I've heard of that before, how Disney wanted a female lead as a love-interest, but apparently the interview is unable to be located? It's one of those interviews that some people are aware of but no one has been able to source it. It seems to be more well known by word of mouth. Though if it is true it sure would explain how Kairi's been handled in the series. It's almost amazing how she's the least involved and developed of the major characters. And one of the oldest to boot. She was what? The second character to be introduced? Third if you count Mickey's voice as an "introduction".
Yea, that's what bothers me quite a bit as I normally tend to not make a claim about something without providing the source of it, but I couldn't locate it.
It would explain some things, but contradict some others like the premise of Chain of Memories, although I guess if that first concept had been used the premise for CoM would have been also different.
Yep, that gives her whole role a sort of bitter irony, as apparently only now towards the finale Nomura has found a way to use her properly instead of being the cliché Sora-fangirl who swoons over him or being the "trophy" the good guys have to chase after.
Indeed, she was the second/third character to be introduced and the initial hours I actually expected her to play somewhat more of an active role.
The issue is that she's more included on a "say so" bases. While most of the characters have meaningful interactions with Sora, Kairi's relationship with him is "developed" from a "distance". e.g. using Namine as a proxy to say that Sora and Kairi's bond became stronger through her.
Indeed, I can't not agree with that.
Correct, she's almost always included only by proxy, and that's what actually bothers me because I think it's unfair towards her as character.
I stand firmly by my opinion that she shouldn't be elevated to actual romantic partner, putting her above anyone else in Sora's circle of friends, but she should be included at least on the same level than Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Donald and Goofy are.
Due to their very deep connection shared since Sora's birth I expect Sora to develop also some meaningful and intense bonding with Ventus in KH 3, and possibly also on a lesser scale with Aqua, Terra and Xion.
They should use the opportunity and include Kairi in that group too.
Already three minds that think alike.
tbh, I don't really care what they do with Kairi in the future. It's been too long and too many games so I don't think she can ever become redeemable to me. I might like her "more" in comparison to how I feel about her now depending on how she's handled but I don't think I can ever truly like her.
That's of course all a matter of opinion. I also won't say that she might ever become one of my favorite characters, but I don't really dislike her.
Yeah but she definitely didn't feel like one.
TBH I don't hate her at all. I just want Nomura to make her better. It saddens me that people don't want a romance in KH. It's the reason FFVIII is my favorite FF, well that and the OST of course, and if they add it in KH, for me it will become something much greater.
Well there is always hope in the next saga(s).
I personally see Kairi as a character with potential, but I would want her potential to be used more wisely than just have her swoon over Sora and clutter up the narrative with needless cheesy romance.
Her being a Princess of Heart and the associated powers/abilities that may come with that, as well how it can affect her interactions with other characters (not just Sora) is a potential for character development that has been totally unused in the series up to now.
That's called different tastes I'd say, as I recall many people also resenting FF VIII due to its overboarding focus on the romance element, which was if I recall correctly the second most voiced complaint after the new Junction System.
Fact is that nearly all TV series, movies or games nowadays apparently have to have a romance plot in it. The Kingdom Hearts series with its focus more on really deep friendhips, which is
also a form of love and has the advantage of not shutting out/sidelining some people (read: Romance SoKai shuts out Riku, the friendship approach includes all three) is a refreshing departure from that cliché for quite some fans.
