History Videogame / KingdomHeartsII

Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, has recovered from his previous encounter with Organization XIII in Castle Oblivion and awakens from a long slumber, and is led by [[WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse KingMickey]] to the tower of [[WesternAnimation/{{Fantasia}} Yen Sid]], who gives him a new mission to stop the remaining members of the Organization from carrying out their ultimate plan. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse with [[WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck Donald]] and WesternAnimation/{{Goofy}} at his side, and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are being invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, has recovered from his previous encounter with Organization XIII in Castle Oblivion and awakens from a long slumber to a new mission to stop their remaining members from carrying out their ultimate plan. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse with [[WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck Donald]] and WesternAnimation/{{Goofy}} at his side, and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are being invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

* StealthPun: When Belle is being held by Xaldin right before the battle with him, she elbows him in the gut and you can hear an audible, "Oomph" from Xaldin. In other words, Belle clearly knocked the [[IncrediblyLamePun "wind"]] out of him. Xaldin's element in the game is Wind.

''Kingdom Hearts II'' has its own [[Manga/KingdomHeartsII manga adaptation]], which at certain points goes even DarkerAndEdgier than the game.

* ShieldedCoreBoss: [[Film/{{Tron}} The MCP]] in the second visit to Space Paranoids. [[DualBoss While being harassed by Sark]], Sora has to hack through a barrier, presumably some sort of firewall, and fire a beam using an ActionCommand with [[GuestStarPartyMember Tron]] to damage it.

** During the BonusBoss battle against [[TheBerserker the Data version of Saix]], the amount of time the claymores stay on the field is reduced from ten seconds to about ''one second''. They're also necessary to snap Saix out of his berserker mode, as his berserk gauge doesn't decrease over time as it did before. As compensation, Sora is now invulnerable once he grabs a claymore in the Data battle, making knocking Saix out of his berserk state much easier.

* BonusBoss:
** All versions:
*** Sephiroth returns as an optional fight. After defeating the [=MCP=] in Space Paranoids, he can be found at the Dark Depths in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden.
*** Tifa, Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, and Hercules can be fought in various Underdrome Cups at Olympus Coliseum.
*** For the Gummi Missions, if you unlock and reach the end of Mission 3 in Assault of the Dreadnought, you are intercepted by the Hunter-X, the ultimate Gummi Heartless (right as you're about to leave the mission, to boot, as it kicks you into its own hyperspace wormhole thing to fight you).
** ''Final Mix'':
*** In several worlds there are strange entities called Absent Silhouettes of the Organization XIII members that died in ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsChainOfMemories''. Examining them will trigger a fight with the member whose weapon is on the Silhouette.
*** At the end of the Cavern of Remembrance in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden there's a room called the Garden of Assemblage that has portals that let you fight Data versions the Organization XIII members. These Data Rematches are much stronger, have more HP, and have their fight strategies slightly altered to ensure they're more difficult.
*** After beating the game a portal opens up in the basement of Disney Castle. Taking the portal will have you encounter a difficult battle with [[VideoGame/KingdomHEartsBirthBySleep Terra]]'s Lingering Will.

* BoringButPractical: Intentionally-short melee combos (especially ones that involve adding Negative Combo abilities to your active skills) don't have the visual spectacle of long ones, but the final attack is the only one that can land a killshot on bosses. Heck, it's to the point where a common tip for the BonusBoss against Sephiroth is to shorten your combo as much as possible.

** ''Final Mix+'' follows tradition by introducing a future major character as a BonusBoss. Namely, Lingering Will aka [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Terra]]’s living armor.

* EndGamePlus: Clearing the game on ''Final Mix'' grants Sora his final Drive level upgrade and unlocks End Game Plus if you save a Clear file. End Game Plus allows you full access to battle all members of Organization XIII at the Cavern of Remembrance, save those whose Absent Silhouette they haven't defeated yet. The remaining Mushrooms are unlocked, as is a BonusBoss from a portal in Disney Castle. In this version of the game, this is also when the full Jiminy Journal is unlocked, with question marks for those entries you haven't completed yet. In ''HD II.5 Remix'', it also unlocks Theatre Mode.

* HPToOne: In the optional [[BonusBoss Data version]] of the first Xemnas fight, doing the "Finish" Reaction Command on the run up Memory's Skyscraper will automatically put him at 1 HP.

* IncreasinglyLethalEnemy: Lexeaus' gimmick for his BonusBoss fight in the ''Final Mix'' version is that he has a power level that determines his damage output. He starts off doing so little damage that even if you're Level 1 he's completely non-threatening, but as the fight goes on he will occasionally power himself up and do more and more damage.

*** Winner's Proof for Sora. It has the highest magic in the game, but it can only be gotten by beating the twelve Organization Mushroom mini-games. Plus its ability is No Experience, which has limited utility--unless one is playing a low-level game, you'll want to avoid using it until you reach the level cap (and note that while the series as a whole is a fan of AbsurdlyHighLevelCap, the big draw of ''Final Mix'' is its BonusBoss parade--and you will need every last level you can get for those broken jerks) and after you reach the cap, it merely becomes a useless ability where there could be a ''useful'' one instead.

* OnlyICanKillHim: According to Sephiroth, Cloud is the only one capable of truly defeating him since he's a manifestation of Cloud's darkness. If Sora beats Sephiroth in an [[BonusBoss optional fight]], he just shrugs it off like nothing happened.

** Demyx uses a pretty large [[InstrumentOfMurder sitar]] as his WeaponOfChoice. While he usually uses it to channel his water attacks, he'll occasionally swing it as a melee weapon.

** Luxord's WeaponOfChoice is a deck of playing cards. Each card is person-sized, and they're surprisingly effective.

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Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, has recovered from his previous encounter with Organization XIII in Castle Oblivion and awakens from a long slumber to a new mission to stop their remaining members. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse with [[WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck Donald]] and WesternAnimation/{{Goofy}} at his side, and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are being invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, has recovered from his previous encounter with Organization XIII in Castle Oblivion and awakens from a long slumber to a new mission to stop their remaining members. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse with [[WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck Donald]] and WesternAnimation/{{Goofy}} at his side, and and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are being invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

This installment is also the one where the series’ infamous KudzuPlot starts to kick into high gear, with a lot of new elements and {{Retcon}}s introduced here. Even though it becomes more and more convoluted over time, [[JigsawPuzzlePlot the story remains internally consistent]]. The game was followed by three prequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'', ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'', and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts02BirthBySleepAFragmentaryPassage'') and two sequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsCoded'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance''), which more or less cleared up the confusion of the plot in preparation for the eventual release of ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII''

The trio revisits a few expanded worlds from the previous game (based on ''Franchise/WinnieThePooh'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' (loosely adapting the sequel, ''[[WesternAnimation/AladdinTheReturnOfJafar The Return of Jafar]]''), and ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas''), as well as all new ones (based on ''WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}}'', ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'', WesternAnimation/ClassicDisneyShorts (most prominently ''WesternAnimation/SteamboatWillie''), ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'', and even the live action films ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanTheCurseOfTheBlackPearl'' and ''Film/{{Tron}}'').

This installment is also the one where the series’ infamous KudzuPlot starts to kick into high gear, with a lot of new elements and {{Retcon}}s introduced here. Even though it becomes more and more convoluted over time, [[JigsawPuzzlePlot the story remains internally consistent]]. The game was followed by two prequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'') and two sequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsCoded'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance''), which more or less cleared up the confusion of the plot in preparation for later installments.

Like many Square games, ''Kingdom Hearts II''[='=]s was re-released in Japan with English voices plus extra content as ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' (included in a bundle called ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+'' alongside an UpdatedRerelease of ''Chain of Memories'' titled ''Re:Chain of Memories''). Later, in December 2014, Square Enix released ''Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 [=ReMIX=]'' for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, another bundle containing HD versions of both ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' and ''Birth By Sleep Final Mix'' along with the cutscenes of ''Re:coded'' and Trophy support. This same bundle was later re-released alongside the preceding ''HD I.5 [=ReMIX=]'' compilation (containing HD versions of ''Kingdom Hearts I Final Mix'' and ''Re:Chain of Memories'' along with the cutscenes of ''358/2 Days'') on a single disc for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 initially and later the UsefulNotes/XboxOne with 60fps support. That compilation, alongside ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue]]'', ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII + Re Mind'', and ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsMelodyOfMemory'', was available for Windows PC via the UsefulNotes/EpicGamesStore on March 30, 2021.

The trio revisits a few expanded worlds from the previous game (based on ''Franchise/WinnieThePooh'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Hercules}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' (loosely adapting the sequel, ''[[WesternAnimation/AladdinTheReturnOfJafar The Return of Jafar]]''), and ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas''), as well as all new ones (based on ''WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}}'', ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'', WesternAnimation/ClassicDisneyShorts (most prominently ''WesternAnimation/SteamboatWillie''), ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'', and even the live action films ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanTheCurseOfTheBlackPearl'' and ''Film/{{Tron}}''). This leads to a rapid growth of KudzuPlot and a lot of {{Retcon}}s. Even though it becomes more and more convoluted over time, [[JigsawPuzzlePlot the story remains internally consistent]]. The game was followed by two prequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'') and two sequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsCoded'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance''), which more or less cleared up the confusion of the plot in preparation for later installments.

Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, has recovered from his previous encounter with Organization XIII in Castle Oblivion and awakens from a long slumber to a new mission to stop their remaining members. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

The group re-visits many of the Disney worlds from the first game, often experiencing more of the familiar plotlines (and, in case of ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'', the straight-to-video sequel) or exploring different parts of the settings. This leads to a rapid growth of KudzuPlot and a lot of {{Retcon}}s. Even though it becomes more and more convoluted over time, [[JigsawPuzzlePlot the story remains internally consistent]]. The game was followed by two prequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2'') and two sequels (''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsCoded'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance''), which more or less cleared up the confusion of the plot in preparation for later installments.

In terms of gameplay, ''Kingdom Hearts II'' returns to a style more reminiscent of ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI'' after ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsChainOfMemories'' made a number of alterations to be better suited for handhelds, though there have been significant changes. The platforming and exploration elements have been done away with in lieu of a more combat-focused game, with Sora's arsenal being much more diverse. A variety of combo modifiers, {{Combination Attack}}s with allies called Limits, and the ability to power up with Drive Forms provide many new ways to approach battles. Optional quick-time events called Reaction Commands also allow Sora to use special techniques against his enemies, making for even more flashy combat and allowing for cinematic moments during boss encounters.

''Kingdom Hearts II'' is an ActionRPG published and developed by Creator/SquareEnix in collaboration with Creator/{{Disney}}, and [[SequelNumberSnarl the third game]] in the ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'', first released on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 in 2005.

''Kingdom Hearts II'' [[SequelNumberSnarl is the third game]] in the ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' Creator/{{Disney}}[=/=]Creator/SquareEnix crossover franchise, released on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 in 2005.

Following the events of the first ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI Kingdom Hearts]]'', a new breed of enemy has emerged from the shadows: Nobodies, the reanimated husks of the people whose hearts were stolen by TheHeartless. Driven by an instinctual urge to be reunited with their hearts, the Nobodies are swarming over TheMultiverse like a plague and leaving devastation in their wake. Behind this invasion is a group known as Organization XIII: the most powerful and self-aware Nobodies in existence, who plan to unseal the Heartless and take their hearts back by force, uncaring of the collateral damage this will cause.

Sora, the young Keyblade wielder who was once victorious over the Heartless threat, [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsChainOfMemories has recovered from his ordeal in Castle Oblivion]] and awakens from a long slumber to a new mission. Like before, he must travel through TheMultiverse and use his Keyblade to protect the worlds that are invaded by the Heartless and Nobodies. But as he travels, multiple questions plague him: just who or what was responsible for ensuring his recovery from Castle Oblivion? What has happened to Riku and Kairi while he was asleep? And just what is his connection to Roxas, a blond-haired boy whose cozy life fell apart as Sora's was being rebuilt?

* EarnYourHappyEnding: Sora, Riku, and Kairi make it back to Destiny Islands, Roxas and Naminé seem to be content within Sora and Kairi, Mickey returns to his throne, and all seems to be right with the worlds.

* HeroicMime: Past Mickey in Timeless River. {{Justified|Trope}}, given that this is around the time ''WesternAnimation/SteamboatWillie'' took place in 1928, as Mickey wouldn't have any complete voice lines until ''Karnival Kid'' one year later.

* EarnYourHappyEnding: Sora, Riku, and Kairi make it back to Destiny Islands, Roxas and Naminé seem to be content within Sora and Kairi, Mickey returns to his throne, and all seems to be right with the worlds. [[TheEndOrIsIt That being said]], [[MythArc the]] [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep story]] [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsCoded is]] [[VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance not]] [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII over]].

* BalefulPolymorph: If you fail a Reaction Command against a Gambler Nobody or Luxord, they will temporarily transform Sora into either a large die or person-sized card. While he can still attack by flailing around, he does very little damage.

** The Sorcerer, Sniper, Dragoon, Berserker, Assassin, Dancer, Gambler, and Samurai Nobodies are named after (and based off of) Job Classes from various ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' games.

** During the second visit to The Land of Dragons, Sora finds Riku on the Summit and mistakes him for a member of Organization XIII due to the BlackCloak concealing his identity. A BossBattle ensues, though Riku largely ignores Sora to focus his attacks on a swarm of Heartless that show up.

** Roxas’s levelling notices during the prologue are outlined in yellow, which is the colour used for guest party members. This is a pretty clear way of telling you Roxas isn’t actually a permanent player character.

* SmartBall: Goofy has it at some points, like when he saw through Mulan's disguise while Sora and Donald couldn't. It's said in his journal entry for one of the games that he often notices stuff that others miss.