Scans Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days

Realisation
“Conceived by the studio h.a.n.d. Inc. (Chocobo Tales) and co-directed by Tomohiro Hasegawa (Final Fantasy VIII, Kingdom Hearts), Nomura obviously heading all the projects related to its series, 358/2 Days profits from a fine and detailed realisation all in 3D, with fluid animation. As for the cut-scenes, they do not diminish in comparison with those of the second episode. Definitely, the DS will not finish astonishing us… The keys L and R will make it possible to direct the camera in order to better locate enemies and to explore the locations; the latter accurately take on the environments of the preceding worlds, such as the World That Never Was, Twilight Town, Agrabah, Olympus Coliseum or Wonderland - As a priority, the title will not accomodate a new universe.”

Gameplay
“As a great innovation, the DS will comprise a multiplayer mode where one can direct the members of Organisation XIII! These missions with the varied objectives will be independent of the scenario, and each character will possess their own forces and weaknesses. The lower screen will post the chart, but a chat system may also be included; on the other hand, the tactile functionalities of the console do not appear to be exploited. In solo mode, Roxas will have as a daily task to fight the Heartless in various worlds and then to return to the World That Never Was. The combat menu and the actions are the same as the previous games, like jumping and gliding, blocking, etc… Lastly, Nomura promises that the systems of level-up and personalisation will allow great freedom.”

Music
“Like the other epic chapters of the Kingdom Hearts saga, the music of 358/2 Days will most likely be written by talented Yoko Shimomura which, definitely, often works with Tetsuya Nomura - moreover, the great woman also occupies the position of composer for much-awaited Final Fantasy Versus XIII. On the other hand, even because of the scenario, there will be few new pieces, while it will often be more likely to hear the themes of the Organization and Roxas… which won’t displease us! New worlds are also quite unlikely with the program as it is, so there are strong chances that the music of the Disney worlds visited in Kingdom Hearts I and II will be brought back, as that had been the case in Chain of Memories.”

Scenario
“Imagined by Daisuke Watanabe, like that of PSP games, the history of 358/2 Days reveals a year in the life of Roxas, his establishment in Organization XIII, his escape and his fateful duel against Riku. These events remained covered with mysteries or were only seen briefly; the fans waited impatiently for more on Roxas and his relations with his former colleagues. The plots of the charismatic members of Organization will therefore be presented in more detail. We will also discover what makes the Organization change the name of the group… (Riku: Referring to the mysterious 14th member) The story will therefore show many revelations on some of the most important characters of the series.”

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You have to like these two episodes of a series which doesn’t cease growing : an enthralling scenario, promising gameplay, a technical realisation of impressive actions and attractive characters. However, the DS game of Kingdom Hearts will not really quench the thirst for innovations of some players, as its worlds, its music and undoubtedly the majority of its characters are already known. On the contrary, the PSP game brings on the innovation and will finally clarify some of the enigmas which have puzzled us since the first chapter; for this reason, it is even more awaited than the adventure of Roxas.”

In solo mode, Roxas will have as a daily task to fight the Heartless in various worlds and then to return to the World That Never Was.

As a priority, the title will not accomodate a new universe.”