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MONSTER

Kingdom Hearts III

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Kingdom Hearts III
Item: Kingdom Hearts III
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJan 29, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

Kingdom Hearts III is the third main installment in the Kingdom Hearts series developed and published by Square Enix. It was initially released January 2019 for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. An expansion, Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind was released in January 2020. The story takes place after the events of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. It features an older Sora as the main protagonist, who sets forth on a new adventure to search for seven guardians of light in an attempt to stop Xehanort from bringing about a second Keyblade War. Sora is joined by Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Riku, Kairi, and others. Along the way, Sora travels to many worlds from Disney and Pixar intellectual properties, and cross paths with the real Organization XIII. Kingdom Hearts III features hack and slash combat reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts II, with elements from later handheld entries, allowing the player to control Sora in a party with Donald, Goofy, and up to two other Disney characters from the various worlds he visits. A major addition compared is the Formchange mechanic, which allows his currently equipped Keyblade to grant him special abilities and change shape. Sora can equip up to three Keyblades at a time, and cycle between them to use his abilities. Another addition is the Attractions mechanic, which occasionally allows Sora to summon and pilot a vehicle inspired by Disney theme park attractions. At certain points throughout the game, the player will be able to control other characters.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Kingdom Hearts III has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as We Got This Covered and Gamer.nl, praised the game for providing a satisfying conclusion to the ongoing storyline, tying up loose ends, and delivering emotional moments that resonate with fans. The narrative is commended for focusing on themes of friendship, companionship, and the power of the heart, which adds depth to the character interactions and overall storytelling. Additionally, the game's incorporation of beloved Disney characters and worlds is highlighted as a strong point, appealing to both series enthusiasts and newcomers looking to immerse themselves in a magical universe. On the other hand, several critics, including GamingTrend and GameSpace, criticized the story for being convoluted, confusing, and overly complex. Issues such as too many characters, plot lines, and motives, as well as unresolved plot elements and pacing problems, were commonly mentioned. The narrative's heavy reliance on previous games in the series and the need for prior knowledge to fully grasp the storyline were noted as barriers for new players trying to engage with the game. Dialogue awkwardness, abrupt jumps between plot points, and a lack of reflection on the protagonist's experiences were also highlighted as weaknesses in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging the divisive nature of Kingdom Hearts III's story. While some reviewers appreciate the game's efforts to provide closure to long-time fans and deliver emotional payoffs, others point out the challenges posed by the convoluted narrative and the steep learning curve for newcomers. Despite the mixed opinions, there is a general recognition that the game succeeds in blending Disney's charm with Square Enix's drama, creating a unique and intricate narrative that, while flawed in execution, manages to captivate and engage players on an emotional level. Critics like Shacknews and Hardcore Gamer commend the game for making sense of the convoluted plot and offering a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga, showcasing the dedication and passion put into crafting the finale of the Dark Seeker saga.

TL;DR

story and narrative

In Kingdom Hearts III, critics are divided on the story: some praise its emotional depth, closure for fans, and Disney charm, while others criticize its complexity, convoluted plot, and barriers for newcomers. Despite mixed opinions, the game's blend of Disney magic and Square Enix drama captivates players emotionally, with some critics commending its satisfying conclusion to the epic saga.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Kingdom Hearts III, highlighting various positive aspects. Gameplanet described the combat as the best in the series, emphasizing diverse Keyblades and satisfying team attacks. Press Start Australia commended the over-the-top and extravagant combat system, featuring a variety of abilities, special attacks, and Disney-themed Attractions. Game Rant lauded the addictively simple combat system and the variety of Keyblades, adding an exciting layer of strategy to combat encounters. Additionally, The Digital Fix found the combat to be visually delightful, with over-the-top showpieces and the ability for Keyblades to change shape, making the moment-to-moment gameplay incredibly enjoyable. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Kingdom Hearts III. GameSpew criticized the gameplay for being repetitive and lacking in variety, with a heavy focus on pressing the same attack button, leading to monotonous combat. Forbes mentioned that the combat felt unwieldy and lacking finesse, clarity, and coherence, although the additional attacks and spectacle elements somewhat made up for it. Gameblog.fr highlighted some shortcomings in certain worlds like Frozen, pacing issues, and frustrating gameplay elements, despite the variety of combat options and new features available in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive side, with many praising the gameplay of Kingdom Hearts III as a significant improvement in the series. The game's combat system, featuring diverse Keyblades, team attacks, and special moves, received widespread acclaim for its depth and entertainment value. While there were criticisms regarding repetition, lack of depth in some areas, and minor gameplay frustrations, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics considering the gameplay to be fantastic, engaging, and a visual delight. Kingdom Hearts III seems to have successfully delivered an enjoyable and varied gameplay experience that resonated well with fans and critics alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly loved Kingdom Hearts III's gameplay, praising its diverse Keyblades, satisfying team attacks, and visually delightful combat. While some critics found it repetitive and lacking finesse, the majority agree that the combat system is a significant improvement in the series, offering depth, entertainment value, and an overall fantastic and engaging experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Kingdom Hearts III, with many highlighting the stunning visuals, diverse art styles, and faithful recreation of Disney and Pixar worlds. RPG Site commended the beautifully rendered introduction FMV and unique visual designs of Disney worlds, while Shacknews noted the complete upgrade in visuals from previous games in the series, with each world offering cool and unique sequences. Gamers Heroes and Game Over Online specifically praised the attractive visuals, animations, and level of detail that trounced previous entries in the series. However, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Kingdom Hearts III. Softpedia mentioned that while the visuals were good, the Unreal Engine felt underused, and the graphics overall were simple. Gamer.nl highlighted issues with menu design, camera problems, and awkward voice acting that detracted from the overall experience. Guardian mentioned that some moments in the game could feel inconsequential despite the overall praise for the graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Kingdom Hearts III. Critics such as GameSpace, Gameplanet, and We Got This Covered praised the game for its visually stunning environments, detailed character designs, and immersive worlds that captured the essence of the Disney franchises. Despite some minor criticisms mentioned by a few reviewers, the general sentiment is that Kingdom Hearts III excels in delivering a visually impressive and engaging experience that successfully brings the Disney and Pixar worlds to life. The game's visuals were widely regarded as a significant strength, contributing to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Kingdom Hearts III's graphics, praising stunning visuals, diverse art styles, and faithful Disney and Pixar world recreations. Some mention minor drawbacks like underused Unreal Engine and awkward voice acting, but overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for visually impressive and engaging experience that brings Disney worlds to life.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Kingdom Hearts III. The standout aspect highlighted by many reviewers was the exceptional quality of the soundtrack. Critics such as DarkStation, GameGrin, and RPG Fan praised the game for featuring a diverse and emotionally impactful soundtrack, blending original compositions with remixes of older tracks to create a truly immersive experience for players. The orchestral arrangements, new songs by Utada Hikaru, and Disney-inspired tracks were particularly commended for enhancing the game's overall atmosphere and emotional depth. Additionally, the voice acting received high praise from several critics, with Impulsegamer noting the close approximations of the original voice artists and Press Start Australia highlighting the captivating audio quality of the long cutscenes. While the majority of critics lauded the Sound Design and Music of Kingdom Hearts III, there were some minor criticisms raised by a few reviewers. Gameplanet and Shacknews pointed out issues with voice acting, noting that while the majority of performances were authentic and engaging, there were instances where lines came off as stilted or wooden, affecting the overall presentation. Additionally, GameCrate mentioned inconsistencies in voice actors for some characters, leading to disruptions in the immersive experience. Some critics, such as EGM and Shacknews, also highlighted concerns about repetitive dialogue and wooden voice acting in certain sequences, impacting the overall sound design and immersion for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Kingdom Hearts III were highly impressive and contributed significantly to the game's overall quality. The superb orchestral compositions, emotional tracks, and memorable themes were widely praised for enhancing the immersive experience and capturing the essence of the Kingdom Hearts series. Despite minor criticisms about voice acting inconsistencies and repetitive dialogue, the majority of reviewers, including CGMagazine, IGN, and Worth Playing, agreed that the game's sound design and music were top-notch, solidifying Kingdom Hearts III as a standout title in terms of audio presentation. The combination of a stellar soundtrack, exceptional voice acting, and immersive sound design left a lasting impact on players, making Kingdom Hearts III a truly memorable and engaging gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Kingdom Hearts III's stellar Sound Design and Music, especially praising the diverse soundtrack blending original and remixed tracks. The orchestral arrangements, new songs by Utada Hikaru, and Disney-inspired music were highlighted for their emotional impact. While some critics noted minor issues with voice acting, the majority agreed that the game's audio was top-notch, immersing players in a memorable and captivating experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in Kingdom Hearts III has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the positives, praising the authenticity and immersion brought by the voice actors. Impulsegamer commended the game for featuring close approximations of the original voice artists, which helped immerse players in the world of familiar Disney characters. Press Start Australia also noted that the voice acting was great across the board, with a mix of original voice actors and stand-ins for Disney characters, making it the most convincing the series has ever been. Additionally, TrueAchievements appreciated the proper voice casts from the films, which contributed to immersing players into the game world. On the other hand, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the Voice Acting in Kingdom Hearts III. App Trigger mentioned that the voice acting was a mixed bag, with some sound-alikes being jarring, which detracted from the overall experience. Gamer.nl expressed that awkward voice acting detracted from the overall experience, while God is a Geek felt that the voice acting was off-putting at times, feeling less like Disney and more like Final Fantasy. RPG Fan and RPGamer both highlighted issues with some Disney characters' voices sounding awkward or having noticeable differences in soundalikes, affecting the overall quality of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Voice Acting in Kingdom Hearts III leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics, such as Press Start Australia and Impulsegamer, appreciated the authenticity and immersion brought by the voice actors, others, like App Trigger and Gamer.nl, found certain aspects of the voice acting to be jarring or detracting from the overall experience. The varying opinions suggest that while the main cast delivered strong performances and the inclusion of original Disney character voices added to the immersive experience, there were instances where the voice acting fell short, particularly with some Disney characters and sound-alikes. Despite the mixed feedback, the majority of critics acknowledged that the voice acting played a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Kingdom Hearts III. Some praise the authenticity and immersion brought by the voice actors, especially the close approximations of original voice artists. However, others find certain aspects jarring, with awkward voice acting detracting from the overall experience. While the main cast delivers strong performances and original Disney character voices enhance immersion, there are instances where the voice acting falls short, affecting the overall quality. Overall, opinions vary, but critics agree that the voice acting plays a significant role in shaping the game's atmosphere and emotional impact.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, several critics highlighted positive aspects. Easy Allies mentioned that the game runs fairly well, while Gamers Heroes praised its smooth performance without significant frame drops, bugs, or crashes. Twinfinite specifically noted that the game runs smoothly on PS4 Pro at 60 FPS with no hitches, which is impressive considering the effects and special attacks happening on screen. Wccftech also acknowledged an overall improvement in technical performance compared to previous titles, despite some issues with camera controls and contextual attacks. On the other hand, there were notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the PS4 version of Kingdom Hearts III. Gaming Nexus pointed out inconsistent frame rate and frame pacing issues, even with the 'Stable Mode' setting, recommending checking Digital Foundry coverage for optimal play experience. Hardcore Gamer expressed disappointment in noticeable framerate drops and frame-pacing issues during intense action sequences, even on enhanced consoles. New Game Network highlighted performance issues like stuttering and frame rate fluctuations, especially on hardware configurations other than a PS4 Pro hooked up to a 1080p display. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Kingdom Hearts III on all platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While Press Start Australia appreciated the attention to detail and incidental flourishes, RPGamer noted improvements in camera control but highlighted some difficulty with the lock-on option. Gameblog.fr and MondoXbox mentioned minor technical issues that did not significantly impact the overall experience, while TrueAchievements and ZTGD pointed out specific issues such as awkwardly placed cameras and distracting frame rate dips on the Xbox One version. Despite these varied opinions, it is evident that the technical performance of Kingdom Hearts III has been a topic of discussion among critics, with a range of opinions on both the positives and negatives across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed views on the technical performance of Kingdom Hearts III on the PS4. Positive feedback included smooth gameplay and improved performance on PS4 Pro, while negatives cited inconsistent frame rates and pacing issues. Overall, opinions varied across platforms, with some praising attention to detail and others noting specific technical flaws.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in Kingdom Hearts III. Critics like Cubed3, EGM, and God is a Geek praise the game for offering a plethora of side activities, minigames, and exploration elements that contribute to the replayability of the game. The diverse gameplay elements, such as combat mechanics and Gummi Ship customization, are also mentioned as factors that enhance the replay value. Additionally, the presence of collectibles like Lucky Emblems and hidden content adds an extra layer of incentive for players to revisit the worlds within the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the potential drawbacks that may impact the replay value of Kingdom Hearts III. Cultured Vultures and RPGamer mention issues such as imbalanced pacing, lack of varied gameplay elements, and repetitive combat that could potentially deter players from replaying the game. LevelUp and Shacknews also highlight shortcomings like lackluster postgame content and limited side activities, which may affect the overall longevity and enjoyment of revisiting the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Kingdom Hearts III offering a decent amount of replay value, particularly for fans of the series. Critics like Digital Trends and Gameblog.fr appreciate the additional content, side quests, and challenges that extend the playtime and cater to completionists. While some critics point out flaws in certain aspects of the game that could impact replayability, the majority acknowledge the game's strengths in providing engaging gameplay, diverse activities, and hidden secrets that contribute to a rewarding replay experience. IGN and TrueAchievements emphasize the variety of combat options, collectibles, and side activities that add depth to the replay value of the game, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Kingdom Hearts III for its high replay value, citing diverse gameplay elements like side activities and exploration, as well as collectibles and hidden content. Some critics mention concerns about imbalanced pacing and repetitive combat that may hinder replayability. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers a decent amount of replay value, especially for series fans, with engaging gameplay and additional content making it a worthwhile investment.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics on Kingdom Hearts III, it is evident that the game received a predominantly positive reception. Many critics praised the game for its visually stunning graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the way it successfully brought together beloved Disney characters and worlds. Critics like Gameplanet highlighted the near-perfect gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging combat, while Worth Playing described it as a charming, funny, emotional, and fun experience. The game's combat system, in particular, was a standout feature, with critics like Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer commending it for offering a mix of action, magic, and Disney charm that immerses players in a world of beloved characters and locations. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in Kingdom Hearts III that prevented it from reaching its full potential. The game was criticized for its convoluted and complex story, which may confuse newcomers to the series, as mentioned by DarkStation and RPG Site. Guardian criticized the game for playing it safe and relying too heavily on nostalgia, leading to a slightly hollow conclusion to the story. Additionally, some critics noted technical drawbacks, uneven pacing, and repetitive gameplay elements as areas that could have been improved upon, as highlighted by Hardcore Gamer and Cubed3. Overall, the consensus among the majority of the critics is that Kingdom Hearts III is a very good game that delivers a satisfying and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the series. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Press Start Australia praised the game for successfully tying together its complex narrative and gameplay mechanics, providing a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Despite its flaws, the game was widely regarded as a worthy conclusion to the series, with critics like DualShockers and Game Over Online hailing it as the best entry in the series and a must-play for fans. The positive sentiment towards Kingdom Hearts III indicates that, despite its imperfections, the game managed to resonate with players and deliver on the expectations set by its predecessors.

TL;DR

Critics mostly loved Kingdom Hearts III for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and Disney charm, though some pointed out flaws like a convoluted story and technical issues. Overall, the game was praised for delivering a satisfying and enjoyable experience, especially for fans of the series, making it a must-play and a worthy conclusion according to many critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

190 reviews found

100

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jan 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III successfully ties together its complex narrative and gameplay mechanics, delivering a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

XGN

PlayStation 4

Jan 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A magical gaming experience capturing the essence of Disney magic with flawless gameplay, stunning soundtrack, and plenty of extra features, strong contender for game of the year

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Jan 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III is a highly enjoyable game that offers a mix of action, magic, and Disney charm. It immerses players in a world of beloved characters and locations. The game's pacing and variety of gameplay elements make it a compelling experience. However, the replay value may vary depending on the player's preferences.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Jan 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III delivers on its promises and is easily the best game in the series.

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SomosXbox

Xbox One

Feb 3, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Must-play for fans of the series, best installment in the series delivering visually impressive and engaging finale with epic moments and emotional experiences

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Jan 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III is the game the reviewer has been waiting for, with a satisfying journey, beloved Disney characters, challenging boss battles, and a triumphant finale.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 4

Jan 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III successfully builds on the series' strengths, offering a fantastic experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Despite its bewildering plot and some superfluous features, the game delivers on its promises with purpose and heart.

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Worth Playing

PlayStation 4

Jan 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Kingdom Hearts III is a satisfying and enjoyable conclusion to the series, despite its flaws. It's charming, funny, emotional, and a boatload of fun to play.

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Feb 8, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends Kingdom Hearts III, stating that it feels like a love letter to the series and praising its larger than life versions of all the previous games. It suggests newcomers to catch up on the lore beforehand.

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DualShockers

Xbox One

Jan 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Kingdom Hearts III as the best game in the series and among the best from Square Enix. It states that both hardcore fans and newcomers will enjoy the game, and that there is no reason to skip it.

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