Kingdom Hearts 3 PS4 Video Game Review

By: Max Cannon

It has been a long time since Kingdom Hearts 2 released way back in 2005. Despite important spin-offs and side stories being released in the series, nothing has had the importance of a numbered entry in over a decade. With Kingdom Hearts 3 finally here, it's satisfying to say that it's been worth the wait for fans of the series while those that disliked older Kingdom Hearts games will probably want to pass on this one. 

Each world has a distinct look, with the Pirates of the Carribean world standing out.Courtesy of Square Enix

Kingdom Hearts is as Confusing as Ever

The story in Kingdom Hearts 3 is absolutely ridiculous. It's silly nonsense that is often difficult to understand and the awkward cutscenes don't make things any easier. If you've been fortunate enough to have played each of the games in the series which includes: Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 2, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance, and Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage then maybe you can begin to actually understand what is happening in the story. Things are going to just fly over your head in this game's story, it happened to me a lot, but if you're able to get over the ridiculous plot then you could easily get sucked into seeing beloved characters in a video game. 

Kingdom Hearts III - 'Final Battle' Official Trailer

The story revolves around Sora -- voiced by Haley Joel Osment -- as he travels across various worlds to rid them of evil and train to be a stronger Keyblade master. Donald Duck and Goofy, friends Sora had made in the original game, are tagging along to keep an eye on him and help keep him safe as they fight darkness together. That's a pretty light description of the story, considering how many characters and plot threads have been introduced over the series's history. While Sora has some excellent voice acting backing him up, you'll sometimes notice some pretty poor performances here mixed in with some really great ones. Some actors return, some don't, and some characters are completely silent now. It's not all bad, but it's not all good. 

You'll team up with well-known characters for fantastic fighting moves.Courtesy of Square Enix

The obvious hook of Kingdom Hearts is its merging of Disney and Final Fantasy. Sadly, this time we're pretty light on Final Fantasy characters but we've gotten some new and old Disney characters in Kingdom Hearts 3. Seeing Woody and Buzz run around a Toy Store with Donald Duck and Goofy is only more outrageous when you bring Monsters Inc. characters into the mix. The worlds are a bit of a mixed bag, some of the stories feel unique and others just feel like a retread of the film they're based on. While it's cool to see Elsa from Frozen sing the entirety of "Let it Go," it doesn't really feel like it makes any sense, but when you're being awestruck by how good it looks then it may be easier to forgive how bizarre it is. 

Sora meets up with loads of Disney heroes.Courtesy of Square Enix

Chaotic Combat

The story won't be for everyone but the flashy combat is sure to delight players. When fighting either the Heartless, Nobodies, or Unversed, you're going to be pulling off some dazzling combos with your Keyblade of choice. Alongside Donald, Goofy, and each world's specific character, you'll make use of magic and special moves to keep things cruising along and they're so visually spectacular that sometimes you'll want to use a move just to see it in action. The standout moments come from the game's Attractions, which are neon-lit Disney Theme Park rides that fly around the stage and take down enemies. Giant pirate ships, spinning tea cups, and roller coasters fly around the screen in a flurry of light. Much like the story, it's hard to follow what's going on but you can't take your eyes away.

Pixar worlds appear for the first time in the series.Courtesy of Square Enix

After playing on the standard mode, I felt like the balance was perfect for a breezy playthrough but if you're looking for a challenge then you'll want to turn up the difficulty. Much like many RPGs, you'll be casting spells and summoning help, though you'll, of course, be summoning Disney characters like Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Lilo and Stitch's Stitch.

Kingdom Hearts 3 is an undeniably good looking game.Courtesy of Square Enix

Final Thoughts

Actually playing the game with these Disney characters is sure to keep players happy. The story will almost certainly confuse you whether you're a long time fan or newcomer, but there's also a strong chance that you won't care because of the game's dazzling combat. Kingdom Hearts 3 is a spectacle to watch and play, even if it is almost always nonsensical. 

Pros

• Great Visuals
• Awesome Combat
• Disney!

Cons

• Overly Complicated Story
• Sometimes Iffy Voice Acting

Kingdom Hearts 3 Game Rating:

Kingdom Hearts 3 Box ArtCourtesy of Square Enix

Available now for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

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