• Review: Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded

    by
    Sol
    Published on 09-27-2011 06:00 PM
    1 Comment Comments


    Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded

    Developer: Square-Enix, h.a.n.d
    Publisher: Square-Enix
    Platform: Nintendo DS
    Genre: Adventure/Puzzle
    Rating: Everyone
    Release Date: January 11, 2011

    Nearly nine years ago, Square-Enix and Disney Interactive came together with an idea of what would happen if a Final Fantasy related universe interacted with Disney. The reaction of what fans got was rubbish and felt as if this would never get over with any gamer, that was until the incredible storyline, characters, and the brilliant gameplay was shown. With story ties and unanswered plotholes still left in the dark, Re: Coded would continue to fill in numerous gaps between KH2 and Dream Drop Distance. The question is, would another side story be even necessary to play through to feel fulfilled?

    Presentation
    Previously a title for Mobile phones, Re: coded is an extended remake that scraps the "problematic" gameplay many gamers felt unplayable at time, although the storyline remains the same and slightly adds new dialogue to refresh itself. Previously Coded was played through downloadable chapters that gamers had to wait each month to venture further, Re: Coded decided to put all of it together and added a few new side quests to extend gameplay time even further.

    After the events of Kingdom Hearts 2, Jiminy Cricket's journal of his recorded adventure was apparently erased during Sora's confrontation at Castle Oblivion, with the only message left was to "Thank Namine"

    However, another message mysteriously appears and Mickey feels as if someone is apparently inside the journal that is seeking help. An attempt to read the journal's data becomes a problem as mysterious "Blox" overtake the data and keep anyone from analyzing it further. The only method to fix the journal is if someone who was previously in the adventure can confront the Blox and restore the data. Mickey decides that the only way possible is to create a data form of Sora and the Keyblade. While Data Sora knows nothing about his previous adventures or his friends met in the past, Mickey's kind-hearted history of their friendship convinces Sora to lend a hand and venture inside the worlds from the journal.

    Graphics
    While Coded retained a lot of the classic interface HUD that the first Kingdom Hearts displayed, Re:Coded "downgraded" a lot of the interface and looks badly pixelized when it comes to fast paced gameplay. Surprisingly, Re: Coded features above average cut scenes with voice acting, but this is only on the important chapters of the game, as the rest of storyline, dialogue and character interaction is displayed with stop frames. It feels a bit too upsetting to see even Sora sealing a Keyhole is done in a manner that looks so boring.

    Regardless, in-game speed emulates well enough to meet it's previous PS2 installments, as even Sora's ability commands and Heartless attack patterns are impressive enough to think such a small DS Card can still provide wonderful animations.

    Sound
    While not much voice acting is demonstrated, Haley Joel Osment and the Disney cast return to lend their impressive voice support. Unfortunately, I still felt unfulfilled as even Donald Duck's mischievous attitude was completely missing this time around.

    Aside from recycled sound tracks used from Chain of Memories ported to a DS Card, Sora seems to completely lack a lot of his in-game quoting before casting fire or healing himself. It is really just constant grunting that can get annoying pretty quick.

    Another section for "recycled sound tracks" Is Utada Hikaru's Simple and Clean, once again being the entry's theme song. While this may or may not bother most gamers, it was a little more satisfying than her English attempt on Sanctuary. Nevertheless, Kingdom Hearts really needs to let their soundtracks go and venture among new paths.

    Gameplay
    Re: Coded became unique in its own sense as while Sora venturing through Disney worlds was part of the game, the storyline was to deal with the possible viruses the Blox were causing.

    A lot of gameplay will be challenging the player to perform a large amount of platforming and avoiding the dangers of what the specified Blox can do, from spring jumps to exploding hazards can be in Sora's favor or the Heartless. Rest assured, since the DS controls can't completely forgive the camera system, targeting control and even controlling the views of where Sora jumps can lead to a lot of frustrating deaths if not just careful, but quick enough.

    While exploring the Data Worlds, numerous villains will try to cause the worlds to sometimes glitch and prevent Sora from venturing further unless he deals with the data himself, venturing to a somewhat "Tron" related world. Inside these glitches Sora is teleported to a set number of floors to clear out the data's own stronger and faster version of the Heartless before venturing onto the next floor.

    Before a floor begins, a point challenge system is displayed to wager how much score points Sora can bet and what he must do to gain a bonus score at the end of the glitch levels. Depending on whether he must not jump a few times before finishing or before a timer runs out, grants Sora the ability to use those points and gain new "Chip Abilities" and quest items used to exchange for power ups through the world's NPCs.

    Re: Coded's level up system is somewhat a take on Final Fantasy X's Sphere Grid system and uses chips to create paths to allow Sora to gain passive abilities or become able to equip more accessories and commands in battle. The same decision of whether to use/give up the sword, shield and staff differs the chip's power as it helps Sora gain elemental resistance or strengthen his own base stats, but as previously stated the player will have to pick their path wisely as a redo is not possible. A unique option that was demonstrated in "The World Ends With You" is the difficulty parameter being immediately available, depending on what the player is challenging (and getting themselves into), can either tweak the game to be completely harmless or extremely painful to raise the probability of rare items as a result.

    The combat system will unfortunately force Sora to fight his battles alone, as Disney allies will not lend a hand this time around. Unfortunately, even Goofy and Donald will be only temporarily available during halfway through the game. Fortunately, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep's command functions will be familiar here and the option to create a new powerful command by combing two commands is available as well. While it's almost completely great, the Command Memory limit forbids Sora from going into battle with a completely overpowered command set, so strategies have to be planned out to see if projectile attacks are necessary or Keyblade related attacks is better for boss battles.

    For the first time in Kingdom hearts, the way Sora uses a Keyblade becomes entirely up to the player's choice. While neither Keyblade boosts his own stats, the Keyblade used differs from not only the way Sora handles his sword play, but as his Combo Meter raises from the number of Heartless or Blox destroyed, each time unlocking a new passive ability used before his Finishing Command finishes off the combo, restarting from scratch each time. In other words, using the Oblivion will gain Sora an attack boost, but in exchange his health will deplete each time he attacks. As each Keyblade is used frequently, more abilities become available to use in battle, so while Sora can't use any Drive Forms, the Finishing Commands will be more reliable if used properly.

    The most unfortunate change Re: Coded tried to demonstrate is that while the Gummy Ship Cameos are fortunately removed, the problem was that a new set amount of "Gimmick" levels are introduced and honestly, are even more frustrating than the card system of Chain of Memories. At least that was something fresh at the time. For instance, in a route where a 2D side scrolling is demonstrated, the problem was the so many pits are left wide in the open for Sora to just fall and take damage each time his jump missed, or the fact the insane amount of Blox will just love to block the way each opportunity given.

    Another idea is borrowing "Super Mario RPGs" Turn based style gameplay that requires the same button timing to either increase damage or reduce damage dealt. While that seems great at first, the problem with that is the Heartless attack in the most unrecognizable patterns, that even Cloud's Omnislash becomes downright harsh....If that wasn't bad enough to be defeated means restarting the whole level again, and recollecting/fighting the same enemies until the floor was cleared.

    Lasting Appeal
    Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded can differ up to 20-30 hours of gameplay depending if completing quests and leveling up keyblades is upon the player's liking, but it can also depend on how many tries it will take to get over the possible frustration caused by the problematic cameras from highly demanding platforming controls.

    Conclusion
    Re: Coded had the potential to take the next Kingdom Hearts chapter to the next level that Birth By Sleep did amazingly well, the fact that it forced the player to once again revisit the same Disney Worlds done at least...how many counts already has made the retelling of Kingdom hearts uninteresting even with the new gameplay commands it flourished well.

    The one true problem was that it tried to venture more of a Gimmick approach that has been already done, rather than staying true to it's Kingdom Hearts fundamentals, it completely proved to be more of a headache rather than anxiously excited to see the next plot hole in the story.

    If the player managed to complete the story and is still confused on what is going on, honestly blame it on Namine, all shes ever done since her debut was just cause alot of plot holes...

    So no, for another attempt to re-experience Kingdom Hearts 1 gone wrong, don't "Thank Namine"

    Score:
    5/10
    Comments 1 Comment
    1. illdie's Avatar
      illdie - 09-29-2011
      I might just rent it not worth buying. Only thing I like about the game is the secret ending :P

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.