169. ^ "News: November 13, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved May 23, 2007.
  170. ^ GamePro Staff. "Kingdom Hearts for GBA Debuts Number One in Japan". GamePro. Archived from the original on January 13, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  171. ^ Tor Thorsen (January 31, 2005). "ChartSpot: December 2004". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved June 8, 2007.
  172. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Achieves Million-Unit Sales Mark in North America in Four Weeks". Square Enix. May 2, 2006. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2007.
  173. ^ Anoop Gantayat (December 27, 2005). "Kingdom Hearts 2 Goes Platinum". IGN. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  174. ^ Tor Thorsen. "ChartSpot: March 2006". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2007.
  175. ^ "TGS06: Kingdom Hearts II Achieves Million-Unit Sales Mark in North America in Four Weeks". Square Enix. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
  176. ^ Kingdom Hearts III shipments and digital sales top five million Archived August 7, 2019, at the Wayback Machine Gematsu
  177. ^ ""SQUARE ENIX AND DISNEY ANNOUNCE BELOVED KINGDOM HEARTS COLLECTIONS COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH VIA CLOUD" - Square Enix North America Press Hub". press.na.square-enix.com.
  178. ^ "野村氏がファンの疑問へ直接回答！ボイスキャストも駆けつけた「KINGDOM HEARTS 20th ANNIVERSARY EVENT」展示＆ステージをレポート｜Gamer". www.gamer.ne.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  179. ^ "Annual Reports｜Investor Relations | SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD". www.hd.square-enix.com. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  180. ^ KK. "Highest Scoring Games in Famitsu's History". Zelda-fans.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2007.
  181. ^ Reiner, Andrew (September 29, 2008). "Top 25 PlayStation 2 Games: The Games That Defined a Generation". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  182. ^ "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002". GameSpot. 2002. Archived from the original on July 13, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  183. ^ Perry, Douglass C. (March 20, 2003). "IGN: The Best Looking Games on PS2". IGN. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  184. ^ IGN Staff (July 31, 2003). "G-Phoria Report". IGN. Archived from the original on July 5, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2007.
  185. ^ EGM Staff (March 2007). "The 2006 1UP Network Awards". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 213. pp. 76–81.
  186. ^ "Famitsu Awards 2005"大賞は「キングダムハーツII」と「バイオハザード4」!!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. Archived from the original on January 10, 2007. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
  187. ^ "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database – Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
  188. ^ a b "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database – Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  189. ^ "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database – Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 6, 2009. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
  190. ^ "Official Kingdom Hearts Website: News". Square Enix. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2007.
  191. ^ "Square Enix Official Goods – Kingdom Hearts". Square Enix. Archived from the original on August 26, 2007. Retrieved August 27, 2007.
  192. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Original Soundtrack". CD Japan. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  193. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II – Original Soundtrack". CD Japan. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  194. ^ Chris Cook (September 24, 2004). "TGS 2004: Square Enix Press Conference Wrap Up". Game Informer. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  195. ^ "Fantasy Flight Games to publish "Kingdom Hearts TCG"". Fantasy Flight Games. Archived from the original on August 17, 2007. Retrieved October 4, 2007.
  196. ^ "ビジュアルブック「キングダム ハーツ -Another Report-」が予約特典!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. January 25, 2007. Archived from the original on May 26, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
  197. Brady Games. April 6, 2006. Archived from the original
    on December 22, 2015. Retrieved July 6, 2007.
  198. ^ Luster, Joseph (October 30, 2016). ""Kingdom Hearts" Hero Sora Heads to "World of Final Fantasy" as DLC". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  199. ^ "Smash Bros. Ultimate's Final DLC Character Is Sora from Kingdom Hearts". IGN. October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  200. ISBN 4757716575
    .
  201. ISBN 1598162179
    .
  202. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 3 Manga to begin serialization on April 29th". April 25, 2019.
  203. ISBN 978-4757565913
    .
  204. ISBN 978-4757568433
    .
  205. ISBN 978-1423103950
    .
  206. ISBN 978-1423103967
    .
  207. ISBN 4757516797
    .
  208. ISBN 4757517157
    .
  209. ISBN 4757517920
    .
  210. ISBN 978-4757519640
    .
  211. ^ @SethKearsley (October 14, 2022). "As some of you have already seen. The #kingdomhearts animatic is taken down. I got the call from an old friend at Disney who was politely asked to politely ask me to take it down" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  212. ^ "Canceled Kingdom Hearts Animated Pilot Released After 19 Years".
  213. ^ Ngan, Liv (October 12, 2022). "Director of canned Kingdom Hearts TV series shares pilot episode". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  214. ^ "Kingdom Hearts TV Show Reportedly Coming To Disney+". www.ign.com. IGN. May 27, 2020. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.

External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to Kingdom Hearts.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kingdom Hearts.