Kingdom Hearts Re:coded

Thanks to its familiar settings, independent storyline, and range of gameplay styles, Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded works well not only as an introduction to the series, but also as a continuation of what is most likely the zaniest storyline in gaming today.

The dense, self-serious plot will mystify new players, but they'd be hard-pressed to say they didn't have a good time while getting lost.

While Re:coded never does anything that's particularly groundbreaking, it does what it sets out to do very well and adds some fun and interesting twists on the standard formula.

A good example of what a remake should be: an enhanced version of a previously non-released game incorporating the best elements from past games in the series.

With just over a dozen hours of clever and varied gameplay, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded will appeal to many an RPG fan, including those who are yet to experience the Kingdom Hearts world.

The game feels like classic Kingdom Hearts, and it stars all the characters that made me like the first game. I had fun the entire time because the game kept giving me something new to do.

But when it comes to action, variety, and the sheer fun of obliterating Heartless with a Keyblade, Re:coded is a more-than-worthwhile entry in the beloved Kingdom Hearts saga. [Jan 2011, p.82]

Plagued with camera problems, but it's still a decent adventure for Kingdom Hearts fans.

Once again, Kingdom Hearts offers a slew of interesting changes to its gameplay system, providing a solid entertainment value. That said, it contains roughly a third of the content of previous titles.

Re:Coded is an entertaining adventure for the Nintendo DS, which retains the best values from one of the most celebrated sagas of Square-Enix.

Kingdom Hearts: Re: Coded is an odd beast. On one hand, it tells a story that will be confusing to newcomers and too familiar to series experts, with some frustrating gameplay elements. On the other hand, the battle system remains as fun as always, the stat matrix is a fun way to develop your character, and the story does have its endearing moments.

At no point in the adventure do you ever suspect you're playing a cellphone game, nor do you feel like the experience is ever less than it can or should be. It's fun to play with a cool (if formulaic and linear) tale to tie the various levels together. If you're at all interested in Kingdom Hearts and have a DS, there's no reason to leave this one on the shelf - just make sure you've played through Birth by Sleep before you do!