Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 287 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 223 out of 287
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 287
  3. Negative: 19 out of 287
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  1. Welterweight426
    Aug 17, 2012
    7
    A good game. However, the card system is rather...annoying. The story is good and there is a lot of content. Unfortunately the card system really diminishes the game.
  2. SuperkenGaming
    Jan 5, 2017
    7
    Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
    De Ja Vu
    Chain of memories is a direct sequel to kingdom hearts… This time your search for king Mickie takes you to the castle of oblivion… Your objective of the game is to make it up this castle 1 floor at a time… And conveniently each of these floors revisits your memories as the higher you go the more you forget and remember at the same time..    Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
    De Ja Vu
    Chain of memories is a direct sequel to kingdom hearts…
    This time your search for king Mickie takes you to the castle of oblivion…
    Your objective of the game is to make it up this castle 1 floor at a time…
    And conveniently each of these floors revisits your memories as the higher you go the more you forget and remember at the same time..
    Perfect opportunity for developers to get lazy and just recycle… and that’s exactly what they did…
    Chain of Memories is Just the original kingdom hearts put into a card combat format with the excuse of memory loss…
    There’s nothing new to see here other than a few characters in the kingdom hearts lore…
    But as for Disney characters and worlds.. its revisiting the exact same places in the original… this is one of those rare instances where you’re better off watching all of the cut scenes for the story on YouTube than actually spending 20 hours of your life playing through.. which is a shame because the game is actually really good and has potential to be addictive…
    Unlike the hack and slash meets 3d platformer style of the original, chain of memories is more of a dungeon crawler meets hack and slash card game… you go into a room.. kill some heartless for xp and at the end of the fight they also drop a card… you use these cards to open new doors in these dungeons…
    And what’s in these rooms are dependent on the card you play…
    The only rules to the cards you can use on the door is that the number has to match or be higher.. And rarely you’ll need to match or be lower for the card value... and each card has its own perk such as more heartless, treasure room, a shop to buy cards for combat among many other things…
    and for combat you attack with these cards in real time…
    The highest value gets the hit.. It’s very fast paced and rarely requires any thinking... but definitely requires bit of strategy… but it’s all very accessible preventing you from raging during battles…
    You build up your deck with attack, summon, and magic cards you get throughout the world in breakable items, shops, and story progression… but your deck does have a max amount of cp.. so it’s going to be a while until your deck is full of 5 plus value… and as you level up you get to choose if you increase this cap, your hp, or learn a new slight move which is pulled off by stacking 3 weaker cards together for a more powerful attack… which gives reason to not just toss the weak cards to the side or sell them.. And you do have allies by your side, but you have to catch their cards mid battle to call them in to do an attack much like a summon… they aren’t there fighting with you the whole time like in kingom hearts 1.. which is fine as the battles are miles easier here…
    It’s a great concept but again... the worlds and the story....even the boss fights, theyre just compact versions of the real thing..… it’s all recycled from kingdom hearts 1…..which kills this game…
    Kingdom hearts 1 is the superior game.. If you want to experience these Disney world’s play that one instead... you do play as someone else in the final chunk of the game that I’m not going to say for spoilers... But even they are revisiting the same spots too…
    Chain of Memories is included in the collection and is definitely worth at least checking out... But don’t be surprised when boredom kicks in as you never see anything new…
    I give Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
    a 7/10    … Expand
  3. Chris
    Jan 2, 2005
    2
    Avoid this game at all costs. The trailer looked great, I enjoyed the PS2 game from what I played, but this is unfogivable. There is no tutorial. The game took me 4 or 5 worlds to understand what the hell everything was, and I still don't know what every card means. The fighting is boring b/c every fight is the same. The boss battles are the only highlight, but that isn't saying Avoid this game at all costs. The trailer looked great, I enjoyed the PS2 game from what I played, but this is unfogivable. There is no tutorial. The game took me 4 or 5 worlds to understand what the hell everything was, and I still don't know what every card means. The fighting is boring b/c every fight is the same. The boss battles are the only highlight, but that isn't saying much. The story is slow, with the "..." over everyone's head, and the game overall is boring me to tears! It is the same thing in every world, besides the Pooh level which has no place in this game! Again avoid it at all costs, you will be disappointed. Apparently everyone that gives it a good score has not played more than 2 hours of it.… Expand
  4. Arez
    Aug 13, 2016
    0
    Avoid this game at all costs. The trailer looked great, I enjoyed the PS2 game from what I played, but this is unfogivable. There is no tutorial. The game took me 4 or 5 worlds to understand what the hell everything was, and I still don't know what every card means.
  5. TitaW.
    Aug 7, 2005
    7
    If anyone buy this game, they probably luph the first Kingdom Hearts and want to complete the story until before Kingdom Hearts 2. Personally, I buy it because I want to see the continuation after the ending of the first game. This game is very good, but not excellent.
  6. BonbonAliano
    Aug 6, 2005
    7
    I really luph the story, but not really the gameplay. They change it into a card-based game and I prefer the action-adventure one such as the original Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation 2. Anyway, it's good that you can play Riku as a secret character. I like this game.
  7. Sakuya
    Dec 31, 2004
    9
    It's not often that you bring a game from a large console like the PS2 and it works on a smaller one like the GBSP but Kingdom Hearts works. I've played the PS2 one like 50 times and I love it but for some reason Chain of Memories isnt what I quite expected. When Square Enix said that COM was just a preveiw to KH2 they were not lying. This game is like the last episode of It's not often that you bring a game from a large console like the PS2 and it works on a smaller one like the GBSP but Kingdom Hearts works. I've played the PS2 one like 50 times and I love it but for some reason Chain of Memories isnt what I quite expected. When Square Enix said that COM was just a preveiw to KH2 they were not lying. This game is like the last episode of Chobits. It basically just recaps what you already know, Sure there are some new elements like the card based battle system (we'll come back to that) and the inovative cut scenes which look beautiful on my SP but thats about it. IF you played the first KH then everything will be well known to you. Nothing new.... anywhere ....stop looking. don't get me wrong the game is cool but we've done this already. It would have been better if they just released KH2 and got it over with. Instead they handed us this appitizer and that is all that COM is. Warning if cards make you queesy or you like to just pound away on the A button then don't get this. You have to think every battle through or else you'll find yourself floating ont eh continue screen. ALOT. All quirks aside this game is good and if you havnt played the first one then this one will make you. But for hard core Kingdom Hearts fans this game is just a recap of what you already know. You might as well just pivk up your PS2 and play the original. It's cheaper and slightly more entertaining.… Expand
  8. KJones
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    Absolutely freakin' awesome. If you are a KH maniac, then this is a must have. If you are looking for a good RPg for the GBA this is a must have.
  9. HannahL.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Awesome! Wonderful game! I cant wait till KH 2 comes out! I've looked at tons of trailers, and it looks WAY better than the first one, like the fighting and stuff like that. You can even change the color of your clothes! And stuff like that.
  10. JosephW.
    Dec 8, 2004
    10
    This game is amazing I was a huge fan of the origanal and this is just the icing on the cake. I loved how they took usualy bad card RPG's and made them good. This gets my the vote for best gameboy of the year.
  11. AlanB.
    Apr 18, 2006
    9
    The genius behind it is so extrodinary. The graphics are great and the gameplay is very new and extrordinary. How ever the bosses were easy and the last few bosses were a little too tough. The game is very intresting and there are cool keyblades also. I like this game alot!
  12. JoeT.
    Aug 14, 2007
    9
    The perfect GBA RPG! Even if you haven't played the original game, this is a must-buy for the system. The card battle system was handled better than any other card-based games I've played, and the storyline/dialogue was extremely deep. The music and sound were well done. My major complaint would be the fact that after battling a long time, it got extremely tedious and I had to The perfect GBA RPG! Even if you haven't played the original game, this is a must-buy for the system. The card battle system was handled better than any other card-based games I've played, and the storyline/dialogue was extremely deep. The music and sound were well done. My major complaint would be the fact that after battling a long time, it got extremely tedious and I had to stop playing for a while. But overall, this is a good game.… Expand
  13. Mr.Anonymous
    Sep 18, 2007
    8
    I'm not going to do a long thing this time... Without owning this, KH2 would be like Star Wars 4. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?! Although there are no costume changes, and getting cards is very tedious, it still is pretty darn fun.
  14. Bsilver87
    Dec 6, 2004
    10
    One of the games that actually uses the gba to its full capacity. trust me on this, I have the Japanese version, and I am very amazed. Get it once you see it!!!
  15. SalviniaA.
    Jan 17, 2005
    8
    This was a very good game, but not quite what i expected. the trailors made it look so fun, butThe first one was a little better than this one. It was fun, but on every worlds its the same, no difference. The graphics were unbelievable. I had no idea they could make graphics so well on a gameboy sp. The story goes on very slowly which i like because i luv getting curious. Overal, it was a This was a very good game, but not quite what i expected. the trailors made it look so fun, butThe first one was a little better than this one. It was fun, but on every worlds its the same, no difference. The graphics were unbelievable. I had no idea they could make graphics so well on a gameboy sp. The story goes on very slowly which i like because i luv getting curious. Overal, it was a great game.… Expand
  16. Guyling
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    The best game ever!
  17. SaraL.
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    It was so great! i luv sora too!
  18. Mr.Wonkadoodle
    Dec 24, 2005
    8
    i have to say that the gameplay fared better here than on the ps2. Overall it was good, but not great gaem. The story was nice, and it introduced characters for the second, but did literally nothing else. The ending was futile. But I liked this game b-cause of Kingdom Hearts and thats reason enough ti buy it.
  19. JosefW.
    May 18, 2005
    8
    Truly engaging story. Awsome graphics. The only complaint is that the gameplay is kinda linear.
  20. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 23, 2011
    7
    An unoriginal, but crafty action-RPG for the Gameboy Advance. Pros: Beautifully produced for a GBA game and the card based tactics are surprisingly enjoyable. Cons: Repetitive level design and combat; eventually, you WILL run out of cards.
  21. ohaiKendyl
    May 23, 2011
    8
    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories has some of the best looking cutscenes ever seen on a GBA, as well as some stylish card-based battles. Pros: Excellent production for a GBA game; fantastic cutscene; the card-based battles are imaginative and fun; lots of Disney characters. Cons: Dull and repetitive level design; once you're out of cards, battles become overwhelmingly difficult.
  22. BasilZero
    Nov 18, 2011
    8
    This is the first sequel of the famous Kingdom Hearts game, it takes place after the first game. The game is in 2D and its entire plane is in 2D although Squareenix tried to make the game as 3D as possible, the controls just doesnt seem right for the 2D style graphics, as the game can become difficult due to the poor positioning and aiming. However for the normal disney and squareenix fan,This is the first sequel of the famous Kingdom Hearts game, it takes place after the first game. The game is in 2D and its entire plane is in 2D although Squareenix tried to make the game as 3D as possible, the controls just doesnt seem right for the 2D style graphics, as the game can become difficult due to the poor positioning and aiming. However for the normal disney and squareenix fan, this game will be perfect for the gameboy advance. You have your classic disney characters along with their Final Fantasy counter parts just like in the first game. At first the storyline might be a re-hash of the first, but there is more to the actual storyline than meets the eye. Along with that the game is now in a card based battle system which will make the players think twice before making their move against the enemy or whether to advance on to the field and choosing a route.… Expand
  23. Churigogobashu
    Jan 20, 2012
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Graphics and Gameplay are awesome for the GBA. I like it since I played Kingdom of hearts 2 before this. I love it. Though it has a missing tone. The reality. It just has the same story with the first Kingdom of hearts. I hate the same worlds played over and over again.… Expand
  24. Tripe4Life
    Mar 17, 2012
    10
    This game... it's pretty much the Kingdom Hearts equivalent of Final Fantasy IX to me. Everything about this game, in my eyes, is straight up perfect. The pacing of the story is perfect. The characters are perfect. The worlds are perfect. And yes, even the battle system, in my eyes, is straight up perfect. The card system was something fresh and new and it never deteriorated from theThis game... it's pretty much the Kingdom Hearts equivalent of Final Fantasy IX to me. Everything about this game, in my eyes, is straight up perfect. The pacing of the story is perfect. The characters are perfect. The worlds are perfect. And yes, even the battle system, in my eyes, is straight up perfect. The card system was something fresh and new and it never deteriorated from the balls-to-the-walls-battles for me. The addition of the Nobodies as the primary antagonists was also perfect, because it gave some very complex baddies to actually be scared of. And the story is still from the brilliant minds of Square, being able to capture the themes of rememberance, what we need vs. what we want, and deception in one glorious package.

    This game garners a perfect ten out of me, and keep in mind that this is my opinion.    … Expand
  25. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    7
    This game was fun.
  26. AJCk19
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Besides needing some slice of life changes when it comes to crafting decks, and user interface. This is a awesome little portable game. That combines tcg and action rpg, that only Kingdom Hearts and Square Enix could pull off.
  27. JakeSciaroni
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    This game is a lot of fun. It has elements of a deck building game mixed with RPG and beat 'em up styled games as well. You can get the game for $5 now. It is totally worth it. This is one of more underrated GBA in my onion.
  28. 22446688Bb
    Dec 3, 2018
    10
    One of the most beautiful games in terms of the story and the way to play and even drawings to Jaya Disney, but I congratulate Square and Disney on this project
  29. frederik1478
    Nov 29, 2021
    7
    I would say I like the game until the last part so where I hit to quit because I was looking for the blue 1 card to open a door and I used 3 hours to find it and I never found it so I'm not wasting my time anymore , I really like the story in this one it's really gets so awesome really memorable story about being the most goody good boy that ever been good this game is so lovable , rikuI would say I like the game until the last part so where I hit to quit because I was looking for the blue 1 card to open a door and I used 3 hours to find it and I never found it so I'm not wasting my time anymore , I really like the story in this one it's really gets so awesome really memorable story about being the most goody good boy that ever been good this game is so lovable , riku story about self acceptance is Will good and I like his game play more. End the story with Nanny who just didn't want to be alone and did all the things to get a friend was so it's just it was my heart every time. My biggest problem is the door mechanic and just how tedious and grindy it gets but I will still recommended it is unique and maybe it's for your test… Expand
  30. AKthaBeast
    Aug 31, 2018
    7
    Coming from the PS2 game to this is drastically different gameplay wise.Just like Dream Drop Distance, it will give you a deeper understanding of the world and core games that follow it
  31. AlvaroK95
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    El mejor juego de gba sin lugar a dudas y uno de los mejores de la saga KH.
  32. Luia_94
    Dec 15, 2018
    8
    Uno de mis juegos favoritos de la GBA. Un kingdom hearts con unas mecánicas diferentes, muy divertido aunque por desgracia mi experiencia se vio empañada por una gba con los gatillos dañados y no pude terminarlo.
  33. Kingdomhear
    Dec 5, 2020
    10
    Eccezionale! Il gameplay é bellissimo...la trama curiosissima ...il seguito di un ottimo gioco!!
  34. Raado-san
    Jul 26, 2020
    8
    I believe the card system was great idea for a GameBoy and the graphics was acceptable, yeah it was weird the follow up to the story came to the GameBoy, it was good idea they made the remake so everyone can follow up as most of thr funs played the first one on the PS2 but the card system didn't show tbat great on the PS2
  35. Endory
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is the direct sequel to the first game. Nowadays this game was remade and also repackaged for the current gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4. But the Gameboy Advance version is still a good game. It has nice pixel graphics for a Gameboy Advance title and the Card-Base-Gameplay is working really well. A great mix of an RPG and Card Collecting for a greadKingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is the direct sequel to the first game. Nowadays this game was remade and also repackaged for the current gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4. But the Gameboy Advance version is still a good game. It has nice pixel graphics for a Gameboy Advance title and the Card-Base-Gameplay is working really well. A great mix of an RPG and Card Collecting for a gread handheld-system. :-)

    It is also pretty lengthy content wise.

    The story serves as a bridge between Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 and gives more insight to what happened to the heroes of the story between these games.    … Expand
  36. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 20, 2022
    5
    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is an odd little handheld spin-off. Taking place between the first and second mainline games it acts more as a set-up for Kingdom Hearts II, though it really only made things confusing for players who skipped out on this entry entirely.

    Chain of Memories forgoes the action-based combat in favor of a card system that works well enough, though isn't    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is an odd little handheld spin-off. Taking place between the first and second mainline games it acts more as a set-up for Kingdom Hearts II, though it really only made things confusing for players who skipped out on this entry entirely.

    Chain of Memories forgoes the action-based combat in favor of a card system that works well enough, though isn't quite as engaging as other battle systems in the series. It also has a very bland and repetitive structure that's even more compounded by the fact that most of the game recycles the first game's story.    … Expand
  37. JamJamer
    Jul 26, 2023
    0
    Looking for a fun and relaxing game to play? Check out 144mahjong.com/mahjong-chain-game! It's an addictive and enjoyable tile-matching game that will keep you entertained for hours. Give it a try and challenge yourself to complete the chain of tiles. Happy gaming!

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
5
#5 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
8
#8 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Eurogamer
    80
    A really excellent GBA game which pushes the little system to a degree that few games have tried.
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    70
    The levels are repetitive, boxy mazes with nothing interesting in them aside from battles, and the story's for fans only. Still, it's a technically excellent and fun game that begins to wear only through repetition and ease. [Jan 2005, p.84]
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    70
    Chain Of Memories' biggest problem is the repetitive nature of most of the rooms. In order to build up anything that even resembles a decent set of cards you'll need to repeat fights countless times to earn Moogle Points and experience, and the relatively limited number of different Heartless in each area can make this something of a chore.
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