Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review

For all of the differences Disney and Square Enix must have while developing their Final Fantasy/Mickey Mouse mashup franchise, at least they can agree on something: Rereleases are so much easier than sequels. Thus, instead of a proper sequel (hell, even the two new portable Kingdom Hearts titles coming out next year aren’t true sequels), we get Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories -- a 3D remake of a Game Boy Advance game from 2004. But even when faced with a simple retread, I admit it: I’m a total sucker for anything Kingdom Hearts. So while my mind says, "You’re an idiot for replaying a 5-year-old game," my heart says, "You’re an idiot for drooling over yet another game that combines Final Fantasy and Disney together, but, hey, that’s why I love you, you big goof."

Despite the déjà vu I felt while playing COM, I still enjoyed going through all of the levels again...just like I enjoyed going through the same exact levels in the original Kingdom Hearts, because, well, COM is essentially a remake of the first game but with cards. Now, if you’re keeping count, I’ve been through the same Kingdom Hearts areas three times now. Excessive, yes...but if you’re obsessive about the series, like me, it’s still fun. Why? Well, playing through COM feels old and new at the same time. Sure, I already know what’s going to happen in the story (a confusing yet rewarding tale that takes place between the first and second game). And sure, I already know how the game plays (plenty of action layered atop a competent but completely unnecessary card-combat system), but I really enjoy seeing everything in 3D (though I’m baffled by the choice to include the original KH’s puke-worthy camera).

Read the full story.