MonsterCritic
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory cover image
Links
Twitch Icon
Twitch

75

MONSTER

Star Icon

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

2020
GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Music and Dance, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableNov 13, 2020
PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4
Developerindieszero
Overview

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It is the fourteenth installment in the Kingdom Hearts series. The game features over 140 songs from the series and the ability to play as over 20 characters. Additionally, Kairi's story is continued from the end of the Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind downloadable content. Hints at the next Kingdom Hearts game came in January 2020 from series creator Tetsuya Nomura, with the game being revealed in June 2020. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory will be released worldwide in 2020. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game featuring over 140 songs from the series and its Disney worlds. The game features both single and multiplayer gameplay, with four different game modes, including online battles. The gameplay of Melody of Memory has been compared to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Traversal between each of the worlds is done through the Gummi Ship, a system used in previous mainline Kingdom Hearts games.

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

66

TL;DR

A nostalgia-driven love letter to Kingdom Hearts fans, Melody of Memory excels in musical gameplay and brief, bittersweet callbacks to the series’ legacy, but its shallow, repetitive story—filled with recycled plotlines and a sidelined Kairi—fails to engage newcomers or innovate. While critics praise its melody-driven fun and subtle hints at Kingdom Hearts 4, the game’s lack of originality, confusing lore exposition, and overreliance on past content make it a divisive, fan-pleasing relic rather than a bold new entry.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

66

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The reviews of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory highlight several positive aspects, particularly its role as a nostalgic tribute to the series’ legacy. Critics like IGN Italia and Nintendo Enthusiast praise the game for distilling 20 years of lore into a digestible format, making it accessible for newcomers while celebrating the franchise’s history. The narrative is seen as a concise recap of key events, with some noting its ability to hint at future developments in the series—such as Screen Rant, which mentions 15 minutes of cutscenes offering subtle foreshadowing for Kingdom Hearts 4. Additionally, the game’s focus on music, emphasized by Attack of the Fanboy and GameGrin, is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with the rhythm gameplay overshadowing the story’s shortcomings. For fans, the game serves as a heartfelt homage, blending familiar melodies with brief narrative beats that resonate with longtime players. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for its lack of originality and depth. Slant Magazine condemns it as “contrived, bloated, and incoherent,” while Worth Playing argues it feels like an advertisement for Kingdom Hearts 4 rather than a standalone experience. Many point to the minimal new content, with GameCritics and Atomix noting that the narrative primarily recaps previous games, leaving little room for fresh storytelling. The focus on Kairi is also criticized: Worth Playing and Hardcore Gamer highlight her overshadowed role, while RPG Fan and SpazioGames call the story “tacked on” and lacking agency. Additionally, DualShockers and Digital Chumps stress that the game fails to properly introduce newcomers to the franchise’s complex lore, making it confusing for those unfamiliar with the series. The repetitive nature of the recap format is another recurring complaint, as noted by Pocket Tactics and Nintendo Life. Overall, the consensus leans toward the game being a mixed experience, primarily appealing to die-hard fans rather than newcomers. While critics like IGN Italia and Nintendo Enthusiast appreciate its role as a nostalgic summary and setup for future entries, most agree that the story lacks substance and innovation. The game’s reliance on recapping past events—often criticized by Slant Magazine, Worth Playing, and GameCritics—underscores its limitations as a narrative-driven experience. However, its focus on music and gameplay, praised by several outlets, mitigates some of the storytelling shortcomings. Ultimately, Melody of Memory is seen as a companion piece for existing fans rather than a groundbreaking entry, with its value dependent on one’s familiarity with the Kingdom Hearts saga.

TL;DR

story and narrative

A nostalgia-driven love letter to Kingdom Hearts fans, Melody of Memory excels in musical gameplay and brief, bittersweet callbacks to the series’ legacy, but its shallow, repetitive story—filled with recycled plotlines and a sidelined Kairi—fails to engage newcomers or innovate. While critics praise its melody-driven fun and subtle hints at Kingdom Hearts 4, the game’s lack of originality, confusing lore exposition, and overreliance on past content make it a divisive, fan-pleasing relic rather than a bold new entry.

77

TL;DR

Praises for addictive rhythm mechanics, accessibility, and replayability clash with criticism of repetition, shallow depth, and control issues in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, a divisive but fan-pleasing niche experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

77

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

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

The gameplay of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory receives praise for its engaging rhythm mechanics, accessibility, and variety of stages. Critics like Eurogamer Italy highlight the game’s “engaging experience suitable for both fans and newcomers,” emphasizing its customizable gameplay and modes such as World Tour and Battle Vs. IGN Spain notes that RPG elements add depth beyond music-based gameplay, while GameSpew appreciates the challenge of controlling three characters simultaneously. The rhythm system is often lauded for its simplicity and adaptability, with Noisy Pixel praising its “clear and concise UI” and Nintendo Enthusiast noting the game’s ease of learning despite complexity in mastering it. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Nintenderos highlight the replayability through over 100 tracks, difficulty modes, and collectible items, making it appealing to rhythm enthusiasts. However, several critics criticize the gameplay for its repetitive nature, shallow mechanics, and control issues. Multiplayer.it and Slant Magazine describe the experience as “frustrating” and “mediocre,” citing awkward control mapping, repetitive level design, and a lack of RPG depth. IGN mentions the gameplay feels “shallow and unremarkable after several hours,” while GameCritics points to confusing boss mechanics. God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis note that repetition of songs or stages can become grating, and Nintendo WorldReport criticizes Memory Dives for their shifting camera angles and timing challenges. Additionally, GameOver.gr and GameSpace highlight the simplistic click-based rhythm system, which some find lacking in complexity despite its accessibility. Overall, critics are divided but largely acknowledge the game’s strengths in rhythm mechanics and accessibility while critiquing its repetition and depth. Destructoid and Hardcore Gamer praise its faithful adaptation of Kingdom Hearts’ action-RPG elements into a rhythm format, calling it “fun” and “rewarding once mastered.” Conversely, Multiplayer.it and Slant Magazine argue that the gameplay lacks innovation and feels derivative. The consensus leans toward a balanced view: while Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain celebrate its variety and replayability, others like IGN and GameCritics find it shallow or repetitive. Ultimately, Melody of Memory is seen as a niche but enjoyable experience for fans of rhythm games and Kingdom Hearts lore, with its core mechanics praised despite notable flaws.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Praises for addictive rhythm mechanics, accessibility, and replayability clash with criticism of repetition, shallow depth, and control issues in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, a divisive but fan-pleasing niche experience.

70

TL;DR

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory dazzles with nostalgic visuals and cinematic flair but stumbles on outdated graphics, recycled assets, and technical hiccups like blurry CGI and confusing 3D perspectives. While fans celebrate its thematic continuity, others see it as a step back from modernization, balancing charm with glaring limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

70

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

3%

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

The reviews of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory highlight several positive aspects of its graphics and visual design, particularly its nostalgic charm and thematic cohesion. Critics like GameSpace and GameSpew praise the game’s "stunning compositions" and "excellent presentation," noting the vibrant Disney animations, cinematic cutscenes, and colorful boss battles that align with the series’ iconic style. Attack of the Fanboy emphasizes the visually engaging experience of worlds matching each song’s theme, while TheSixthAxis applauds the meticulous recreation of Kingdom Hearts’ iconic scenarios. The game’s use of the Unity engine, as noted by IGN Italia, allows for a "simple graphical style" that complements its musical focus, ensuring smooth performance. Additionally, Nintendo Life highlights crisp character models and consistent frame rates on the Switch, reinforcing the game’s technical polish despite its stylistic choices. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks, particularly in terms of visual innovation and technical execution. Everyeye.it and SpazioGames criticize the "outdated" visuals and reliance on recycled assets from earlier games, with Multiplayer.it specifically calling out the 3D perspective as confusing and distracting. GameSkinny and Vandal argue that the graphics feel like a step back compared to Kingdom Hearts III, with RPG Fan noting issues like blurry CGI cutscenes on the Switch due to lower resolution. GameInformers and Twinfinite also mention that busy visuals in Memory Dives or boss battles can obscure gameplay elements, while LevelUp points to a lack of detail in character models and limited customization. These critiques suggest the game prioritizes nostalgia over modernization, which may disappoint fans expecting more advanced graphics. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with many critics acknowledging the game’s charm and consistency with the Kingdom Hearts series while recognizing its visual limitations. IGN Italia and Nintendo Life praise its stylistic appropriateness and technical stability, whereas Everyeye.it and SpazioGames highlight its reliance on older assets. The game seems to cater primarily to long-time fans who appreciate its nostalgic design, as noted by Gamer.no, but may fall short for those seeking cutting-edge visuals. While some reviews, like GameCritics’ "beautiful visuals from the entire series," celebrate its aesthetic continuity, others, such as Hardcore Gamer’s critique of its "lack of ambition," reflect a divide in how the visual design balances tradition with innovation. Ultimately, Melody of Memory succeeds in capturing the spirit of the franchise but faces criticism for not pushing graphical boundaries.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory dazzles with nostalgic visuals and cinematic flair but stumbles on outdated graphics, recycled assets, and technical hiccups like blurry CGI and confusing 3D perspectives. While fans celebrate its thematic continuity, others see it as a step back from modernization, balancing charm with glaring limitations.

87

TL;DR

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory’s soundtrack is a nostalgic, emotionally charged masterpiece, praised for its 140+ tracks, Yoko Shimomura’s iconic compositions, and seamless gameplay integration—though repetitive loops, missing key songs, and uneven rhythm mechanics tarnish its perfection.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

87

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory received overwhelmingly positive acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its nostalgic value, emotional resonance, and extensive tracklist. Reviewers consistently praised Yoko Shimomura’s compositions, which serve as a cornerstone of the game’s identity, evoking memories of the franchise’s iconic moments. For instance, IGN Spain and RPG Fan emphasized the "exceptional soundtrack" and "complete tracklist," noting that the music captures the essence of the series and its emotional depth. The inclusion of over 140 tracks from both Kingdom Hearts games and Disney films was a major selling point, with Nintendo Life and CGMagazine celebrating the "soothing atmosphere" and "energetic bombast" that blend classic Disney locales with the series’ unique style. Additionally, Comicbook.com and Digital Chumps highlighted the satisfying interplay between the music and gameplay, while XboxAddict awarded a perfect 10/10 for its sound design, underscoring its status as a standout feature. Despite these accolades, several critics pointed to notable shortcomings in the game’s musical execution. Repetition was a common critique, with GameCritics noting that background music loops "can become repetitive," and TheSixthAxis pointing out missing iconic tracks from side games and Kingdom Hearts III. Some reviewers criticized the rhythm mechanics, such as Comicbook.com and Atomix, who noted that not all tracks aligned well with button prompts or lacked vocal versions, diminishing their effectiveness in a rhythm context. Additionally, GamingTrend expressed confusion over the use of MIDI soundtracks for earlier games instead of orchestral versions, while Digitally Downloaded lamented the absence of sung lyrics in some tracks. These issues, though minor compared to the overall praise, highlighted areas where the game’s musical design fell short of expectations. The majority of critics agreed that Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory succeeds as a love letter to fans, with its music and sound design being its most enduring strengths. While critiques about repetition, missing tracks, and rhythm mechanics were present, they were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. Multiplayer.it acknowledged the game’s "potential" but noted its "lackluster execution," while Noisy Pixel and Impulsegamer emphasized that the soundtrack still "captures the emotions and nostalgia of the series." Ultimately, the consensus leaned heavily toward celebration: Nintendo WorldReport called it one of the best musical selections in gaming, and Screen Rant praised its "impeccable" tie between gameplay and diverse soundtrack. For fans, the game’s music was not just a feature but a defining element that solidified its place as a must-have for Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory’s soundtrack is a nostalgic, emotionally charged masterpiece, praised for its 140+ tracks, Yoko Shimomura’s iconic compositions, and seamless gameplay integration—though repetitive loops, missing key songs, and uneven rhythm mechanics tarnish its perfection.

73

TL;DR

Voice acting in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory earns praise for Kairi’s narration, hailed as a storytelling standout by reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Atomix, though critics note mixed reactions to heavy English voice work and missed opportunities for Japanese voices, leaving the performance solid but unremarkable compared to the franchise’s best.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

73

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The voice acting in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory receives generally positive feedback from several reviewers, particularly highlighting Kairi’s narration as a standout element. PlayStation Universe emphasizes that Kairi’s voice acting “adds depth to the storytelling,” while Atomix praises Hayden Panettiere’s performance as “well-executed” and a significant contributor to the game’s experience. Similarly, Hey Poor Player notes that the cinematics are “narrated capably,” suggesting the voice work enhances immersion despite the game’s rhythm-based mechanics. These critiques underscore the effectiveness of Kairi’s role in anchoring the narrative, with multiple reviewers acknowledging its emotional and storytelling impact. The presence of English voice acting is also noted as a standard for the franchise, though this is not framed as a negative in most cases. While the majority of reviews focus on the positives, some critics point to minor shortcomings or unmet expectations. Nintenderos notes that the game relies heavily on English voice acting, which they describe as “standard for the franchise,” but express a desire for Japanese voices to be included, suggesting a potential missed opportunity for authenticity. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and Gameblog.fr mention the presence of Kairi’s narration without elaborating on its quality, leaving room for ambiguity about whether the voice acting fully meets expectations. These critiques highlight a general consensus that while the voice work is competent, it lacks the depth or innovation seen in other entries within the Kingdom Hearts series. Overall, the critics agree that the voice acting in Melody of Memory is functional and contributes to the game’s narrative flow, particularly through Kairi’s narration. While Atomix and PlayStation Universe commend its execution, others like Nintenderos suggest there is room for improvement, such as incorporating Japanese voices or expanding the scope of voice acting beyond key characters. The reviews collectively indicate that while the voice work is not groundbreaking, it is sufficient to support the game’s musical and storytelling elements. This balanced perspective reflects a general satisfaction with the quality of the voice acting, even if it does not stand out as a defining feature of the experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Voice acting in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory earns praise for Kairi’s narration, hailed as a storytelling standout by reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Atomix, though critics note mixed reactions to heavy English voice work and missed opportunities for Japanese voices, leaving the performance solid but unremarkable compared to the franchise’s best.

73

TL;DR

PlayStation 4 dominates with stable 60fps and responsive rhythm mechanics; Nintendo Switch struggles with visuals, stuttering, and input lag, despite accessibility appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

73

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The technical performance of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory varies across platforms, with PlayStation 4 critics largely praising its stability and optimization. Eurogamer Italy, Everyeye.it, GameOver.gr, and LevelUp all highlighted smooth gameplay, stable frame rates (often at 60 fps), and quick loading times on PS4, emphasizing that the platform handles the rhythm mechanics effectively. IGN Italia noted the game’s optimization for the Nintendo Switch, though this was framed as a positive for accessibility rather than technical prowess. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch reviews acknowledged some polish issues but also pointed to solid performance from outlets like Nintenderos, Nintendo Enthusiast, and Nintendo Life, who reported no major technical problems despite mixed opinions on visual quality. The PS4’s consistency in handling input and frame stability stood out as a key strength compared to the Switch’s more variable performance. However, both platforms faced technical challenges. On PS4, App Trigger and XGN raised concerns about button registration issues and sync problems, which they attributed to potential console-specific factors. For the Nintendo Switch, critics like Atomix, GamingTrend, and RPG Fan highlighted visual compromises, such as lower resolution, blurry CGI cutscenes, and stuttering in older scenes, which detracted from the experience. Additionally, GamingTrend and Switch Player noted input lag and tracking issues that disrupted rhythm gameplay, while Hey Poor Player pointed to camera angles affecting difficulty. These negatives underscored the Switch’s struggles with maintaining the same level of polish as the PS4 version, despite its portability advantages. Overall, the consensus leans toward PlayStation 4 being the more technically refined platform, with most critics praising its stability and responsiveness. The Nintendo Switch, while generally playable, faced criticism for visual and performance inconsistencies, though some reviewers like Nintenderos and Nintendo Life acknowledged its solid foundation. The mixed feedback suggests that Melody of Memory prioritized accessibility and portability over technical perfection on the Switch, whereas PS4 users benefited from a more polished experience. Despite these differences, both versions were deemed functional for their core rhythm gameplay, with the PS4’s performance standing out as the stronger offering.

TL;DR

technical performance

PlayStation 4 dominates with stable 60fps and responsive rhythm mechanics; Nintendo Switch struggles with visuals, stuttering, and input lag, despite accessibility appeal.

77

TL;DR

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory thrives on replayability via endless modes, collectibles, and multiplayer, but repetitive challenges and shallow content alienate non-fans, offering a love-it-or-hate-it experience for Kingdom Hearts purists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

77

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The majority of reviewers highlight the strong replayability of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, emphasizing its diverse modes and collectible-driven design. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, and IGN praise the game’s World Tour, Track Selection, and multiplayer options (VS Battles, co-op), which provide varied experiences for fans. The inclusion of unlockable tracks, achievements, and high-score challenges—such as GameCritics and Game Rant note—encourages repeated playthroughs. Additionally, modes like the Museum, Performer mode, and difficulty tiers (as highlighted by GameSpace and Siliconera) offer depth for completionists. XGN and Nintendo Life specifically commend the game’s ability to cater to dedicated fans through constant rewards, collectibles, and the allure of revisiting beloved soundtracks. The multiplayer elements, including local co-op and online battles (GameGrin, DualShockers), further enhance its longevity, making it a standout for those invested in the Kingdom Hearts universe. However, several critics point out limitations in content depth and repetition that may hinder long-term engagement. Destructoid criticizes the slow campaign pacing and excessive gating, noting 345 challenges that feel overwhelming, while TheSixthAxis points out the lack of a traditional free-play mode, requiring players to unlock songs through World Tour first. Atomix and Digital Chumps argue that the gameplay feels repetitive, with limited new content beyond collectibles and difficulty modes. Hardcore Gamer and Multiplayer.it acknowledge the variety of modes but suggest they may not sustain interest for all players, particularly those seeking more substantial RPG elements or unique mechanics. LevelUp and Vandal also note that the formula can grow monotonous, especially for those uninterested in rhythm-based challenges. These critiques highlight a gap between the game’s ambitious design and its execution, particularly on platforms like Nintendo Switch where content repetition is more pronounced. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory offers solid replay value for fans but may fall short for casual or non-fan players. While Game Informer, IGN Italia, and Nintendo Life celebrate its extensive modes, collectibles, and multiplayer appeal, others like Destructoid and Atomix caution that the repetitive nature of challenges and limited content expansion could deter some. The game’s success hinges on its ability to engage Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts who appreciate its nostalgic ties and rhythmic gameplay, as noted by GameOver.gr and XGN, but it struggles to maintain broader appeal due to its niche focus and formulaic design. Despite mixed feedback, the majority agree that it provides enough variety and incentives for dedicated players to revisit its world multiple times.

TL;DR

replay value

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory thrives on replayability via endless modes, collectibles, and multiplayer, but repetitive challenges and shallow content alienate non-fans, offering a love-it-or-hate-it experience for Kingdom Hearts purists.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

75

MONSTER

Star Icon

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

75

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

2%

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

The majority of critics praise Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory as a nostalgic and engaging rhythm game that celebrates the franchise’s iconic music and history. Many highlight its strong musical elements, with NintendoWorldReport calling it a “fantastic rhythm game” and Game Rant noting it as an “astounding take on the genre.” The game’s ability to immerse fans in beloved tracks from the series is frequently lauded, with Attack of the Fanboy describing it as a “must-play for long-time fans” and Impulsegamer praising its “wonderful” nostalgia-driven experience. Critics like IGN Italia and GameGrin emphasize its appeal to both fans and newcomers, citing its accessible gameplay, replayability, and the inclusion of unlockables that deepen engagement. The World Tour campaign and multiplayer modes are also noted as standout features, with Multiplayer.it acknowledging their “extensive” nature despite other shortcomings. However, several critics critique the game’s lack of originality and depth, particularly for non-fans or those seeking substantial content. Slant Magazine calls it a “fans-only affair” that feels “gimmicky and pandering,” while Atomix compares it to a “mobile game priced at full retail” with minimal new material. The narrative is frequently criticized as underdeveloped, with GameCritics noting its failure to deliver “substantial content for the main story” and TheSixthAxis pointing out that “the missing musical history and limited story content may disappoint.” Repetitiveness in gameplay mechanics and design choices also surface as issues, with Pocket Tactics and TheSixthAxis mentioning that challenges can become monotonous. Additionally, some critics, like RPG Fan, highlight technical drawbacks on the Nintendo Switch, such as lower resolution and performance issues, which detract from the experience. Overall, the consensus leans positive but acknowledges the game’s niche appeal. While most reviewers agree it is a “quality rhythm game” (Twinfinite) and a “love letter to the franchise” (Digital Chumps), they emphasize that its value is primarily for dedicated fans. GameGrin and IGN Spain note its accessibility for newcomers but caution that it lacks the depth to attract them long-term. The high price point and repetitive elements are frequently cited as barriers, with Multiplayer.it suggesting it’s only recommended at a discounted rate. Despite these critiques, the game is widely seen as a worthwhile experience for fans of Kingdom Hearts and rhythm games, with its nostalgic charm and musical focus balancing out its flaws. As GameInformers put it, it’s a “refreshing way to look back” on the series, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy those seeking innovation.

TL;DR

Praise for nostalgic rhythm gameplay and beloved KH music, but criticized as a fans-only, repetitive experience with shallow story and high price—worth it for diehards, not newcomers.

75

MONSTER

Star Icon

Reviews

108 reviews found

90

Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Nov 17, 2020

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

The reviewer had a very positive experience with Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, praising its gameplay, visuals, sound design, and replay value, ultimately giving it a score of 4.5/5.

Read full review

Full review

90

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Nov 25, 2020

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

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a cohesive and chunky package that offers addictive and nostalgia-inducing rhythm gameplay.

Read full review

Full review

90

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Nov 12, 2020

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

The reviewer enjoyed the game and found it to be a good entry point for newcomers and a love letter to the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Some minor complaints include the lack of variety in stage types and the potential battery life issue in handheld mode.


90

Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Nov 17, 2020

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

A love letter to fans, providing an engaging and fun rhythm game experience with some minor flaws.

Read full review

Full review

87

Digital Chumps

Nintendo Switch

Nov 16, 2020

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

The review concludes that Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is an amazing way to pay tribute to the music and story of the series. It suggests that the creative rhythmic gameplay is enough to have fun, but warns that those looking for new story content may be disappointed.

Read full review

Full review

86

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Nov 12, 2020

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

The game is described as wonderful, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a well-crafted rhythm game. Some minor problems are mentioned, but overall it is highly praised.

Read full review

Full review

85

IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Nov 12, 2020

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

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a well-crafted rhythm game that appeals to fans of the series and newcomers alike, celebrating its music and offering engaging gameplay.

Read full review

Full review

85

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2020

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

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory is worth playing for both newcomers and veterans, offering a competent rhythm title with a varied selection of music and accessibility options for players of all abilities.


85

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

Nov 12, 2020

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

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is an incredibly charming game that brings the music from the series into the spotlight. It has a competent and addictive rhythm system.

Read full review

Full review

85

GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

Jan 20, 2021

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

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a great rhythm game that is enjoyable for newcomers and veteran players of the genre. However, it is not recommended for those looking for a strong story.

Read full review

Full review
Similar Games
left arrow
left arrow
sliderImage
Star Icon

74

Darksiders Genesis

2019
sliderImage
Star Icon

69

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

59

Dynasty Warriors 9

2018
sliderImage
Star Icon

72

No Straight Roads

2020
sliderImage

71

Warriors Orochi 4

2018
sliderImage

78

Dragon Quest Heroes II

2017
sliderImage

66

Outward

2019
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

Monster Hunter Rise

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

89

Elden Ring

2022
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Monster Hunter: World

2018
sliderImage
Star Icon

89

Baldur's Gate 3

2023
sliderImage
Star Icon

65

Marvel's Avengers

2020
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Dark Souls III

2016
sliderImage
Star Icon

88

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

2024
sliderImage
Star Icon

76

Borderlands 3

2019
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

2021
sliderImage
Star Icon

84

Luigi's Mansion 3

2019
sliderImage
Star Icon

82

Nioh

2017

About

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Navigation

Home

Search

Games


Follow Us

© 2025 MonsterCritic