DarkHalo003
January 17th, 2011, 11:55 AM
Hello everyone, once again I am back to review a more recent game released on January 11, 2011 (1/11/11): Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded. This game is definitely several things and has many good as well as not so good features. Considering I didn't find anything outright terrible, I will divide the game into three different sections labeled "The Good," "The Not So Good," and two newly added sections "The Rage-Provoking" and "If This Wasn't On a Limiting Platform." So sit tight and let's get started with a quick summary:
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded takes place soon after the Events of Kingdom Hearts 2. It involves Jiminy's Journals, particularly the one with the "mysterious" message "Thank Namine" dating back from the first game and moving over into Chain of Memories. However, when King Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Chip, and Dale try to investigate the insides of the journal, the machine/computer they are using reports that it is indeed infected with bugs (viruses). Now, the team recruits the journal's version of Sora to investigate it all for them by going back through the words and removing the bug problem.
Spoiler warnings will be used when necessary.
The Good
-KHRecoded does a great job on a limiting platform. The graphics are nice for the DS and framerate is usually very good. The battle system is well done and mimics Birth By Sleep's command deck, contrary to the card decks you used in KH:365/2 Days and KH:Chain of Memories. The command deck is easy to get used to and each ability is leveled up using other stock abilities you obtain throughout the game.
-There are three components to leveling up in KHRecoded, all of which make te game's leveling up system within control of the player and relatively organized. There is the Stat Matrix, a grid where you insert chips varying from LVL1UP to Fire Resistance +1 to Magic +1 and to blank chips; the Gear Matrix, the area where you assign Sora's accessories and Keyblades, with the Keyblades being able to level up and allow exclusive abilities; the Command Matrix, the last section that entails the command deck.
-The Stat Matrix requires a bit of thinking and decision making when you level up your character, turning the game from a need for button mashing to a game that makes you place your leveling chips carefully to give Sora the optimal amount of support. Blank Chips, which don't supply Sora with any stat improvements, for example, should be used outside of where two Processors connected, which double the effects of any chips in the pathway between the two processors. The Stat Matrix also allows you to use "Cheats" which range from changing the difficulty of the game at any time to increasing the amount of prizes that occur as a result of defeating enemies. However, by using the "Cheats" to obtain more prizes, you also increase the difficulty of your opponents, so in the end it's only semi-cheating. The Stat Matrix also offers abilities such as Scan (more later) and Hi Jump.
-The Gear Matrix is another brightside to the battle system. As Sora progresses throughout the game, he obtains a variety of original Keyblades found in the first Kingdom Hearts and even a new Keyblade original to this game. Each Keyblade offers a set of Overclock abilities, or abilities you gain through attacking or using commands on enemies or using recovery commands. There are 1-4 Overclock phases and each one opens a new ability. For example, the Steal Munny ability is opened through reaching the 4th Overclock phase of the Three Wishes Keyblade. There are a plethora of abilities and keyblades to choose from and each one is equally powerful due to Sora's strength being developed through the Stat Matrix. However, each blade has its own rhythm and combo capabilities, so some may seem to be more powerful than others.
-The save points are all mainly well-spaced and are available in good spots throughout the game, although some areas make it more difficult to save than others. The Moogle Shop is also back and is the same old easy-use place it's always been in the other games. The main difference is that not there is no synthesizing items, although you do synthesize abilities on your own in the Command Matrix.
-The enemies are also the same old Heartless/AI veterans have been accustomed to. For new comers, the AI is very consistent and good. They all accurately represent each Heartless as they were in the first game very well.
-Although there is a lack of worlds (more on that later), there are these "Backdoor" sectors that are the epicenter of each level. "Backdoor" sectors are made up of levels. After clearing out the bugs (Heartless that are causing the problems inside the Sector), a portal opens that will allow you passage to the next level of the sector. By entering these back doors, the game's story generally unfolds further and ultimately will lead you to each world's unique Keyhole. Each "Backdoor" sector has its own set of challenges, which upon completion and exiting each sector's individual levels, provide SP to purchase items at the end of the sector. In the Keyhole sector you'll enter an entirely different combat system, all of which can be considerably fun (as well as frustrating), that provides a difference in the standard action you normally take part in. It keeps the experience fresh and not so repetitive is what I'm saying.
The Not So Good
-The Camera is a very odd phenomena mainly due to the tight quarters you fight in and some of the turns in the "Backdoor" sections. It's controlled through the Right Bumper button on the DS, which simply snaps to the current direction Sora's model is facing. Although it isn't a massive thing to complain about when navigating in the normal world, it can be a downside when fighting in some locations, especially in the "Backdoor" areas. More later though.
-If you've played or are planning to play this game, you'll encounter a very damn obnoxious enemy known as the Eliminator. A red Defender Heartless, the Eliminator warps around the levels of the "Backdoor" sections, appears randomly, has a sizeable amount of HP, is more difficult than most bosses in the game, shoots orbs of status-inflicting chaos, and you will seldom be able to defeat it until you reach higher levels or obtain status nullifying equipment. The reason why this is not-so-good is because of its resilience, its common appearance after you've activated the portal to the next section, and the fact that it can be an unnecessarily major obstacle in the challenges of the "Backdoor" sections.
-The Lock-on feature is also another obnoxious feature primarily due to other objects in the location. Because some bosses spew blox or Heartless, this makes the Lock-On feature generally obnoxious during boss fights. Although not a game-destroying issue, it does cause frustration.
-The story is good for new to casual Kingdom Hearts fans, but hardcore fans won't feel a major plot quenching until the end, which is dire for whatever comes next in the series. The ending is specifically aimed at those who played all other KH games too, so newcomers and casuals may be confused in the end.
Now time for the two new sections. "The Rage-Provoking" section is simply a list of things that may drive players mad. The "If This Wasn't On a Limiting Platform" section is more in-depth.
The Rage-Provoking
-The Lock-On system.
-The Eliminator.
-Hollow Bastion
-The lack of information to have magic-based Recovery Commands during Hollow Bastion's boss battles. (You all will know what I mean if you played it)
-Challenges involving staying off the ground, staying out of midair, and limiting the amount of times you miss using the Attack button.
If This Wasn't On a Limiting Platform
A main reason as to why I think this game did dissapoint in some sections is because of the limitations induced by the aging DS, mainly memory-wise.
When I entered Castle Oblivion in this game, my first reaction was "YES, ORGANIZATION XIII BATTLES ALL OVER AGAIN!" But they never came. I realize now that that level was merely for story and it makes sense when you look at what Namine did to that part of Sora's memory, thus is would not appear in Jiminy's Journal. But I still wish I could've fought Nobodies and XIII members; those were some of the best parts of KH2. I think a main reason was simply due to what the memory chip of the DS game could actually hold.
There simply wasn't enough memory for the DS' game chip to allow something else spectacular. Although the final bosses are definitely cool in many respects, there probably couldn't have been much else possible given the DS chip's limitations memory-wise. Had there been more memory available for developers on the chips, this game could have definitely dished out some seriously cool and refreshing stuff. But this game goes to show what the withering and aging DS can do. A compliment and a criticism. Either way, this game pushed the DS' limitations and therefore did become a very nice product in the end result.
Grade: B+
Other Reviews of worth:
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3183012
http://ds.ign.com/objects/143/14354710.html
http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/kingdom-hearts-recoded/critic-reviews
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded takes place soon after the Events of Kingdom Hearts 2. It involves Jiminy's Journals, particularly the one with the "mysterious" message "Thank Namine" dating back from the first game and moving over into Chain of Memories. However, when King Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Chip, and Dale try to investigate the insides of the journal, the machine/computer they are using reports that it is indeed infected with bugs (viruses). Now, the team recruits the journal's version of Sora to investigate it all for them by going back through the words and removing the bug problem.
Spoiler warnings will be used when necessary.
The Good
-KHRecoded does a great job on a limiting platform. The graphics are nice for the DS and framerate is usually very good. The battle system is well done and mimics Birth By Sleep's command deck, contrary to the card decks you used in KH:365/2 Days and KH:Chain of Memories. The command deck is easy to get used to and each ability is leveled up using other stock abilities you obtain throughout the game.
-There are three components to leveling up in KHRecoded, all of which make te game's leveling up system within control of the player and relatively organized. There is the Stat Matrix, a grid where you insert chips varying from LVL1UP to Fire Resistance +1 to Magic +1 and to blank chips; the Gear Matrix, the area where you assign Sora's accessories and Keyblades, with the Keyblades being able to level up and allow exclusive abilities; the Command Matrix, the last section that entails the command deck.
-The Stat Matrix requires a bit of thinking and decision making when you level up your character, turning the game from a need for button mashing to a game that makes you place your leveling chips carefully to give Sora the optimal amount of support. Blank Chips, which don't supply Sora with any stat improvements, for example, should be used outside of where two Processors connected, which double the effects of any chips in the pathway between the two processors. The Stat Matrix also allows you to use "Cheats" which range from changing the difficulty of the game at any time to increasing the amount of prizes that occur as a result of defeating enemies. However, by using the "Cheats" to obtain more prizes, you also increase the difficulty of your opponents, so in the end it's only semi-cheating. The Stat Matrix also offers abilities such as Scan (more later) and Hi Jump.
-The Gear Matrix is another brightside to the battle system. As Sora progresses throughout the game, he obtains a variety of original Keyblades found in the first Kingdom Hearts and even a new Keyblade original to this game. Each Keyblade offers a set of Overclock abilities, or abilities you gain through attacking or using commands on enemies or using recovery commands. There are 1-4 Overclock phases and each one opens a new ability. For example, the Steal Munny ability is opened through reaching the 4th Overclock phase of the Three Wishes Keyblade. There are a plethora of abilities and keyblades to choose from and each one is equally powerful due to Sora's strength being developed through the Stat Matrix. However, each blade has its own rhythm and combo capabilities, so some may seem to be more powerful than others.
-The save points are all mainly well-spaced and are available in good spots throughout the game, although some areas make it more difficult to save than others. The Moogle Shop is also back and is the same old easy-use place it's always been in the other games. The main difference is that not there is no synthesizing items, although you do synthesize abilities on your own in the Command Matrix.
-The enemies are also the same old Heartless/AI veterans have been accustomed to. For new comers, the AI is very consistent and good. They all accurately represent each Heartless as they were in the first game very well.
-Although there is a lack of worlds (more on that later), there are these "Backdoor" sectors that are the epicenter of each level. "Backdoor" sectors are made up of levels. After clearing out the bugs (Heartless that are causing the problems inside the Sector), a portal opens that will allow you passage to the next level of the sector. By entering these back doors, the game's story generally unfolds further and ultimately will lead you to each world's unique Keyhole. Each "Backdoor" sector has its own set of challenges, which upon completion and exiting each sector's individual levels, provide SP to purchase items at the end of the sector. In the Keyhole sector you'll enter an entirely different combat system, all of which can be considerably fun (as well as frustrating), that provides a difference in the standard action you normally take part in. It keeps the experience fresh and not so repetitive is what I'm saying.
The Not So Good
-The Camera is a very odd phenomena mainly due to the tight quarters you fight in and some of the turns in the "Backdoor" sections. It's controlled through the Right Bumper button on the DS, which simply snaps to the current direction Sora's model is facing. Although it isn't a massive thing to complain about when navigating in the normal world, it can be a downside when fighting in some locations, especially in the "Backdoor" areas. More later though.
-If you've played or are planning to play this game, you'll encounter a very damn obnoxious enemy known as the Eliminator. A red Defender Heartless, the Eliminator warps around the levels of the "Backdoor" sections, appears randomly, has a sizeable amount of HP, is more difficult than most bosses in the game, shoots orbs of status-inflicting chaos, and you will seldom be able to defeat it until you reach higher levels or obtain status nullifying equipment. The reason why this is not-so-good is because of its resilience, its common appearance after you've activated the portal to the next section, and the fact that it can be an unnecessarily major obstacle in the challenges of the "Backdoor" sections.
-The Lock-on feature is also another obnoxious feature primarily due to other objects in the location. Because some bosses spew blox or Heartless, this makes the Lock-On feature generally obnoxious during boss fights. Although not a game-destroying issue, it does cause frustration.
-The story is good for new to casual Kingdom Hearts fans, but hardcore fans won't feel a major plot quenching until the end, which is dire for whatever comes next in the series. The ending is specifically aimed at those who played all other KH games too, so newcomers and casuals may be confused in the end.
Now time for the two new sections. "The Rage-Provoking" section is simply a list of things that may drive players mad. The "If This Wasn't On a Limiting Platform" section is more in-depth.
The Rage-Provoking
-The Lock-On system.
-The Eliminator.
-Hollow Bastion
-The lack of information to have magic-based Recovery Commands during Hollow Bastion's boss battles. (You all will know what I mean if you played it)
-Challenges involving staying off the ground, staying out of midair, and limiting the amount of times you miss using the Attack button.
If This Wasn't On a Limiting Platform
A main reason as to why I think this game did dissapoint in some sections is because of the limitations induced by the aging DS, mainly memory-wise.
When I entered Castle Oblivion in this game, my first reaction was "YES, ORGANIZATION XIII BATTLES ALL OVER AGAIN!" But they never came. I realize now that that level was merely for story and it makes sense when you look at what Namine did to that part of Sora's memory, thus is would not appear in Jiminy's Journal. But I still wish I could've fought Nobodies and XIII members; those were some of the best parts of KH2. I think a main reason was simply due to what the memory chip of the DS game could actually hold.
There simply wasn't enough memory for the DS' game chip to allow something else spectacular. Although the final bosses are definitely cool in many respects, there probably couldn't have been much else possible given the DS chip's limitations memory-wise. Had there been more memory available for developers on the chips, this game could have definitely dished out some seriously cool and refreshing stuff. But this game goes to show what the withering and aging DS can do. A compliment and a criticism. Either way, this game pushed the DS' limitations and therefore did become a very nice product in the end result.
Grade: B+
Other Reviews of worth:
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3183012
http://ds.ign.com/objects/143/14354710.html
http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/kingdom-hearts-recoded/critic-reviews