Kingdom Hearts

&nbsp

Kingdom Hearts (キングダム ハーツ, Kingudamu Hātsu?) is a series of action-adventure role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix. It is a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney Interactive Studios, and is under the direction of Tetsuya Nomura, a longtime Square Enix character designer. Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The series features an all-star voice cast, which includes many of the Disney characters' official voice actors and well-known celebrities such as Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, Jesse McCartney, and Hayden Panettiere. Characters from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series make appearances and interact with the player and the Disney characters. The series centers around the main character Sora's search for his friends and his encounters with Disney and Final Fantasy characters on their worlds, though the most recent games have centered around other characters.

The series currently consists of seven games including remakes across different video game platforms, and future titles are planned. Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each title has seen varying levels of success. As of September 2008, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped over 12.0 million copies worldwide, with 2.0 million copies in PAL regions, 3.0 million copies in Japan, and 5.6 million copies in North America.[1] [2] [3] [4] A wide variety of related merchandise has been released along with the games, including soundtracks, figurines, and companion books. In addition, the series has been adapted into a manga and novel series.

{| class="toc" id="toc"

Contents
[hide]*1 Titles
 * 1.1 Games
 * 1.1.1 Current titles
 * 1.1.2 V CAST
 * 1.1.3 Mobile
 * 1.1.4 Future Titles
 * 1.2 Other media
 * 1.2.1 Printed adaptations
 * 2 Common elements
 * 2.1 Disney and Final Fantasy characters
 * 2.2 Story
 * 2.3 Gameplay
 * 3 Development
 * 3.1 History
 * 3.2 Creation and design
 * 3.3 Promotion
 * 4 Audio
 * 4.1 Musical score
 * 4.2 Voice cast
 * 5 Reception
 * 6 See also
 * 7 References
 * 8 External links
 * }

edit] Titles
Main article: List of Kingdom Hearts media===edit] Games=== The series consists of nine games—two main games developed by Square Enix, an enhanced version of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, a PlayStation 2 remake of the GBA game Chain of Memories titled Re:Chain of Memories and a V CAST mobile phone game developed by Superscape. Another mobile phone game was developed in-house by Square Enix while the last game, created for Nintendo DS, was developed in cooperation with h.a.n.d.. The second mobile phone game has only been released in Japan although there are plans to release it in other territories. The three main games were released in chronological order, with each new title following the events of the previous title, while the V CAST game was developed independently from the main series. The latest release Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep by Square Enix is for the PlayStation Portable.

edit] Current titles
Kingdom Hearts is the first game in the series, and was released on March 28, 2002[5] [6] This was Nomura's first time in a directorial position. Kingdom Hearts introduced the main characters for the series and established the plot's framework involving hearts and the dark beings known as the Heartless. It also established the role of Disney characters in the series, with character cameos from the Final Fantasy series. Kingdom Hearts was released in North America on September 17, 2002,[5] [6] and featured additional content that was not in the original Japanese version. The game was later re-released exclusively in Japan as Kingdom Hearts Final Mix on December 26, 2002.[5] [6] Final Mix includes the content from the North American release and additional enemies, cut scenes, and weapons.[7]

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is considered the second game in the series. It was released on the Game Boy Advance in Japan on November 11, 2004 and in North America on December 7, 2004.[8] [9] Chain of Memories was touted as a bridge between the two PlayStation 2 titles, introducing and previewing plot elements that would be explored in the next game.[10] The gameplay is based on a card system; player-composed decks of cards, with each card allowing the player to perform an action in battle, such as attacking or using magic. It was remade into a PlayStation 2 game titled Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, which was released in Japan as a second disc packaged with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix on March 29, 2007. The remake was released as a standalone title in North America on December 2, 2008.[1] [11]

Kingdom Hearts II is the third game in the series, set one year after Chain of Memories. It was released in Japan on December 22, 2005 and in North America on March 28, 2006 for the PlayStation 2.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-IGNProfile_11-0">[12] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GameFAQsInfo_12-0">[13] The game further explored the "heart" concept by involving the Nobodies and "bodies". The gameplay is similar to that of the first Kingdom Hearts game, with the addition of more options to attack enemies and the Reaction Command, which utilized the triangle button to perform context-sensitive actions in battle and interaction with characters and the environment. Kingdom Hearts II was revised into Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, which contained more material than the original release, such as additional cut scenes and bosses. Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix was released with Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, a remake of Chain of Memories for the PlayStation 2, containing polygon graphics instead of the sprites used in the original Game Boy Advance game. This collection is titled Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ and was released in Japan on March 29, 2007.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-khfmii_13-0">[14]

Kingdom Hearts coded is the fourth installment in the series for Mobile Phones and was released in episodes with the first being released in Japan on November 18, 2008. The game picks up after the events of Kingdom Hearts II, focusing this time on King Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Jiminy Cricket, who discover a mysterious sentence in Jiminy's journal and subsequently digitize the journal's contents to find the one responsible. The game was released in episodes and as of January 2010, all eight episodes have been released. Square Enix has stated that it has plans for releases in other territories,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-TGS07_14-0">[15] and Phil Snyder, the new voice actor for Jiminy Cricket since Eddie Carroll's passing, has stated that he will be voicing Jiminy for a project titled Kingdom Hearts Re:coded which was presented in a trailer at E3 2010, and has been confirmed to be released on the Nintendo DS Platform, making it the second Kingdom Hearts game to be released on that console. Re:coded is set to be released in Japan on October 7, 2010, and in North America and Europe shortly after the Japanese release.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is the fifth title in the series for the Nintendo DS and was released in Japan on May 30, 2009, and in North America on September 29, 2009. It is set primarily between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, revolving around Roxas' time in Organization XIII and his motives for ultimately leaving the Organization to pursue the answers he seeks to questions about his existence. It was first announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2007 with cooperative multiplayer on display, in addition to the traditional use of AI-controlled partners. It is the first game in the series to feature cooperative multiplayer with the most playable characters ever featured in a Kingdom Hearts title to date, at 19.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Joystiq-TGS07b_15-0">[16] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGN-TGS07_16-0">[17]

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is the sixth title in the series, released for the PlayStation Portable in Japan on January 9, 2010, and in North America on September 7, 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17">[18] The game is set ten years before the events of the original Kingdom Hearts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18">[19] The game consists of three scenarios with each focusing on one of the three protagonists: Terra, Ventus and Aqua who are apprentices of Master Eraqus. They set out in search of the missing Master Xehanort, though each travel their separate ways and encounter their own agenda along the way with the origins of Xehanort revealed. The game will be re-released exclusively to Japan under the name Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix in January 2011, with the content from the English versions as well as brand new features.

edit] V CAST
A Kingdom Hearts game was developed exclusively for V CAST, Verizon Wireless's broadband service, and was released on October 1, 2004 in Japan and on February 4, 2005 in the United States.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19">[20] It was one of the launch games for the V CAST services.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20">[21] The game, developed by Superscape and published by Disney Mobile with no involvement from Square Enix, features gameplay akin to the original Kingdom Hearts game, modified for the input method of mobile phones.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-khmobile_21-0">[22]

The first section begins with the protagonist of the original Kingdom Hearts, Sora, shipwrecked on a seemingly uninhabited island, his friends Goofy and Donald missing. Sora must find a way to escape the island, as well as reunite with Donald and Goofy. Reception of the first mission pack was mixed. The game was criticized for its awkward controls and limited availability. The visual appeal was praised; GameSpot stated Sora "is very detailed and well animated" and complimented the 3D environments.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22">[23]

edit] Mobile
Kingdom Hearts Mobile is a Kingdom Hearts themed online community-based social gaming networking service was launched in Japan for NTT docomo mobile phones on December 15, 2008. It is an online platform where players could control avatars to socialize with other players and play mini-games together. Unlike Kingdom Hearts for the V Cast and Kingdom Hearts coded, Kingdom Hearts Mobile does not have a storyline and focuses more on socializing and mini-games as it is more of a service rather than a game. The service is in conjunction with Kingdom Hearts coded which unlocks new costumes for avatars in Kingdom Hearts Mobile whenever the player completes an episode of Kingdom Hearts coded. New Kingdom Hearts related merchandise such as wallpapers, ringtones, graphics and other items can be purchased and downloaded through the service for mobile phones.

edit] Future Titles
Three new Kingdom Hearts games are in development: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23">[24] and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix.

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded is a remake of Kingdom Hearts coded for mobile phones, also developed for the Nintendo DS, and was first revealed in an interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura in the July 2010 issue of Game Informer.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-24">[25] It is set to be released in Japan on October 7, 2010, and in North America and Europe shortly afterwards.

Kingdom Hearts 3D for the Nintendo 3DS is the working title of the first of the three original games announced in March 2010. "3D" is a short form for the subtitle of the game which has not been revealed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25">[26] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Nomura_E3_26-0">[27] The game will focus on Sora as well as Riku<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Nomura_E3_26-1">[27] Nomura has previously stated that the game would be connected to 358/2 Days, coded and Birth by Sleep, and would be more of a main game than a spin-off or sidestory.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Nomura_E3_26-2">[27] The game was teased in a secret movie, titled Blank Points, shown as the secret ending to Birth by Sleep.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NI-FamCoded_27-0">[28] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Official_Blog_28-0">[29]

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix is an international version of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep for the PlayStation Portable. It was announced in an issue of Weekly Shonen Jump in September, 2010, one week after the original game's release in North America and Europe, despite Tetsuya Nomura's previous claims that a remake of Birth by Sleep was not in the works, and it is known that it will have all the additional features from the North American and European versions as well as new content. It is set for release in Japan in January 2011.

edit] Other media
There are multiple versions of each of the main Kingdom Hearts games. They each had a release in Japan, North America, and the PAL region; the titles were also re-released in Japan with new content. Both Square Enix and Disney released numerous types of merchandise before and after the release of the games. Merchandise ranged from toys and figurines to clothing items and jewelry.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Square-KHsite_29-0">[30] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30">[31] Two of the games, Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, had a soundtrack released to coincide with the video games.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31">[32] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32">[33] These were followed by a nine CD complete set which featured both soundtracks and unreleased tracks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHOSC-CDJapan_33-0">[34] Kingdom Hearts has been published as a trading card game by the Tomy corporation of Japan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GI-TGS2004_34-0">[35] An English version of the game was released in November 2007 by Fantasy Flight Games.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Fantasy_Flight_Games_35-0">[36] The video games have also been adapted into a manga and novel series. However, reporters have observed a curious absence of Kingdom Hearts-related merchandise at any Disney theme parks or stores.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36">[37]

Like the Final Fantasy games, a series of Ultimania books were released in Japan for the three main games. There are six books which include game walkthroughs, interviews, and extra information from the developers. Released along with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ was Kingdom Hearts -Another Report-, a hardback book which includes game information, visuals by Shiro Amano, and a director interview.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Famitsu-AnotherReport_37-0">[38] In North America, Brady Games released strategy guides for each game. For Kingdom Hearts II, they released two versions, a standard version and a limited edition version. The limited edition was available in four different covers and included a copy of Jiminy's Journal along with 400 stickers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38">[39]

edit] Printed adaptations
A manga based on the Kingdom Hearts storyline has been released in Japan and the United States. The story and art are done by Shiro Amano, who is also known for his manga adaptation of the Legend of Mana video game. The story follows the events that took place in the video games with differences to account for the loss of interactivity a video game provides. The manga was originally serialized in Japan by Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan and eventually released in tankōbon format. The first tankōbon was released in Japan in October 2003.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39">[40] The manga was released in the USA by Tokyopop two years later in October 2005.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40">[41] It was divided into three manga series based on Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts II. The first series, Kingdom Hearts, was further divided into four volumes, while the second series, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, was divided into two volumes. The third series, Kingdom Hearts II, has had five volumes published (the first two of which only are available translated in English) and is currently on hiatus. There is also a Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days novel being serialized. The first volume was released in Japan in December 2006 and was released in the US on July 3, 2007.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41">[42] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42">[43]

A novel series, written by Tomoco Kanemaki and illustrated by Shiro Amano, has been released. Like the manga series, it is divided into separate series based on the games. Kingdom Hearts is divided into two volumes; "The First Door"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43">[44] and "Darkness Within".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-44">[45] Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is divided into two volumes. Kingdom Hearts II is divided into four volumes; "Roxas—Seven Days",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45">[46] "The Destruction of Hollow Bastion",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46">[47] "Tears of Nobody",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">[48] and "Anthem—Meet Again/Axel Last Stand".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48">[49]

edit] Disney and Final Fantasy characters
Further information: Characters of Kingdom HeartsKingdom Hearts features a mixture of familiar Disney and Final Fantasy characters, as well as several new characters that functioned as opponents or allies created by Nomura.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-CompanyLine_49-0">[50] Though the series features locations unique to the Kingdom Hearts franchise, worlds from Disney films are heavily explored. Sora must visit these worlds and interact with popular Disney characters to protect them from enemies. Often, his actions in these worlds closely follow the storylines of their respective Disney films, and the player can some times choose to have one of the world's characters accompany him. The main characters try not to interfere with the affairs of other worlds, as it could negatively affect the universe's order.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50">[51] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51">[52] Moogles, small creatures from the Final Fantasy series, are another common element in the games. They provide the player with a synthesis shop in order to create items for use in the game.

edit] Story
The three main games in the Kingdom Hearts series focus on the adventures of Sora and his friends, Kairi and Riku. Appearing as the series prequel, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Kairi, Riku and Sora respectively encounter three figures named Aqua, Terra, and Ventus. As the three children go on their lives, eventually meeting each other, Terra, Aqua and Ventus suffer horrific, punishing fates that indirectly influence the three children.

The first game, picking up ten years later, shows how Sora is separated from his friends when their world, Destiny Islands, is invaded by creatures known as the Heartless. During the invasion, Sora obtains a weapon to be able to fight off the Heartless, known as the Keyblade. Soon after finding himself in Traverse Town, Sora meets Donald Duck and Goofy, two emissaries from Disney Castle sent by King Mickey to find the wielder of the mysterious weapon, the Keyblade.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHgamespy_52-0">[53] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MickeyNote_53-0">[54] The three band together and travel to different Disney-themed worlds, sealing the hearts of the worlds to prevent more Heartless invasions. Along the way, they encounter a group of Disney villains, led by Maleficent, who is controlling the Heartless.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54">[55] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-MobyGames_55-0">[56] Though they eventually defeat Maleficent, the three discover that a man named Ansem is the true antagonist. Ansem's plan is to open the door to "Kingdom Hearts" in the hopes of attaining eternal darkness. Sora, Donald, and Goofy defeat Ansem, and seal the door with the help of Riku and King Mickey on the other side of the door.

After sealing the door to Kingdom Hearts, the three begin searching for Riku and King Mickey, finding themselves heading towards a mysterious fortress called Castle Oblivion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56">[57] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-COM-StrategyGuide_57-0">[58] Upon entering the fortress, they begin to lose their memories.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-forget_58-0">[59] The three encounter a group of dark hooded villains, part of a mysterious Organization. In the castle, Sora learns his memories have been manipulated by a girl named Naminé who was being held captive by the Organization. To allow them to regain their memories, Naminé puts Sora, Donald, and Goofy to sleep for a year; in the process, they must lose the memories of their experience in Castle Oblivion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59">[60] At the same time, Riku finds himself in the basement of the castle and begins traveling to the first floor with the aid of King Mickey. Riku fights both the Organization's members and the darkness in his heart, learning to accept his dual nature between light and dark.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">[61] Allying himself with the mysterious DiZ, Riku aids him in keeping Sora and Naminé until the former is awoken. However a snag in the plan over the year forces Riku to go after a young man named Roxas, the thirteenth member of the Organization, to enable Sora's reawakening.

Seven days after Riku's success, Sora, Donald, and Goofy awaken in Twilight Town, with no memory of their time at Castle Oblivion, and resume their search for Riku and King Mickey. They learn of the Nobodies and are re-familiarized with their leaders, Organization XIII. Afterwards, Maleficent is resurrected and joins with Pete, another Disney villain, to find a new base of operations before resuming her quest for power and revenge on Sora. Sora once again travels to many Disney-themed worlds and resolves the troubles caused by not just Maleficent and Pete, but also Organization XIII whose members refer to him as Roxas. Meanwhile, Kairi is kidnapped by the Organization. They meet King Mickey, who reveals that the "Ansem" Sora defeated was actually the Heartless of Xehanort, a student of the real Ansem the Wise. Xemnas, the leader of Organization XIII, reveals himself to be the Nobody of Xehanort.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fakeansem_61-0">[62] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-xehanort_62-0">[63] The three arrive at the headquarters of Organization XIII, with Kingdom Hearts looming overhead, with Sora defeating all the Organization members as he is finally reunited with Kairi and Riku, who reveals Roxas as Sora's Nobody whom he captured by willingly assuming Ansem's form(Xehanort's heartless) so Roxas would be integrated back into Sora. While this occurred, Mickey finds DiZ, revealed as Ansem the Wise, with a device to digitize some of Kingdom Hearts' power, but a system overload causes the machine to explode with Ansem consumed in the blast as the others arrive, with Riku restored to his original state.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63">[64] At the top of the castle, Sora and his friends battle Xemnas, who uses the remnants of Kingdom Hearts to fight them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64">[65] Refusing to accept defeat, Xemnas separates Sora and Riku from the others to fight them in a final battle that ends with his demise. Though initially trapped on the other side, Sora and Riku are able to return to their world after reading a letter from Kairi that reveals the door to light.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65">[66]

Sometime later, Sora, Riku and Kairi receive a message from King Mickey, the contents of which detail his findings in Kingdom Hearts coded: Sora is destined as the "Key that Connects Everything" to save Terra (whose body was taken by the rogue Keyblade Master, Xehanort, and became the newer incarnation of Xehanort that Sora faced in the forms of "Ansem" and Xemnas), Ventus (whose heart, damaged following a victorious struggle against his dark half, Vanitas, ended up within Sora while his comatose body is placed within the Chamber of Wakening), and Aqua (who ended up trapped in the realm of darkness without any access to her Keyblade, and is with Ansem the Wise after the blast from the Kingdom Hearts Encoder brought him there). Sora tells Kairi that he must undertake another quest to save them, and she hands him her lucky charm again, telling him to give it back to her when he returns.

edit] Gameplay
The Kingdom Hearts series games contain elements from both action and role-playing games. The games are driven by a linear progression from one story event to the next, usually shown in the form of a cut scene, though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. The player primarily controls the principal protagonist of the series, Sora. Sora is usually accompanied by Donald Duck and Goofy, who are non-playable characters that aid Sora in battle. Whilst visiting certain worlds, Donald or Goofy can be swapped out for that world's protagonist (e.g. Jack Skellington whilst visiting Halloween Town or Aladdin whilst visiting Agrabah) In the first and third game, their behavior can be altered to suit different combat objectives. The games feature real-time combat that incorporates physical attacks, magic, and summonings, though each game handles battles differently.

Gummi Ships are another common element of the series, though they are not featured in the second title. The Gummi Ships serve as the main mode of transportation between worlds in the games. The gameplay for the Gummi Ships sections is more akin to a rail shooter. Because it received negative criticism in the first game, it was modified in the third title.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHU-NI1UP_66-0">[67] All three games also feature a journal which is accessible from the main menu. The journal keeps track of information regarding the story, characters, enemies, and locations. In the first three games, the journal is kept by Jiminy Cricket, who was appointed by Queen Minnie as the royal chronicler,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67">[68] while in Birth by Sleep and 358/2 Days, a journal/report is personally written and kept by each main character. EnlargeA battle in the first Kingdom HeartsThe games are influenced by their parent franchise, Final Fantasy,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68">[69] and carry its gameplay elements over into their own action-based, hack-and-slash system. Like many traditional role-playing games, Kingdom Hearts features an experience point system which determines character development. As enemies are defeated, the player gains experience which culminates in a "level-up", where the characters grow stronger and gain access to new abilities.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Instructions_69-0">[70] The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHgamespot_70-0">[71]

edit] History
The first Kingdom Hearts game began development in February 2000.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71">[72] It was directed by Tetsuya Nomura and produced by Shinji Hashimoto, who had conceived the idea when he met with a Disney executive by chance in an elevator;<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72">[73] Square and Disney had previously worked in the same building in Japan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGN-TGS04-NI_73-0">[74] While Nomura had done previous work in the Final Fantasy series as monster designer and graphic director, he did not gain widespread recognition until he was the lead character designer for Final Fantasy VII. Kingdom Hearts marked his transition into a directorial position, though he also served as the game's character designer. Scenarios were provided by Kazushige Nojima who was a scenario writer for Square from Final Fantasy VII until he left in 2003. Originally the development focused on the gameplay with a simple story to appeal to Disney's target age range. After Kingdom Hearts executive producer Hironobu Sakaguchi told Nomura the game would be a failure if it did not aim for the same level as the Final Fantasy series, he began to develop the story further.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Insider-KHU-NI_74-0">[75]

Nomura placed a secret trailer in Kingdom Hearts in hopes that fans would want a sequel. He was unsure if fans would want a sequel and felt that if they did not, then it would be best to leave certain events in the first game unexplained.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-NI-KHIIU_75-0">[76] After Kingdom Hearts Final Mix was completed, development for Kingdom Hearts II began.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-NI-Dengeki_76-0">[77] There were several obstacles to clear before development could begin on a sequel. One was the development team's desire to showcase Mickey Mouse more;<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-NI-KHIIU_75-1">[76] Mickey's inclusion in the first game was restricted to a very small role.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Insider-KHU-NI_74-1">[75] Nomura had planned for the sequel to take place a year after the first and originally intended for the events of that year to be left unexplained. To bridge the gap between the two games, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was developed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-COMgamespy_77-0">[78] Nomura was hesitant about releasing a game on the Game Boy Advance because he felt the 3D graphics of the original game would not translate well into 2D. He changed his position after hearing that children wanted to play Kingdom Hearts on the handheld system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-KHII-NI_78-0">[79]

edit] Creation and design
Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NI-TechTV_79-0">[80] Nomura has stated that though many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story, and despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NI-PS.comEur_80-0">[81] He also felt managing and keeping multiple worlds was problematic.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NI-IGN_81-0">[82] When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting and made an effort to minimize any overlap in the overall look and feel of each world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Insider-KHU-NI_74-2">[75] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-TN-interview_82-0">[83]

The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of both fans and staff.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RPGamer-NI_83-0">[84] Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NI-1UP-1_84-0">[85] Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the backstory of such characters.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-NI-Dengeki2_85-0">[86] For Kingdom Hearts II, he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RPGamer-NI_83-1">[84] Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura does this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He has stated that with speculation, even though a game gets old, people can still be happy with it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-NI-KHIIU_75-2">[76]

edit] Promotion
The first Kingdom Hearts was announced at E3 in May 2001.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-CompanyLine_49-1">[50] Initial details were that it would be a collaboration between Square and Disney Interactive, and would feature worlds developed by both companies and Disney characters. New characters were designed by Nomura and include Sora, Riku, Kairi, and the Heartless.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-CompanyLine_49-2">[50] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-E3-2001_86-0">[87] On May 14, 2002, a press release announced a list of the English voice actors. The list included Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, and Hayden Panettiere as the three new characters introduced in the game. It was also announced that many of the Disney characters would be voiced by the official voice actors from their respective Disney films.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GS-CompanyLine_49-3">[50] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87">[88]

A secret trailer in the first Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Final Mix hinted at the possibility of a sequel. Rumors for a sequel on the PlayStation 2 were spurred in Japan when a Japanese video game site, Quiter, stated that "an internal (and anonymous) source at Square Japan" confirmed that development of Kingdom Hearts II had begun.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88">[89] It was not until Kingdom Hearts II was announced, along with Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003 that rumors were confirmed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-Sequels-GS_89-0">[90] Initial details were that it would take place some time after Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, which takes place directly after the first game. Other details included the return of Sora, Donald, and Goofy, as well as new costumes. At the 2004 Square Enix E3 press conference, the producer, Shinji Hashimoto, stated that many mysteries of the first game would be answered.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90">[91]

To help market the games, websites were set up for each game and demos were on display at gaming events. Each game in the main series was also re-released in Japan with additional content and served as canonical updates to the series.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91">[92] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92">[93] The additional content foreshadowed later plot elements in the series. The rereleases of the main series games had the term "Final Mix" added after the title, while Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was re-released as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and released on the PlayStation 2 with 3D graphics, voice overs during some cutscenes, and new game content.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93">[94] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94">[95]

edit] Musical score
Further information: Music of Kingdom HeartsThe music for the video game series was primarily composed by Yoko Shimomura. Kaoru Wada works as the arranger for orchestral music in the Kingdom Hearts series, including orchestral renditions of the main vocal themes and the ending themes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-OST_95-0">[96] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-OST_96-0">[97] The orchestral music was performed by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-OST_95-1">[96] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-OST_96-1">[97] Soundtracks were released for the first and third installments following the release of their respective games. A compilation soundtrack was later released that included soundtracks for the entire series, including reworked tracks for the re-released Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHOSC-CDJapan_33-1">[34] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OST-Box_97-0">[98]

While the themes for some of the Disney-based worlds are taken directly from their Disney film counterparts,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-OST_96-2">[97] most of them are given entirely original musical scores. In addition to each world having unique background music, each is given its own battle theme rather than having a common theme to cover all fights. Several of the Disney villains get themes based on the film from which they originated, and the final boss of each game has several themes played in the various phases of those fights. The fights with Sephiroth feature a modified version of Nobuo Uematsu's "One-Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy VII.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-OST-Box_97-1">[98]

The main theme songs for the Kingdom Hearts games were written and performed by Japanese pop star, Utada Hikaru. The two main themes are "Hikari", from Kingdom Hearts and Chain of Memories,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[99] and "Passion", from Kingdom Hearts II.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[100] Each song has an English counterpart, "Simple and Clean" and "Sanctuary" respectively, for the North American and European releases. Utada was the only singer Tetsuya Nomura had in mind for the first Kingdom Hearts theme song.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGN-KH-Utada_100-0">[101] This marked the first time Utada had produced a song for a video game. Both theme songs reached notable popularity in Japan. On weekly Oricon charts, "Hikari" reached #1 in 2002 and "Passion" reached #4 in 2005.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TBS-Hikari_101-0">[102] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TBS-Passion_102-0">[103]

edit] Voice cast
The Kingdom Hearts games featured well-known voice actors for the Japanese and English versions. The Japanese version featured Miyu Irino as Sora, Risa Uchida as Kairi, and Mamoru Miyano as Riku.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-IMDB_103-0">[104] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-GSTechInfo_104-0">[105] The third game introduced Kōki Uchiyama as Roxas, Iku Nakahara as Naminé, and Genzō Wakayama as DiZ.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-IMDB_103-1">[104] Other notable voice actors included Kōichi Yamadera, Hideo Ishikawa, Maaya Sakamoto, Takahiro Sakurai, Akio Ōtsuka, Takashi Aoyagi, Yū Shimaka and Shinichirō Miki.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-GSTechInfo_104-1">[105] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-IMDB_105-0">[106]

The English release of the Kingdom Hearts games featured an all-star voice cast which included many of the Disney characters' official voice actors. Wayne Allwine, Tony Anselmo, and Bill Farmer voiced Mickey Mouse (Bret Iwan now voices Mickey after Allwine died of diabetes on May 18, 2009, with his final performance being for the series' DS game), Donald Duck, and Goofy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-GSTechInfo_104-2">[105] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-GSTechInfo_106-0">[107] Several high profile actors provided the voice acting of the main characters. The first game featured Haley Joel Osment as Sora, David Gallagher as Riku, and Hayden Panettiere as Kairi.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GP-VoiceCast_107-0">[108] The third game, Kingdom Hearts II, saw the return of the main character voice actors and added Jesse McCartney as Roxas, Brittany Snow as Naminé, and Christopher Lee as DiZ.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-IGN-KHII-VoiceCast_108-0">[109] Other notable actors included Sean Astin, Steve Burton, Billy Zane, Will Friedle, Mandy Moore, Lance Bass, Ming-Na, David Boreanaz, James Woods,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KHII-GSTechInfo_104-3">[105] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-GSTechInfo_106-1">[107] and most recently, Willa Holland, Leonard Nimoy, and Mark Hamill.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109">[110]

edit] Reception
The Kingdom Hearts series has been critically and commercially successful, though each title has seen different levels of success. By December 2005, the Kingdom Hearts series had shipped more than 8.5 million copies worldwide.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SE-KH-Press_121-0">[122] As of September 2008, the series has shipped over twelve million copies worldwide, with 2.0 million copies in PAL regions, 3.0 million copies in Japan, and 5.6 million copies in North America.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Shippings_0-2">[1] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11milB_1-1">[2] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10mil_2-1">[3] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-khsales_3-1">[4] The three main games in the series all met with positive sales at the time of their releases. In first two months since the North American release of Kingdom Hearts, it was one of the top three highest-selling video games.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122">[123] Chain of Memories sold 104,000 units in 48 hours in Japan, a record for a Game Boy Advance title at the time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH-48hrs_123-0">[124] Its positive debut sales placed it in the top spot of sales charts in Japan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-124">[125] In the first month of its North American release, it was ranked 1st on GameSpot's ChartSpot for portable systems and 6th for all consoles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-125">[126] Within a week of the Kingdom Hearts II release in Japan, it shipped 1 million copies,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SE-KH-Press_121-1">[122] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Japan1stWeek_126-0">[127] selling almost 730,000 copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-127">[128] By the end of March 2006, the NPD Group reported that Kingdom Hearts II was the highest-selling console game in North America, with 614,000 copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-128">[129] In the month after its release in North America, Kingdom Hearts II sold an estimated 1 million copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH2sales_129-0">[130]

The games have also received high ratings and positive comments from reviewers. The three main games have scored a 36 out of 40 or higher from the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, known for its extremely harsh grading.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-130">[131] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MB-Famitsu_131-0">[132] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH2famitsugrade_132-0">[133] All four games have been praised for their visuals. Game Informer considers the series the eleventh "must-play PlayStation 2" series.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-133">[134] The individual games have also won several awards. GameSpot commented that the concept of mixing the serious elements of Final Fantasy with the lighter elements of Disney seemed impossible, but was pulled off quite well. Because of that they awarded Kingdom Hearts "Best Crossover Since Capcom vs. SNK" in their 2002 Best and Worst of the Year awards.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BWGS_134-0">[135] IGN named Kingdom Hearts "Best Art Style/Direction" in their 2003 list of "Best Looking Games on PS2".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-135">[136] G4 awarded it "Best Story" at their 2003 G-Phoria awards show.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-136">[137] Electronic Gaming Monthly awarded Kingdom Hearts II "Best Sequel" of 2006.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-137">[138] It tied with Resident Evil 4 as Famitsu's Game of the Year 2005.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-KH2famitsugame05_138-0">[139] The manga series has also been well received. Several of the manga volumes were listed on USA Today's "Top 150 best sellers".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-139">[140] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-USAToday-KHManga_140-0">[141] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141">[142] The highest ranked volume was Kingdom Hearts volume 4 at #73.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-USAToday-KHManga_140-1">[141] Every volume listed stayed on the list for at least two weeks; Kingdom Hearts volume 4 stayed the longest at four weeks.

edit] See also

 * List of Disney video games by genre

edit] References

 * 1) ^ a b c "Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories for North America". Square Enix. 2008-09-19. http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
 * 2) ^ a b Boyes, Emma (2007-09-20). "TGS '07: Three new Kingdom Hearts games coming". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179212.html?sid=6179212. Retrieved 2008-02-14.
 * 3) ^ a b Square EA (2007-02-05). "Kingdom Hearts Series Ships over 10 Million Worldwide". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6165399&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 4) ^ a b "スクウェア·エニックス、イベントなど追加「Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+」「キングダム ハーツ」シリーズ累計出荷本数1,000万本達成" (in Japanese). Game Watch. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070105/khfm.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
 * 5) ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/objects/016/016467.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
 * 6) ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts Info". GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/data/516587.html. Retrieved 2007-05-12.
 * 7) ^ IGN Staff (2002-09-11). "Kingdom Hearts Final Mix Images". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/370/370690p1.html. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
 * 8) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/606/606154.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
 * 9) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Info". GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/919011.html. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
 * 10) ^ Craig Harris (2003-10-03). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - Square-Enix continues its Disney-based adventure on the GBA. New screens and details". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/453/453041p1.html. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
 * 11) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories Heads to Retailers Today". IGN. 2008-12-02. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/934/934877p1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
 * 12) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/objects/550/550308.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
 * 13) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Info". GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/data/915410.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
 * 14) ^ Anoop Gantayat (2006-09-13). "Kingdom Hearts II Update For PS2". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/732/732513p1.html. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
 * 15) ^ Boyes, Emma (2007-09-20). "TGS '07: Three new Kingdom Hearts games coming". GameSpot. http://tgs.gamespot.com/story.html?sid=6179212. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
 * 16) ^ Siegel, Scott (2007-09-20). "TGS07: New Kingdom Hearts games coming to DS, PSP, mobile". Joystiq. http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-new-kingdom-hearts-games-coming-to-ds-psp-mobile/. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
 * 17) ^ Onyett, Charles (2007-09-19). "TGS 2007: Three New Kingdom Hearts Titles". IGN. http://psp.ign.com/articles/821/821307p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
 * 18) ^ Kristin Neirinckx (2010-05-17). "New KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep PSP Entertainment Pack". PlayStation.Blog. Sony Computer Entertainment. http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/05/17/new-kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-psp-entertainment-pack/. Retrieved 2010-05-17.
 * 19) ^ Charles Onyett (2007-09-19). "Three New Kingdom Hearts Titles". IGN. http://ds.ign.com/articles/821/821306p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
 * 20) ^ "Kingdom Hearts". IGN. http://wireless.ign.com/objects/706/706954.html. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
 * 21) ^ Levi Buchanan (2005-02-02). "V CAST Launches". IGN. http://wireless.ign.com/articles/584/584910p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
 * 22) ^ Levi Buchanan (2004-10-20). "Kingdom Hearts - Disney Mobile presents the future of wireless gaming". IGN. http://wireless.ign.com/articles/558/558619p1.html. Retrieved 2007-03-11.
 * 23) ^ Bethany Massimilla (2005-02-09). "Kingdom Hearts for Mobile Review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/mobile/rpg/kingdomhearts/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
 * 24) ^ Game Informer 207; Bryan Vore: "Translations of your interview in the Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Ultimania seem to confirm that Kingdom Hearts III is coming along with two other games." / Tetsuya Nomura: "Kingdom Hearts III is not a confirmed title. I actually phrased my answer for the Ultimania "two titles other than III" to avoid speculation that we were working on Kingdom Hearts III." / Bryan Vore: "Are there any hints you can provide about these games?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "Hints would give away too much, and for Kingdom Hearts we're contractually obligated to keep any information that has not been officially released under wraps. However, I can say one of the two projects mentioned above came into existence because we wanted to do something for the North American fans, so we'll be announcing it at E3."
 * 25) ^ Game Informer Staff (2010-06-05). Game Informer (GameStop Corporation): 84–85.
 * 26) ^ Anoop Gantayat (March 18, 2010). "Tetsuya Nomura Interviewed at Twitter". Andriasang. http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/03/18/tetsuya_nomura_twitter_interview. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
 * 27) ^ a b c Anoop Gantayat (June 18, 2010). "Tetsuya Nomura on Kingdom Hearts 3D". Andriasang. http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/06/18/nomura_on_kh_3ds/. Retrieved June 16, 2010.
 * 28) ^ "Kingdom Hearts coded (Famitsu Interview)". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/KHC1. Retrieved 2007-09-28. <sup class="noprint Inline-Template">[dead link]
 * 29) ^ Tetsuya Nomura (October 28, 2009). "Message from the KINGDOM". Famitsu. http://blog.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/. Retrieved November 3, 2009.
 * 30) ^ "Official Kingdom Hearts Website: News". Square Enix. http://na.square-enix.com/games/kingdomhearts/KH_newsframe.html. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
 * 31) ^ "Square Enix Official Goods - Kingdom Hearts". Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-08-26. http://web.archive.org/web/20070826155428/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=8&site_id=1#. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
 * 32) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Original Soundtrack". CD Japan. http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=TOCT-24768. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
 * 33) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II - Original Soundtrack". CD Japan. http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=TOCT-25871. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
 * 34) ^ a b "Game Music / Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete". CD Japan. http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=TOCT-26221. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
 * 35) ^ Chris Cook (2004-09-24). "TGS 2004: Square Enix Press Conference Wrap Up". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. http://web.archive.org/web/20070609064657/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
 * 36) ^ "Fantasy Flight Games to publish "Kingdom Hearts TCG"". Fantasy Flight Games. Archived from the original on 2007-08-17. http://web.archive.org/web/20070817172957/http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdom_hearts.html. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
 * 37) ^ iner.com/x-1039-LA-Game-Culture-Examiner~y2008m12d2-Whats-the-deal-with-Kingdom-Hearts-and-Disney "What's the deal with Kingdom Hearts and Disney?". Examiner.com. http://www.exam iner.com/x-1039-LA-Game-Culture-Examiner~y2008m12d2-Whats-the-deal-with-Kingdom-Hearts-and-Disney. Retrieved 2008-12-08.
 * 38) ^ "ビジュアルブック「キングダム ハーツ -Another Report-」が予約特典!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. 2007-01-25. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/01/25/103,1169704450,66102,0,0.html. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
 * 39) ^ "The Key to Unlimited Adventures Lies Within Bradygames' Latest Collectible Kingdom Hearts II Strategy Guide Products". Brady Games. 2006-04-06. http://www.bradygames.com/press/press_releases_detail.asp?promo=3459. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
 * 40) ^ "キングダムハーツ (1) (コミック)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/キングダムハーツ-1-天野-シロ/dp/4757716575/. Retrieved 2007-06-11.
 * 41) ^ "Kingdom Hearts, Vol. 1 (Paperback)". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-Vol-Shiro-Amano/dp/1598162179/. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
 * 42) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Volume 1 (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-II-Graphic-Novels/dp/1427800588/. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
 * 43) ^ "キングダムハーツ2 1 (1) (コミック)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4757518323/250-3568433-3689859. Retrieved 2007-06-11.
 * 44) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: The First Door - #1 (Kingdom Hearts) (Paperback)". Amazon.com. Archived from the original on 2007-05-25. http://web.archive.org/web/20070525064548/http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-First-Door/dp/1423103955/. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
 * 45) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Darkness Within - #2 (Kingdom Hearts) (Paperback)". Amazon.com. Archived from the original on 2007-06-07. http://web.archive.org/web/20070607012357/http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-Darkness-Within/dp/1423103963/. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
 * 46) ^ "Game Novels キングダム ハーツII Vol.1 Roxas-Sevendays (単行本)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4757516797/. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
 * 47) ^ "Game Novels キングダム ハーツII Vol.2 The Destruction of Hollow Bastion (新書)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4757517157/. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
 * 48) ^ "Game Novels キングダム ハーツII Vol.3 Tears ofNobody (新書)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4757517920/. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
 * 49) ^ "Game Novels キングダム ハーツII Vol.4 Anthem-Meet Again/Axel Last Stand (単行本)" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4757519648/. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
 * 50) ^ a b c d "Kingdom Hearts Company Line". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6089696. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 51) ^ Donald: But we can’t. If we take him to another world, we would be... / Goofy: Muh... Mudd-- / Donald: Meddling! Square. Kingdom Hearts. (Square Electronic Arts). PlayStation 2. (2002-11-15)
 * 52) ^ Kingdom Hearts manga, Volume 1. Page 99. Tokyopop.
 * 53) ^ Turner, Benjamin (September 3, 2002). "Kingdom Hearts Review (PS2)". GameSpy. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/kingdom-hearts/540394p1.html. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
 * 54) ^ King Mickey's Note: Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin’ goodbye, nevertheless, there’s big trouble brewin’. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin’ out, one by one. And that means disaster can’t be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I’ve gotta go check into it. There’s someone with a “key”—the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we’re doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He’ll point you in the right direction. P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal. Square. Kingdom Hearts. (Square Electronic Arts). PlayStation 2. (2002-11-15)
 * 55) ^ Dave Zdyrko (2002-02-06). "Kingdom Hearts Preview". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/136/136467p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-05.
 * 56) ^ "Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation2". MobyGames. http://www.mobygames.com/game/kingdom-hearts/. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
 * 57) ^ Donald: Well, now what do we do? / Sora: We’ve gotta find Riku and King Mickey. Square. Kingdom Hearts. (Square Electronic Arts). PlayStation 2. (2002-11-15)
 * 58) ^ Hollinger, Elizabeth (2004). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0473-X. OCLC 122414850.
 * 59) ^ Unknown: The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you ever know. In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way in Castle Oblivion. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2008-12-02)
 * 60) ^ Jiminy: So you can put 'em back together? / Naminé: Yes, but first I have to undo the chains of memories I made on my own. After I've done that, I have to gather up the memories scattered across each of your hearts and them reconnect them. It might take some time. But I think it might work. No--It will work. I'm sure. It's my turn to look after you. / Sora: All right. We all really trust you. / Jiminy: Oh... Wait just a second! You said you'd have to undo the links you made. But that means— / Naminé: Yes. You won't be able to remember anything about what happened here. / Sora: Not even you? / Naminé: I'm sorry. It's the only way, I'm afraid. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2008-12-02)
 * 61) ^ Ansem: You need the darkness. Submit! Bow to the darkness, and bow to me. / Riku: Not a...chance... / Ansem: Only darkness can help you now. Jupiter. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive). Game Boy Advance. (2004-12-07)
 * 62) ^ Mickey: But, what you actually fought was his Heartless. Ya see, he wasn't really Ansem. He just went around telling everybody that he was. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
 * 63) ^ Mickey: Now I remember! Xehanort! Ansem's apprentice! The leader of Organization XIII is Xehanort's Nobody! Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
 * 64) ^ Ansem the Wise: It's a device to reclaim Kingdom Hearts and encode it as data. / Mickey: Not sure I get it. / Ansem the Wise: I do not claim to know the outcome of this venture, either. After all...Hearts are unpredictable. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
 * 65) ^ Xemnas: Heed me, Kingdom Hearts! Lend me your power, so that we may be complete! The power to erase the fools that hinder us. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
 * 66) ^ Sora: W-We're back. / Kairi: You're home. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
 * 67) ^ "1UP - E3 2005 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on August 8, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070808165059/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-2. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
 * 68) ^ Minnie: Oh, and to chronicle your travels, he will accompany you. / Jiminy: Over here! Cricket’s the name. Jiminy Cricket, at your service. Square. Kingdom Hearts. (Square Electronic Arts). PlayStation 2. (2002-11-15)
 * 69) ^ "Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Edge (Future Publishing) (177): pp. 80–81. July 2007
 * 70) ^ Square (2002). Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet. Square.
 * 71) ^ Greg Kasavin (2002-09-09). "Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation 2 Review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/review.html. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 72) ^ "Kingdom Hearts キングダム ハーツ" (in Japanese). Final Fantasy 2000. http://ffx.sakura.ne.jp/kh.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-30.
 * 73) ^ Final Fantasy Retrospective Part XI. [GameTrailers.com feature]. GameTrailers. 2007-10-10. http://www.gametrailers.com/player/26204.html. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
 * 74) ^ Anoop Gantayat (2004-09-23). "TGS 2004: Tetsuya Nomura Q&A". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/550/550462p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
 * 75) ^ a b c "KHU Interview w/Tetsuya Nomura". Kingdom Hearts Insider. http://www.khinsider.com/content/view/42/41/. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
 * 76) ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/KH2U. Retrieved 2007-08-10. <sup class="noprint Inline-Template">[dead link]
 * 77) ^ GameSpot staff (2003-10-10). "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/news.html?sid=6076646. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
 * 78) ^ Raymond Padilla (2004-12-08). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpy. http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/571890p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-23.
 * 79) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
 * 80) ^ "Nomura Interview TechTv". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070609050907/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/TechTv. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
 * 81) ^ "Playstation.com Europe - E3 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on April 18, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070418212412/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Playstation. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
 * 82) ^ "IGN - Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070608022106/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/IGN. Retrieved 2007-08-02.
 * 83) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Tetsuya Nomura interview". Video Game Blogger. http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2006/08/11/kingdom-hearts-ii-tetsuya-nomura-interview.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
 * 84) ^ a b Boulette, Bryan (2005-11-27). "Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details". RPGamer. http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/112705b.html. Retrieved 2007-07-23.
 * 85) ^ "Tetsuya Nomura 1st 1UP Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 10, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070610203227/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-1. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
 * 86) ^ "Dengeki - Kingdom Hearts 2 Progress Report". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070608020051/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Dengeki-2. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
 * 87) ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (2001-05-17). "E3 2001: Square announces Disney RPG for PS2". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2761861. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
 * 88) ^ IGN Staff. "IGN: Kingdom Hearts Voice Cast". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/359/359415p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 89) ^ IGN staff (2003-03-07). "Kingdom Hearts 2 on PS2?". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/388/388537p1.html. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
 * 90) ^ Justin Calvert (2003-09-26). "TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893. Retrieved June 8, 2007.
 * 91) ^ Benson, Mike (2004-05-12). "Square Enix E3 Press Conference and "Dear Friends" Concert". Gaming Age. http://www.gaming-age.com/event/2004/e3/12-60. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
 * 92) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix (Import)". Neoseeker. http://www.neoseeker.com/Games/Products/PS2/kingdomhearts_final/. Retrieved 2007-05-29.
 * 93) ^ "「キングダム ハーツII ファイナル ミックス」に新要素が!!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. 2007-03-24. http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2007/03/23/104,1174620771,68873,0,0.html. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
 * 94) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/objects/853/853598.html. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
 * 95) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ (Limited Package Version)". Play-Asia. http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-49-en-70-1xlx.html. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
 * 96) ^ a b Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack CD insert. Toshiba-Emi Limited. 2002.
 * 97) ^ a b c Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack CD insert. Toshiba-Emi Limited. 2006.
 * 98) ^ a b "キングダムハーツサントラコンプリートBoxとKH2FM+を買ったよ!レポ" (in Japanese). Intermezzo. 2007-03-30. http://www.i-mezzo.net/log/2007/03/30004857.html. Retrieved 2007-07-16.
 * 99) ^ IGN Staff (2002-01-10). "Hikaru Utada Sings Kingdom Hearts Theme". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/100/100803p1.html. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
 * 100) ^ Hirohiko Niizumi (2005-07-29). "Kingdom Hearts vocalist returns for sequel". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/news.html?sid=6130068. Retrieved June 15, 2007.
 * 101) ^ Stephen Coleman (2002-08-22). "Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 102) ^ "CDTV PowerWeb! : 宇多田ヒカル - 光". Tokyo Broadcasting System. http://www.tbs.co.jp/cdtv/songdb/song6784.html. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
 * 103) ^ "CDTV PowerWeb! : 宇多田ヒカル - Passion". Tokyo Broadcasting System. http://www.tbs.co.jp/cdtv/songdb/song11375.html. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
 * 104) ^ a b "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts (2002)(VG)". IMDB. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322968/fullcredits#cast. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
 * 105) ^ a b c d "Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/tech_info.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
 * 106) ^ "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts II (2005)(VG)". IMDB. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390163/fullcredits#cast. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
 * 107) ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts Tech Info". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/tech_info.html. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
 * 108) ^ GamePro Staff (2003-04-30). "Kingdom Hearts Voice Talent Announced". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/23475/kingdom-hearts-voice-talent-announced/. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
 * 109) ^ Stephen Coleman (2006-02-08). "Kingdom Hearts II Gets All-Star Cast". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/686/686944p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
 * 110) ^ Mike Fahey (May 17, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Dated, Detailed, And PSP Bundled". Kotaku. http://kotaku.com/5540790/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-dated-detailed-and-psp-bundled/. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
 * 111) ^ "Kingdom Hearts (PS2) Reviews". Game Rankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/516587.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 112) ^ "Kingdom Hearts (PS2) Reviews". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomhearts. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 113) ^ "Kingdom Hearts - MOBILE". Game Rankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/924747.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 114) ^ "Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories - GBA". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919011.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 115) ^ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories GBA Reviews". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/kingdomheartschainofmemories. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 116) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)". Game Rankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/915410.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 117) ^ "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2: 2006)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomhearts2. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 118) ^ "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories - PS2". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/954016.asp?q=kingdom%20hearts. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 119) ^ "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories (PS2: 2008)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories?q=chain%20of%20memories. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 120) ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/943346-kingdom-hearts-3582-days/index.html. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 121) ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Metacritic". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/kingdomhearts3582days?q=Kingdom%20Hearts. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
 * 122) ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts II Achieves Million-Unit Sales Mark in North America in Four Weeks". Square Enix. 2006-05-02. http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/0502/. Retrieved 2007-08-25.
 * 123) ^ Calvert, Justin (2002-11-18). "October video game sales". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2897836. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
 * 124) ^ "News: November 13, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070313190631/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml. Retrieved 2007-05-23.
 * 125) ^ GamePro Staff. "Kingdom Hearts for GBA Debuts Number One in Japan". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
 * 126) ^ Tor Thorsen (2005-01-31). "ChartSpot: December 2004". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6116646. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
 * 127) ^ Anoop Gantayat (2005-12-27). "Kingdom Hearts 2 Goes Platinum". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/678/678247p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
 * 128) ^ Richard Brownell (2005-12-28). "News - Japan: weekly software sales from 12/19 - 12/25". Gamesarefun.com. http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5934. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
 * 129) ^ Tor Thorsen. "ChartSpot: March 2006". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147802.html. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
 * 130) ^ "TGS06: Kingdom Hearts II Achieves Million-Unit Sales Mark in North America in Four Weeks". Square Enix. http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/0502/. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
 * 131) ^ KK. "Highest Scoring Games in Famitsu’s History". Zelda-fans.com. http://www.zelda-fans.com/archives/2006/02/highest-scoring-games-in-famitsus-history/. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
 * 132) ^ "News: November 3, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070313190620/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml. Retrieved 2007-05-23.
 * 133) ^ Josh Freund (2005-12-20). "News - Latest Famitsu review scores - Kingdom Hearts II, Mario & Luigi 2, & more". Gamesarefun.com. http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5915. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
 * 134) ^ "PlayStation 2: The Games That Defined a Generation". Game Informer. 2008-09-29. http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/7ebf604c-f8f9-4f66-9f53-7b1b58a910e1.htm. Retrieved 2008-10-06. <sup class="noprint Inline-Template">[dead link]
 * 135) ^ "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002". GameSpot. 2002. http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general13.html. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 136) ^ Perry, Douglass C. (2003-03-20). "IGN: The Best Looking Games on PS2". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/390/390226p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
 * 137) ^ IGN Staff (2003-07-31). "G-Phoria Report". IGN. http://cube.ign.com/articles/431/431546p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
 * 138) ^ EGM Staff (March 2007). "The 2006 1UP Network Awards". Electronic Gaming Monthly (213): pp. 76–81
 * 139) ^ "Famitsu Awards 2005"大賞は「キングダムハーツII」と「バイオハザード4」!!" (in Japanese). Famitsu. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/21/103,1145605197,52094,0,0.html. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
 * 140) ^ "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=90&date=10/20/2005. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
 * 141) ^ a b "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=60&date=7/20/2006. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
 * 142) ^ "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10/20/2006. Retrieved May 24, 2007.

edit] External links

 * Official website
 * Official website (Japanese)
 * Official Kingdom Hearts Blog Message from the KINGDOM (Japanese)
 * Disney's Kingdom Hearts site (Japanese)