Kingdom Hearts II - Impression (No Spoilers)

[Andromeda]

Well I just beat Kingdom Hearts II last night around 6pm, though since I do not expect others to have beaten the game yet this is just going to be impression. I figure that anyone who bought the game has played the game for a few hours. So you should have an idea of what you think of the game.

The first few hours really set a few of things for the game, mainly in terms of battling/combat. From the first boss fight to fighting the monsters the changes and improvements made from the original are quite apparent. The reaction command is the most notiable change which adds a new level of complexity to the combat system. Being able to quickly slide around behind an enemy and launch an attack to stealing the enemy's weapon and going berserk killing everything you touch. It was these things that make the combat even more of a joy than from the first.

And then there was the first boss fight, if you were to compare KH and KH2 first boss fight alone, KH2 would win without a challenge. That boss fight really set a bar on combat that made me worry if they could maintain it throughout the game. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that they could maintain it, there was a few boss fights that were not so enjoyable and straight forward, but many of them use the environment and allow you to use it towards your advantage. It really makes the combat vastly different from the original, even though the basics are still the same.

One of the draws backs was the amount of mini-games, in the first couple hours you are forced to played 6 mini-games. While they are start, you have to play them if you want any money, especially when you are collect money together. Being forced to replay mini-games a lot, drains the fun out of the game quickly.

Another down side to the game that adds more strategy was that Cure takes all of your MP. That really annoys me at times, which made me more reliant on Potions at certain points and on Donald or my extra buddy to cure me. And it is even more challenge later on. I think that they did this to make Potions more important, though on the Normal mode I only used a couple potions. So it really did not make them more necessary.

The last thing was the story, I felt like the story in KH dragged a lot and while it setup well it was slowed down a lot by the Disney worlds you travel to. A lot of the events are forgotten or push aside at times when playing KH. KH2 still suffers from this from time to time, but for on set they had a story they were built on and to moving with. Which is something that helped out the game I think. They did have a lot of flashback and setup to refresh the player, but they kept moving on and it was more about the end goal rather than the Disney worlds.

Overall, I would say that KH2 is a vast improvement on KH and a better game. This is not to say KH is not a great game, but I think KH2 added to what KH built nicely and pushed everything a step further. Truly an excellent game at the end of the PS2 life cycle.

Ohh Your so lucky Andromeda to have gotten KH2 already! *cries*. I still have to wait for the Uk release arghh! unfair. But anyway My impressions of it is that its definately got a much better/detailed attacking system i like the whole merge thing. The new Characters seem kewl. I heard quite a few people didnt like the mini games either.But i didnt know you had to complete them. I cant wait untill i get to play it hopefully it will be soon.

[Fuzz]

I'm about 10 hours into the game now and I feel pretty much the same way you do Andro. The reaction command along with limits, drives, really give the battles an entertainment edge. I have heard a lot of people complaining that the battles are just a matter of continually pressing the X button, but that is definately NOT the case... unless you are playing in easy mode. I found that many of the enemies require MORE than just pressing X, so that was definately an improvement for me.

The story and characters are great so far. I also, like KH, love the journal system - on keeping track of treasures, maps, character links, etc. I never played the GBA game of KH, so I'm assuming I'm missing a few story holes, but none-the-less anyone can quickly learn the simple disney like story with familiar characters and fundamental plots.

The graphics, music are very pleasing! I am truly addicted to the game and it if weren't for work and school I would probably be done, as well.

Can't wait to finish this game, truly a work of art, and I'm still impressed on the move from disney to cooperate with SE on this project... 2 large companies, both dominant in their industry, built a marvelous video game.

[Blacksmith]

Yeah, unlike the first I actually feel this has a stronger difficulty. KH seemed so easy to me (I had it on normal and suspected it'd have more challenge on hard), but they really outdid themselves with this sequel. However the long ass cutscenes really kind of bore me some times. I watch most for the story, but others are just best to skip. I'll probably be beating it by the weekend. Good game though, yeah.

[Omni]

It starts off a little slow, but once you get pass all of the "catching up" it is very entertaining. I love the improved battle system and it definitely puts you in more control of the battle which, in turn, makes the fights a lot more interesting.

I agree with Andro on the point that in KH2 it feels like Square has an ending point in mind, even if I haven't seen it yet (Just started the game yesterday). In KH it seemed like I simply landed in a new world and then moved onto another after leveling up and watching a few cutscenes. It felt a lot like the old Mario games: "The princess is in another castle." In KH2 there is a princess in every castle and each one more beautiful than the last.

Good job, SE and Disney. I'm having barrels of fun. ^^

[Skai]

One thing that I am dissatisfied with this game is that the treasure chests are too easy to find, unlike in the first one where you have to overcome obstacles in order to obtain them.

My most favorite aspect of the game is Drive forms. It adds a really stylish flair to the game. Final form is very hawt.

[Dark_Cloud]

KH-2 was great. Yeah i agree that cure is worse and another thing i dont like. Gravity and Aero were taken out. Whats up with that? Great game nonetheless

[CloudsGhost 17]

I have already beaten KH2 more then once The thing I enjoy the most about the game is near the end when Riku joins you..I thought that Sora and King Mickey were good!.Haha Mickey is more the Yoda of the Keyblade.

I didn't really like that Cure takes away all your magic no matter what level it is Oh well its still a great game though. Plus the Drive Forms make the battle even more exciting especially Final Form..So cool! Also its weird but for some reason I got my Final Form in the Olympus Coliseum at one of the tournaments. Also I noticed that Simbas' head seems like it has a glitch when he's moving. Great game so I can't complain to much. 10 out of 10 is my score.