ManwiththePlan
Since: Dec, 2009
08/23/2012 00:00:00
Agreed with this 100%. Though win you talk of "the sequels" at the end, I will say that I do love "Chain Of Memories" and "Kingdom Hearts II" for delivering solid continuation and conclusion to this game's story. Every sequel that followed, though, have been just plain unnessecary and lacking in quality, even the more-good-than-bad "Birth By Sleep" had it's serious flaws. This series has defenitely Jumped The Shark Japanese-style. (Sorry if that came off as racist! XD)
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The first game still has the most charm
Kingdom Hearts has had many sequels and tried many things, but after having played many of the games in the series, I have to say, the first game just plain works in a way that the others necessarily don't.
The series has gone off into weird metaphysical territory with Nobodies, Unversed, Dream Eaters, raising animal companions, and so on, but the first game kept the focus largely on the Disney characters and worlds. Donald Duck and Goofy were great companions for Sora, creating a fun contrast between the anime-esque outsider, and the cartoon anthropomorphs that accompany him. Plus, their constant presence kept the Disney element in the forefront. This was continued by the many townspeople you could talk to, as the worlds you visited, while not filled with characters, at least had quite a few standing around who had many things to say, which changed over time - something later games have had far less of, feeling rather empty.
There's real reason to search for treasure, as many of the treasures are genuinely useful, whether they're synthesis pieces used to build new weapons or powerful items, or Power Ups and Defense Ups that permanently raise stats. In later KH games, items are less necessary. And speaking of searching for treasure, new abilities such as High Jump and Glide give reason to revisit past locales and search for things you missed the last time.
The mini-game themed world of Winnie the Pooh also provided some non-combat charm, and collecting the new Torn Pages that reveal more of it is a great pleasure, one I miss from later games. The idea of a laidback, peaceful world with friendly characters and zero enemies to fight is something I wish had been explored more in later games. But sadly, later games cut back on the amount of characters to talk to and upped the combat.
The progression is excellent. There's always something to do, and it feels worthwhile. Searching for hidden treasures and the missing Torn Pages, revisiting past worlds with your new abilities, fighting the hidden bonus bosses, meeting the characters - it all makes the game very "alive", and fun to play. I've beaten this game about 8 times. I wish I could say the same for the sequels.