KHInsider

Kingdom Hearts: Lining Up the Pieces

Sat, 25 May 2013 15:52:18 -0700

Continuing on with our user-submitted editorials is one by none other than ffx_fanatic1405 as she takes us on a journey through her life with KINGDOM HEARTS and how it’s influenced her then and now!

So, it’s NOSTALGIA MONTH! So that means, it’s time to remember of the awesome days we had when we first got into Kingdom Hearts! We are now at the end of the road… sort of. Square Enix has come out withKINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX- in Japan and it won’t be long before it’s here in North America. For me, it means two things; one, I get to play my favorite game for years to come and have my PS3 hogged by my niece and nephew constantly when I get it and two, the end is almost near. By the end I mean KINGDOM HEARTS III, because we all know after that game, the series won’t come to an end, but an arc. The Xehanort Saga is what the current arc we have is called, all the games that have been released so far is that saga. After that… who knows? We don’t know what the next story will be or what’s going to happen, but what do we know is that a new era is coming and it’ll be something new, unknown. For me, when something is coming to an end, I like to go back and look at my past; to see how I come so far. It’s been 10 years for me with this series, and the way I started with these games is the first games I ever beaten on my own.

I bought KINGDOM HEARTS on a whim, thanks to my brother for leaving me poor games for the PlayStation 2. My older brother decided to leave home and I was now an only child, lonely. So because I was saddened with the lack of sibling, my parents decided to buy me a present. When asked what I wanted, I decided to get a game to call my own. While I was really good at Tekken and loved Need for Speed, I wanted something different to play.

So for three days straight, we went to Target to look for a game. Each day I would pass the glass displays and kept looking and looking for that game, but none would catch my eye. But there was one that kept getting my attention without me wanting to. This game was outside the glass displays, and was on sale. It had an interesting cover; I saw two iconic characters that I seen all my life, but with three kids looking at a heart shaped moon. While it seemed interesting, I kept dismissing it because of it was Disney… thinking it was too childish. So for three days I kept passing Kingdom Hearts, catching my eye and I ignoring its call. But soon that call kept bothering me… I didn’t know why, but I had to buy it. So on the third day, Kingdom Hearts and I were on our way home. The first thing that I thought when I started a new game was… is this kid a girl? But after I heard the first dialogue between him and Kairi, I quickly found the answer.

The reason why I find the series endearing to me is because it helped on my saddest days and happiest days in my life. I was often bullied because I was shy and quiet, but after I got these games, I changed and soon went to high school, as such it helped me overcome all the challenges I had coming to me in my freshman year. It made me realize who I was and who my friends were:
I was in high school; I was hanging with a bad crowd. I wanted to feel like I belonged, so I would dress like they would and try to like the same music. But for them I was an easy target, I was really quiet and innocent, so they would kick me, hit me, call me names… it was horrible but I endured it for freshman year. I didn’t have the guts to leave the group, since it was the only people I talked to in school.

While the year went on, I played KINGDOM HEARTS II. I was going through it and remember that once I finished the game, how connected all the characters were. Sora, Riku and Kairi didn’t treat each other like dirt, they treated themselves with respect, and they loved each other. They went through so much, yet they’re friendship continued on. At that moment, I realized who my friends were. So the next week, I told off the kids, told them that I wasn’t going to be treated this way anymore; we cursed at each other and left it that way. I lost the only people I talked to, but I was free.

Now the next thing was, what do I do next? Here I was no group or clique to belong to. I didn’t have anyone to tell me what to do anymore… I was free. So what I do? I went shopping, dressed the way I wanted to and talked to who I wanted to. Soon by my senior year, I was in no clique; I was on my own and liked it. The only person left I talk to from that old group is a friend, and she felt sorry on what she did to me, so we became good friends. Kingdom Hearts helped me find out who were my true friends, the friends that I would still keep after all these years, that I still hang out now as adults. It made me the person I am today and for that I am grateful.

And now, here I am; 22 years old and college student, I’m almost at the end of my education and soon I’ll be headed in the real world. What that means to me is, less time to play video games. Even now, as I write this, I haven’t had time to play anything. My attention has changed a lot over the years, a game that I would find fun and kept playing for hours, changed to just play for a while, and then go do something else that would acquire my attention. To sum it all up, I’m feeling my age. Soon, this new game will come and I’ll play it, but what does that mean after this arc? Will I want to play? Will it still call my attention? I’m a bit scared on those answers, because denying the one thing that I hold close to my heart, means that I’m getting rid of the last thing I had as an innocent child. Then comes the thought to you, dear readers; are we getting too old for the games? I mean some of us have grown with the games… spent our adolescence with the games. Is it time for us to say good bye? I don’t think so, I think as long as you enjoy something and you don’t feel tired of it, keep going at it. Just because some of us are feeling our age, doesn’t mean others will.

So I say; keep playing you guys! And for us who have given up, don’t forget the game you enjoyed! As for me, I feel that after KH3, I’ll be stopping the series, but it depends if the next game is okay and not a fanfic idea come to life. (No offense to any fanfic authors, I’m one myself.) But while I may leave the series, it doesn’t mean the love I have for it in my heart will disappear. It will always be with me and I will have it for the rest of my life. Because for me Kingdom Hearts isn’t just a game, it’s a life changer. But needless to say, my answer shall stay the same until I know what’s up to come from Nomura: I will keep playing. Nomura has kept me on a string since Kingdom Hearts II, pulling me to keep playing just to know what’s going on with the story and when Kingdom Hearts III will come out. All he accomplished was having a very confused and doubtful fan. All I ranted was that he was just pulling things out of his arse, and while he assured us that he planned this from the beginning, I’m still a bit skeptical.

But It doesn’t mean it wasn’t good, oh no. Whatever the reason, no matter how confusing the plot was getting, I was already hooked to the story, I kept on buying and playing all the games up to this point. (Except coded). And I have so many memories of the series, so many which have made me what I am today. If it wasn’t for Kingdom Hearts, I wouldn’t have made any friends. I made friends because the bond between the main characters and the lessons they bring is, while a bit cliché, friendship and teamwork shown as important, it something I like and makes me feel like a kid inside. Because of this I felt that friendships are worth. But while the themes were important the story and amazing characters were what kept me going, the beautiful worlds and the awesome gameplay that while frustrated me in the beginning (The camera in Kingdom Hearts), still kept me entertained to this day. The thought of going to different places that bring nostalgia made me happy, especially when you’re traveling with your favorite Disney characters. The feeling of accomplishment at the end, that you are the reason why Sora got to the point he is, because you guided him to it.

Thus I end this editorial but I will end this with a thought, do you guys think we, the fans that have grown with the series, are getting too old for them? And also, what are your fondest memories with Kingdom Hearts? When you first got it?

Thank you for reading!

In November 2012 when GameTrailers’ debuted...

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:02:12 -0700

In November 2012 when GameTrailers’ debuted theirTimeline video series, the KINGDOM HEARTS community was astonished to discover the secret teaser at the end of the video. The series’ iconic title theme, Dearly Beloved, softly played as the familiar Kingdom Key Keyblade was shown stood gleaming in the sunlight on a sandy beach. As the scene faded away, the words “SPRING 2013” appeared, and the community erupted in excitement.

Two weeks ago, they released a follow-up trailer showing off some iconic scenes and locales from the series thus far, further engaging their audience and attracting everyone’s attention. Degraded Keyblades lay scattered across the once forgotten battleground of the Keyblade Graveyard, empty thrones loomed over within Where Nothing Gathers. The star-studded hat of sorcery calls out for its long-retired Master, and the tree bearing star-shaped fruit basks in the warm light of a setting sun. This proved one thing and one thing only; that this Timeline would not be anything like what we expected.

The success of their previous Legend of Zelda timeline made it clear that the upcoming video would be nothing short of incredible. Even in the face of doubt, the GameTrailers team put great care into making sure they would be able to do the series and its fans justice with spot-on accuracy in every single piece of information. After almost 6 months of waiting, we are finally able to witness this from beginning to end! With GameTrailers at the helm, let us take a walk down memory lane and line the pieces up in this broken chain.

We here on the KHInsider site staff are very honored to have had the opportunity to work with GameTrailers on this Timeline!

Source: GameTrailers

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Fri, 24 May 2013 02:08:26 -0700

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Fri, 24 May 2013 02:05:52 -0700

An air of change is taking place in Square Enix, it seems. A...

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:28:59 -0700

An air of change is taking place in Square Enix, it seems. A couple of months after Yoichi Wada, departuring president of Square Enix announced his resignation in March, it has come to our attention that Mike Fischer, president and CEO of the North American branch of Square Enix has also recently resigned, in order to become vice president of digital Music and Video for Amazon in Japan.

Fischer’s resignation takes place after rumors surrounding the company’s North American branch aiming to reduce their emphasis on mobile games. After joining Square Enix back in 2010, Fischer reportedly planned to shift away from development of large and big budgeted titles, aiming to make smaller and less costly titles, along with supporting all the independant studios that the company was publishing for. This Fischer wanted to do because of the “incredible pipeline of product” coming from the Japanese and European divisions of the company, so there would be no need for the American division to make more titles akin to Dungeon Siege 3.

According to Polygon, Fischer declined to discuss the details of his departure, although he did note that he left the company on “good terms”.

What this means for the future of franchises such as KINGDOM HEARTS or FINAL FANTASY is as of yet uncertain, but a little speculation never hurt anyone. What sort of change do you see for the future of Square Enix North America? Do you think it will it impact our beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series in a positive or negative way?

Source: Polygon

Square Enix Plans to Livestream E3 Lineup!

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:49:55 -0700

E3 will soon be upon us, and Square Enix plans to make it an event you will not forget!

Square Enix has annouced today that they plan to live broadcast their E3 lineup for their audience that will be unable to attend the show! The aptly named program, “Square Enix Presents”, will deliver live interviews with Square Enix game developers, walkthroughs of the game demos at their booth, and presentations on upcoming titles being released by the company in the coming months.

“SQUARE ENIX will be showcasing a terrific lineup of games this E3 Expo,” said Akio Oofuji, marketing director, SQUARE ENIX Japan. “Square Enix Presents is a new way we can engage on a more meaningful and personal level with our community and fans and share with them the spectacle and excitement of E3.”

With KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX- coming out in September of this year, we’ll be sure to see some presentations about it and other fantastic games like FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, Lightning Returns: FINAL FANTASY, and more at E3 2013 so you all will want to check out Square Enix Presents! E3 takes place June 11-13 2013, and the full schedule for Square Enix Presents will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Tell us what you are excited to see from E3 this year in the comments below!

Source: Gematsu, Square Enix

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Thu, 23 May 2013 04:06:01 -0700

As some of you may remember back in March, we received news...

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:22:05 -0700

As some of you may remember back in March, we received news that KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX- pencil and accessory bags were in the works. What were once sample products have been approved and prepared for release on August 31, 2013! You can order them on Square Enix’s e-STORE page.

Accessory Bag (Left):

2,200円 ($21.26 USD)
W190mm x D60mm x H100mm

Pencil Bag (Right):

1,800円 ($17.39 USD)
W190mm x 55mm x 55mm

Source: aibo_ac7

marrymeclaire: Birth By Sleep

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:08:43 -0700

marrymeclaire:

Birth By Sleep

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Wed, 22 May 2013 03:08:08 -0700

Color experiment: Eyes & Hair

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:07:23 -0700

Color experiment: Eyes & Hair

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Wed, 22 May 2013 03:06:27 -0700

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Wed, 22 May 2013 03:04:34 -0700

It’s my friends. I promised I’d be there for them.

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:01:47 -0700

It’s my friends. I promised I’d be there for them.

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Wed, 22 May 2013 03:01:12 -0700

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Wed, 22 May 2013 02:59:47 -0700

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Wed, 22 May 2013 02:57:23 -0700

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Wed, 22 May 2013 02:56:23 -0700

Shiki’s out. They made her my entry fee. Joshua too- took the...

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:54:23 -0700

Shiki’s out. They made her my entry fee. Joshua too- took the bullet for me. Rhyme’s gone. Noise got her. And Beat left to join the Reapers. One Player after another… gone… I’m the only one of us left—the only hope we have.

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Wed, 22 May 2013 02:53:18 -0700