I did not type this, It was made by a person at the Kingdom Hearts 2 forums at Gamespot.
(This FAQ is assuming that Ver. 2 will also be deleted like Ver. 1; just took out the fans sites other than that it is exactly the same. If it is not deleted then don't feel you need to bump this.)
Kingdom Hearts II Pre-Release FAQ Ver. 2 Reprint
Note: I took the liberty to update the helpful FAQ a Demons Requiem made for us. I hope I got some things right.
WARNING: Spoilers will be rampant for both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Spoilers may also come up in any Final Fantasy Game or Disney Movie.
Version History:
Version 1.0: 1/18/05: First form published. Contains synopsis of KH and KH:CoM, any theories for KH2, and any and (hopefully) all info for KH2.
Version 2.0: 5/27/05: Updated the Media section, Character section, a bit of the Background Information, Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting, Game Mechanics, added some Q&As in the FAQ, and the Outro.
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Media
3. Characters
4. Background Information
5. Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting
6. Game Mechanics
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Outro
1. Purpose
The purpose of this FAQ is to summarize what information is known of Kingdom Hearts II. This FAQ is comprised of what I deem useful information about KH2. This is an update of the compilation of A Demons Requiem’s work, using other works as references. All copyrights apply, and all rights are reserved.
2. Media
2.1 Official Websites:
Square-Enix:
http://www.square-enix.com/
Japanese Sites:
Kingdom Hearts:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/ps2/kingdom/
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/game/ps2/finalmix/
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/game/gba/khcom/
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories(Disney Interactive):
http://www.disney.co.jp/interactive/kingdom/com/index.html
Kingdom Hearts 2:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2
Kingdom Hearts 2(Disney Interactive):
http://www.disney.co.jp/interactive/kingdom/com/kh02_02.html
English Sites:
Kingdom Hearts
http://na.square-enix.com/game/kingdomhearts/index1.html
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
http://na.square-enix.com/game/kingdomhearts/khcom
2.2 News Information:
Receives news the fastest of any gaming site (In Japanese):
http://www.quiter.jp/
Excellent source for news (In German):
http://www.squarenet.info/
Decent source for news (In English):
http://www.gamespot.com
http://www.ps2.ign.com
http://www.rpgfan.com
2.4 Screenshots:
Most pictures can be found at these websites:
http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/550/550308/imgs_1.html
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/screenindex.html
3. Characters
3.1 Kingdom Hearts Characters
Sora
Age: 14 in KH and KH:CoM; Likely to be 16 in KH2.
Home World: Destiny Islands, although Sora has a curious relation to Twilight Town....
Voice Actor: Haley Joel Osment
Sora is the main character. He is a keyblade master. According to the Enigmatic Man, Sora is incomplete, expect this to be a large plot point in KH2. Sora wields the Kingdom Key.
Riku
Age: 15 in KH and KH:CoM; Likely to be 17 in KH2.
Home World: Destiny Islands
Voice Actor: David Gallagher
Riku is one of Sora’s best friends. The keyblade originally chose Riku as its master, however because Riku’s heart was filled with darkness, the keyblade went to Sora. However, Riku has the ability to wield a keyblade, but Riku fights with his sword the Soul Eater.
Kairi
Age: 14 in KH; Likely to be 16 in KH2.
Home World: Hollow Bastion, although she has grown up in Destiny Islands.
Voice Actor: Hayden Panettiere
Kairi was born in Hollow Bastion, and she is a Princess of Heart. Ansem sent her to the outside worlds after learning she had a relation to the keyblade and could find its master, which is how she entered Destiny Islands. She is now awaiting Sora and Riku on the island.
Ansem
Age: Unknown
Home World: Hollow Bastion
Voice Actor: Billy Zane
Ansem was the king of Hollow Bastion until he went berserk. As he continued to study the heartless, he became engrossed in the darkness. A popular theory is that Ansem’s body and soul are DiZ. Currently Ansem’s heart and body and soul are in an unknown location...
King Mickey
Age: Unknown
Home World: Disney Castle
Voice Actor: Wayne Allwine
King Mickey was chosen by the keyblade long before the events of Kingdom Hearts. King Mickey has his own adventure during KH, meeting Ansem and possibly DiZ. Mickey is currently traveling with Riku.
Donald and Goofy
Age: Unknown
Home World: Both are from Disney Castle
Voice Actors: Donald: Tony Anselmo; Goofy: Bill Farmer
Donald and Goofy are both Mickey’s friends and allies. They are informed by Mickey to find the keyblade master. They found Sora. They travel with Sora throughout KH, KH:CoM, and they still are searching for their king in KH2.
The Enigmatic Man
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
The Enigmatic Man is a shell, comprised of only body and soul, and he begrudges both light and dark. As a member of the XIII Organization, the Enigmatic Man fights Sora to test his strength. He also informs Sora that Sora looks like someone (this person is unknown).
3.2 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Characters
Larxene
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Ranked number twelve in the XIII Organization, she conspires with Marluxia throughout KH:CoM. She wields curious daggers and uses the powers of lightning in battle. She is quite bossy and is currently the only known female member of the XIII Organization.
Marluxia
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Marluxia is ranked as number eleven in the XIII Organization. It is obvious that Marluxia has motives of his own in KH:CoM away from the unknown motives of the XIII Organization. Marluxia uses the power of flowers in KH:CoM along with his fantastic pink scythe.
Axel
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Axel is a member of the XIII Organization, number eight in the rankings. He has amazing red hair, and he uses the pinwheels of fire and wind in battle. Axel undoubtedly proves to be the most complex character of KH:CoM, and his motives are unknown. Nomura stated that Axel’s true motivation is very crucial and a great story that you could cry.
Zexion
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Zexion ranks high in the XIII Organization, as number six. He is terribly intelligent and can use the dark in conjunction with his senses, similar to Riku. It is unknown what weapons or elements Zexion possesses... you never fight him, thus you never know.
Lexaeus
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Lexaeus, ranked fifth in the XIII Organization, works with Zexion throughout KH:CoM. He is extremely powerful, and wields a fantastic sword called the Tomahawk in combination with the powers of darkness.
Vexen
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
As the oldest member of the XIII Organization, Vexen, ranked number four, is absorbed in his experiments. Unfortunately, no members of the XIII Organization admire or respect Vexen. Vexen wields an ice shield and battle with the powers of ice.
Naminé
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Naminé is a young witch that has the power to alter people’s memories. Unfortunately, Naminé has never been in etched into anyone’s heart, and because of her vulnerabilities, she is easily manipulated. Naminé does not battle, however she seems to be an excellent artist.
Riku Replica
Age: Appears to be 15 in KH:CoM.
Home World: None; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Billy Zane
The Riku Replica was created by Vexen. The Riku Replica is a complete copy of Riku, and he has a rivalry with the real Riku. He tries to kill Riku to prove his power.
DiZ
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
A total enigma, DiZ seems to assist Riku and Mickey through their adventures. The most popular theory is that DiZ is Ansem’s discarded body and soul. Another popular theory says that DiZ is the XIII Organization’s Superior. Both are currently unknown.
3.3 Kingdom Hearts II Characters:
The Blonde Haired Kid (Name unknown)
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; likely to be Twilight Town
Voice Actor: Unknown
The Blonde Haired Kid (BHK) is another keyblade master. He has been seen wielding the Oblivion and Oathkeeper Keyblades. He battles with Axel over an argument with Sora. Nothing is known about the BHK except that he seems to know Naminé as seen in the Jump Festa trailer. He is the second playable character in the game stated by Nomura.
BHK’s Friends (names unknown)
Ages: Unknown
Home Worlds: Unknown; likely to be Twilight Town
Voice Actors: Unknown
BHK’s three friends are more of an enigma than BHK himself. Nothing is known about them, however many people compare them to Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus.
Pete
Age: Unknown
Homeworld: Unknown
Voice Actors: Likely to be Jim Cummings, the VA of Pete in Disney shows and features.
Pete is one of the new Disney villains to appear in the sequel. His role in the story is yet to be determined but rumors says that he seems to be doing were Malificent has left off. Take everything for now with a grain of salt until something is confirmed by officials. Pete can be seen working with Hades and also in Agrabah where he is trying to unleash Jafar from his prison or lamp.
The XIII Organization
Ages: Differing, however, all are unknown.
Home Worlds: All Unknown
Voice Actors: Differing, however, all are unknown.
All that is known about the XIII Organization is that its members are shells; all are missing hearts. The XIII Organization seems to be trying to unlock the secrets of the heart. The extreme interest in the keyblade master is due to Sora’s powerful heart. They also have some plot to open Kingdom Hearts again.
Xaldin (or Xarudia, Xardin)
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
He was revealed during the timeline of E3 2005. Xaldin has long black hair with a bun on the top which forms his hair into a ponytail and he has also long sideburns. His eyes are blue. Nothing is known about this enigma except he wields 6 spears and has been seen talking about opening Kingdom Hearts to make them [The Organization] whole again.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Age: Somewhere around his late 20’s or early 30’s
Homeworld: The Caribbean
Voice Actor: Unknown, hopefully it could be Johnny Depp
The swashbuckling pirate has been seen swinging his sword with Sora in the second E3 2005 trailer as a party member. By the looks of the scans, it looks like Sparrow will follow the storyline of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Elizabeth Swan
Age: Probably around her mid or early 20’s
Homeworld: Port Royal or The Caribbean
Voice Actor: Unknown, hopefully it could Keira Knightley
Nothing is known about Elizabeth as of now but she will be in the game and her role in the movie will be also applied in the POTC worlds storyline.
Mulan
Age: Late teens or Early 20’s
Homeworld: Land of Dragons aka Ancient China
Voice Actor: Ming-Na
She will be one of the available party members in the game. After looking at the trailers, Mulan will have two appearances in the game, her alter-ego Ping and her original self.
Mushu
Age: Unknown
Homeworld: Land of Dragons
Voice Actor: Unknown
The dragon is back and he plays a larger role this time around in the Land of Dragons world. He is the sidekick of Mulan throughout her journey. Will he become Sora’s summon partner again? Will just see in the future.
4. Background Information
4.1 Kingdom Hearts
Release Dates:
Japan: 3/28/02; North America: 9/16/02; Europe: 11/15/02
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix: Japan: 12/26/02
*No Summary has been written for KH*
4.2 Another Side, Another Story and Deep Dive
Another Side, Another Story originally appeared at the end of Kingdom Hearts as a secret bonus video.
Another Side, Another Story [Deep Dive] originally appeared at the end of Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix as a secret bonus video.
These videos were created to give players insight into the upcoming sequel. The videos introduced many characters dressed in black cloaks, and have caused quite a bit of controversy.
It is unknown if the events in Deep Dive and Another Side, Another Story are still relevant to the story of KH. Many people believe it has no merit, while others believe it does.
According to HardcoreRager who went to E3 and other E3 attendees, the dark city that appeared in Deep Dive was seen in the trailer (see below for more)
4.3 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Release Dates:
Japan: 11/11/04; North America: 12/07/04
4.3.A Sora’s Story:
*Any and all quotes are found in the excellent Game Script, found at http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/file/kingdom_hearts_com_script.txt*
*All quotes are italicized, the speaker is parenthesized ().*
*Lastly, only the major plot points will be emphasized in this summary*
The Beginning of Sora’s Story:
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories begins exactly where Kingdom Hearts left off. Sora is now traveling on an unknown path to find Riku and King Mickey. The story begins on this path at night. The team of Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy take a rest during the night. Sora awakes and takes a walk. He comes a cross a fork in the path. (The fork is split into four different paths. The four paths move to each of the four worlds, mentioned in Ansem Report 13. Sora came from the World of the Present. The other paths lead to the World of Darkness, the World of Light, and the World of Twilight (In-Between)) A mysterious hooded figure dressed in a trench coat confronts Sora. He says to Sora:
“Ahead lies something you hold dear — but to claim it, you must lose something first.”
(Unknown, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Confused Sora follows the figure and is lead to a large building, known as Castle Oblivion.
Sora must travel through his memories of worlds in order to continue through Castle Oblivion.
“It isn't reality that you see. This town is an illusion conceived by your memories ingrained in that card.”
(Unknown, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
The worlds Sora travels through are not the real worlds, only his memories.
Why does Sora lose his memories?:
As Sora travels through Castle Oblivion, he forgets memories, and begins to remember forgotten memories. Sora is led to believe that by these new memories are important and true, however this is a lie.
A blonde girl named Naminé destroys Sora’s memories and adds new memories to Sora’s heart. Naminé is used by the Organization to change Sora’s memories:
“...It's my fault... I took the people and memories in Sora's heart...and little by little replaced them with false memories that I made.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Naminé replaced Kairi, Sora’s light, with herself in Sora’s memories; Sora forgets Kairi. Sora believes that he must protect Naminé throughout KH:CoM. All of Sora’s memories of Naminé are fake; Sora has never met Naminé.
“You [Sora] are so STUPID. Don't you get it? Messing with people's memories is about all she's [Naminé’s] good at. She steps into people's hearts and rearranges their memory. If she wants, she can even draw new memories of things that never happened. The girl you've been dying to protect...is a manipulative witch who shackles people's hearts with phony memories!”
(Larxene, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Why does Naminé obey the Organization?:
Naminé is used by the Organization. They manipulate her into believing that she must obey.
“I really wanted to see you [Sora]...but not like this.
...
I was alone for so long. I couldn't bear it anymore... So I beckoned your heart to lead you here. And I'm so glad you found me. But your heart, I had to —”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
“...I'm not in your [Sora’s] heart. I'm not in anyone's heart. I never have been.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Naminé is led to believe that the only way she will no longer be alone is to change Sora’s memories; to make Sora her friend. Naminé’s vulnerabilities are taken advantage of by the Organization.
Why does the Organization want to use Sora?:
There are two people in the Organization that wish to use Sora: Larxene and Marluxia. Marluxia and Larxene’s plan is best described in this quote:
“Right, your big plan. You use Naminé to rewrite Sora's memory piece by piece. He becomes her puppet. Then, using Naminé and Sora, you and Larxene overthrow the Organization. Did I get it right? 'Cause that would make YOU the traitor, Marluxia. Not me.”
(Axel, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Marluxia and Larxene are not acting on the Organization’s behalf. They wish to control the Organization. Axel deceives them, making them believe he is on their side; in actuality Axel is working for the Organization, and he eliminates them. However, during the course of the game, Zexion and Lexaeus have a counter plan to Marluxia and Larxene’s plan (more below).
Why does Axel deceive Marluxia and Larxene?:
Axel deceives them because he is working for the Organization. He is a double agent, and he tries to eliminate all threats to the Organization in KH:CoM. His motives, however, are unknown as of right now.
What’s up with Vexen?:
Vexen is a member of the Organization absorbed in his experiments. He creates the Riku Replica (more below) to test Sora. Vexen is used by Zexion and Lexaeus to eliminate the threat of Marluxia.
After the Riku Replica, Vexen’s major experiment, fails, Vexen is told to kill Sora. Vexen then gives Sora the world card to Twilight Town;
“... I delved deep into your [Sora’s] memory...and look what I found. This [Twilight Town] is a card crafted from memories locked in the other side of your heart. If you want to fight me for real, then step into the world within this card!”
(Vexen, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Sora enters Twilight Town and battles Vexen. Axel kills Vexen in Twilight Town by orders of Marluxia. Axel kills Vexen to gain Marluxia’s trust.
Who is the Riku Replica?:
This is explained more fully in Riku’s Story’s section. The Riku Replica was created by Vexen. His memories were implanted by Naminé, and he believes that he is the real Riku and must protect Naminé. The Riku Replica’s false memories are eventually destroyed by Naminé. The replica leaves Sora and Naminé at the end of Sora’s story to discover himself.
How does Sora’s Story end?:
Larxene explains to Sora that his memories are fake. Sora then kills Larxene. Naminé explains that she can fix Sora’s memories on the top floor of the Organization. Sora traverses up and leaves Naminé behind. Sora eventually finds Marluxia, Axel, and Naminé fighting. Axel threatens Naminé and Sora protects her. Sora and Axel battle, and Axel disappears (Axel does not die). Marluxia disappears with Naminé.
Sora follows Marluxia and finds them at the top of the castle. Sora battles and kills Marluxia. Naminé explains to Sora that in order to regain his memory he must sleep in a flower-like contraption. However, in order to regain his past memories, Sora must forget about the events in Oblivion Castle.
Naminé gives Sora a choice: Go back to the way he was and forget Oblivion Castle, or live without his past memories but with the memories of Oblivion Castle. Sora chooses the first option. Sora and Co. walk toward the flower-like structure. The team wonders how they will thank Naminé after awaking. Jiminy writes in his Journal “Thank Naminé” so the team will not forget. Donald and Goofy walk off to sleep in their individual flower contraptions. Naminé instructs Sora to jump into his contraption. Sora promises Naminé that when he awakens, he will become friends with Naminé. No matter what, Sora will not forget. Sora jumps into the contraption.
Naminé advises Sora to look at the star man charm; Naminé changed its form before. Naminé tells Sora that in order to remember his past memories he must remember the owner of the charm: Sora’s light. Sora looks at the charm. Suddenly Sora’s friends appear. In the back is Kairi. Remembering her name, Sora yells to Kairi. Sora looks to his side and sees Naminé floating away. Sora and Naminé promise to see each other again. Naminé will always be in Sora’s heart; forgotten but not lost....
The screen shifts back to Sora in the contraption. Sora is floating around, and a poem appears:
“Faded Memories,
Reconstructed Memories,
A dream - a dream of you,
In a world without you.”
The End
4.3.B Riku’s Story:
*Upon Completing Sora’s Story, you have the option to play through Riku’ (The Real Riku’s) perspective.*
*Any and all quotes are found in the excellent Game Script, found at http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/file/kingdom_hearts_com_script.txt*
*All quotes are italicized, the speaker is parenthesized ().*
*It is important to note that throughout Riku’s adventures through Oblivion Castle, the members of the Organization are watching him. Also certain members of the Organization are watching Marluxia and his ambitions.*
*It is also very important to note that during Riku’s story, Naminé does not destroy or add false memories to Riku.*
*Lastly, while Sora traversed upward toward the 13th floor in Oblivion Castle, Riku begins on the 12th basement and traverses toward the entrance of Oblivion Castle.*
The Beginning of Riku’s Story:
Riku’s story begins in an unknown land. Riku is confronted by a voice (who is DiZ) who tells him that he is in a place between light and dark. The voice informs Riku that King Mickey is off fighting the war with darkness alone. The voice tells Riku that he should sleep and stay away from the darkness that pains Riku. Riku insists on continuing, and he is given a card. The voice warns Riku that if he continues, he will learn a painful truth. Riku continues through Oblivion Castle.
DiZ informs Riku that as he travels through his memories of previous lands, he will not meet his friends:
“But you cast them [Riku’s friends] aside. To reach the outside world, you passed through the door to darkness. Behind you, you left family, friends, home — everything — all in pursuit of darkness.
...
Then what do you have to show for it? First your home, then the dark. Your heart only knows how to throw things away. It's empty, like that room. Like your memories. That's why no one is in the castle with you. Your heart is hollow except for the darkness you couldn't quite shake off.”
(DiZ, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
How does Riku come to Oblivion Castle?:
Riku comes to Oblivion Castle because:
“...His existence resonates with that of another hero. Sora came, so Riku followed.”
Riku follows Sora.
What’s up with Ansem?:
In KH:CoM, Riku is confronted by Ansem many times. Ansem, who is actually DiZ in disguise, wants Riku to embrace the darkness, and embrace Ansem. In actuality, Ansem never shows up in KH:CoM until the game’s end. Ansem is inside the darkness of Riku’s heart. Riku battles Ansem and kills him. Unfortunately, Ansem does not fully die, and Riku must find him once again.
Who is DiZ?:
DiZ is the crimson cloaked man. He assists Riku and Mickey throughout their adventures in KH:CoM. DiZ disguises himself as Ansem in order to make Riku learn about himself. DiZ is believed to be the body and soul (the shell) of the real Ansem. DiZ is also believed to be the Superior of the Organization. Both are unknown.
Where’s Mickey?:
Mickey begins the events of KH:CoM in the Darkness. Mickey is battling the darkness at the beginning of KH:CoM;
“Your king is far away. Sleep, and leave the war with darkness in his hands.”
(DiZ, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Mickey eventually sends some of his energy to assist Riku in Oblivion Castle. Towards the game’s end, Mickey reaches Riku and assists him. Throughout KH:CoM Mickey encourages Riku to destroy the darkness inside him, but in actuality, this only hurts Riku....
What’s up with Riku and the Superior?:
The Superior leads the Organization, but it seems the members of the Organization are afraid of the Superior.
“No... Please, don't! I beg of you! Leave him [the Superior] out of this!”
(Vexen, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Many people believe the Superior is DiZ, however this unknown.
Supposedly Riku’s scent is very similar to the Superior’s;
“But the scent [of Riku] was very similar to the Superior's. Exactly similar, if I may say.”
(Zexion, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Curiously, Sora also looks similar to someone:
“You look like him.”
(Enigmatic Man, Kingdom Hearts)
Expect both Riku and Sora’s familiarity to others to be major plot points in KH2.
Who are Zexion and Lexaeus?:
Zexion and Lexaeus are members of the Organization. The two come up with the plan to make Riku their puppet to battle Sora, Marluxia’s puppet. It is unknown if the two had any other plans for Riku.
More on the Riku Replica:
The Riku Replica is a clone of the real Riku. Vexen fights the real Riku in Oblivion Castle, and records data about him. With this data, Vexen creates the Riku Replica. The Riku Replica is then implanted memories of Riku’s past and other fake memories by Naminé, much to the replica’s disapproval. The replica believes that he is the real Riku and that he must protect Naminé from everyone, including Sora. Naminé collapses the replica’s heart in Oblivion Castle in order to protect Sora. It is here that the replica learns that he is just a copy.
The Riku Replica wishes to be real, and will do anything to become his own individual. Axel deceives the replica into killing Zexion:
“... All you need is strength that the real Riku doesn't have. Get that, and you can be a new person, your OWN person. Not Riku, not anybody else. You won't be someone else's copy. You'll be you.”
(Axel, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
The Replica kills Zexion, but he is still not his own individual. He goes after the real Riku in order to steal his identity. The real Riku kills the replica. The replica finds peace that he is finally free from the world. He dies wondering where his heart will go.
What’s up with Riku and the Darkness?:
Riku is afraid of the darkness throughout KH:CoM. He is afraid others will control Riku because of his darkness, and he will hurt his friends because of the darkness. Eventually, Riku enters the light. There he is confronted by Kairi, who is actually Naminé. She says:
“... No power can defeat you — not the light, not the dark. So don't run from the light — and don't fear the darkness. Both will make you stronger.
...
Especially darkness. Because that power is yours alone. The darkness in your heart is vast and deep...but if you can stare into it unflinching, you'll never know fear again.
...
Just be brave. Know that the darkness is there and don't give in. Do that, and you'll gain strength unlike any other. You'll be able to
escape the deepest darkness —
...
Follow the darkness, Riku. It'll show you the way to the friends you miss.”
(Naminé, disguised as Kairi, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
At this point Riku finally embraces his darkness. Riku can also use his darkness in conjunction with his senses. Riku can taste the dark and can also identify people based on their scents, a dark power.
What happened in Destiny Islands?:
In KH:CoM, the player is shown that Riku connected Destiny Islands to the Darkness:
“You hated being an islander, cut off from other worlds. So you opened the door to darkness and destroyed the islands. YOU did that! And now you belong to the darkness. Look at what you are!”
(Zexion, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
In Riku’s memory of Destiny Islands, Zexion disguises himself as Sora. Zexion then takes Riku to the light. There he meets Naminé, disguised as Kairi (look above for the rest of the scene).
What is up with Naminé is Riku’s Story?:
DiZ tells Riku to speak with Naminé. Riku meets Naminé after the events of Sora’s Story. Naminé presents Riku with a choice:
“It's [the choice is] not about your memories. It's about your darkness. In your heart is darkness, and in that darkness is Ansem. Right now, he's at bay... but eventually he'll awaken, and he'll conquer you when he does. Before that happens, let me lock your heart tight. I can make it so Ansem never escapes.
...
The darkness in your heart will be sealed along with your memory. You'll stop remembering the darkness. You can’t go back to the way you used to be. It's your choice, Riku. So...choose.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Riku chooses to battle Ansem alone, and keep his memories.
How does Riku’s Story End?:
After choosing to destroy the Ansem in his heart, Riku battles Ansem, and kills him. Ansem, however is still alive, and Riku must continue to search for him. Mickey accompanies Riku.
The two exit Castle Oblivion and appear on the path, at the crossroads, Sora was previously on. Riku and Mickey, however, are now wearing the black cloaks of the Organization (interesting plot twist. It is unknown if the two have truly joined the Organization). The two are confronted by DiZ who is standing in the crossroad. DiZ asks Riku if he will take the Road to Light or Dark. Riku walks passed DiZ, responding that he will take the Twilit Road to Dawn (it is likely this road leads to the World of Twilight (In-Between)).
The screen shifts to Twilight Town. There is seen the Blonde Haired Kid atop the clock tower. A poem appears:
“Walking this road,
Without you,
To remake forgotten promises
And meet you at roads end.”
The End.
4.4 Acronyms
That’s right, an acronym section... anyway. ON WARDS!
General:
KH/KH1: Kingdom Hearts
KH:FM/FM: Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix
KH:CoM/CoM: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
KH2: Kingdom Hearts II
SE: Square-Enix
BV: Buena Vista
Kingdom Hearts:
DI: Destiny Islands
HB: Hollow Bastion
Another Side, Another Story/ Deep Dive:
ASAS: Another Side, Another Story
DD: Deep Dive
GEU: Glowing Eyed Unknown
BU: Blindfolded Unknown
DWU: Dual Wielding Unknown
SU: Sitting Unknown (AKA UUR)
UUR: Unknown Upon the Rocks (AKA SU)
NEO: Non Existent One (this is used interchangeably with shell, nobody, and sometimes shadow)
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
TT: Twilight Town
CO: Castle Oblivion
Kingdom Hearts 2:
BHK: Blonde Haired Kid
DC: Disney Castle
TT: Twilight Town
CO: Castle Oblivion
POTC: Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting
Kingdom Hearts II
Release Dates:
Japan – Decemeber 22,2005
North America – Winter 2005/Early 2006
Europe - 2006
5.1 Story Specs
Kingdom Hearts II will begin exactly where KH:CoM left off. Sora and team have been asleep for about a year regaining their memories. When Sora awakes, he changes his clothes and heads off to Hollow Bastion. There he battles hordes of Heartless, and meets the members of the XIII Organization again. At some point, Sora ends up in Twilight Town. There Sora is ambushed by the Nobodies and is saved by King Mickey. Sora then continues his quest, sealing the keyholes of each world to protect them from the Heartless, the Organization, and the Nobodies. According to Nomura, the story will be far more complicated than KH’s story. Expect KH2’s story to deal with many of the mature scenarios presented in KH:CoM.
During this year Riku and Mickey have had their own adventures. The two now have Organization Cloaks (it is unknown if they have joined the Organization). Many theories have Riku and Mickey spying on the Organization, while many people believe that the Organization may not be evil, unlike what is seen in KH:CoM. KH2 will likely focus much on Riku and Mickey and the Organization.
Lastly, BHK seems to be having his own adventure in KH2. Sora will likely cross paths with him many times throughout KH2. BHK will be a keyblade master in KH2, and will likely battle the Heartless, white creatures, and the Organization. BHK has been seen battling Axel. BHK seems to want to protect Sora from Axel. It is also possible that Axel may be protecting Sora from BHK; it is unknown who speaks the dialogue in the scene, so a decision cannot be reached as to whom is protecting whom. Expect BHK to be a very important character throughout KH2.
Each world that Sora travels to will have its own story, similar to KH. Expect the worlds’ stories to reflect more upon the main story of the game, unlike many of the worlds in KH
5.2 Poem
"Walking this road,
Without you,
To remake forgotten promises and meet you at roads end.
Faded Memories,
Reconstucted Memories,
A dream - a dream of you,
In a world without you.
The dream I see in the world without you,
Torn dream, like a memory from the far past,
I'd like to put it together,
With you..."
5.3 Worlds
Sora will once again travel throughout the worlds, sealing the keyholes to protect each world. The worlds confirmed are as follows:
Twilight Town
Hollow Bastion
Disney Castle
Destiny Islands
Agrabah
Olympus Coliseum
Olympus Underworld
Fabled Countryside (Beauty and the Beast)
Land of Dragons (Mulan)
Halloween Town
Christmas Town (Seen in the Nightmare Before Christmas)
The Caribbean (Pirates of the Caribbean which is based on the film)
5.3.A Speculated Worlds
These are the worlds that were confirmed in the Buena Vista site of KH2. Some people believed the info they revealed was true or not since BV did say that the Lion King world would appear in KH but it didn’t...
"Features all the worlds from the original game, plus 6 exciting new worlds:
Steamboat Willie , The Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and The Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean (based on film)"
(Excerpt from the Official Buena Vista Site of Kingdom Hearts 2)
But the recent closing of the site due to content correction made fans suspect that BV must’ve revealed too much that SE forced them to change the content in the site. Some say that the info they posted was fake that they had to change it... Who knows? Since we are not sure about the existence of these worlds, these worlds will be speculated.
Steamboat Willie (First cartoon that ever debuted to the public starring Mickey)
The Pridelands (The Lion King)
Traverse Town
100 Acre World
Wonderland
Deep Jungle
Monstro
Atlantica
Neverland
End of The World
And of course, revealed by attendees of the recent E3 when they watched the SE Press Conference trailer:
Deep Dive (the dark city that ASAS and DD concept videos took place)
5.4 Heartless and Nobodies
The Heartless has returned and they look vast(number-wise and size-wise) as ever. They’re not alone though, a new force as arrived by the name Nobody. The Nobodies origins are still unknown but they are somehow linked with the XIII Organization.
5.4.A Heartless
The Heartless are pretty much the same. Old ones return while new ones appear. Here is a dossier of the new Heartless that will appear in the game:
Rabid:
A dog heartless
Hookwing:
Bat-like Heartless that has hooks for tails. The reaction command “Bat Battery” can be used against them.
Spectral Mage:
A white colored Heartless that carries a candle that is used to attack. Based on the artwork of these heartless, they have an opposite side which is unknown what they do.
Jouster:
A knight-type Heartless that wields a jousting stick.
Warrior:
Knight-type Heartless that appeared in the large battle sequence in the ending of most trailers in KH2.
Guard:
This Heartless appeared in the large battle sequence in the last part of most trailers.
Door Heartless:
A sub-boss in Beast’s Castle. It guards the door that Sora and Co. has to go through.
Unnamed Heartless:
There is a variety of unnamed Heartless that appears in the game.
More Heartless will be revealed as the months come
5.4.B Nobodies
The third force as Nomura would call them. They are white and flexible looking creatures that are under the orders of the XIII Organization. They seem to have zippers in their bodies. Nothing is known about their origins but they will play a large role in the game. Their insignia is an altered fleur-de-lis or crucifix.
Dusk:
The basic form of Nobodies. Kinda like the counterpart of the Shadow or Soldier Heartless.
Big Whitey or TwilightSide(as Sawa would put it):
Seen in the Awakening scene with BHK, likely the counterpart of Darkside in the first KH.
Unnamed Nobodies:
So far only three types of Nobodies has appeared and one has yet to be named. That one is the one that appeared in the recent Jump scans. They wield spears and have wings.
5.4 The KH2 E3 2005 Trailer 2 (The one that was show behind closed doors)
I know this isn’t important but this trailer report by HardcoreRager has made us think that the E3 2005 trailer has revealed a lot.
“The beginning starts with BHK talking to Namine across a table in a white room. They have japanese voices but there are english subtitles. BHK asks Namine who she is, and she responds by telling him that shes a "witch" who has power over Sora's memories. She then goes on to say that she doesn't know why she has these powers.
Following that scene is a collection of scenes from all the other trailers that have come out up to this point. There are some new parts thrown in however. One scene shows Mickey stepping out of a train in Twilight Town. Another part shows actual gameplay of Sora and Co. fighting the army of heartless from that scene thats been in all of the trailers. Its a timed battle and there were numbers going up in the corner, suggesting that maybe your being timed to kill a certain amount of heartless in the time alloted.
There's another scene where BHK is yelling at Diz at Castle Oblivion. They are in the room where Sora's memory pod is located. No subtiles are shown, nor voices heard, but you can tell that BHK is yelling at Diz because of his expressions. Then BHK pulls out the Kingdom Key to attack Diz, but to no avail. Diz can make himself untouchable, so BHK screams in frustration.
Towards the end of the trailer, the PoTC world is shown. Jack Sparrow(rendered to look like Johnny Depp) comes out in it, and he is shown to be the helper of that world. It shows story segments of Jack Sparrow talking to Sora, becoming a skeleton, and game play footage of Sora and Sparrow fighting pirates. One of the girls from the movie comes out in it too, but I never saw the movie, so I don't know what her name is, but she was rendered to look like her real life counter part.
The last part of the trailer shows Sora, Donald, and Goofy in that dark city that was shown in DD and ASAS. They look puzzled when they are there. Then all of a sudden a black portal opens and an Unknown steps out of it(who happens to be about Sora's height I might add). He sends minions to fight Sora and Co., but I forgot if they were heartless or the white creatures. In any case, after they are dealt with, Sora and the Unknown exchange words(or at least thats what it looks like, again no voices or subtitles). Then they rush at each other, and the screen goes white.
Finally, a bunch of scenes fly by really quick, and the title comes out. There's a pause, followed by the beach scene from DD, and the this phrase comes out "If the world is made up of light and darkness, we shall be that darkness...." and then the trailer ends.”
It is hard to believe some parts in the trailer so take them as a grain of salt till concrete evidence comes like the trailer itself.
6. Game Mechanics
6.1 Game Engine
“...we actually recreated the game engine [for Kingdom Hearts II] from scratch, so we didn't import any data from Kingdom Hearts I. It's 100% new. Although it's the same world, it's completely new.”
(Nomura, IGN 9/04 Interview)
Camera
The camera has been greatly improved for the sequel. It is now controlled by the right analog stick. It can go 360 degrees around Sora and over Sora.
Graphics
Although the KH2 graphics looks similar to KH, the game engine has been completely recreated for KH2, according to Nomura. The game’s graphics are in a similar style to KH. The facial expressions seem to have been improved greatly for the sequel. As Square-Enix president Wada, has requested that FMVs be used less, KH2 will of course follow. Expect probably 2 FMVs in KH2, one at the beginning and one at the end, similar to KH. The graphics are fully 3-D .
Map System
KH2 will feature a new Map System, which has been seen in few trailers. It will feature Sora (depicted as a keyblade) and the environment of the areas like red spots represents doors in the map. This was used to lower the amount of backtracking in KH2.
Engaging in Combat
Like KH, KH2 features real time battles, so there will be no transition from travel to combat. It is possible that the menu may change form during battle, similar to KH, however this looks unlikely (more below). Heartless will likely appear in a similar way to KH; spawning in determined locations when Sora appears. Although this may be changed, it is unlikely.
Command Menu
The Menu System has been completely redone in KH also. Each world has its own individual menu design for Sora. The Command Menu also has two sides. The first side has the primary commands like:
- Attack,
- Magic,
- Items
- Probably the fourth option is Dual Tech or team attacks.
The other side can be accessed by pressing left on the dpad taking you to another set of commands which consist of:
- Attack,
- the “?” symbol(Gerbil’s site speculates this might where the summons would be)
- Party(more on that later)
- Drive.
Status Bar
The Status System has also been redone. The MP Bar is now horizontal, and there is a new Drive Bar (more on that below). Your party members’ status bar has change for a simpler design. They stay on top of Sora’s status bar. During Drive mode, however, the party member‘s status bar you merge with will disappear but there have been some controversies (See Donald Drive form under Drive Section below).
Travel
There have been screens of the train from Twilight Town sending the team to various worlds (Dark Cloud 2 style). It is unknown if there are any more features for the train other than letting Sora and Co. travel. Rumors also have been flying around whether the Gummi Ship can be another way of traveling.
Gummi Ship
The Gummi Ship has made a return and now it looks better than ever. Based on the Jump Festa trailer and the E3 2005 Trailer, the gummi ship looks faster, exciting and action packed. The new features of the gummi ship are still kept under wraps but by the look of things, it will probably be the same.
New and Old Characters
Sora has been completely redesigned for KH2, along with Kairi, and probably Riku and Mickey (they will most likely appear in their Organization Cloaks). Sora, Kairi, and Riku have all likely matured from the jump, and each will look different. A new character with blonde hair, no name has been set, and his friends will appear in KH2. Lastly, the only members of the Organization that are confirmed to return for KH2 are Axel and the Enigmatic Man. Many new members will appear in KH2, and possibly others may return. Many Disney characters from KH will return, and new characters, Captain Jack Sparrow, Mulan and Pete will make appearances. It is likely most FF characters will return, including a new appearance from Auron and possibly Vincent. Lastly, in Drive Form, Sora’s costume will change (more below).
6.2 Battle Engine
“We are doing without the engine from the original and built a new one for KH2. That is because we realized the limitations of the original engine, and in order to create a better game we had to come up with a new one. I believe the biggest appeal of KH is its battle elements, so I think you'll be surprised how we've changed it. We're not just focusing on battles either-we're including quests in battle.”
(Nomura, GMR Interview)
As Nomura has stated, the battle system has been completely recreated for KH2. Many gameplay videos(see Trailers/Gameplay Videos under Media) showed off the battle system and so far the battle system looks tight. KH2’s battle system will be in real-time, like KH, and there will be no transition from travel to combat. Lastly, many new options have appeared in KH2 that were absent in KH.
6.1 Controls
According to the ones who played the demo in E3 2005, they said that the controls are pretty much the same. I’ll show the controls based on what the E3 attendees and what gaming press sites said:
D-Pad:
Left = This switches to other side of the Command Menu like Party(more on that later).
Attack remains.
Up and Down = Navigates through the Command Menu
Right = Unknown at this point
Start = Pause. Even though the latest demo didn’t feature it, this button is likely to activate the Status Menu like in the first KH when not in battle.
Select = First Person View mode
Triangle = Reaction Commands, opens chests
Square = Block and Dodge Roll
Circle = Jump, Cancel action
X = Attack, Confirm action
Left Analog Stick = Movement
Right Analog Stick = Camera Movement
R2 and L2 = It’s still unknown at this point what these two buttons do. In the first game, they controlled the camera but since that job is done by the right analog stick, R2 and L2 buttons are still unknown. Many speculate that these buttons is an alternate button to navigate around the command menu.
6.2.A. Drive
The most apparent of the new options is the Drive System. As Sora and his team members defeat enemies, yellow balls will be dropped, similar to the green and blue orbs of KH. Picking up these yellow orbs fills Sora’s Drive Bar. The Drive Bar has multiple levels, level 5 is the highest seen, and the levels are likely to grow as Sora levels up.
The Drive mode can be activated by pressing the left dpad button which brings you to another set of commands in the command menu. Choose the fourth option(Drive), then pick a party member to merge with and voila.
When Drive Form is activated, Sora will merge with a partner, eliminating the partner from battle temporarily, (NOTE: An ally not in the current battle can be chosen) and a countdown will appear (its length is determined by which level you chose to activate the Drive Form). Sora’s clothes will change in Drive Form and a number of new abilities will be at the player’s disposal. When the countdown of the Drive bar reaches 0, Sora will return back to normal and the party member he merged with will come back into battle. While in Drive mode, the countdown can be elongated by collecting more yellow orbs.
6.2.A.a Brave Form/Valor Form
The only Drive Form seen in action is Brave Form or Valor Form a fusion with Goofy, which changes Sora’s clothes to red and gives him the option to wield two keyblades. In Brave Form Sora is stronger and faster. In the TGS ’04 trailer, it shows Sora fighting Heartless while he is in midair making it possible to do so.
Abilities in Brave/Valor Form:
-Tornado:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora does an aerial spinning attack attacking any foes on his way. Unknown how it is executed, though.
-Dash Attack:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora does a strong dash damaging any enemies in front of him. Executed by pressing the square button.
-Aerial Arcanum:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora makes several powerful slashes. By the looks of it, it seems to be the finishing blow of a combo.
6.2.A.b. Donald’s Drive Form or Wise Form (Fan term)
Nothing is known about this form except that you merge with Donald, the costume is blue and that it probably has something to do with magic. The Jump Festa trailer only showed Sora merging with Donald and he twirled his keyblade around while blue sparkles surrounded him so no known ability in this form.
6.2.A.b.a. WTF? Is that Donald?
During the brief appearance of Sora merging with Donald in the Jump Festa trailer, there will be a part in the video where Sora is in Drive mode with Donald. Now, everyone knows that Donald should be gone from battle while Sora is in Drive mode but if you closely in the Jump Festa trailer, you will see Donald’s status bar reappear while Sora is in Drive mode. Nothing has been confirmed why but it’s either a glitch, a feature in the game or something SE has to fix before the game comes out.
Look at Green Tallest’s analysis of the Jump Festa Trailer here:
6.3 Reaction Command/Attacks
Reaction command is a move that can be helpful in the brink of battle. They are executed by pressing the triangle button at the right time. The reaction command can be triggered by certain action of your enemies. When these commands are available, the name of the ability above the command menu and a flashing triangle above your foe will appear. Pressing the triangle button at the right time Sora will execute a helpful and cool move.
Reaction Commands/Attacks:
-Bat Battery:
Sora grabs the Hookwing Heartless and spins them around while it's hooked to your keyblade.
-Ride The Wind:
Can be done when fighting the large Chinese dragon heartless in the Land of Dragons world but it is not known if you can do it anywhere else. This reaction command will be triggered when the dragon leaves tornadoes on the ground. Go near them and the reaction command will appear and if executed, Sora will ride on the tornado and you can control him anywhere you want. It is still unknown if the effect will last long.
-Soar:
Requires the “Ride The Wind” reaction command. While on Ride the Wind, press triangle at the right time and Sora will jump very high making it a good way to ride on the dragons back as shown in gameplay footages.
-Aerial:
Bushido attack. Sora and Auron combines there weapons together and the combined weapons start spinning around making a tornado while Auron and Sora soar in midair. Obviously, Sora can’t be damaged as shown in gameplay footage.
-Speed Trap:
Nothing is known about this reaction command.
Unnamed Reaction Commands:
Many commands have been seen in trailers but are yet to be named or translated. One of them is Sora jumping on the three heads of Cerberus, then he umps high above and dive attacks the beast.
The triangle button can also open chests. It is likely that the triangle button might also press buttons, activate objects, carry stuff but nothing has been confirmed but it could be likely.
6.4 Double Tech aka Team Attacks
Double tech or team attacks is an ability where you and a party member will do “Co-op” attacks. So far only Auron and Sora can do this. The name of the double tech with Auron is Bushido. Shooting Star and Banishing Blade are confirmed. Reaction commands can be triggered when doing double techs since the Reaction command “Aerial” can be triggered. After looking at recent gameplay footage from E3, the double tech feature seems to be in the fourth option of the command menu.
It is not known if you can do double techs with other Party members apart from Auron.
6.5 Magic and Summons
The magic and summon systems have been completely overhauled for KH2 also. Magic and summons will be more useful in battle, according to Nomura, and magic will also be implemented in combos more seamlessly, shown in the TGS ’04 trailer. Shortcuts are once again implemented in KH2. By pressing the L1 button, a shortcut menu will appear which the character can allocate magic attack and items to each of the four buttons (circle, triangle, square, and X), similar to KH. It is possible that summons may be allocated to the shortcut system (this is unknown).
Magic:
-Fire:
Sora summons a ring of fire around him damaging enemies in the area. Can also be done in midair.
-Blizzard:
Blizzard is still the same except that the attack is more of a concentrated shot than a slow one, almost like a shotgun in first person shooters.
-Thunder:
Same as the last game except that it only shoots one bolt of lighting. As Thunder grows stronger(Thundara and Thundaga), more bolts of lighting will appear.
6.6 Combo system
The combo system has been redone. Sora can still attack by pressing the X button, but now in battle, Sora will change his combo depending on the situation in battle. Magic and special attacks can be chained in combos more seamlessly now. In the TGS ’04 trailer, Sora was seen implementing long, complicated combos. Supposedly, this requires much practice in order to accomplish. Expect battles to be more fast-paced and action oriented in the sequel.
6.7 Party Members
Party members’ AI has been tweaked to be more helpful and smarter in the sequel. Nothing much has changed except that you can merge with them for Drive mode, do double techs and switch party members at the fly.
Did I say switch party members at the fly? Yes. Party members can be switched in and out of battle. Just go to the other side of the command menu by pressing left, choose the third option which is the party command and pick a party member and voila! You just switched a party member. It is unknown if this switching party member thing is available in boss battles.
Rumors have erupted that Riku and/or Mickey may be playable characters in KH2. This is currently unknown. However, BHK will be playable and have partners of his own, and he will have an adventure during KH2; don’t expect BHK to be the Raiden of KH2. Many people speculate BHK’s partners will be PJ and Max; however I find this doubtful.... I expect his partners to either be his friends, seen in many trailers, or Riku and Mickey.
6.8 Leveling Up and HP/MP/Drive Bar Replenishes
Everything else is basically the same as in KH. Sora will still gain levels, magic, summons, and special attacks, and still have the ability to jump. Rumors states that there could be other stats like attacking speed, magic defense, etc. available but that seems unlikely.
Sora will still fight with his allies and gain MP/HP orbs during battle with the addition of Drive orbs(yellow) to replenish the Drive bar.
6.9 Quest System
There is new quest system in battles that Nomura speaks about, seem intriguing. There have been spots of Sora defending Meg from Pete in the Olympus Underworld and the first E3 2005 trailer shows Jack Sparrow, Sora and Co. protecting Elizabeth Swan from enemies as stated in 1up.com. Could this protecting/escorting Meg and Elizabeth thing be the quest system Nomura is talking about?
6.10 Miscellaneous
Environments will play a larger roll in battles in the sequel. Now Sora will be able to use his environments to attack enemies. One trailer showed Sora being hit by an enemy and then deflecting off a wall to attack the enemy. Expect environment interaction to be much more advanced in KH2.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the white creatures?
A: They are called “Nobodies”
Q: Is it true that Auron can be your party member?
A: Yes, he can be your party member in the Olympus Underworld
Q: Pirates of the Caribbean?! But how will it blend with the cartoony graphics of Kingdom Hearts?
A: No need to fret. Nomura and co. has created realistic modeled characters which resembles their real life counterparts. Nomura said that they are being careful with the polygons of that world.
Q: Will Johnny Depp lend his pipes for Jack Sparrow in the game?
A: It is not known at the point but there are rumors flying around that BV have paid Depp a lot of money in order to voice in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean game. Since BV is also affiliated with the development of KH2 maybe, just maybe, Johnny Depp might voice Jack Sparrow in KH2.
Q: Why does Donald appear when Sora is in his Drive form when merged with Donald? Isn’t Donald supposed to disappear?
A: That is still a mystery. The Jump Festa trailer showed it clearly only in a flash of a second. It could be either a glitch or maybe something that we will have to find out when the game comes out.
Q: Someone in this board claims that he has the full English version of the game and he is spoiling all the details by telling what happens. Is he telling the truth?
A: Listen, NO ONE IN THIS BOARD OWNS THE GAME YET. The game is slated for a Winter 2005 release. It is either the guy is joking or probably bored. Don’t take anything seriously especially when this game is confirmed to be not 100% complete in localization.
Q: Is it true KH2 is going to the Nintendo Revolution? Because I saw pictures of a KH2 Edition of the Revolution!
A: No. What you saw were just photoshopped pictures.
Q: Is Darkwing Duck/Gizmoduck/Disney characters from TV shows coming to this game?
A: Unknown but it is unlikely.
Q: Will PJ and Max be the party members of BHK?
A: No. There is no evidence to support this theory.
Q: Is this game going to be in two discs?
A: That is yet to be determined. Nomura kept on leaving clues that that is the case since KH2 is 2.5 times bigger than the first game. It seems very likely, IMO.
Q: Will Cloud and Sephiroth be in the game?
A: Unknown. But Nomura said in the CoM Ultimania that he might do something with Cloud in KH2 but that doesn’t mean that Cloud is in the game. As for Sephiroth… nothing has been confirmed.
Q: Game Informer said that Vincent Valentine will be in the game. Is this true?
A: Nothing is known. Only Auron, Selphie and probably Leon(his voice actor has been confirmed to be in the game) is confirmed be in the game.
Q: Do I need to play CoM to understand the story of KH2?
A: Not really, Nomura said that CoM’s story doesn’t put an impact to the series’ storyline. If you haven’t played or don’t plan on playing it then just read the game script in the FAQ section of Chain of Memories in GameFaqs.
Q: What is the game’s rating?
A: This game is yet to be rated by ESRB. Many has speculated that this game will get a T. Well, IMO, after seeing how CoM’s story had lots of serious dialogue, death, manipulation and betrayal, I can expect KH2 to be more serious that it might earn a T.
Q: Who will do the theme song of KH2?
A: Utada Hikaru said in an interview months ago that she is working on the theme so yes.
Can’t think of any Q&A…
THIS WAS DONE BY THE FORUMS MEMBERS:Cheesewarrior,Animawarrior,and they had extra help. Thanks you guy
This was done on July 7,2005.
(This FAQ is assuming that Ver. 2 will also be deleted like Ver. 1; just took out the fans sites other than that it is exactly the same. If it is not deleted then don't feel you need to bump this.)
Kingdom Hearts II Pre-Release FAQ Ver. 2 Reprint
Note: I took the liberty to update the helpful FAQ a Demons Requiem made for us. I hope I got some things right.
WARNING: Spoilers will be rampant for both Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Spoilers may also come up in any Final Fantasy Game or Disney Movie.
Version History:
Version 1.0: 1/18/05: First form published. Contains synopsis of KH and KH:CoM, any theories for KH2, and any and (hopefully) all info for KH2.
Version 2.0: 5/27/05: Updated the Media section, Character section, a bit of the Background Information, Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting, Game Mechanics, added some Q&As in the FAQ, and the Outro.
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Media
3. Characters
4. Background Information
5. Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting
6. Game Mechanics
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Outro
1. Purpose
The purpose of this FAQ is to summarize what information is known of Kingdom Hearts II. This FAQ is comprised of what I deem useful information about KH2. This is an update of the compilation of A Demons Requiem’s work, using other works as references. All copyrights apply, and all rights are reserved.
2. Media
2.1 Official Websites:
Square-Enix:
http://www.square-enix.com/
Japanese Sites:
Kingdom Hearts:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/ps2/kingdom/
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/game/ps2/finalmix/
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/game/gba/khcom/
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories(Disney Interactive):
http://www.disney.co.jp/interactive/kingdom/com/index.html
Kingdom Hearts 2:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2
Kingdom Hearts 2(Disney Interactive):
http://www.disney.co.jp/interactive/kingdom/com/kh02_02.html
English Sites:
Kingdom Hearts
http://na.square-enix.com/game/kingdomhearts/index1.html
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
http://na.square-enix.com/game/kingdomhearts/khcom
2.2 News Information:
Receives news the fastest of any gaming site (In Japanese):
http://www.quiter.jp/
Excellent source for news (In German):
http://www.squarenet.info/
Decent source for news (In English):
http://www.gamespot.com
http://www.ps2.ign.com
http://www.rpgfan.com
2.4 Screenshots:
Most pictures can be found at these websites:
http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/550/550308/imgs_1.html
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/screenindex.html
3. Characters
3.1 Kingdom Hearts Characters
Sora
Age: 14 in KH and KH:CoM; Likely to be 16 in KH2.
Home World: Destiny Islands, although Sora has a curious relation to Twilight Town....
Voice Actor: Haley Joel Osment
Sora is the main character. He is a keyblade master. According to the Enigmatic Man, Sora is incomplete, expect this to be a large plot point in KH2. Sora wields the Kingdom Key.
Riku
Age: 15 in KH and KH:CoM; Likely to be 17 in KH2.
Home World: Destiny Islands
Voice Actor: David Gallagher
Riku is one of Sora’s best friends. The keyblade originally chose Riku as its master, however because Riku’s heart was filled with darkness, the keyblade went to Sora. However, Riku has the ability to wield a keyblade, but Riku fights with his sword the Soul Eater.
Kairi
Age: 14 in KH; Likely to be 16 in KH2.
Home World: Hollow Bastion, although she has grown up in Destiny Islands.
Voice Actor: Hayden Panettiere
Kairi was born in Hollow Bastion, and she is a Princess of Heart. Ansem sent her to the outside worlds after learning she had a relation to the keyblade and could find its master, which is how she entered Destiny Islands. She is now awaiting Sora and Riku on the island.
Ansem
Age: Unknown
Home World: Hollow Bastion
Voice Actor: Billy Zane
Ansem was the king of Hollow Bastion until he went berserk. As he continued to study the heartless, he became engrossed in the darkness. A popular theory is that Ansem’s body and soul are DiZ. Currently Ansem’s heart and body and soul are in an unknown location...
King Mickey
Age: Unknown
Home World: Disney Castle
Voice Actor: Wayne Allwine
King Mickey was chosen by the keyblade long before the events of Kingdom Hearts. King Mickey has his own adventure during KH, meeting Ansem and possibly DiZ. Mickey is currently traveling with Riku.
Donald and Goofy
Age: Unknown
Home World: Both are from Disney Castle
Voice Actors: Donald: Tony Anselmo; Goofy: Bill Farmer
Donald and Goofy are both Mickey’s friends and allies. They are informed by Mickey to find the keyblade master. They found Sora. They travel with Sora throughout KH, KH:CoM, and they still are searching for their king in KH2.
The Enigmatic Man
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
The Enigmatic Man is a shell, comprised of only body and soul, and he begrudges both light and dark. As a member of the XIII Organization, the Enigmatic Man fights Sora to test his strength. He also informs Sora that Sora looks like someone (this person is unknown).
3.2 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Characters
Larxene
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Ranked number twelve in the XIII Organization, she conspires with Marluxia throughout KH:CoM. She wields curious daggers and uses the powers of lightning in battle. She is quite bossy and is currently the only known female member of the XIII Organization.
Marluxia
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Marluxia is ranked as number eleven in the XIII Organization. It is obvious that Marluxia has motives of his own in KH:CoM away from the unknown motives of the XIII Organization. Marluxia uses the power of flowers in KH:CoM along with his fantastic pink scythe.
Axel
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Axel is a member of the XIII Organization, number eight in the rankings. He has amazing red hair, and he uses the pinwheels of fire and wind in battle. Axel undoubtedly proves to be the most complex character of KH:CoM, and his motives are unknown. Nomura stated that Axel’s true motivation is very crucial and a great story that you could cry.
Zexion
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Zexion ranks high in the XIII Organization, as number six. He is terribly intelligent and can use the dark in conjunction with his senses, similar to Riku. It is unknown what weapons or elements Zexion possesses... you never fight him, thus you never know.
Lexaeus
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Lexaeus, ranked fifth in the XIII Organization, works with Zexion throughout KH:CoM. He is extremely powerful, and wields a fantastic sword called the Tomahawk in combination with the powers of darkness.
Vexen
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
As the oldest member of the XIII Organization, Vexen, ranked number four, is absorbed in his experiments. Unfortunately, no members of the XIII Organization admire or respect Vexen. Vexen wields an ice shield and battle with the powers of ice.
Naminé
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Unknown
Naminé is a young witch that has the power to alter people’s memories. Unfortunately, Naminé has never been in etched into anyone’s heart, and because of her vulnerabilities, she is easily manipulated. Naminé does not battle, however she seems to be an excellent artist.
Riku Replica
Age: Appears to be 15 in KH:CoM.
Home World: None; appears in Castle Oblivion
Voice Actor: Billy Zane
The Riku Replica was created by Vexen. The Riku Replica is a complete copy of Riku, and he has a rivalry with the real Riku. He tries to kill Riku to prove his power.
DiZ
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
A total enigma, DiZ seems to assist Riku and Mickey through their adventures. The most popular theory is that DiZ is Ansem’s discarded body and soul. Another popular theory says that DiZ is the XIII Organization’s Superior. Both are currently unknown.
3.3 Kingdom Hearts II Characters:
The Blonde Haired Kid (Name unknown)
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown; likely to be Twilight Town
Voice Actor: Unknown
The Blonde Haired Kid (BHK) is another keyblade master. He has been seen wielding the Oblivion and Oathkeeper Keyblades. He battles with Axel over an argument with Sora. Nothing is known about the BHK except that he seems to know Naminé as seen in the Jump Festa trailer. He is the second playable character in the game stated by Nomura.
BHK’s Friends (names unknown)
Ages: Unknown
Home Worlds: Unknown; likely to be Twilight Town
Voice Actors: Unknown
BHK’s three friends are more of an enigma than BHK himself. Nothing is known about them, however many people compare them to Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus.
Pete
Age: Unknown
Homeworld: Unknown
Voice Actors: Likely to be Jim Cummings, the VA of Pete in Disney shows and features.
Pete is one of the new Disney villains to appear in the sequel. His role in the story is yet to be determined but rumors says that he seems to be doing were Malificent has left off. Take everything for now with a grain of salt until something is confirmed by officials. Pete can be seen working with Hades and also in Agrabah where he is trying to unleash Jafar from his prison or lamp.
The XIII Organization
Ages: Differing, however, all are unknown.
Home Worlds: All Unknown
Voice Actors: Differing, however, all are unknown.
All that is known about the XIII Organization is that its members are shells; all are missing hearts. The XIII Organization seems to be trying to unlock the secrets of the heart. The extreme interest in the keyblade master is due to Sora’s powerful heart. They also have some plot to open Kingdom Hearts again.
Xaldin (or Xarudia, Xardin)
Age: Unknown
Home World: Unknown
Voice Actor: Unknown
He was revealed during the timeline of E3 2005. Xaldin has long black hair with a bun on the top which forms his hair into a ponytail and he has also long sideburns. His eyes are blue. Nothing is known about this enigma except he wields 6 spears and has been seen talking about opening Kingdom Hearts to make them [The Organization] whole again.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Age: Somewhere around his late 20’s or early 30’s
Homeworld: The Caribbean
Voice Actor: Unknown, hopefully it could be Johnny Depp
The swashbuckling pirate has been seen swinging his sword with Sora in the second E3 2005 trailer as a party member. By the looks of the scans, it looks like Sparrow will follow the storyline of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Elizabeth Swan
Age: Probably around her mid or early 20’s
Homeworld: Port Royal or The Caribbean
Voice Actor: Unknown, hopefully it could Keira Knightley
Nothing is known about Elizabeth as of now but she will be in the game and her role in the movie will be also applied in the POTC worlds storyline.
Mulan
Age: Late teens or Early 20’s
Homeworld: Land of Dragons aka Ancient China
Voice Actor: Ming-Na
She will be one of the available party members in the game. After looking at the trailers, Mulan will have two appearances in the game, her alter-ego Ping and her original self.
Mushu
Age: Unknown
Homeworld: Land of Dragons
Voice Actor: Unknown
The dragon is back and he plays a larger role this time around in the Land of Dragons world. He is the sidekick of Mulan throughout her journey. Will he become Sora’s summon partner again? Will just see in the future.
4. Background Information
4.1 Kingdom Hearts
Release Dates:
Japan: 3/28/02; North America: 9/16/02; Europe: 11/15/02
Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix: Japan: 12/26/02
*No Summary has been written for KH*
4.2 Another Side, Another Story and Deep Dive
Another Side, Another Story originally appeared at the end of Kingdom Hearts as a secret bonus video.
Another Side, Another Story [Deep Dive] originally appeared at the end of Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix as a secret bonus video.
These videos were created to give players insight into the upcoming sequel. The videos introduced many characters dressed in black cloaks, and have caused quite a bit of controversy.
It is unknown if the events in Deep Dive and Another Side, Another Story are still relevant to the story of KH. Many people believe it has no merit, while others believe it does.
According to HardcoreRager who went to E3 and other E3 attendees, the dark city that appeared in Deep Dive was seen in the trailer (see below for more)
4.3 Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Release Dates:
Japan: 11/11/04; North America: 12/07/04
4.3.A Sora’s Story:
*Any and all quotes are found in the excellent Game Script, found at http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/file/kingdom_hearts_com_script.txt*
*All quotes are italicized, the speaker is parenthesized ().*
*Lastly, only the major plot points will be emphasized in this summary*
The Beginning of Sora’s Story:
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories begins exactly where Kingdom Hearts left off. Sora is now traveling on an unknown path to find Riku and King Mickey. The story begins on this path at night. The team of Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy take a rest during the night. Sora awakes and takes a walk. He comes a cross a fork in the path. (The fork is split into four different paths. The four paths move to each of the four worlds, mentioned in Ansem Report 13. Sora came from the World of the Present. The other paths lead to the World of Darkness, the World of Light, and the World of Twilight (In-Between)) A mysterious hooded figure dressed in a trench coat confronts Sora. He says to Sora:
“Ahead lies something you hold dear — but to claim it, you must lose something first.”
(Unknown, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Confused Sora follows the figure and is lead to a large building, known as Castle Oblivion.
Sora must travel through his memories of worlds in order to continue through Castle Oblivion.
“It isn't reality that you see. This town is an illusion conceived by your memories ingrained in that card.”
(Unknown, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
The worlds Sora travels through are not the real worlds, only his memories.
Why does Sora lose his memories?:
As Sora travels through Castle Oblivion, he forgets memories, and begins to remember forgotten memories. Sora is led to believe that by these new memories are important and true, however this is a lie.
A blonde girl named Naminé destroys Sora’s memories and adds new memories to Sora’s heart. Naminé is used by the Organization to change Sora’s memories:
“...It's my fault... I took the people and memories in Sora's heart...and little by little replaced them with false memories that I made.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Naminé replaced Kairi, Sora’s light, with herself in Sora’s memories; Sora forgets Kairi. Sora believes that he must protect Naminé throughout KH:CoM. All of Sora’s memories of Naminé are fake; Sora has never met Naminé.
“You [Sora] are so STUPID. Don't you get it? Messing with people's memories is about all she's [Naminé’s] good at. She steps into people's hearts and rearranges their memory. If she wants, she can even draw new memories of things that never happened. The girl you've been dying to protect...is a manipulative witch who shackles people's hearts with phony memories!”
(Larxene, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Why does Naminé obey the Organization?:
Naminé is used by the Organization. They manipulate her into believing that she must obey.
“I really wanted to see you [Sora]...but not like this.
...
I was alone for so long. I couldn't bear it anymore... So I beckoned your heart to lead you here. And I'm so glad you found me. But your heart, I had to —”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
“...I'm not in your [Sora’s] heart. I'm not in anyone's heart. I never have been.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Naminé is led to believe that the only way she will no longer be alone is to change Sora’s memories; to make Sora her friend. Naminé’s vulnerabilities are taken advantage of by the Organization.
Why does the Organization want to use Sora?:
There are two people in the Organization that wish to use Sora: Larxene and Marluxia. Marluxia and Larxene’s plan is best described in this quote:
“Right, your big plan. You use Naminé to rewrite Sora's memory piece by piece. He becomes her puppet. Then, using Naminé and Sora, you and Larxene overthrow the Organization. Did I get it right? 'Cause that would make YOU the traitor, Marluxia. Not me.”
(Axel, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Marluxia and Larxene are not acting on the Organization’s behalf. They wish to control the Organization. Axel deceives them, making them believe he is on their side; in actuality Axel is working for the Organization, and he eliminates them. However, during the course of the game, Zexion and Lexaeus have a counter plan to Marluxia and Larxene’s plan (more below).
Why does Axel deceive Marluxia and Larxene?:
Axel deceives them because he is working for the Organization. He is a double agent, and he tries to eliminate all threats to the Organization in KH:CoM. His motives, however, are unknown as of right now.
What’s up with Vexen?:
Vexen is a member of the Organization absorbed in his experiments. He creates the Riku Replica (more below) to test Sora. Vexen is used by Zexion and Lexaeus to eliminate the threat of Marluxia.
After the Riku Replica, Vexen’s major experiment, fails, Vexen is told to kill Sora. Vexen then gives Sora the world card to Twilight Town;
“... I delved deep into your [Sora’s] memory...and look what I found. This [Twilight Town] is a card crafted from memories locked in the other side of your heart. If you want to fight me for real, then step into the world within this card!”
(Vexen, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Sora enters Twilight Town and battles Vexen. Axel kills Vexen in Twilight Town by orders of Marluxia. Axel kills Vexen to gain Marluxia’s trust.
Who is the Riku Replica?:
This is explained more fully in Riku’s Story’s section. The Riku Replica was created by Vexen. His memories were implanted by Naminé, and he believes that he is the real Riku and must protect Naminé. The Riku Replica’s false memories are eventually destroyed by Naminé. The replica leaves Sora and Naminé at the end of Sora’s story to discover himself.
How does Sora’s Story end?:
Larxene explains to Sora that his memories are fake. Sora then kills Larxene. Naminé explains that she can fix Sora’s memories on the top floor of the Organization. Sora traverses up and leaves Naminé behind. Sora eventually finds Marluxia, Axel, and Naminé fighting. Axel threatens Naminé and Sora protects her. Sora and Axel battle, and Axel disappears (Axel does not die). Marluxia disappears with Naminé.
Sora follows Marluxia and finds them at the top of the castle. Sora battles and kills Marluxia. Naminé explains to Sora that in order to regain his memory he must sleep in a flower-like contraption. However, in order to regain his past memories, Sora must forget about the events in Oblivion Castle.
Naminé gives Sora a choice: Go back to the way he was and forget Oblivion Castle, or live without his past memories but with the memories of Oblivion Castle. Sora chooses the first option. Sora and Co. walk toward the flower-like structure. The team wonders how they will thank Naminé after awaking. Jiminy writes in his Journal “Thank Naminé” so the team will not forget. Donald and Goofy walk off to sleep in their individual flower contraptions. Naminé instructs Sora to jump into his contraption. Sora promises Naminé that when he awakens, he will become friends with Naminé. No matter what, Sora will not forget. Sora jumps into the contraption.
Naminé advises Sora to look at the star man charm; Naminé changed its form before. Naminé tells Sora that in order to remember his past memories he must remember the owner of the charm: Sora’s light. Sora looks at the charm. Suddenly Sora’s friends appear. In the back is Kairi. Remembering her name, Sora yells to Kairi. Sora looks to his side and sees Naminé floating away. Sora and Naminé promise to see each other again. Naminé will always be in Sora’s heart; forgotten but not lost....
The screen shifts back to Sora in the contraption. Sora is floating around, and a poem appears:
“Faded Memories,
Reconstructed Memories,
A dream - a dream of you,
In a world without you.”
The End
4.3.B Riku’s Story:
*Upon Completing Sora’s Story, you have the option to play through Riku’ (The Real Riku’s) perspective.*
*Any and all quotes are found in the excellent Game Script, found at http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/file/kingdom_hearts_com_script.txt*
*All quotes are italicized, the speaker is parenthesized ().*
*It is important to note that throughout Riku’s adventures through Oblivion Castle, the members of the Organization are watching him. Also certain members of the Organization are watching Marluxia and his ambitions.*
*It is also very important to note that during Riku’s story, Naminé does not destroy or add false memories to Riku.*
*Lastly, while Sora traversed upward toward the 13th floor in Oblivion Castle, Riku begins on the 12th basement and traverses toward the entrance of Oblivion Castle.*
The Beginning of Riku’s Story:
Riku’s story begins in an unknown land. Riku is confronted by a voice (who is DiZ) who tells him that he is in a place between light and dark. The voice informs Riku that King Mickey is off fighting the war with darkness alone. The voice tells Riku that he should sleep and stay away from the darkness that pains Riku. Riku insists on continuing, and he is given a card. The voice warns Riku that if he continues, he will learn a painful truth. Riku continues through Oblivion Castle.
DiZ informs Riku that as he travels through his memories of previous lands, he will not meet his friends:
“But you cast them [Riku’s friends] aside. To reach the outside world, you passed through the door to darkness. Behind you, you left family, friends, home — everything — all in pursuit of darkness.
...
Then what do you have to show for it? First your home, then the dark. Your heart only knows how to throw things away. It's empty, like that room. Like your memories. That's why no one is in the castle with you. Your heart is hollow except for the darkness you couldn't quite shake off.”
(DiZ, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
How does Riku come to Oblivion Castle?:
Riku comes to Oblivion Castle because:
“...His existence resonates with that of another hero. Sora came, so Riku followed.”
Riku follows Sora.
What’s up with Ansem?:
In KH:CoM, Riku is confronted by Ansem many times. Ansem, who is actually DiZ in disguise, wants Riku to embrace the darkness, and embrace Ansem. In actuality, Ansem never shows up in KH:CoM until the game’s end. Ansem is inside the darkness of Riku’s heart. Riku battles Ansem and kills him. Unfortunately, Ansem does not fully die, and Riku must find him once again.
Who is DiZ?:
DiZ is the crimson cloaked man. He assists Riku and Mickey throughout their adventures in KH:CoM. DiZ disguises himself as Ansem in order to make Riku learn about himself. DiZ is believed to be the body and soul (the shell) of the real Ansem. DiZ is also believed to be the Superior of the Organization. Both are unknown.
Where’s Mickey?:
Mickey begins the events of KH:CoM in the Darkness. Mickey is battling the darkness at the beginning of KH:CoM;
“Your king is far away. Sleep, and leave the war with darkness in his hands.”
(DiZ, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Mickey eventually sends some of his energy to assist Riku in Oblivion Castle. Towards the game’s end, Mickey reaches Riku and assists him. Throughout KH:CoM Mickey encourages Riku to destroy the darkness inside him, but in actuality, this only hurts Riku....
What’s up with Riku and the Superior?:
The Superior leads the Organization, but it seems the members of the Organization are afraid of the Superior.
“No... Please, don't! I beg of you! Leave him [the Superior] out of this!”
(Vexen, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Many people believe the Superior is DiZ, however this unknown.
Supposedly Riku’s scent is very similar to the Superior’s;
“But the scent [of Riku] was very similar to the Superior's. Exactly similar, if I may say.”
(Zexion, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Curiously, Sora also looks similar to someone:
“You look like him.”
(Enigmatic Man, Kingdom Hearts)
Expect both Riku and Sora’s familiarity to others to be major plot points in KH2.
Who are Zexion and Lexaeus?:
Zexion and Lexaeus are members of the Organization. The two come up with the plan to make Riku their puppet to battle Sora, Marluxia’s puppet. It is unknown if the two had any other plans for Riku.
More on the Riku Replica:
The Riku Replica is a clone of the real Riku. Vexen fights the real Riku in Oblivion Castle, and records data about him. With this data, Vexen creates the Riku Replica. The Riku Replica is then implanted memories of Riku’s past and other fake memories by Naminé, much to the replica’s disapproval. The replica believes that he is the real Riku and that he must protect Naminé from everyone, including Sora. Naminé collapses the replica’s heart in Oblivion Castle in order to protect Sora. It is here that the replica learns that he is just a copy.
The Riku Replica wishes to be real, and will do anything to become his own individual. Axel deceives the replica into killing Zexion:
“... All you need is strength that the real Riku doesn't have. Get that, and you can be a new person, your OWN person. Not Riku, not anybody else. You won't be someone else's copy. You'll be you.”
(Axel, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
The Replica kills Zexion, but he is still not his own individual. He goes after the real Riku in order to steal his identity. The real Riku kills the replica. The replica finds peace that he is finally free from the world. He dies wondering where his heart will go.
What’s up with Riku and the Darkness?:
Riku is afraid of the darkness throughout KH:CoM. He is afraid others will control Riku because of his darkness, and he will hurt his friends because of the darkness. Eventually, Riku enters the light. There he is confronted by Kairi, who is actually Naminé. She says:
“... No power can defeat you — not the light, not the dark. So don't run from the light — and don't fear the darkness. Both will make you stronger.
...
Especially darkness. Because that power is yours alone. The darkness in your heart is vast and deep...but if you can stare into it unflinching, you'll never know fear again.
...
Just be brave. Know that the darkness is there and don't give in. Do that, and you'll gain strength unlike any other. You'll be able to
escape the deepest darkness —
...
Follow the darkness, Riku. It'll show you the way to the friends you miss.”
(Naminé, disguised as Kairi, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
At this point Riku finally embraces his darkness. Riku can also use his darkness in conjunction with his senses. Riku can taste the dark and can also identify people based on their scents, a dark power.
What happened in Destiny Islands?:
In KH:CoM, the player is shown that Riku connected Destiny Islands to the Darkness:
“You hated being an islander, cut off from other worlds. So you opened the door to darkness and destroyed the islands. YOU did that! And now you belong to the darkness. Look at what you are!”
(Zexion, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
In Riku’s memory of Destiny Islands, Zexion disguises himself as Sora. Zexion then takes Riku to the light. There he meets Naminé, disguised as Kairi (look above for the rest of the scene).
What is up with Naminé is Riku’s Story?:
DiZ tells Riku to speak with Naminé. Riku meets Naminé after the events of Sora’s Story. Naminé presents Riku with a choice:
“It's [the choice is] not about your memories. It's about your darkness. In your heart is darkness, and in that darkness is Ansem. Right now, he's at bay... but eventually he'll awaken, and he'll conquer you when he does. Before that happens, let me lock your heart tight. I can make it so Ansem never escapes.
...
The darkness in your heart will be sealed along with your memory. You'll stop remembering the darkness. You can’t go back to the way you used to be. It's your choice, Riku. So...choose.”
(Naminé, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Riku chooses to battle Ansem alone, and keep his memories.
How does Riku’s Story End?:
After choosing to destroy the Ansem in his heart, Riku battles Ansem, and kills him. Ansem, however is still alive, and Riku must continue to search for him. Mickey accompanies Riku.
The two exit Castle Oblivion and appear on the path, at the crossroads, Sora was previously on. Riku and Mickey, however, are now wearing the black cloaks of the Organization (interesting plot twist. It is unknown if the two have truly joined the Organization). The two are confronted by DiZ who is standing in the crossroad. DiZ asks Riku if he will take the Road to Light or Dark. Riku walks passed DiZ, responding that he will take the Twilit Road to Dawn (it is likely this road leads to the World of Twilight (In-Between)).
The screen shifts to Twilight Town. There is seen the Blonde Haired Kid atop the clock tower. A poem appears:
“Walking this road,
Without you,
To remake forgotten promises
And meet you at roads end.”
The End.
4.4 Acronyms
That’s right, an acronym section... anyway. ON WARDS!
General:
KH/KH1: Kingdom Hearts
KH:FM/FM: Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix
KH:CoM/CoM: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
KH2: Kingdom Hearts II
SE: Square-Enix
BV: Buena Vista
Kingdom Hearts:
DI: Destiny Islands
HB: Hollow Bastion
Another Side, Another Story/ Deep Dive:
ASAS: Another Side, Another Story
DD: Deep Dive
GEU: Glowing Eyed Unknown
BU: Blindfolded Unknown
DWU: Dual Wielding Unknown
SU: Sitting Unknown (AKA UUR)
UUR: Unknown Upon the Rocks (AKA SU)
NEO: Non Existent One (this is used interchangeably with shell, nobody, and sometimes shadow)
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories:
TT: Twilight Town
CO: Castle Oblivion
Kingdom Hearts 2:
BHK: Blonde Haired Kid
DC: Disney Castle
TT: Twilight Town
CO: Castle Oblivion
POTC: Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Kingdom Hearts II Game Setting
Kingdom Hearts II
Release Dates:
Japan – Decemeber 22,2005
North America – Winter 2005/Early 2006
Europe - 2006
5.1 Story Specs
Kingdom Hearts II will begin exactly where KH:CoM left off. Sora and team have been asleep for about a year regaining their memories. When Sora awakes, he changes his clothes and heads off to Hollow Bastion. There he battles hordes of Heartless, and meets the members of the XIII Organization again. At some point, Sora ends up in Twilight Town. There Sora is ambushed by the Nobodies and is saved by King Mickey. Sora then continues his quest, sealing the keyholes of each world to protect them from the Heartless, the Organization, and the Nobodies. According to Nomura, the story will be far more complicated than KH’s story. Expect KH2’s story to deal with many of the mature scenarios presented in KH:CoM.
During this year Riku and Mickey have had their own adventures. The two now have Organization Cloaks (it is unknown if they have joined the Organization). Many theories have Riku and Mickey spying on the Organization, while many people believe that the Organization may not be evil, unlike what is seen in KH:CoM. KH2 will likely focus much on Riku and Mickey and the Organization.
Lastly, BHK seems to be having his own adventure in KH2. Sora will likely cross paths with him many times throughout KH2. BHK will be a keyblade master in KH2, and will likely battle the Heartless, white creatures, and the Organization. BHK has been seen battling Axel. BHK seems to want to protect Sora from Axel. It is also possible that Axel may be protecting Sora from BHK; it is unknown who speaks the dialogue in the scene, so a decision cannot be reached as to whom is protecting whom. Expect BHK to be a very important character throughout KH2.
Each world that Sora travels to will have its own story, similar to KH. Expect the worlds’ stories to reflect more upon the main story of the game, unlike many of the worlds in KH
5.2 Poem
"Walking this road,
Without you,
To remake forgotten promises and meet you at roads end.
Faded Memories,
Reconstucted Memories,
A dream - a dream of you,
In a world without you.
The dream I see in the world without you,
Torn dream, like a memory from the far past,
I'd like to put it together,
With you..."
5.3 Worlds
Sora will once again travel throughout the worlds, sealing the keyholes to protect each world. The worlds confirmed are as follows:
Twilight Town
Hollow Bastion
Disney Castle
Destiny Islands
Agrabah
Olympus Coliseum
Olympus Underworld
Fabled Countryside (Beauty and the Beast)
Land of Dragons (Mulan)
Halloween Town
Christmas Town (Seen in the Nightmare Before Christmas)
The Caribbean (Pirates of the Caribbean which is based on the film)
5.3.A Speculated Worlds
These are the worlds that were confirmed in the Buena Vista site of KH2. Some people believed the info they revealed was true or not since BV did say that the Lion King world would appear in KH but it didn’t...
"Features all the worlds from the original game, plus 6 exciting new worlds:
Steamboat Willie , The Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and The Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean (based on film)"
(Excerpt from the Official Buena Vista Site of Kingdom Hearts 2)
But the recent closing of the site due to content correction made fans suspect that BV must’ve revealed too much that SE forced them to change the content in the site. Some say that the info they posted was fake that they had to change it... Who knows? Since we are not sure about the existence of these worlds, these worlds will be speculated.
Steamboat Willie (First cartoon that ever debuted to the public starring Mickey)
The Pridelands (The Lion King)
Traverse Town
100 Acre World
Wonderland
Deep Jungle
Monstro
Atlantica
Neverland
End of The World
And of course, revealed by attendees of the recent E3 when they watched the SE Press Conference trailer:
Deep Dive (the dark city that ASAS and DD concept videos took place)
5.4 Heartless and Nobodies
The Heartless has returned and they look vast(number-wise and size-wise) as ever. They’re not alone though, a new force as arrived by the name Nobody. The Nobodies origins are still unknown but they are somehow linked with the XIII Organization.
5.4.A Heartless
The Heartless are pretty much the same. Old ones return while new ones appear. Here is a dossier of the new Heartless that will appear in the game:
Rabid:
A dog heartless
Hookwing:
Bat-like Heartless that has hooks for tails. The reaction command “Bat Battery” can be used against them.
Spectral Mage:
A white colored Heartless that carries a candle that is used to attack. Based on the artwork of these heartless, they have an opposite side which is unknown what they do.
Jouster:
A knight-type Heartless that wields a jousting stick.
Warrior:
Knight-type Heartless that appeared in the large battle sequence in the ending of most trailers in KH2.
Guard:
This Heartless appeared in the large battle sequence in the last part of most trailers.
Door Heartless:
A sub-boss in Beast’s Castle. It guards the door that Sora and Co. has to go through.
Unnamed Heartless:
There is a variety of unnamed Heartless that appears in the game.
More Heartless will be revealed as the months come
5.4.B Nobodies
The third force as Nomura would call them. They are white and flexible looking creatures that are under the orders of the XIII Organization. They seem to have zippers in their bodies. Nothing is known about their origins but they will play a large role in the game. Their insignia is an altered fleur-de-lis or crucifix.
Dusk:
The basic form of Nobodies. Kinda like the counterpart of the Shadow or Soldier Heartless.
Big Whitey or TwilightSide(as Sawa would put it):
Seen in the Awakening scene with BHK, likely the counterpart of Darkside in the first KH.
Unnamed Nobodies:
So far only three types of Nobodies has appeared and one has yet to be named. That one is the one that appeared in the recent Jump scans. They wield spears and have wings.
5.4 The KH2 E3 2005 Trailer 2 (The one that was show behind closed doors)
I know this isn’t important but this trailer report by HardcoreRager has made us think that the E3 2005 trailer has revealed a lot.
“The beginning starts with BHK talking to Namine across a table in a white room. They have japanese voices but there are english subtitles. BHK asks Namine who she is, and she responds by telling him that shes a "witch" who has power over Sora's memories. She then goes on to say that she doesn't know why she has these powers.
Following that scene is a collection of scenes from all the other trailers that have come out up to this point. There are some new parts thrown in however. One scene shows Mickey stepping out of a train in Twilight Town. Another part shows actual gameplay of Sora and Co. fighting the army of heartless from that scene thats been in all of the trailers. Its a timed battle and there were numbers going up in the corner, suggesting that maybe your being timed to kill a certain amount of heartless in the time alloted.
There's another scene where BHK is yelling at Diz at Castle Oblivion. They are in the room where Sora's memory pod is located. No subtiles are shown, nor voices heard, but you can tell that BHK is yelling at Diz because of his expressions. Then BHK pulls out the Kingdom Key to attack Diz, but to no avail. Diz can make himself untouchable, so BHK screams in frustration.
Towards the end of the trailer, the PoTC world is shown. Jack Sparrow(rendered to look like Johnny Depp) comes out in it, and he is shown to be the helper of that world. It shows story segments of Jack Sparrow talking to Sora, becoming a skeleton, and game play footage of Sora and Sparrow fighting pirates. One of the girls from the movie comes out in it too, but I never saw the movie, so I don't know what her name is, but she was rendered to look like her real life counter part.
The last part of the trailer shows Sora, Donald, and Goofy in that dark city that was shown in DD and ASAS. They look puzzled when they are there. Then all of a sudden a black portal opens and an Unknown steps out of it(who happens to be about Sora's height I might add). He sends minions to fight Sora and Co., but I forgot if they were heartless or the white creatures. In any case, after they are dealt with, Sora and the Unknown exchange words(or at least thats what it looks like, again no voices or subtitles). Then they rush at each other, and the screen goes white.
Finally, a bunch of scenes fly by really quick, and the title comes out. There's a pause, followed by the beach scene from DD, and the this phrase comes out "If the world is made up of light and darkness, we shall be that darkness...." and then the trailer ends.”
It is hard to believe some parts in the trailer so take them as a grain of salt till concrete evidence comes like the trailer itself.
6. Game Mechanics
6.1 Game Engine
“...we actually recreated the game engine [for Kingdom Hearts II] from scratch, so we didn't import any data from Kingdom Hearts I. It's 100% new. Although it's the same world, it's completely new.”
(Nomura, IGN 9/04 Interview)
Camera
The camera has been greatly improved for the sequel. It is now controlled by the right analog stick. It can go 360 degrees around Sora and over Sora.
Graphics
Although the KH2 graphics looks similar to KH, the game engine has been completely recreated for KH2, according to Nomura. The game’s graphics are in a similar style to KH. The facial expressions seem to have been improved greatly for the sequel. As Square-Enix president Wada, has requested that FMVs be used less, KH2 will of course follow. Expect probably 2 FMVs in KH2, one at the beginning and one at the end, similar to KH. The graphics are fully 3-D .
Map System
KH2 will feature a new Map System, which has been seen in few trailers. It will feature Sora (depicted as a keyblade) and the environment of the areas like red spots represents doors in the map. This was used to lower the amount of backtracking in KH2.
Engaging in Combat
Like KH, KH2 features real time battles, so there will be no transition from travel to combat. It is possible that the menu may change form during battle, similar to KH, however this looks unlikely (more below). Heartless will likely appear in a similar way to KH; spawning in determined locations when Sora appears. Although this may be changed, it is unlikely.
Command Menu
The Menu System has been completely redone in KH also. Each world has its own individual menu design for Sora. The Command Menu also has two sides. The first side has the primary commands like:
- Attack,
- Magic,
- Items
- Probably the fourth option is Dual Tech or team attacks.
The other side can be accessed by pressing left on the dpad taking you to another set of commands which consist of:
- Attack,
- the “?” symbol(Gerbil’s site speculates this might where the summons would be)
- Party(more on that later)
- Drive.
Status Bar
The Status System has also been redone. The MP Bar is now horizontal, and there is a new Drive Bar (more on that below). Your party members’ status bar has change for a simpler design. They stay on top of Sora’s status bar. During Drive mode, however, the party member‘s status bar you merge with will disappear but there have been some controversies (See Donald Drive form under Drive Section below).
Travel
There have been screens of the train from Twilight Town sending the team to various worlds (Dark Cloud 2 style). It is unknown if there are any more features for the train other than letting Sora and Co. travel. Rumors also have been flying around whether the Gummi Ship can be another way of traveling.
Gummi Ship
The Gummi Ship has made a return and now it looks better than ever. Based on the Jump Festa trailer and the E3 2005 Trailer, the gummi ship looks faster, exciting and action packed. The new features of the gummi ship are still kept under wraps but by the look of things, it will probably be the same.
New and Old Characters
Sora has been completely redesigned for KH2, along with Kairi, and probably Riku and Mickey (they will most likely appear in their Organization Cloaks). Sora, Kairi, and Riku have all likely matured from the jump, and each will look different. A new character with blonde hair, no name has been set, and his friends will appear in KH2. Lastly, the only members of the Organization that are confirmed to return for KH2 are Axel and the Enigmatic Man. Many new members will appear in KH2, and possibly others may return. Many Disney characters from KH will return, and new characters, Captain Jack Sparrow, Mulan and Pete will make appearances. It is likely most FF characters will return, including a new appearance from Auron and possibly Vincent. Lastly, in Drive Form, Sora’s costume will change (more below).
6.2 Battle Engine
“We are doing without the engine from the original and built a new one for KH2. That is because we realized the limitations of the original engine, and in order to create a better game we had to come up with a new one. I believe the biggest appeal of KH is its battle elements, so I think you'll be surprised how we've changed it. We're not just focusing on battles either-we're including quests in battle.”
(Nomura, GMR Interview)
As Nomura has stated, the battle system has been completely recreated for KH2. Many gameplay videos(see Trailers/Gameplay Videos under Media) showed off the battle system and so far the battle system looks tight. KH2’s battle system will be in real-time, like KH, and there will be no transition from travel to combat. Lastly, many new options have appeared in KH2 that were absent in KH.
6.1 Controls
According to the ones who played the demo in E3 2005, they said that the controls are pretty much the same. I’ll show the controls based on what the E3 attendees and what gaming press sites said:
D-Pad:
Left = This switches to other side of the Command Menu like Party(more on that later).
Attack remains.
Up and Down = Navigates through the Command Menu
Right = Unknown at this point
Start = Pause. Even though the latest demo didn’t feature it, this button is likely to activate the Status Menu like in the first KH when not in battle.
Select = First Person View mode
Triangle = Reaction Commands, opens chests
Square = Block and Dodge Roll
Circle = Jump, Cancel action
X = Attack, Confirm action
Left Analog Stick = Movement
Right Analog Stick = Camera Movement
R2 and L2 = It’s still unknown at this point what these two buttons do. In the first game, they controlled the camera but since that job is done by the right analog stick, R2 and L2 buttons are still unknown. Many speculate that these buttons is an alternate button to navigate around the command menu.
6.2.A. Drive
The most apparent of the new options is the Drive System. As Sora and his team members defeat enemies, yellow balls will be dropped, similar to the green and blue orbs of KH. Picking up these yellow orbs fills Sora’s Drive Bar. The Drive Bar has multiple levels, level 5 is the highest seen, and the levels are likely to grow as Sora levels up.
The Drive mode can be activated by pressing the left dpad button which brings you to another set of commands in the command menu. Choose the fourth option(Drive), then pick a party member to merge with and voila.
When Drive Form is activated, Sora will merge with a partner, eliminating the partner from battle temporarily, (NOTE: An ally not in the current battle can be chosen) and a countdown will appear (its length is determined by which level you chose to activate the Drive Form). Sora’s clothes will change in Drive Form and a number of new abilities will be at the player’s disposal. When the countdown of the Drive bar reaches 0, Sora will return back to normal and the party member he merged with will come back into battle. While in Drive mode, the countdown can be elongated by collecting more yellow orbs.
6.2.A.a Brave Form/Valor Form
The only Drive Form seen in action is Brave Form or Valor Form a fusion with Goofy, which changes Sora’s clothes to red and gives him the option to wield two keyblades. In Brave Form Sora is stronger and faster. In the TGS ’04 trailer, it shows Sora fighting Heartless while he is in midair making it possible to do so.
Abilities in Brave/Valor Form:
-Tornado:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora does an aerial spinning attack attacking any foes on his way. Unknown how it is executed, though.
-Dash Attack:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora does a strong dash damaging any enemies in front of him. Executed by pressing the square button.
-Aerial Arcanum:
Seen in: TGS ’04 Trailer, Jump Festa ’05 Trailer, E3 2005 Trailer 1
Sora makes several powerful slashes. By the looks of it, it seems to be the finishing blow of a combo.
6.2.A.b. Donald’s Drive Form or Wise Form (Fan term)
Nothing is known about this form except that you merge with Donald, the costume is blue and that it probably has something to do with magic. The Jump Festa trailer only showed Sora merging with Donald and he twirled his keyblade around while blue sparkles surrounded him so no known ability in this form.
6.2.A.b.a. WTF? Is that Donald?
During the brief appearance of Sora merging with Donald in the Jump Festa trailer, there will be a part in the video where Sora is in Drive mode with Donald. Now, everyone knows that Donald should be gone from battle while Sora is in Drive mode but if you closely in the Jump Festa trailer, you will see Donald’s status bar reappear while Sora is in Drive mode. Nothing has been confirmed why but it’s either a glitch, a feature in the game or something SE has to fix before the game comes out.
Look at Green Tallest’s analysis of the Jump Festa Trailer here:
6.3 Reaction Command/Attacks
Reaction command is a move that can be helpful in the brink of battle. They are executed by pressing the triangle button at the right time. The reaction command can be triggered by certain action of your enemies. When these commands are available, the name of the ability above the command menu and a flashing triangle above your foe will appear. Pressing the triangle button at the right time Sora will execute a helpful and cool move.
Reaction Commands/Attacks:
-Bat Battery:
Sora grabs the Hookwing Heartless and spins them around while it's hooked to your keyblade.
-Ride The Wind:
Can be done when fighting the large Chinese dragon heartless in the Land of Dragons world but it is not known if you can do it anywhere else. This reaction command will be triggered when the dragon leaves tornadoes on the ground. Go near them and the reaction command will appear and if executed, Sora will ride on the tornado and you can control him anywhere you want. It is still unknown if the effect will last long.
-Soar:
Requires the “Ride The Wind” reaction command. While on Ride the Wind, press triangle at the right time and Sora will jump very high making it a good way to ride on the dragons back as shown in gameplay footages.
-Aerial:
Bushido attack. Sora and Auron combines there weapons together and the combined weapons start spinning around making a tornado while Auron and Sora soar in midair. Obviously, Sora can’t be damaged as shown in gameplay footage.
-Speed Trap:
Nothing is known about this reaction command.
Unnamed Reaction Commands:
Many commands have been seen in trailers but are yet to be named or translated. One of them is Sora jumping on the three heads of Cerberus, then he umps high above and dive attacks the beast.
The triangle button can also open chests. It is likely that the triangle button might also press buttons, activate objects, carry stuff but nothing has been confirmed but it could be likely.
6.4 Double Tech aka Team Attacks
Double tech or team attacks is an ability where you and a party member will do “Co-op” attacks. So far only Auron and Sora can do this. The name of the double tech with Auron is Bushido. Shooting Star and Banishing Blade are confirmed. Reaction commands can be triggered when doing double techs since the Reaction command “Aerial” can be triggered. After looking at recent gameplay footage from E3, the double tech feature seems to be in the fourth option of the command menu.
It is not known if you can do double techs with other Party members apart from Auron.
6.5 Magic and Summons
The magic and summon systems have been completely overhauled for KH2 also. Magic and summons will be more useful in battle, according to Nomura, and magic will also be implemented in combos more seamlessly, shown in the TGS ’04 trailer. Shortcuts are once again implemented in KH2. By pressing the L1 button, a shortcut menu will appear which the character can allocate magic attack and items to each of the four buttons (circle, triangle, square, and X), similar to KH. It is possible that summons may be allocated to the shortcut system (this is unknown).
Magic:
-Fire:
Sora summons a ring of fire around him damaging enemies in the area. Can also be done in midair.
-Blizzard:
Blizzard is still the same except that the attack is more of a concentrated shot than a slow one, almost like a shotgun in first person shooters.
-Thunder:
Same as the last game except that it only shoots one bolt of lighting. As Thunder grows stronger(Thundara and Thundaga), more bolts of lighting will appear.
6.6 Combo system
The combo system has been redone. Sora can still attack by pressing the X button, but now in battle, Sora will change his combo depending on the situation in battle. Magic and special attacks can be chained in combos more seamlessly now. In the TGS ’04 trailer, Sora was seen implementing long, complicated combos. Supposedly, this requires much practice in order to accomplish. Expect battles to be more fast-paced and action oriented in the sequel.
6.7 Party Members
Party members’ AI has been tweaked to be more helpful and smarter in the sequel. Nothing much has changed except that you can merge with them for Drive mode, do double techs and switch party members at the fly.
Did I say switch party members at the fly? Yes. Party members can be switched in and out of battle. Just go to the other side of the command menu by pressing left, choose the third option which is the party command and pick a party member and voila! You just switched a party member. It is unknown if this switching party member thing is available in boss battles.
Rumors have erupted that Riku and/or Mickey may be playable characters in KH2. This is currently unknown. However, BHK will be playable and have partners of his own, and he will have an adventure during KH2; don’t expect BHK to be the Raiden of KH2. Many people speculate BHK’s partners will be PJ and Max; however I find this doubtful.... I expect his partners to either be his friends, seen in many trailers, or Riku and Mickey.
6.8 Leveling Up and HP/MP/Drive Bar Replenishes
Everything else is basically the same as in KH. Sora will still gain levels, magic, summons, and special attacks, and still have the ability to jump. Rumors states that there could be other stats like attacking speed, magic defense, etc. available but that seems unlikely.
Sora will still fight with his allies and gain MP/HP orbs during battle with the addition of Drive orbs(yellow) to replenish the Drive bar.
6.9 Quest System
There is new quest system in battles that Nomura speaks about, seem intriguing. There have been spots of Sora defending Meg from Pete in the Olympus Underworld and the first E3 2005 trailer shows Jack Sparrow, Sora and Co. protecting Elizabeth Swan from enemies as stated in 1up.com. Could this protecting/escorting Meg and Elizabeth thing be the quest system Nomura is talking about?
6.10 Miscellaneous
Environments will play a larger roll in battles in the sequel. Now Sora will be able to use his environments to attack enemies. One trailer showed Sora being hit by an enemy and then deflecting off a wall to attack the enemy. Expect environment interaction to be much more advanced in KH2.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the white creatures?
A: They are called “Nobodies”
Q: Is it true that Auron can be your party member?
A: Yes, he can be your party member in the Olympus Underworld
Q: Pirates of the Caribbean?! But how will it blend with the cartoony graphics of Kingdom Hearts?
A: No need to fret. Nomura and co. has created realistic modeled characters which resembles their real life counterparts. Nomura said that they are being careful with the polygons of that world.
Q: Will Johnny Depp lend his pipes for Jack Sparrow in the game?
A: It is not known at the point but there are rumors flying around that BV have paid Depp a lot of money in order to voice in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean game. Since BV is also affiliated with the development of KH2 maybe, just maybe, Johnny Depp might voice Jack Sparrow in KH2.
Q: Why does Donald appear when Sora is in his Drive form when merged with Donald? Isn’t Donald supposed to disappear?
A: That is still a mystery. The Jump Festa trailer showed it clearly only in a flash of a second. It could be either a glitch or maybe something that we will have to find out when the game comes out.
Q: Someone in this board claims that he has the full English version of the game and he is spoiling all the details by telling what happens. Is he telling the truth?
A: Listen, NO ONE IN THIS BOARD OWNS THE GAME YET. The game is slated for a Winter 2005 release. It is either the guy is joking or probably bored. Don’t take anything seriously especially when this game is confirmed to be not 100% complete in localization.
Q: Is it true KH2 is going to the Nintendo Revolution? Because I saw pictures of a KH2 Edition of the Revolution!
A: No. What you saw were just photoshopped pictures.
Q: Is Darkwing Duck/Gizmoduck/Disney characters from TV shows coming to this game?
A: Unknown but it is unlikely.
Q: Will PJ and Max be the party members of BHK?
A: No. There is no evidence to support this theory.
Q: Is this game going to be in two discs?
A: That is yet to be determined. Nomura kept on leaving clues that that is the case since KH2 is 2.5 times bigger than the first game. It seems very likely, IMO.
Q: Will Cloud and Sephiroth be in the game?
A: Unknown. But Nomura said in the CoM Ultimania that he might do something with Cloud in KH2 but that doesn’t mean that Cloud is in the game. As for Sephiroth… nothing has been confirmed.
Q: Game Informer said that Vincent Valentine will be in the game. Is this true?
A: Nothing is known. Only Auron, Selphie and probably Leon(his voice actor has been confirmed to be in the game) is confirmed be in the game.
Q: Do I need to play CoM to understand the story of KH2?
A: Not really, Nomura said that CoM’s story doesn’t put an impact to the series’ storyline. If you haven’t played or don’t plan on playing it then just read the game script in the FAQ section of Chain of Memories in GameFaqs.
Q: What is the game’s rating?
A: This game is yet to be rated by ESRB. Many has speculated that this game will get a T. Well, IMO, after seeing how CoM’s story had lots of serious dialogue, death, manipulation and betrayal, I can expect KH2 to be more serious that it might earn a T.
Q: Who will do the theme song of KH2?
A: Utada Hikaru said in an interview months ago that she is working on the theme so yes.
Can’t think of any Q&A…
THIS WAS DONE BY THE FORUMS MEMBERS:Cheesewarrior,Animawarrior,and they had extra help. Thanks you guy
This was done on July 7,2005.
