Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Preview
No, it isn’t Kingdom Hearts III and at this rate, I’m not sure we should expect that any time soon. However, being able to once again enjoy the colorful Disney world in full high-definition is a definite plus. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix has been confirmed for launch in the US some time later this year, and action/RPG aficionados are already salivating. It may not feature the two games you most want to see redone in high-def, but at least it’s Kingdom Hearts. Besides, this mini collection also features some interesting new tweaks and alterations, along with some expected additions. Gotta add this one to your collection.
The two games included are the well-received Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix, which was previously exclusive to Japan, and Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. The package will also boast HD cinematic story videos from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, plus upgraded gameplay mechanics and of course, Trophies. Players will be able to return to the origins of the franchise, as the familiar cast returns— Sora, Donald, Goofy, Riku and Mickey are coming back, and it’s time to expand upon the appealing plot we all know and love. We’ll also be able to test our skills against new enemies and sample new missions, while checking out fresh weapons.
Those remastered scenes from 358/2 Days span nearly three hours (two hours and fifty minutes, to be exact) and even these scenes will support Trophies. On top of which, collectors will undoubtedly enjoy the 66 music tracks spanning all three games. These songs have been touched up as well, as they’ve gone through a re-recording with live instrumentation. As all audiophiles know, this is in stark contract to when Square Enix had to use the PS2’s built-in tone generator for the background music. So we’re not just talking about an HD overhaul; this production involves some serious touching-up from start to finish, and the extras are definitely worthwhile.
As for the gameplay, the familiar fast-paced combat will return, but the developers have altered things for the sake of Summons and Reaction Commands. The standard commands (Attack, Magic and Item) are still there, but now the Summon option has its own slot, and the Reaction Commands from Kingdom Hearts II have also been included. These appear when the battle situation allows them to happen, and they’re executed simply by pressing the Triangle button. The camera should also work more like it did in KHII, as we’ll use the right analog stick rather than the L2 and R2 buttons to position the camera. That’s definitely a better setup.
Kingdom Hearts is iconic. It’s too bad that we never saw a true sequel for the PlayStation 3 this generation, but maybe Square Enix will make all the fans happy during the PS4 era. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though, so perhaps it’s best to take what we can get. Therefore, fans want to own the HD package in question, which could be one of the better high-definition overhauls of the generation. There’s just so much to like about the tweaks and extras, and the overall feel of the mechanics should be quite refined. Look for Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix to hit store shelves this fall. And keep hoping for KHIII if you’re an eternal optimist.
3/19/2013 Ben Dutka
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Comments (15 posts)
Yukian
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 @ 11:56:11 PM
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Siris86
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 10:00:30 AM
If you have a 3DS, I would very highly recommend Kingdom Hearts 3D. It serves as a great recap of the series with detailed explanations on every title before it and advances the story quite nicely. The gameplay is pretty incredible too.
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Yukian
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 @ 11:53:23 PM
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I'll buy it anyway 'cause I want to have an epic battle with Sephiroth again... ohh, I will savor that Trophy so much! >:D
Wait a minute, Final Mix wasn't the one with extra bosses or something???
Last edited by Yukian on 3/19/2013 11:58:00 PM
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bigrailer19
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 12:17:06 AM
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Temjin001
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 1:05:12 AM
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Coffeya
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 2:27:01 AM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 11:54:40 AM
But I imagine it's probably right.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/20/2013 11:55:01 AM
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Ultimadream
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 2:56:52 AM
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H8WL3R
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 6:38:09 PM
Hmmmm.... don't know, but I am certainly interested in getting as many KH games in as few neatly packaged collections as possible; what I mean is, I hope they make good use of the available space on the BDs instead of just trying to release more discs with wasted space. I don't think there's a need for wasted space especially for "Collections/Trilogies"; although I wouldn't want stuffed crammed in at sub-par quality either. Now back to KH; I'd rather have the remastered games (especially I & II) on PS3 than not at all, but I'd probably hold off if the collections were released on the PS4. I hope it wouldn't fail, and it would be nice while the former PS discs are not capable of being played on the PS4 that saves of prior games could carry over for any potential sequels. I do agree too though, that it is nice to have one's favorite games in higher quality for the newest hardware.
However unlike making over PS2 games for the PS3, I don't know if the gap would be as wide and therefor as impressive and necessary to make over again, just for the PS4 platform. Like the PS2, I plan on keeping my PS3 and probably would definetly buy one again if I needed to replace my current one, and maybe buy another spare before they disappear. I still also have my PS2 as well, and don't intend to part permanently part with it anytime soon.
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Siris86
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 9:58:17 AM
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Ninja_WafflesXD
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 12:43:09 PM
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And for what it's worth, SE seemed to have really put effort into this HD remaster, so credit where it's due!
Just checked out the trophy list the other day...some of them may cause me to pull my hair out in frustration ha! Complete the game in 15 hours? Complete the game without changing your equipment?! Defeating Sephiroth is only a BRONZE trophy?!! o_o
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Underdog15
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @ 11:44:38 PM
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Worth it for the weapons, anyways.
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Banky A
Thursday, March 21, 2013 @ 9:21:51 PM
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At least it includes a couple other games with new content for all - though it really is for the extreme die-hard fans + anyone with lots of time.
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Liltman
Saturday, March 23, 2013 @ 9:26:13 PM
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It really worked in KH2 and made the combat faster and more fun. Problem with KH2 is it was way too easy, even on the hardest difficulty but the FM version is a lot harder. KH1 on hard difficulty actually did get hard near the end though. I think they made 2 a bit easier - maybe to get more people into it.
So now back to waiting patiently...funny how I am more excited for this than any new series. KH just rocks!
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WorldEndsWithMe
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013 @ 11:13:10 PM