While many likely became familiar with the game through its remake which has made it onto remaster collections in recent years,Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memorieswas originally released as a bold departure from the first game in the series. Launching on the GBA in 2004, this narrative bridge leading intoKH2featured a completely overhauled approach to combat restricted to a 2D plane. Although it was later updated to be much more in line with the presentation of the rest of the franchise,Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memoriesretained a charm that was never properly replicated.
It’s undeniable that themodernized cinematics ofKingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memorieshave elevated the story of Castle Oblivion by bringing it more in line with subsequent releases. When it comes to the controversial card system, which makes every attack into a numbered card to be played from a deck, however, it’s not necessarily clear whether the PS2 update was beneficial in the end.
Accessibility Stands as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories' Main Draw Over the Original
Updated Cutscenes and Consistent Rerelease Have Kept the Story of CoM Alive
With how important the likes of Namine and Organization 13 became inKH2, it makes sense that Square Enix chose to revisit the lesser-known sequel with an enhanced presentation. Major developments inSora’s arc inKingdom Heartswere relegated to text boxes and limited sprite animation for years during the 2000s, and matching these moments to the same fidelity of the other PS2 entries helped to bring a novel take on combat to a wider audience as well.
This transition came with a broader integration on the gameplay end, as levels were reworked to account for greater 3D maneuverability, and theReaction command mechanic fromKingdom Hearts 2was added in. Between tweaks like several enemy buffs along with item drops being more limited, the remake can often amount to a more frustrating endeavor through the ways it clashes with its eccentric gimmick.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Was Ultimately Built Around the Handheld Experience
Leaning into an Unparalleled Experimental Combat System
The fast-paced, deck-driven card battling ofCoMmanaged to capitalize on the GBA’s hardware in an efficient show of streamlined design. By constraining combat to smaller arenas on a 2D plane, the composition of the player’s deck is allowed to be the primary crux of their strategy practically indefinitely. There are bosses like the later versions of Riku, who can require an investment into defensive tactics, but this title’s emphasis on clever card ordering and Sleights can outweigh that of its remake.
The proper building of decks is still vital toKingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories' premise, but the openness of its levels can make for meandering exploration outside the arenas of combat encounters. In terms of a title that mainly differentiates itself from the rest of the series through mechanics that have never been fully imitated since then, its best interest lies in spending as much time in battle as possible. When the same narrative can be seen in this format as well, the appeal of the HD remake can wane by comparison if the player already knows of its events.
Justifying the Repeated Elements of KH1
One of the sticking points that has been a mainstay criticism ofRe:CoMsimply doesn’t hold up the same in the context of the GBA version, and that’s the fact that all thesameKingdom HeartsDisney worldsare reused from the first game. These are notably unimpressive when viewed in the same exact art style as the PS2 titles, but they were all completely original pixel art takes on these icons whenCoMfirst launched. In the face of being undermined due to featuring a seemingly inferior recreation of much of Sora’s initial adventure, the edition ofChain of Memoriesthat was first released is actually an innovative reimagining.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
WHERE TO PLAY
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is an HD remastered collection of 6 unforgettable KINGDOM HEARTS experiences available for the first time on the PlayStation 4.The HD collection features:• KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX• KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories• KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics)• KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX• KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX• KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)Key Features• Celebrate 15 years of KINGDOM HEARTS with this essential collection - Remember and relive 6 adventures from KINGDOM HEARTS Dark Seeker Saga before the release of highly anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS III.• Experience the magic of KINGDOM HEARTS - If you are new to the franchise, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is the perfect opportunity to start wielding your Keyblade to save the Disney worlds from darkness.
