253-712: Kingdom Hearts is a series of action role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix (formerly Square ). It is the result of a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney Interactive Studios , and is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The series features Disney, Final Fantasy , The World Ends with You , and Pixar characters, as well as several original characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura . In addition, it has an all-star voice cast which includes many Disney characters' official voice actors. The series centers on Sora, his friends, and their encounters with various Disney and Final Fantasy characters along
506-512: A collectible card game , and a manga series. Kingdom Hearts features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters, as well as several new characters designed and created by Nomura. In addition to original locations, the Kingdom Hearts series features many worlds from Disney films. Sora must visit these worlds and interact with various Disney characters to protect them from enemies. Often, his actions in these worlds closely follow
759-553: A Disney executive in an elevator (Square and Disney previously shared the same building in Japan) allowed Hashimoto to pitch the idea directly to Disney. Development began in February 2000 with Nomura as director and Hashimoto as producer. 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
1012-631: A Heartless in the first game-after he was forced to defeat and absorb Xion, a Replica of Sora in Kairi's image. In Kingdom Hearts II , after Roxas was integrated back into him, an awakened Sora and his friends resume their search for Riku and King Mickey, the latter's mentor Yen Sid re-familiarizing the trio with the Nobodies and Organization XIII's remaining members whom they deal alongside Maleficent and her right hand Pete . The three reunite with King Mickey and encounter Organization XIII's leader Xemnas , him and
1265-500: A Keyblade wielder to combat Xehanort's reconfigured Organization XIII. In Kingdom Hearts III , Kairi trains with a reformed Axel in a secret place created by Merlin 's magic. After completing her training, she reunites with her friends and shares with Sora a paopu, a legendary fruit that binds the destinies of those who eat it together. Afterwards, she participates in the final battle against Xehanort and Organization XIII, but Xehanort destroys her body to motivate Sora into helping recreate
1518-500: A Keyblade wielder to combat Xehanort's reconfigured Organization XIII. In Kingdom Hearts III , Kairi trains with a reformed Axel in a secret place created by Merlin 's magic. After completing her training, she reunites with her friends and shares with Sora a paopu, a legendary fruit that binds the destinies of those who eat it together. Afterwards, she participates in the final battle against Xehanort and Organization XIII, but Xehanort destroys her body to motivate Sora into helping recreate
1771-486: A Keyblade with the power to unlock people's hearts, intending to free Kairi's heart from Sora's. Sora restores their hearts after using Ansem's Keyblade on himself to revive Kairi, destroying it. The other princesses remain at Hollow Bastion to contain the darkness coming from the Keyhole until the door to Kingdom Hearts is sealed and subsequently return to their homeworlds. Birth by Sleep reveals that Master Xehanort also seeks
2024-435: A Keyblade with the power to unlock people's hearts, intending to free Kairi's heart from Sora's. Sora restores their hearts after using Ansem's Keyblade on himself to revive Kairi, destroying it. The other princesses remain at Hollow Bastion to contain the darkness coming from the Keyhole until the door to Kingdom Hearts is sealed and subsequently return to their homeworlds. Birth by Sleep reveals that Master Xehanort also seeks
2277-512: A Princess of Heart and the location of her heart, Sora sacrifices his own heart to release hers and allow it to return to her body. While Sora disappears, Kairi escapes from a revived Ansem along with Donald Duck and Goofy. Soon after, Kairi finds Sora's Heartless and restores to human form. Kairi later remains behind on the restored Destiny Islands to await Sora's return from his journey. In Kingdom Hearts II , Axel approaches Kairi and asks her to come with him, but she flees with help from Pluto and
2530-511: A Princess of Heart and the location of her heart, Sora sacrifices his own heart to release hers and allow it to return to her body. While Sora disappears, Kairi escapes from a revived Ansem along with Donald Duck and Goofy. Soon after, Kairi finds Sora's Heartless and restores to human form. Kairi later remains behind on the restored Destiny Islands to await Sora's return from his journey. In Kingdom Hearts II , Axel approaches Kairi and asks her to come with him, but she flees with help from Pluto and
2783-609: A Riku Replica completing the group, at the Keyblade Graveyard. After initially losing the fight, Sora once again uses the "Power of Waking" to restore the guardians and call upon the "Lingering Will" armour, to assist in the fight. Afterwards it is revealed that Saix and Vexen sabotaged the Organization's plan by restoring Roxas as Sora's group manage to defeat all of Xehanort's remaining selves while freeing Xion and Terra from his control. Xehanort kills Kairi to force Sora to manifest
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#17328730217313036-530: 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. 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 into
3289-647: A copy of the Book of Prophecies, which details their master's prediction of the future and the manifestation of worlds. After the Master disappears, the Foretellers' paranoia of a traitor among themselves results in infighting that eventually leads to the Keyblade War and the destruction of the world. With the exception of Ava, the Foretellers appear in the epilogue of Kingdom Hearts III , where they are summoned by Luxu and informed of
3542-442: A copy of the Book of Prophecies, which details their master's prediction of the future and the manifestation of worlds. After the Master disappears, the Foretellers' paranoia of a traitor among themselves results in infighting that eventually leads to the Keyblade War and the destruction of the world. With the exception of Ava, the Foretellers appear in the epilogue of Kingdom Hearts III , where they are summoned by Luxu and informed of
3795-461: A dark corridor made by Riku. Saïx soon kidnaps her to motivate Sora towards acting in the Organization's wishes. She escapes with help from Naminé and Riku, who gives her her Keyblade "Destiny Embrace" to fight alongside Sora, while the former merges with her to become a whole being once again. After Sora and Riku defeat the Organization's leader Xemnas, Kairi reunites with them at Destiny Islands. In Dream Drop Distance , Yen Sid summons her to train as
4048-460: A dark corridor made by Riku. Saïx soon kidnaps her to motivate Sora towards acting in the Organization's wishes. She escapes with help from Naminé and Riku, who gives her her Keyblade "Destiny Embrace" to fight alongside Sora, while the former merges with her to become a whole being once again. After Sora and Riku defeat the Organization's leader Xemnas, Kairi reunites with them at Destiny Islands. In Dream Drop Distance , Yen Sid summons her to train as
4301-445: A discussion between Shinji Hashimoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi about Super Mario 64 . They were planning to make a game with freedom of movement in three dimensions like Super Mario 64 but lamented that only characters as popular as Disney's could rival a Mario game. Tetsuya Nomura, overhearing their conversation, volunteered to lead the project and the two producers agreed to let him direct. A chance meeting between Hashimoto and
4554-586: A fifth series based on Kingdom Hearts III has been serialised monthly in Gangan Online with Amano returning to do story and artwork. Yen Press also licensed the series and published it online in English on apps such as Comixology and BookWalker alongside the Japanese release. This series will soon have two volumes published in tankōbon format. The games have also been adapted as a light novel series, written by Tomoco Kanemaki and illustrated by Shiro Amano. Like
4807-512: A fortress controlled by a mysterious group of non-existent " Nobodies " called Organization XIII , the castle's overseer Marluxia using the power of a girl named Naminé to alter the group's memories for his agenda. After Marluxia's defeat, the three are placed in a year-long sleep by Naminé to restore their original memories while losing their experience in Castle Oblivion. At the same time Sora ventured through Castle Oblivion, Riku ended up in
5060-461: A group of Disney villains whose ability to control the Heartless was given to them by Maleficent , who enlists Riku's aid in seeking seven maidens called the Princesses of Heart whose power would open the way to Kingdom Hearts, the heart of all worlds. Though eventually defeating Maleficent and reunited with Kairi after sacrificing himself to restore her heart to her body, Sora learns that Maleficent
5313-423: A letter from King Mickey. The letter, written by Mickey during the events of Kingdom Hearts Coded , describes the parts of their past that Naminé learned while restoring Sora's memory. As they read the letter, they learn of Xehanort 's true identity as a Keyblade Master who sought the secrets of the Keyblade War which created their current reality and the fates that befall the apprentices of his friend Eraqus during
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#17328730217315566-517: A machine. The hearts overload the machine and cause it to self-destruct, with Ansem allowing himself to be engulfed by the blast to atone for his mistakes. Birth by Sleep's epilogue reveals Ansem to be alive in the realm of darkness, where he relays his intact memories of Sora to Aqua. In Dream Drop Distance , a digital copy of Ansem appears within Sora's heart to present Riku with research data he has hidden regarding Roxas, Xion, and Ventus's hearts. During
5819-469: A machine. The hearts overload the machine and cause it to self-destruct, with Ansem allowing himself to be engulfed by the blast to atone for his mistakes. Birth by Sleep's epilogue reveals Ansem to be alive in the realm of darkness, where he relays his intact memories of Sora to Aqua. In Dream Drop Distance , a digital copy of Ansem appears within Sora's heart to present Riku with research data he has hidden regarding Roxas, Xion, and Ventus's hearts. During
6072-425: A means to track down the king, and reluctantly abandoning him after learning that Riku is the rightful owner of Sora's Keyblade. However, both eventually grow to care for Sora as a friend and remain with him. The two are also unlockable characters for play in 358/2 Days 's "Mission Mode". Maleficent, an evil fairy and the main antagonist of the 1959 film Sleeping Beauty , appears as the secondary antagonist in
6325-424: A means to track down the king, and reluctantly abandoning him after learning that Riku is the rightful owner of Sora's Keyblade. However, both eventually grow to care for Sora as a friend and remain with him. The two are also unlockable characters for play in 358/2 Days 's "Mission Mode". Maleficent, an evil fairy and the main antagonist of the 1959 film Sleeping Beauty , appears as the secondary antagonist in
6578-575: A new lair after losing Hollow Bastion, she and Pete search for the Master of Master's Black Box throughout most of Kingdom Hearts III before witnessing Luxu summoning the Foretellers. Pete is included in Kingdom Hearts II as Maleficent's bumbling henchman, who first encounters Sora's group while amassing a Heartless army for her, unaware of her earlier defeat. He was originally a steamboat captain based on his depiction in Steamboat Willie , but
6831-459: A new lair after losing Hollow Bastion, she and Pete search for the Master of Master's Black Box throughout most of Kingdom Hearts III before witnessing Luxu summoning the Foretellers. Pete is included in Kingdom Hearts II as Maleficent's bumbling henchman, who first encounters Sora's group while amassing a Heartless army for her, unaware of her earlier defeat. He was originally a steamboat captain based on his depiction in Steamboat Willie , but
7084-404: A part of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue , as Aqua explores the realm of darkness. In Kingdom Hearts III , Terra's restored body appears at the Keyblade Graveyard as one of Xehanort's thirteen "seekers of darkness" in his plan to open Kingdom Hearts, serving again as a vessel for Xehanort's heart from the past. The Lingering Will also appears, being summoned by Naminé after Sora uses
7337-404: A part of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue , as Aqua explores the realm of darkness. In Kingdom Hearts III , Terra's restored body appears at the Keyblade Graveyard as one of Xehanort's thirteen "seekers of darkness" in his plan to open Kingdom Hearts, serving again as a vessel for Xehanort's heart from the past. The Lingering Will also appears, being summoned by Naminé after Sora uses
7590-505: A playable character in the Re Mind scenario of Kingdom Hearts III . As one of the seven Princesses of Heart , she was cast adrift from her homeworld of Radiant Garden at a young age as part of Xehanort 's experiment to locate the key bearer, which eventually brings her to the Destiny Islands, piquing Sora and Riku's interest in other worlds. Birth by Sleep reveals that her arrival on
7843-410: A playable character in the Re Mind scenario of Kingdom Hearts III . As one of the seven Princesses of Heart , she was cast adrift from her homeworld of Radiant Garden at a young age as part of Xehanort 's experiment to locate the key bearer, which eventually brings her to the Destiny Islands, piquing Sora and Riku's interest in other worlds. Birth by Sleep reveals that her arrival on the islands
Characters of Kingdom Hearts - Misplaced Pages Continue
8096-405: A playable role in the "Reverse/Rebirth" story mode of Chain of Memories , the multiplayer mode of 358/2 Days , and the core story of Dream Drop Distance . He is also a computer-controlled party member in the final level of Kingdom Hearts II , and is temporarily playable during a sequence where Sora is incapacitated in the game's final boss battle. Riku is also briefly playable at several points in
8349-405: A playable role in the "Reverse/Rebirth" story mode of Chain of Memories , the multiplayer mode of 358/2 Days , and the core story of Dream Drop Distance . He is also a computer-controlled party member in the final level of Kingdom Hearts II , and is temporarily playable during a sequence where Sora is incapacitated in the game's final boss battle. Riku is also briefly playable at several points in
8602-470: A portal at Disney Castle, and ventured through it to find a mysterious armour referred to as 'Lingering Will'. During their exchange, it mistook Sora for Xehanort, after which Sora fought the mysterious armour. Sora won the battle, and the Lingering Will merely knelt down after this, saying that he once felt the power Sora possessed. Sometime later after the events of the game, Sora, Riku, and Kairi receive
8855-536: A replica of Roxas, takes on his appearance while fighting Xigbar. Ventus is also referenced by Xigbar in Kingdom Hearts II and 358/2 Days while Xemnas , the Nobody of Xehanort, searches for him in Castle Oblivion. Birth by Sleep introduces Ventus as an apprentice of Master Xehanort, who tries to condition him into a dark component of the χ-blade . Due to Ventus's reluctance to use darkness, Xehanort extracts it from his heart and creates Vanitas, damaging his heart in
9108-485: A replica of Roxas, takes on his appearance while fighting Xigbar. Ventus is also referenced by Xigbar in Kingdom Hearts II and 358/2 Days while Xemnas , the Nobody of Xehanort, searches for him in Castle Oblivion. Birth by Sleep introduces Ventus as an apprentice of Master Xehanort, who tries to condition him into a dark component of the χ-blade . Due to Ventus's reluctance to use darkness, Xehanort extracts it from his heart and creates Vanitas, damaging his heart in
9361-600: A resident of her original world, the Castle of Dreams. The One Hundred and One Dalmatians are featured in a side-quest in the first game, where players must retrieve them after they were scattered throughout the game's worlds in exchange for prizes, however Cruella de Vil does not appear in any of the games. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty appear in Kingdom Hearts II , where they provide Sora with new clothes that grant him access to Drive Forms. Kingdom Hearts III includes Remy from Pixar 's Ratatouille as
9614-551: A resident of her original world, the Castle of Dreams. The One Hundred and One Dalmatians are featured in a side-quest in the first game, where players must retrieve them after they were scattered throughout the game's worlds in exchange for prizes, however Cruella de Vil does not appear in any of the games. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty appear in Kingdom Hearts II , where they provide Sora with new clothes that grant him access to Drive Forms. Kingdom Hearts III includes Remy from Pixar 's Ratatouille as
9867-494: A role in summoning the Lingering Will to help Sora against Terra-Xehanort after being temporarily separated from Kairi's heart. Later, when Kairi's body is destroyed by Xehanort, Naminé's heart is released and stored in a replica body which Riku had provided to Ansem the Wise and his apprentices, allowing her to exist as a separate person. Organization XIII ( XIII機関 , Jūsan Kikan ) is a group created by Xehanort in his plan to acquire
10120-447: A role in summoning the Lingering Will to help Sora against Terra-Xehanort after being temporarily separated from Kairi's heart. Later, when Kairi's body is destroyed by Xehanort, Naminé's heart is released and stored in a replica body which Riku had provided to Ansem the Wise and his apprentices, allowing her to exist as a separate person. Organization XIII ( XIII機関 , Jūsan Kikan ) is a group created by Xehanort in his plan to acquire
10373-483: A search for him after opening a portal to another reality in the Final World. Elsewhere, Sora meets Yozora, a supposedly fictional character from a video game. During their exchange Yozora claims that he is tasked to "save Sora" and the world is transported into Shibuya. Sora is challenged to a fight by Yozora, whom he defeats. Yozora fades away as Sora returns to The Final World. Both Sora and Yozora wonder if their meeting
Characters of Kingdom Hearts - Misplaced Pages Continue
10626-401: A sequel. One was the development team's desire to showcase Mickey Mouse more; Mickey's inclusion in the first game was restricted to a very small role. 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. Nomura
10879-480: A simulation of Twilight Town to eventually merge with Sora. In Kingdom Hearts II , DiZ's plans fall apart when Sora does not function as he wants upon awakening. Upon realizing the harm he brought to Sora and his friends, DiZ becomes remorseful and abandons his desire for revenge. Ansem later reveals himself to Mickey at the World That Never Was while attempting to digitally encode Xemnas' Kingdom Hearts within
11132-416: A simulation of Twilight Town to eventually merge with Sora. In Kingdom Hearts II , DiZ's plans fall apart when Sora does not function as he wants upon awakening. Upon realizing the harm he brought to Sora and his friends, DiZ becomes remorseful and abandons his desire for revenge. Ansem later reveals himself to Mickey at the World That Never Was while attempting to digitally encode Xemnas' Kingdom Hearts within
11385-458: A spirit. Aqua ( アクア , Akua ) is a Keyblade Master who serves as one of the three playable characters of Birth by Sleep , and the sole playable character of A Fragmentary Passage , a direct sequel bundled with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue . She is also playable during one fight in Kingdom Hearts III . In gameplay, she is nimble and specializes in magic attacks. As
11638-539: A spirit. Ventus ( ヴェントゥス , Ventusu ) , commonly nicknamed "Ven" ( ヴェン ) , before being introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep , camoed in the secret endings of Kingdom Hearts II and its re-release, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix , which depict him and his friends Terra and Aqua battling Master Xehanort and Vanitas . Ventus also makes a cameo appearance in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , when Xion,
11891-440: A spirit. Aqua ( アクア , Akua ) is a Keyblade Master who serves as one of the three playable characters of Birth by Sleep , and the sole playable character of A Fragmentary Passage , a direct sequel bundled with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue . She is also playable during one fight in Kingdom Hearts III . In gameplay, she is nimble and specializes in magic attacks. As the only one among her friends to achieve
12144-421: A spirit. Ventus ( ヴェントゥス , Ventusu ) , commonly nicknamed "Ven" ( ヴェン ) , before being introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep , camoed in the secret endings of Kingdom Hearts II and its re-release, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix , which depict him and his friends Terra and Aqua battling Master Xehanort and Vanitas . Ventus also makes a cameo appearance in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , when Xion,
12397-560: 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. Sora has made guest appearances in other video games, including World of Final Fantasy and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate . 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
12650-463: A television adaptation of the first Kingdom Hearts game was commissioned in 2003 for the Disney Channel , but did not go forward as a series. In October 2022, the pilot's director, Seth Kearsley, uploaded the pilot animatic to his personal YouTube channel and shared more details on the production. The cast of the games reprised their roles for the pilot with the exception of Haley Joel Osment , who
12903-710: A transit system between worlds, an ice cream business, and a restaurant in Twilight Town. The Beagle Boys , as depicted in Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers , reprise their roles from the film as Pete's minions in the Dream Drop Distance world "Country of the Musketeers". Other characters, such as Horace Horsecollar , Clarabelle Cow , and Clara Cluck , make minor appearances in Kingdom Hearts II and Birth by Sleep . Ludwig Von Drake does not appear physically, but
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#173287302173113156-493: A transit system between worlds, an ice cream business, and a restaurant in Twilight Town. The Beagle Boys , as depicted in Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers , reprise their roles from the film as Pete's minions in the Dream Drop Distance world "Country of the Musketeers". Other characters, such as Horace Horsecollar , Clarabelle Cow , and Clara Cluck , make minor appearances in Kingdom Hearts II and Birth by Sleep . Ludwig Von Drake does not appear physically, but
13409-465: A weapon called the Keyblade that allows him to fight creatures called Heartless, before ending up in another world, Traverse Town, where he meets Donald Duck and Goofy , two emissaries from Disney Castle sent to find the Keyblade wielder under orders from their missing king. As the three band together and travel to save various worlds from the Heartless while searching for their companions, they encounter
13662-625: A world of nothingness and formed Organization XIII. Ansem disguised himself as DiZ, an acronym for "Darkness in Zero", and escaped to exact revenge on the Organization. In Chain of Memories , DiZ guides Riku through Castle Oblivion under the guise of Xehanort's Heartless. Along with Riku and Naminé, DiZ oversees the restoration of Sora, Donald, and Goofy's memories throughout 358/2 Days , moving them from Castle Oblivion to Twilight Town for safekeeping. When Roxas unwittingly begins absorbing Sora's memories, DiZ orders Riku to retrieve Roxas, whom he places inside
13915-577: A world of nothingness and formed Organization XIII. Ansem disguised himself as DiZ, an acronym for "Darkness in Zero", and escaped to exact revenge on the Organization. In Chain of Memories , DiZ guides Riku through Castle Oblivion under the guise of Xehanort's Heartless. Along with Riku and Naminé, DiZ oversees the restoration of Sora, Donald, and Goofy's memories throughout 358/2 Days , moving them from Castle Oblivion to Twilight Town for safekeeping. When Roxas unwittingly begins absorbing Sora's memories, DiZ orders Riku to retrieve Roxas, whom he places inside
14168-557: Is a collaboration between Square Enix and The Walt Disney Company , and is under the leadership of Nomura, a longtime Square Enix employee. Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney properties based in an original fictional universe . The series centers on the main character, Sora , and his journey and experiences with various Disney characters, as well as some from Square Enix properties, such as Final Fantasy , The World Ends with You , and Einhänder , in addition to original characters and locations created specifically for
14421-435: Is a magician proficient with various offensive and supportive spells, and Goofy is a peaceful knights' captain who wields a shield and can perform supportive and defensive techniques with a shield. In Kingdom Hearts , Donald and Goofy embark on a journey to find their missing king, with orders from a letter left by Mickey to find the Keyblade wielder. They accompany Sora for this reason, initially viewing him as little more than
14674-434: Is a magician proficient with various offensive and supportive spells, and Goofy is a peaceful knights' captain who wields a shield and can perform supportive and defensive techniques with a shield. In Kingdom Hearts , Donald and Goofy embark on a journey to find their missing king, with orders from a letter left by Mickey to find the Keyblade wielder. They accompany Sora for this reason, initially viewing him as little more than
14927-696: Is a series of action role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix (formerly Square ). It is the result of a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney Interactive Studios , and is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The series features Disney, Final Fantasy , The World Ends with You , and Pixar characters, as well as several original characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura . In addition, it has an all-star voice cast which includes many Disney characters' official voice actors. The series centers on Sora, his friends, and their encounters with various Disney and Final Fantasy characters along
15180-482: Is able to deduce with Riku that Sora is in a location outside of their own reality called "Quadratum". As Riku departs to save Sora, Kairi stays behind to train with Aqua. Nomura has stated that Kairi's name can be interpreted as "sea", as the on'yomi pronunciation of the Japanese word for "sea" is kai ( 海 ) . Kairi also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a spirit. Roxas ( ロクサス , Rokusasu )
15433-422: Is able to deduce with Riku that Sora is in a location outside of their own reality called "Quadratum". As Riku departs to save Sora, Kairi stays behind to train with Aqua. Nomura has stated that Kairi's name can be interpreted as "sea", as the on'yomi pronunciation of the Japanese word for "sea" is kai ( 海 ) . Kairi also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a spirit. Roxas ( ロクサス , Rokusasu )
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#173287302173115686-764: Is accessible from the main menu. This journal keeps track of information regarding the story, characters, enemies, and locations. In Kingdom Hearts , Chain of Memories , Kingdom Hearts II , and Kingdom Hearts III , the journal is kept by Jiminy Cricket , who was appointed by Queen Minnie as the royal chronicler. In 358/2 Days , Birth by Sleep , and Dream Drop Distance , the main characters write their own journal entries. The games are influenced by their parent franchise, Final Fantasy , 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,
15939-521: 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. The manga
16192-527: Is also mentioned in the secret ending of the remake Re:coded , where Mickey Mouse and Yen Sid discuss his and Ventus' whereabouts following the events of Birth by Sleep . Terra briefly appears in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , first during Sora's dream where Sora's friends, Riku and Kairi , are transformed into Terra and Aqua; and again when Sora declares his pride in being connected to many Keyblade wielders. A vision of Terra appears in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage ,
16445-525: Is also mentioned in the secret ending of the remake Re:coded , where Mickey Mouse and Yen Sid discuss his and Ventus' whereabouts following the events of Birth by Sleep . Terra briefly appears in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , first during Sora's dream where Sora's friends, Riku and Kairi , are transformed into Terra and Aqua; and again when Sora declares his pride in being connected to many Keyblade wielders. A vision of Terra appears in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage ,
16698-434: Is an unwitting pawn of Xehanort, who first informs her of the princesses during the prequel Birth by Sleep as part of his plan to gather components for the χ-blade. Her defeat results in her becoming trapped in the realm of darkness, but she returns after her raven forces Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather to recall their memories of her, allowing her to resume her conquest of worlds. Following Maleficent's attempts to acquire
16951-431: Is an unwitting pawn of Xehanort, who first informs her of the princesses during the prequel Birth by Sleep as part of his plan to gather components for the χ-blade. Her defeat results in her becoming trapped in the realm of darkness, but she returns after her raven forces Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather to recall their memories of her, allowing her to resume her conquest of worlds. Following Maleficent's attempts to acquire
17204-716: Is banished to another dimension by Queen Minnie for incessantly causing mischief around Disney Town under the masked superhero guises "Captain Justice" and "Captain Dark", as seen in Birth by Sleep . He becomes indebted to Maleficent after she frees him, and vows to help her conquer the worlds in return. He makes recurring appearances throughout Kingdom Hearts II and later installments, menacing Sora's group alongside Maleficent and other Disney villains. A version of Pete based on his depiction in Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers also appears in
17457-571: Is banished to another dimension by Queen Minnie for incessantly causing mischief around Disney Town under the masked superhero guises "Captain Justice" and "Captain Dark", as seen in Birth by Sleep . He becomes indebted to Maleficent after she frees him, and vows to help her conquer the worlds in return. He makes recurring appearances throughout Kingdom Hearts II and later installments, menacing Sora's group alongside Maleficent and other Disney villains. A version of Pete based on his depiction in Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers also appears in
17710-571: Is connected with Sora's. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , Sora briefly takes Ventus's form during a dream, and when his heart is wounded, Ventus's armor appears to protect his body. In the game's ending, Ventus is seen smiling in Castle Oblivion, still asleep. An apparition of Ventus appears in the realm of darkness in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage , a playable episode included in Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue . Kingdom Hearts Union χ , which
17963-512: Is connected with Sora's. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , Sora briefly takes Ventus's form during a dream, and when his heart is wounded, Ventus's armor appears to protect his body. In the game's ending, Ventus is seen smiling in Castle Oblivion, still asleep. An apparition of Ventus appears in the realm of darkness in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage , a playable episode included in Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue . Kingdom Hearts Union χ , which
18216-500: Is defeated and his past selves are eliminated during a showdown against Sora's group, Xehanort surrenders and allows his heart to pass on together with his former friend Eraqus. Kingdom Hearts χ reveals him to be Ephemer's descendant. Naminé ( ナミネ , Namine ) is first introduced in Chain of Memories , and is revealed in Kingdom Hearts II to be Kairi's Nobody, who was created when Sora released Kairi's heart from within himself during
18469-452: Is defeated and his past selves are eliminated during a showdown against Sora's group, Xehanort surrenders and allows his heart to pass on together with his former friend Eraqus. Kingdom Hearts χ reveals him to be Ephemer's descendant. Naminé ( ナミネ , Namine ) is first introduced in Chain of Memories , and is revealed in Kingdom Hearts II to be Kairi's Nobody, who was created when Sora released Kairi's heart from within himself during
18722-570: Is directed by Tetsuya Nomura , who is also the games' character designer. Nomura has stated that unlike working with Final Fantasy characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He also 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. Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in
18975-519: Is directed by Tetsuya Nomura , who is also the games' character designer. Nomura has stated that unlike working with Final Fantasy characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge. He also 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. Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in
19228-521: Is eventually destroyed in a fight meant to prove his right to exist after discovering his origins. In Kingdom Hearts III , Riku finds the replica's heart in the realm of darkness and gives it refuge within his own heart. A past version of the replica called "Dark Riku" also appears in the game as a member of the real Organization XIII, masquerading as Riku's younger self. After Dark Riku is defeated, Riku Replica sacrifices himself to extract Dark Riku's heart from its vessel, which he provides for Naminé. Ansem
19481-521: Is eventually destroyed in a fight meant to prove his right to exist after discovering his origins. In Kingdom Hearts III , Riku finds the replica's heart in the realm of darkness and gives it refuge within his own heart. A past version of the replica called "Dark Riku" also appears in the game as a member of the real Organization XIII, masquerading as Riku's younger self. After Dark Riku is defeated, Riku Replica sacrifices himself to extract Dark Riku's heart from its vessel, which he provides for Naminé. Ansem
19734-585: Is introduced in Birth by Sleep as one of the few remaining Keyblade Masters alongside Xehanort, and is later revealed to be descended from the Keyblade users that survived the Keyblade War. He is in charge of the Land of Departure and is both a mentor and father figure to Terra, Aqua and Ventus. He is also noted for being biased against the existence of darkness in favor of light, a key factor behind his eventual falling out with Xehanort. Nomura described his relationship with Xehanort as that of old friends and classmates. At
19987-536: Is introduced in Birth by Sleep as one of the few remaining Keyblade Masters alongside Xehanort, and is later revealed to be descended from the Keyblade users that survived the Keyblade War. He is in charge of the Land of Departure and is both a mentor and father figure to Terra, Aqua and Ventus. He is also noted for being biased against the existence of darkness in favor of light, a key factor behind his eventual falling out with Xehanort. Nomura described his relationship with Xehanort as that of old friends and classmates. At
20240-559: Is mentioned on the Classic Kingdom posters found in Twilight Town in Kingdom Hearts III . Characters from other Disney films also play prominent roles in the games' story. Jiminy Cricket appears as a chronicler of Sora's travels, recording information about the people, places and events they encounter in his journals; he also retains his role from Pinocchio as the titular character's conscience . Merlin from The Sword in
20493-439: Is mentioned on the Classic Kingdom posters found in Twilight Town in Kingdom Hearts III . Characters from other Disney films also play prominent roles in the games' story. Jiminy Cricket appears as a chronicler of Sora's travels, recording information about the people, places and events they encounter in his journals; he also retains his role from Pinocchio as the titular character's conscience . Merlin from The Sword in
20746-471: Is now 16 years old, he acquires another Keyblade of his own, the "Way to the Dawn"; this Keyblade is later broken in Kingdom Hearts III , leading him to obtain a new Keyblade, "Braveheart". Riku also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a spirit. Kairi ( カイリ ) is the main female protagonist of Kingdom Hearts and Sora and Riku's best friend. She is a non-playable character in most games, but debuts as
20999-423: Is now 16 years old, he acquires another Keyblade of his own, the "Way to the Dawn"; this Keyblade is later broken in Kingdom Hearts III , leading him to obtain a new Keyblade, "Braveheart". Riku also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a spirit. Kairi ( カイリ ) is the main female protagonist of Kingdom Hearts and Sora and Riku's best friend. She is a non-playable character in most games, but debuts as
21252-511: Is set many years before Birth by Sleep , reveals Ventus to have been a member of the Dandelions and one of the five Union leaders chosen after the end of the Keyblade War. Along with the other leaders, he forms Union Cross to prevent history from repeating itself. Ventus returns in Kingdom Hearts III after being restored and reunites with Terra, Aqua, and his Dream Eater partner Chirithy. Ventus also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as
21505-458: Is set many years before Birth by Sleep , reveals Ventus to have been a member of the Dandelions and one of the five Union leaders chosen after the end of the Keyblade War. Along with the other leaders, he forms Union Cross to prevent history from repeating itself. Ventus returns in Kingdom Hearts III after being restored and reunites with Terra, Aqua, and his Dream Eater partner Chirithy. Ventus also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as
21758-492: Is stopped by Terra. After battling with his student, he is struck down by Xehanort and fades away, leaving his Keyblade behind. However, the game's secret ending reveals that Eraqus had hidden his heart within Terra, allowing Terra to resist Xehanort's influence after being possessed by him. Eraqus returns in Kingdom Hearts III , emerging from Terra's restored body and persuading Xehanort to surrender, after which their hearts ascend to
22011-442: Is stopped by Terra. After battling with his student, he is struck down by Xehanort and fades away, leaving his Keyblade behind. However, the game's secret ending reveals that Eraqus had hidden his heart within Terra, allowing Terra to resist Xehanort's influence after being possessed by him. Eraqus returns in Kingdom Hearts III , emerging from Terra's restored body and persuading Xehanort to surrender, after which their hearts ascend to
22264-464: Is the initial player-controlled character of Kingdom Hearts II , who is featured during the game's prologue segment. He is introduced as a youth living in a virtual simulation of Twilight Town, who discovers himself to be Sora's Nobody , having been born when Sora transformed into a Heartless to restore Kairi's heart during the events of the first game. He is also revealed to be a defector from Organization XIII, which sought to utilize his ability to wield
22517-464: Is the initial player-controlled character of Kingdom Hearts II , who is featured during the game's prologue segment. He is introduced as a youth living in a virtual simulation of Twilight Town, who discovers himself to be Sora's Nobody , having been born when Sora transformed into a Heartless to restore Kairi's heart during the events of the first game. He is also revealed to be a defector from Organization XIII, which sought to utilize his ability to wield
22770-494: The Final Fantasy games, a series of " Ultimania " books were released in Japan for many of the games. These books include game walkthroughs, interviews, and extra information from the developers. Kingdom Hearts -Another Report- was released along with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ and features game information, visuals by Shiro Amano, and a director interview. In North America, Brady Games released strategy guides for each game. For Kingdom Hearts II , they released two versions,
23023-854: The Kingdom Hearts series feature computer-controlled characters that join the player's party in a specific world. The first game features six different party members in addition to Donald and Goofy: Tarzan in Deep Jungle; Aladdin in Agrabah; Ariel in Atlantica; Jack Skellington in Halloween Town; Peter Pan in Never Land; and Beast in Hollow Bastion. In addition, six characters can be acquired as summoned allies: adult Simba , Genie , Dumbo , Bambi , Tinker Bell , and Mushu . Chain of Memories features
23276-531: The Kingdom Hearts series feature computer-controlled characters that join the player's party in a specific world. The first game features six different party members in addition to Donald and Goofy: Tarzan in Deep Jungle; Aladdin in Agrabah; Ariel in Atlantica; Jack Skellington in Halloween Town; Peter Pan in Never Land; and Beast in Hollow Bastion. In addition, six characters can be acquired as summoned allies: adult Simba , Genie , Dumbo , Bambi , Tinker Bell , and Mushu . Chain of Memories features
23529-427: The Kingdom Hearts series, most of them appearing at Disney Castle and its adjacent urban area, Disney Town. Minnie Mouse is depicted as the queen of Disney Castle who rules in the absence of her husband, King Mickey; Daisy Duck , Donald Duck's girlfriend, is her lady-in-waiting . Pluto reprises his role as Mickey's pet and makes recurring appearances throughout the series, accompanying Donald and Goofy's search for
23782-427: The Kingdom Hearts series, most of them appearing at Disney Castle and its adjacent urban area, Disney Town. Minnie Mouse is depicted as the queen of Disney Castle who rules in the absence of her husband, King Mickey; Daisy Duck , Donald Duck's girlfriend, is her lady-in-waiting . Pluto reprises his role as Mickey's pet and makes recurring appearances throughout the series, accompanying Donald and Goofy's search for
24035-522: The Kingdom Hearts series. During the first game, she leads a group of other Disney villains — Hades from Hercules , Jafar from Aladdin , Ursula from The Little Mermaid , Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas , and Captain Hook from Peter Pan —to capture the Princesses of Heart and harness the power of Kingdom Hearts, which she intends to use to conquer all worlds. In reality, she
24288-421: The Kingdom Hearts series. During the first game, she leads a group of other Disney villains — Hades from Hercules , Jafar from Aladdin , Ursula from The Little Mermaid , Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas , and Captain Hook from Peter Pan —to capture the Princesses of Heart and harness the power of Kingdom Hearts, which she intends to use to conquer all worlds. In reality, she
24541-468: The Unversed manifested from Vanitas's negative emotions. While Vanitas succeeded in merging back into Ventus during their final confrontation at the Keyblade Graveyard, their reunion produced an unstable χ-blade, which is destroyed along with Vanitas in a metaphysical battle against Ventus within their combined heart. However, he briefly appears alongside Young Xehanort in Dream Drop Distance in reaction to
24794-415: The Unversed manifested from Vanitas's negative emotions. While Vanitas succeeded in merging back into Ventus during their final confrontation at the Keyblade Graveyard, their reunion produced an unstable χ-blade, which is destroyed along with Vanitas in a metaphysical battle against Ventus within their combined heart. However, he briefly appears alongside Young Xehanort in Dream Drop Distance in reaction to
25047-413: The Unversed to strengthen him. Upon meeting Xehanort, Ventus rediscovers his purpose in the χ-blade's creation. Ventus refuses to battle Vanitas and create the weapon, but is forced to do so after Vanitas threatens his friends. They battle within the Keyblade Graveyard, where Vanitas merges with Ventus and obtains the χ-blade. However, the fusion is incomplete, allowing Ventus to destroy both Vanitas and
25300-410: The Unversed to strengthen him. Upon meeting Xehanort, Ventus rediscovers his purpose in the χ-blade's creation. Ventus refuses to battle Vanitas and create the weapon, but is forced to do so after Vanitas threatens his friends. They battle within the Keyblade Graveyard, where Vanitas merges with Ventus and obtains the χ-blade. However, the fusion is incomplete, allowing Ventus to destroy both Vanitas and
25553-452: The greenlight . In October 2007, a fan-made web series of CG action films called Dead Fantasy was created by late web-based animator and writer, Monty Oum . Dead Fantasy featured Kingdom Hearts characters teaming up with Final Fantasy characters and competing against Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden characters in battle royale-style brawls. [REDACTED] Category Terra (Kingdom Hearts) Kingdom Hearts
25806-507: The "Country of the Musketeers" world in Dream Drop Distance , which is based on the film. Yen Sid is the sorcerer from " The Sorcerer's Apprentice " segment of Fantasia , who appears in the series as King Mickey's old mentor and a retired Keyblade Master who resides in the Mysterious Tower. He first appears in Kingdom Hearts II , where he informs Sora's group of their task at hand on Mickey's behalf. In addition to providing counsel to
26059-447: The "Country of the Musketeers" world in Dream Drop Distance , which is based on the film. Yen Sid is the sorcerer from " The Sorcerer's Apprentice " segment of Fantasia , who appears in the series as King Mickey's old mentor and a retired Keyblade Master who resides in the Mysterious Tower. He first appears in Kingdom Hearts II , where he informs Sora's group of their task at hand on Mickey's behalf. In addition to providing counsel to
26312-457: The "Dark World" in Kingdom Hearts III and in its Re Mind expansion. His signature weapon is the "Soul Eater" sword, a manifestation of the darkness in his heart. During the first game, Riku is revealed to be the rightful owner of Sora's Keyblade, which Terra bequeathed to him during the events of Birth by Sleep ; however, his reliance on the power of darkness caused the Keyblade to reject Riku in favor of Sora. In Kingdom Hearts II , where Riku
26565-457: The "Dark World" in Kingdom Hearts III and in its Re Mind expansion. His signature weapon is the "Soul Eater" sword, a manifestation of the darkness in his heart. During the first game, Riku is revealed to be the rightful owner of Sora's Keyblade, which Terra bequeathed to him during the events of Birth by Sleep ; however, his reliance on the power of darkness caused the Keyblade to reject Riku in favor of Sora. In Kingdom Hearts II , where Riku
26818-504: The "Meow Wow" Dream Eater from Dream Drop Distance . A common element in the Kingdom Hearts series is the inclusion of levels based on various Disney and Pixar films , as well as related media. Several key characters from the films appear in their respective worlds, closely following their roles from the film and playing a small role in the main story. Several characters from the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck universes appear in
27071-446: The "Meow Wow" Dream Eater from Dream Drop Distance . A common element in the Kingdom Hearts series is the inclusion of levels based on various Disney and Pixar films , as well as related media. Several key characters from the films appear in their respective worlds, closely following their roles from the film and playing a small role in the main story. Several characters from the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck universes appear in
27324-430: The "Star Seeker" he is seen using during his apprenticeship to Yen Sid in Birth by Sleep . Mickey is absent for most of the original game, as he departs from his world to find a solution to the Heartless invasion, leaving behind instructions for Donald and Goofy telling them to find and protect the Keyblade wielder. He has a more active role fighting alongside Sora and his allies in later installments, which first required
27577-428: The "Star Seeker" he is seen using during his apprenticeship to Yen Sid in Birth by Sleep . Mickey is absent for most of the original game, as he departs from his world to find a solution to the Heartless invasion, leaving behind instructions for Donald and Goofy telling them to find and protect the Keyblade wielder. He has a more active role fighting alongside Sora and his allies in later installments, which first required
27830-437: The 2004 Square Enix E3 press conference, the producer, Shinji Hashimoto, stated that many mysteries of the first game would be answered. 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. The additional content foreshadowed later plot elements in
28083-538: The Armor of Eraqus ( アーマー・オブ・ザ・マスター , Āmā obu za Masutā , lit. "Armor of the Master") , appears in Birth by Sleep Final Mix as an opponent in the Mirage Arena. The Foretellers ( 予知者 , Yochisha ) are a group of Keyblade Masters trained under the Master of Masters, each a leader of one of the five Unions established to gather light and combat darkness. They first appear in Kingdom Hearts χ , where they are each given
28336-435: The Armor of Eraqus ( アーマー・オブ・ザ・マスター , Āmā obu za Masutā , lit. "Armor of the Master") , appears in Birth by Sleep Final Mix as an opponent in the Mirage Arena. The Foretellers ( 予知者 , Yochisha ) are a group of Keyblade Masters trained under the Master of Masters, each a leader of one of the five Unions established to gather light and combat darkness. They first appear in Kingdom Hearts χ , where they are each given
28589-863: The Heartless Ansem revealed to the splintered halves of the real Ansem's apprentice Xehanort. The Organization's plan is also revealed: regaining their lost hearts by using Keyblade users to create an artificial Kingdom Hearts from slain Emblem Heartless. Axel, a rogue Organization member who is Roxas' friend and first encountered Sora in Castle Oblivion, abducts Kairi in an attempt to see Roxas. Axel's action only give Saix, his former friend and Xemnas' enforcer, leverage to force Sora into finishing what Roxas and Xion began. Axel sacrifices himself to help Sora's group reach The World That Never Was (Organization XIII's headquarters) and, after defeating Xemnas's right hand Xigbar, reunite with Riku and Kairi. DiZ, revealed to be
28842-402: The Heartless, Nobodies, and other forces of evil. Nomura has stated that Sora's name can be interpreted as "sky", as the Japanese word for sky is sora ( 空 ) . Riku ( リク ) is a childhood friend and rival of Sora who resides with him and Kairi on the Destiny Islands. He originally appeared as a non-playable character in the original game, where he is introduced as a 15-year-old boy, and has
29095-399: The Heartless, Nobodies, and other forces of evil. Nomura has stated that Sora's name can be interpreted as "sky", as the Japanese word for sky is sora ( 空 ) . Riku ( リク ) is a childhood friend and rival of Sora who resides with him and Kairi on the Destiny Islands. He originally appeared as a non-playable character in the original game, where he is introduced as a 15-year-old boy, and has
29348-403: The Keyblade War and become the new Union leaders, forming the joint group Union Cross to ensure the event would never repeat itself. The other Dandelions, like Elrena, had their memories rewritten to forget the events leading to the Keyblade War. When the digital Daybreak Town is about to be destroyed, the five leaders and Elrena escape and are sent to the future, appearing in different times, while
29601-403: The Keyblade War and become the new Union leaders, forming the joint group Union Cross to ensure the event would never repeat itself. The other Dandelions, like Elrena, had their memories rewritten to forget the events leading to the Keyblade War. When the digital Daybreak Town is about to be destroyed, the five leaders and Elrena escape and are sent to the future, appearing in different times, while
29854-504: The Keyblade. Roxas serves as the main protagonist of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , which revolves around the circumstances leading to his eventual defection from the Organization. Roxas sacrifices his existence to merge with Sora at the end of Kingdom Hearts II 's prologue, but is restored in a replica body during the events of Kingdom Hearts III . Terra ( テラ , Tera ) is introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep as an apprentice Keyblade wielder who trains alongside Aqua and Ventus at
30107-503: The Keyblade. Roxas serves as the main protagonist of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , which revolves around the circumstances leading to his eventual defection from the Organization. Roxas sacrifices his existence to merge with Sora at the end of Kingdom Hearts II 's prologue, but is restored in a replica body during the events of Kingdom Hearts III . Terra ( テラ , Tera ) is introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep as an apprentice Keyblade wielder who trains alongside Aqua and Ventus at
30360-501: The Land of Departure. Early on in the game, Terra is denied the rank of Keyblade Master when his mentor and father figure, Master Eraqus, detects strong darkness in his heart. Despite initially being disheartened, Terra is given a chance to redeem his failure when he is dispatched to eliminate an insurgence of dark creatures called the Unversed in neighboring worlds. During his journey, the vagabond Master Xehanort appeals to Terra to channel
30613-447: The Land of Departure. Early on in the game, Terra is denied the rank of Keyblade Master when his mentor and father figure, Master Eraqus, detects strong darkness in his heart. Despite initially being disheartened, Terra is given a chance to redeem his failure when he is dispatched to eliminate an insurgence of dark creatures called the Unversed in neighboring worlds. During his journey, the vagabond Master Xehanort appeals to Terra to channel
30866-716: The Land of Dragons. Other new party members include Auron in Olympus Coliseum, Jack Sparrow in Port Royal, and Tron in Space Paranoids. Chicken Little and Stitch are also included as new summons. Birth by Sleep removes the standard party system utilized by previous games, instead using characters as temporary partners during certain portions of the game. These characters are Prince Phillip in Enchanted Dominion; Hercules and Zack Fair in Olympus Coliseum, with
31119-485: The Land of Dragons. Other new party members include Auron in Olympus Coliseum, Jack Sparrow in Port Royal, and Tron in Space Paranoids. Chicken Little and Stitch are also included as new summons. Birth by Sleep removes the standard party system utilized by previous games, instead using characters as temporary partners during certain portions of the game. These characters are Prince Phillip in Enchanted Dominion; Hercules and Zack Fair in Olympus Coliseum, with
31372-539: The Lingering Will that defeats Xehanort and remains in the Keyblade Graveyard. Following Terra-Xehanort's battle with Aqua, Terra's heart begins resisting Xehanort with the aid of Eraqus's heart, which is revealed to have entered Terra's own before his apparent death, while Xehanort ends up in an amnesic state by the time Ansem the Wise took him in as an apprentice. Terra appears in Kingdom Hearts Coded alongside other characters who are bound to Sora 's heart. He
31625-476: The Lingering Will that defeats Xehanort and remains in the Keyblade Graveyard. Following Terra-Xehanort's battle with Aqua, Terra's heart begins resisting Xehanort with the aid of Eraqus's heart, which is revealed to have entered Terra's own before his apparent death, while Xehanort ends up in an amnesic state by the time Ansem the Wise took him in as an apprentice. Terra appears in Kingdom Hearts Coded alongside other characters who are bound to Sora 's heart. He
31878-476: The North American and European releases. Utada was the only singer Tetsuya Nomura had in mind for the first Kingdom Hearts theme song. This marked the first time Utada had produced a song for a video game. Both of the first two theme songs reached notable popularity; on weekly Oricon charts, "Hikari" reached No. 1 in 2002 and "Passion" reached No. 4 in 2005. The initial idea for Kingdom Hearts began with
32131-461: The Organization's true purpose is to serve as vessels for Xehanort's heart in his plan to forge the χ-blade. A second, "real" Organization XIII is assembled from several of the Organization's older members, who willingly return to their Nobody forms, and various incarnations of Xehanort brought from the past using artificial replica bodies. The first Organization's members also serve as computer-controlled party members of 358/2 Days , and are playable in
32384-461: The Organization's true purpose is to serve as vessels for Xehanort's heart in his plan to forge the χ-blade. A second, "real" Organization XIII is assembled from several of the Organization's older members, who willingly return to their Nobody forms, and various incarnations of Xehanort brought from the past using artificial replica bodies. The first Organization's members also serve as computer-controlled party members of 358/2 Days , and are playable in
32637-432: The Princesses of Heart, spurring Maleficent into gathering them; it is later explained in Dream Drop Distance that the princesses' hearts represent the seven fragments of light broken off from the χ-blade, which Xehanort intends to use in his plan to reforge the weapon. To prevent this, Yen Sid prepares to substitute the princesses with seven Keyblade wielders to fight Xehanort's reformed Organization XIII. Several games in
32890-432: The Princesses of Heart, spurring Maleficent into gathering them; it is later explained in Dream Drop Distance that the princesses' hearts represent the seven fragments of light broken off from the χ-blade, which Xehanort intends to use in his plan to reforge the weapon. To prevent this, Yen Sid prepares to substitute the princesses with seven Keyblade wielders to fight Xehanort's reformed Organization XIII. Several games in
33143-502: The Realm of Darkness while an amnesic Xehanort ended up Ansem's apprentice alongside his accomplice Braig (Xigbar's original self). King Mickey also discovers that the destruction of "Ansem" and Xemnas has led to Xehanort's restoration. To combat the new threat Xehanort poses, Sora and Riku take an exam to attain the Mark of Mastery that will allow them to become Keyblade Masters themselves. During
33396-608: The Stone acts as Sora's mentor in performing magic and keeps an enchanted book that allows players access to the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie the Pooh and his friends came be found. The Fairy Godmother from Cinderella appears in Merlin's house in Kingdom Hearts , where she transforms "summon gems" collected throughout the game into summoned allies; she also appears in Birth by Sleep as
33649-404: The Stone acts as Sora's mentor in performing magic and keeps an enchanted book that allows players access to the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie the Pooh and his friends came be found. The Fairy Godmother from Cinderella appears in Merlin's house in Kingdom Hearts , where she transforms "summon gems" collected throughout the game into summoned allies; she also appears in Birth by Sleep as
33902-400: The Wise ( 賢者アンセム , Kenja Ansemu ) is the former sage king of Radiant Garden, who first appears in the "Reverse/Rebirth" storyline of Chain of Memories as a bandaged figure known as DiZ ( ディズ , Dizu ) . His true identity is revealed in Kingdom Hearts II , which also reveals the similarly named antagonist to be an impostor. Nine years prior to the first game's events, Ansem studied
34155-399: The Wise ( 賢者アンセム , Kenja Ansemu ) is the former sage king of Radiant Garden, who first appears in the "Reverse/Rebirth" storyline of Chain of Memories as a bandaged figure known as DiZ ( ディズ , Dizu ) . His true identity is revealed in Kingdom Hearts II , which also reveals the similarly named antagonist to be an impostor. Nine years prior to the first game's events, Ansem studied
34408-453: The Year awards. IGN named Kingdom Hearts "Best Art Style/Direction" in their 2003 list of "Best Looking Games on PS2". G4 awarded it "Best Story" at their 2003 G-Phoria awards show. Electronic Gaming Monthly awarded Kingdom Hearts II "Best Sequel" of 2006. It tied with Resident Evil 4 as Famitsu's Game of the Year 2005. The manga series has also been well received. Several of
34661-419: The afterlife. Dark Road explores Eraqus's childhood and his friendship with Xehanort leading up to the events of Birth by Sleep . Eraqus' name is an anagram of "Square", referencing series developer company Square Enix , and acting as a parallel to Yen Sid 's name being Disney in reverse. He also resembles Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi . An boss modeled after Eraqus' armor, called
34914-416: The afterlife. Dark Road explores Eraqus's childhood and his friendship with Xehanort leading up to the events of Birth by Sleep . Eraqus' name is an anagram of "Square", referencing series developer company Square Enix , and acting as a parallel to Yen Sid 's name being Disney in reverse. He also resembles Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi . An boss modeled after Eraqus' armor, called
35167-477: The approval of Disney. He is a playable character in Kingdom Hearts II , stepping in to replace Sora whenever the player is defeated during certain boss battles until he is able to revive Sora. He is also available for play in the "Mission Mode" of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days as an unlockable character. In various games, Donald Duck and Goofy serve as the player's main computer-controlled partners . They are depicted as members of Disney Castle's royal court; Donald
35420-475: The approval of Disney. He is a playable character in Kingdom Hearts II , stepping in to replace Sora whenever the player is defeated during certain boss battles until he is able to revive Sora. He is also available for play in the "Mission Mode" of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days as an unlockable character. In various games, Donald Duck and Goofy serve as the player's main computer-controlled partners . They are depicted as members of Disney Castle's royal court; Donald
35673-445: The basement levels and ascends to the ground floor with Mickey's aid while dealing with a Replica of himself that fought Sora. Finding the comatose Sora while joining forces with the mysterious DiZ , Riku helps Naminé keep his friend safe until he is awoken. In Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days , a snag in the plan over the year forces Riku to capture Roxas —Sora's Nobody and Organization XIII member that came into being when Sora briefly became
35926-426: The beach and uses it to open a door to the Realm of Darkness, finding Aqua who has been consumed by darkness after Ansem was abducted by Xehanort's Heartless. Once Aqua is purified by Sora and Riku, she leads them to Castle Oblivion which she restores to its true form as the Land of Departure to revive Ventus despite Vanitas' interference. The group are joined by Kairi and Lea as they face Xehanort and his followers, with
36179-401: 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. 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. The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of fans and
36432-399: 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. 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. The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of fans and
36685-473: The characters' likeness have been produced, including figurines and jewelry. The characters have garnered praise from several video game websites and magazines for the quality of their voice acting and visual style. Comments have focused on the accurate presentation of Disney characters, the unique visual style of Square Enix characters, how well all the characters blend together, and the consistent quality performances from voice actors. The Kingdom Hearts series
36938-473: The characters' likeness have been produced, including figurines and jewelry. The characters have garnered praise from several video game websites and magazines for the quality of their voice acting and visual style. Comments have focused on the accurate presentation of Disney characters, the unique visual style of Square Enix characters, how well all the characters blend together, and the consistent quality performances from voice actors. The Kingdom Hearts series
37191-502: The chef of Scrooge McDuck's bistro , where he hosts a cooking minigame. In Kingdom Hearts a carving of Lady and Tramp from Lady and the Tramp is seen in a fountain in the 3rd District of Traverse Town. Kingdom Hearts Kingdom Hearts is a series of action role-playing games created by Japanese game designers Tetsuya Nomura and Shinji Hashimoto , being developed and published by Square Enix (originally by Square ). It
37444-457: The current best selling title in the series. As of March 2022, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 36 million copies worldwide. The games have also received high ratings and positive comments from reviewers. All of the main games in the series have scored a 36 out of 40 or higher from the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu , known for its harsh grading. All six games have been praised for their visuals. Game Informer considers
37697-523: The current incarnation of the ancient Keyblade Master Luxu from the time of the Keyblade War, summons the Foretellers, his fellow Keyblade Masters, to the present for the next phase of his mission. A year later, all attempts to find a clue to Sora's current whereabouts have proven to be futile until Riku and Kairi, with the help of the Fairy Godmother, find clues that lead them to believe that Sora has been transported outside of their reality. Riku embarks on
37950-407: The darkness in people's hearts for the benefit of his world after taking in an amnesic Terra-Xehanort. After meeting with King Mickey and learning his research may be connected to a crisis happening in other worlds, Ansem ceased his experiments. However, Xehanort secretly continued the experiments under Ansem's name alongside Ansem's other pupils—Braig, Dilan, Even, Aeleus, and Ienzo—who exiled Ansem to
38203-407: The darkness in people's hearts for the benefit of his world after taking in an amnesic Terra-Xehanort. After meeting with King Mickey and learning his research may be connected to a crisis happening in other worlds, Ansem ceased his experiments. However, Xehanort secretly continued the experiments under Ansem's name alongside Ansem's other pupils—Braig, Dilan, Even, Aeleus, and Ienzo—who exiled Ansem to
38456-497: The destruction of Ansem and Xemnas, who are revealed to have been created to reenact his original plan by gathering seven "guardians of light" and thirteen "seekers of darkness" in the form of the Princesses of Heart and Organization XIII, respectively. He also uses time travel to assemble Ansem, Xemnas, and other versions of himself from across time into a new Organization, sending their hearts into replica bodies to co-exist with their present self. In Kingdom Hearts III , where he
38709-496: The destruction of Ansem and Xemnas, who are revealed to have been created to reenact his original plan by gathering seven "guardians of light" and thirteen "seekers of darkness" in the form of the Princesses of Heart and Organization XIII, respectively. He also uses time travel to assemble Ansem, Xemnas, and other versions of himself from across time into a new Organization, sending their hearts into replica bodies to co-exist with their present self. In Kingdom Hearts III , where he
38962-510: 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. The first Kingdom Hearts was announced at E3 in May 2001. Initial details were that it would be
39215-407: The development staff. Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe . Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design because he was unfamiliar with the background of such characters. For Kingdom Hearts II , he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff. Throughout the development of
39468-403: The development staff. Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe . Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design because he was unfamiliar with the background of such characters. For Kingdom Hearts II , he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff. Throughout the development of
39721-482: The dying Xehanort to surrender peacefully. Afterwards, Terra and his friends return home before joining their allies in celebration on the Destiny Islands. Terra's role in Birth by Sleep is reprised in Tomoko Tanemaki's light novels based on the game. Additionally, the final chapter shows the Lingering Will fighting Sora from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix . Terra also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as
39974-423: The dying Xehanort to surrender peacefully. Afterwards, Terra and his friends return home before joining their allies in celebration on the Destiny Islands. Terra's role in Birth by Sleep is reprised in Tomoko Tanemaki's light novels based on the game. Additionally, the final chapter shows the Lingering Will fighting Sora from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix . Terra also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as
40227-588: The end of the exam, Riku is declared a Keyblade Master; in Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue , Sora embarks on another journey to regain his "Power of Waking" while Riku helps Mickey find Aqua, Yen Sid training Kairi and Lea so they can help in the final battle against Xehanort and keep him from the Princesses of Heart. In Kingdom Hearts III , Sora regains his "Power of Waking" in his group's travels while Riku and Mickey retrace Aqua's steps to find her and Terra. Sora later discovers Eraqus's Keyblade on
40480-466: The events of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep : Terra having ended up possessed by Xehanort and made into the original being that Xehanort's Heartless and Xemnas were split from; Ventus sacrificing his heart by fighting his dark counterpart Vanitas, while trying to prevent Xehanort from recreating the legendary χ-blade which allows the user to control Kingdom Hearts, and hiding within four-year-old Sora's heart; and new Keyblade Master Aqua trapped within
40733-507: The events of Kingdom Hearts III , Ansem is brought back to the realm of light by Xehanort's Heartless to locate one of his former test subjects for the Organization before being rescued by Vexen's intervention. Following Xehanort's defeat, Ansem resumes his role as ruler of Radiant Garden. Vanitas ( ヴァニタス , Vanitasu ) is a Keyblade wielder and antagonist who first appears in Birth by Sleep , created by Master Xehanort from darkness extracted from Ventus's heart as part of his plan to forge
40986-507: The events of Kingdom Hearts III , Ansem is brought back to the realm of light by Xehanort's Heartless to locate one of his former test subjects for the Organization before being rescued by Vexen's intervention. Following Xehanort's defeat, Ansem resumes his role as ruler of Radiant Garden. Vanitas ( ヴァニタス , Vanitasu ) is a Keyblade wielder and antagonist who first appears in Birth by Sleep , created by Master Xehanort from darkness extracted from Ventus's heart as part of his plan to forge
41239-405: The events of the first game. She has the ability to manipulate the memories of Sora and those close to him, for which she is called a witch. She originates from Castle Oblivion, and is forced by Marluxia to alter Sora's memories so he remembers her as a close friend from Destiny Islands, allowing Marluxia to manipulate him. Axel later lets her escape so she can reveal the truth to Sora, and oversees
41492-403: The events of the first game. She has the ability to manipulate the memories of Sora and those close to him, for which she is called a witch. She originates from Castle Oblivion, and is forced by Marluxia to alter Sora's memories so he remembers her as a close friend from Destiny Islands, allowing Marluxia to manipulate him. Axel later lets her escape so she can reveal the truth to Sora, and oversees
41745-496: The events that occurred in their absence. The Dandelions ( ダンデライオン , Danderaion ) are a group of Keyblade wielders recruited by Ava, each deemed strong enough to resist the darkness. They are sent to another world before the Keyblade War to prevent being caught in the battle and to help rebuild the world in its aftermath. In the new world, five of the Dandelions, including Ventus and Lauriam, are chosen to retain their memories of
41998-443: The events that occurred in their absence. The Dandelions ( ダンデライオン , Danderaion ) are a group of Keyblade wielders recruited by Ava, each deemed strong enough to resist the darkness. They are sent to another world before the Keyblade War to prevent being caught in the battle and to help rebuild the world in its aftermath. In the new world, five of the Dandelions, including Ventus and Lauriam, are chosen to retain their memories of
42251-455: The field of battle to heal oneself or one's party members. Gummi Ships are another common element of the series, which serve as the main mode of transportation between worlds in the games. The gameplay for the Gummi Ship sections is more akin to a rail shooter . Because it received negative criticism in the first game, it was modified in the third game. Most games also feature a journal which
42504-607: 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 . The main theme songs for the Kingdom Hearts games were written and performed by Japanese pop star, Hikaru Utada . The three main themes are " Hikari ", originally from Kingdom Hearts , " Passion ", from Kingdom Hearts II , and "Oath" from Kingdom Hearts III . Each song has an English counterpart, " Simple and Clean ", " Sanctuary ", and "Don't Think Twice" respectively, for
42757-477: 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. In June 2013, Nomura stated the name of the game came from him thinking about Disney Theme Parks , especially Animal Kingdom . However, Nomura could not get the IP with just "Kingdom", so the development team began to think about "heart" as a core part of the story, so they decided to combine
43010-633: The game's "Mission Mode". Excluding Xemnas and Roxas, the initial members and their original names are, in order of rank: Riku Replica ( リク=レプリカ , Riku-Repurika ) is a replica of Riku created by Vexen from his combat data, who first appears as an antagonist in Chain of Memories . He initially appears to be Riku under the influence of darkness, but his true nature is revealed after he battles Sora to protect Naminé, who altered his memories so that he believed himself to be real as part of Marluxia's plan to manipulate Sora. The game's "Reverse/Rebirth" story mode depicts Riku's confrontations with his replica, who
43263-633: The game's "Mission Mode". Excluding Xemnas and Roxas, the initial members and their original names are, in order of rank: Riku Replica ( リク=レプリカ , Riku-Repurika ) is a replica of Riku created by Vexen from his combat data, who first appears as an antagonist in Chain of Memories . He initially appears to be Riku under the influence of darkness, but his true nature is revealed after he battles Sora to protect Naminé, who altered his memories so that he believed himself to be real as part of Marluxia's plan to manipulate Sora. The game's "Reverse/Rebirth" story mode depicts Riku's confrontations with his replica, who
43516-527: The game's Osaka development team, as he enjoyed the idea of adding more connections between characters. He chose the name "Vanitas"—Latin for "emptiness"—for its similarity to Ventus's name, and because its Japanese translation, kara ( 空 ) , could be reinterpreted as Sora's name, which means "sky". A secret boss based on Vanitas called the Vanitas Remnant ( ヴァニタスの思念 , Vanitasu no Shin'en ) appears in Birth by Sleep . Eraqus ( エラクゥス , Erakūsu )
43769-468: The game's Osaka development team, as he enjoyed the idea of adding more connections between characters. He chose the name "Vanitas"—Latin for "emptiness"—for its similarity to Ventus's name, and because its Japanese translation, kara ( 空 ) , could be reinterpreted as Sora's name, which means "sky". A secret boss based on Vanitas called the Vanitas Remnant ( ヴァニタスの思念 , Vanitasu no Shin'en ) appears in Birth by Sleep . Eraqus ( エラクゥス , Erakūsu )
44022-556: 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. 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. It
44275-466: The game. The main cast from The World Ends with You also makes an appearance in the series in Dream Drop Distance , and Kingdom Hearts III features characters from Pixar films such as the Toy Story series and Monsters, Inc. , as well as Schwarzgeist, one of the bosses from Einhänder . Nevertheless, the usage of Disney characters is not without restrictions. For example, Nomura had requested
44528-573: The games, Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II , had a soundtrack released to coincide with the video games. These were followed by a nine CD complete set which featured both soundtracks and unreleased tracks. Kingdom Hearts has been adapted as a trading card game by the Tomy corporation of Japan. An English version of the game was released in November 2007 by Fantasy Flight Games . The video games have also been adapted into manga and novel series. Like
44781-420: The games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura did this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game may get old, people can still be happy with it. Sora ( ソラ ) is the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series, and
45034-419: The games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura did this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game may get old, people can still be happy with it. Sora ( ソラ ) is the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series, and
45287-434: The islands was the result of an encounter with Aqua , who gives the four-year-old Kairi a protective charm to shield her from the darkness; Kairi gains the ability to wield a Keyblade after touching Aqua's Keyblade. During Kingdom Hearts , where Kairi is 14 years old, her heart is stolen by darkness bugs commanded by Ansem, sending her body into a coma while her heart takes refuge within Sora. Upon learning her of identity as
45540-669: The king in the first game. Chip 'n' Dale act as Disney Castle's technicians, managing the Gummi Ship that Sora's party uses to travel between worlds; they play a major role in Coded , where they construct the machine used to digitize the contents of Jiminy Cricket's journal. Donald's nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie appear as shop owners in Kingdom Hearts , Kingdom Hearts II , and Kingdom Hearts III , where they attempt to save up money to go on their own adventures. Scrooge McDuck appears in Kingdom Hearts II , Birth by Sleep , and Kingdom Hearts III, where he attempts to open business venues, such as
45793-622: The king in the first game. Chip 'n' Dale act as Disney Castle's technicians, managing the Gummi Ship that Sora's party uses to travel between worlds; they play a major role in Coded , where they construct the machine used to digitize the contents of Jiminy Cricket's journal. Donald's nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie appear as shop owners in Kingdom Hearts , Kingdom Hearts II , and Kingdom Hearts III , where they attempt to save up money to go on their own adventures. Scrooge McDuck appears in Kingdom Hearts II , Birth by Sleep , and Kingdom Hearts III, where he attempts to open business venues, such as
46046-644: The latter being based on his appearance in Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core ; and Stitch, who is named "Experiment 626", in Deep Space. Hercules and Jack Sparrow return as party members in Kingdom Hearts III , with new party members including Woody and Buzz Lightyear , Rapunzel and Flynn Rider , James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski , Marshmallow , and Baymax , in worlds based on their respective films. Wreck-It Ralph , Simba, Ariel, and Stitch also appear as summonable "Link" characters alongside
46299-517: The latter being based on his appearance in Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core ; and Stitch, who is named "Experiment 626", in Deep Space. Hercules and Jack Sparrow return as party members in Kingdom Hearts III , with new party members including Woody and Buzz Lightyear , Rapunzel and Flynn Rider , James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski , Marshmallow , and Baymax , in worlds based on their respective films. Wreck-It Ralph , Simba, Ariel, and Stitch also appear as summonable "Link" characters alongside
46552-799: The main characters of Birth by Sleep , he oversees Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam in Dream Drop Distance to prepare them for the showdown with Master Xehanort and trains Kairi and Lea to serve as two of the potential seven "guardians of light". The Princesses of Heart, known as the Seven Princesses ( セブンプリンセス , Sebun Purinsesu ) in Japanese, are maidens whose hearts are made of pure light and devoid of darkness, with Kairi being one of them. The other Princesses include five official Disney Princesses — Snow White , Cinderella , Aurora , Belle , and Jasmine , as well as Alice from Alice in Wonderland . Kingdom Hearts III introduces new inheritors of
46805-687: The main characters of Birth by Sleep , he oversees Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam in Dream Drop Distance to prepare them for the showdown with Master Xehanort and trains Kairi and Lea to serve as two of the potential seven "guardians of light". The Princesses of Heart, known as the Seven Princesses ( セブンプリンセス , Sebun Purinsesu ) in Japanese, are maidens whose hearts are made of pure light and devoid of darkness, with Kairi being one of them. The other Princesses include five official Disney Princesses — Snow White , Cinderella , Aurora , Belle , and Jasmine , as well as Alice from Alice in Wonderland . Kingdom Hearts III introduces new inheritors of
47058-544: The main vocal themes and the ending themes. The orchestral music was performed by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra . 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
47311-410: The manga series, it is divided into separate series based on the games. Kingdom Hearts is divided into two volumes; "The First Door" and "Darkness Within". Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is divided into two volumes. Kingdom Hearts II is divided into four volumes; "Roxas—Seven Days", "The Destruction of Hollow Bastion", "Tears of Nobody", and "Anthem—Meet Again/Axel Last Stand". A pilot for
47564-419: The manga volumes were listed on USA Today ' s "Top 150 best sellers". The highest ranked volume was Kingdom Hearts volume 4 at #73. Every volume listed stayed on the list for at least two weeks; Kingdom Hearts volume 4 stayed the longest at four weeks. Both Square Enix and Disney have released a wide variety of Kingdom Hearts merchandise including toys, figurines, clothing, and jewelry. Two of
47817-444: The means to transplant his heart into the bodies of others, which he uses to orchestrate the events of the games up to Kingdom Hearts III as part of his agenda. Throughout the series, Xehanort is driven by an obsessive interest in the Keyblade War, a historic cataclysm that resulted in the universe's present, fragmented state. In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep , he attempts to use the hearts of his pupils Ventus and Vanitas to forge
48070-443: The means to transplant his heart into the bodies of others, which he uses to orchestrate the events of the games up to Kingdom Hearts III as part of his agenda. Throughout the series, Xehanort is driven by an obsessive interest in the Keyblade War, a historic cataclysm that resulted in the universe's present, fragmented state. In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep , he attempts to use the hearts of his pupils Ventus and Vanitas to forge
48323-497: The month after its release in North America, Kingdom Hearts II sold an estimated 1 million copies. As of February 2019, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 30 million copies worldwide. This number reached to over 35 million copies shipped by October 2021. On April 11, 2022, Kingdom Hearts III was revealed to reach a total of 6.7 million units as of September 2021 surpassing Kingdom Hearts 6 million units to become
48576-456: The only one among her friends to achieve the rank of Keyblade Master by the start of the game, she is tasked by Master Eraqus to watch over Terra and retrieve Ventus when he runs away from home. While attempting to protect Ventus and save Terra from Xehanort's control, she becomes trapped in the realm of darkness, where she remains suspended in time throughout the series while fending off the Heartless. In Kingdom Hearts III , Sora rescues her from
48829-469: The original Princesses' powers called the New Seven Hearts ( ニューセブンハート , Nyū Sebun Hāto ) —including Rapunzel and Anna and Elsa —with only Kairi retaining her original role. Throughout the original game, Maleficent kidnaps the princesses for their ability to summon the Keyhole to Kingdom Hearts when brought together. Xehanort's Heartless "Ansem" later uses six of the princesses' hearts to forge
49082-410: The original Princesses' powers called the New Seven Hearts ( ニューセブンハート , Nyū Sebun Hāto ) —including Rapunzel and Anna and Elsa —with only Kairi retaining her original role. Throughout the original game, Maleficent kidnaps the princesses for their ability to summon the Keyhole to Kingdom Hearts when brought together. Xehanort's Heartless "Ansem" later uses six of the princesses' hearts to forge
49335-522: The overall look and feel of each world. The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of both fans and staff. Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe. Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the backstory of such characters. For Kingdom Hearts II , he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff. Throughout
49588-419: The player gains experience which culminates in a "level-up", where the characters grow stronger and gain access to new abilities . The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained. The music for the series has been primarily composed by Yoko Shimomura . Kaoru Wada works as the arranger for orchestral music, including orchestral renditions of
49841-509: The player primarily controls the principal protagonist of the series, Sora . Sora is usually accompanied by Donald Duck and Goofy, who are artificial intelligence-controlled non-playable characters that aid Sora in battle. 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. The game also allows for items to be used on
50094-638: The power of darkness freely, creating a schism between him and his friends as they grow troubled by his actions. This eventually leads Terra to clash with Eraqus when he finds his master inexplicably attacking Ventus, which ends with Xehanort vanquishing the weakened Eraqus. After realizing the conflict was engineered to stimulate his inner darkness, Terra confronts Xehanort at the Keyblade Graveyard and succumbs to rage, allowing Xehanort to transplant his heart into his body to prolong his own life. The process that turns Terra into Terra-Xehanort also transfers his disembodied mind into his discarded armor, which becomes
50347-632: The power of darkness freely, creating a schism between him and his friends as they grow troubled by his actions. This eventually leads Terra to clash with Eraqus when he finds his master inexplicably attacking Ventus, which ends with Xehanort vanquishing the weakened Eraqus. After realizing the conflict was engineered to stimulate his inner darkness, Terra confronts Xehanort at the Keyblade Graveyard and succumbs to rage, allowing Xehanort to transplant his heart into his body to prolong his own life. The process that turns Terra into Terra-Xehanort also transfers his disembodied mind into his discarded armor, which becomes
50600-477: The power of waking to undo his allies' initial defeat. During Sora, Aqua, and Ventus's battle against Terra-Xehanort, Terra's heart awakens from within Terra-Xehanort's "guardian" Heartless, which aids Sora in banishing Xehanort's heart and restoring Terra to his true self. After reuniting with Aqua and Ventus, and later aiding in keeping Kingdom Hearts closed, Terra releases Eraqus's heart and spirit, who persuades
50853-420: The power of waking to undo his allies' initial defeat. During Sora, Aqua, and Ventus's battle against Terra-Xehanort, Terra's heart awakens from within Terra-Xehanort's "guardian" Heartless, which aids Sora in banishing Xehanort's heart and restoring Terra to his true self. After reuniting with Aqua and Ventus, and later aiding in keeping Kingdom Hearts closed, Terra releases Eraqus's heart and spirit, who persuades
51106-421: The presence of Ventus's heart within Sora's. In Kingdom Hearts III, Vanitas is inducted into the real Organization XIII as one of the thirteen seekers of darkness, using a replica body with the intention of reclaiming Ventus's heart. Vanitas returns to his original time upon being defeated for a second time. While developing Birth by Sleep , Nomura created Vanitas's relationship with Ventus under suggestion from
51359-421: The presence of Ventus's heart within Sora's. In Kingdom Hearts III, Vanitas is inducted into the real Organization XIII as one of the thirteen seekers of darkness, using a replica body with the intention of reclaiming Ventus's heart. Vanitas returns to his original time upon being defeated for a second time. While developing Birth by Sleep , Nomura created Vanitas's relationship with Ventus under suggestion from
51612-419: The process. Xehanort brings Ventus to the Destiny Islands, where his heart connects with a newborn Sora to prevent it from collapsing. An amnesiac Ventus is placed under Master Eraqus's care alongside Terra and Aqua, whom he forms a sibling-like bond with. At the beginning of the game, Vanitas provokes Ventus into pursuing Terra during the latter's search for Xehanort, pitting him against dark creatures called
51865-416: The process. Xehanort brings Ventus to the Destiny Islands, where his heart connects with a newborn Sora to prevent it from collapsing. An amnesiac Ventus is placed under Master Eraqus's care alongside Terra and Aqua, whom he forms a sibling-like bond with. At the beginning of the game, Vanitas provokes Ventus into pursuing Terra during the latter's search for Xehanort, pitting him against dark creatures called
52118-412: The rank of Keyblade Master by the start of the game, she is tasked by Master Eraqus to watch over Terra and retrieve Ventus when he runs away from home. While attempting to protect Ventus and save Terra from Xehanort's control, she becomes trapped in the realm of darkness, where she remains suspended in time throughout the series while fending off the Heartless. In Kingdom Hearts III , Sora rescues her from
52371-476: The re-released Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories . While the themes for some of the Disney-based worlds are taken directly from their Disney film counterparts, 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 main characters have themes, and
52624-550: The real Ansem, attempts dissipating some of the artificial Kingdom Hearts before being engulfed in an explosion when his extraction device self-destructs and is sent to the Realm of Darkness. Sora and his friends then battle Xemnas. After Sora and Riku defeat Xemnas, they get trapped in the Realm of Darkness, but a letter from Kairi summons a gateway for them, and the two are reunited with their friends at their home. Sometime after his first adventure in Disney Castle, Sora discovered
52877-512: The realm of darkness, and she joins him in the final battle against Xehanort. Xehanort ( ゼアノート , Zeanōto , English: / ˈ z eɪ . ə n ɔːr t / ) is the main antagonist of the Dark Seeker Saga, the first phase in the Kingdom Hearts series. He is initially introduced as the original form of the sentient Heartless Ansem and Nobody Xemnas, but is later established to be an elderly Keyblade Master from Destiny Islands who acquired
53130-452: The realm of darkness, and she joins him in the final battle against Xehanort. Xehanort ( ゼアノート , Zeanōto , English: / ˈ z eɪ . ə n ɔːr t / ) is the main antagonist of the Dark Seeker Saga, the first phase in the Kingdom Hearts series. He is initially introduced as the original form of the sentient Heartless Ansem and Nobody Xemnas, but is later established to be an elderly Keyblade Master from Destiny Islands who acquired
53383-466: The remaining Dandelions' hearts merge with their Chirithies, becoming Dream Eaters. Mickey Mouse is depicted in the Kingdom Hearts series as the king of Disney Castle, and is frequently referred to in-game as "King Mickey" or simply "the King" ( 王様 , Ōsama ) . He is also an experienced Keyblade Master, alternatively wielding a golden version of Sora's "Kingdom Key" retrieved from the realm of darkness, and
53636-419: The remaining Dandelions' hearts merge with their Chirithies, becoming Dream Eaters. Mickey Mouse is depicted in the Kingdom Hearts series as the king of Disney Castle, and is frequently referred to in-game as "King Mickey" or simply "the King" ( 王様 , Ōsama ) . He is also an experienced Keyblade Master, alternatively wielding a golden version of Sora's "Kingdom Key" retrieved from the realm of darkness, and
53889-550: The same party and summoned characters from the first game, with the inclusion of Cloud Strife as an additional summon. Aladdin, Jack, and the Beast return as party members in Kingdom Hearts II , with Ariel appearing in a non-playable capacity, and Peter Pan appearing as a summon along with Tinker Bell. Adult Simba is featured as a party member in the Pride Lands, while Mushu becomes a supporting ally along with new party member Mulan in
54142-448: The same party and summoned characters from the first game, with the inclusion of Cloud Strife as an additional summon. Aladdin, Jack, and the Beast return as party members in Kingdom Hearts II , with Ariel appearing in a non-playable capacity, and Peter Pan appearing as a summon along with Tinker Bell. Adult Simba is featured as a party member in the Pride Lands, while Mushu becomes a supporting ally along with new party member Mulan in
54395-434: The series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The three main games in the series all met with positive sales at the time of their releases. In the first two months since the North American release of Kingdom Hearts , it was one of the top three highest-selling video games. Chain of Memories sold 104,000 units in 48 hours in Japan, a record for a Game Boy Advance game at the time. Its positive debut sales placed it in
54648-401: The series the eleventh "must-play PlayStation 2" series. 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
54901-457: The series. The series consists of thirteen games available for multiple platforms, and future games are planned. Most of the games in the series have been positively received and commercially successful. As of March 2022, the Kingdom Hearts series has shipped more than 36 million copies worldwide. A wide variety of related merchandise has been released along with the games, including soundtracks , action figures , companion books, light novels ,
55154-495: The series. The rereleases of the main series games had the term "Final Mix" added after the title, while Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts Coded were re-released as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded and released on the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, respectively, with 3D graphics, voice overs during some cutscenes, and new game content. The Kingdom Hearts series has been critically and commercially successful. As of March 2014,
55407-569: The sole playable character in the original game. He is portrayed as a cheerful 14-year-old boy who lives on the Destiny Islands with his childhood friends Riku and Kairi. When the Islands are attacked by creatures of darkness known as the Heartless , Sora comes into possession of a weapon of light called the Keyblade , and he embarks on a journey alongside Donald Duck and Goofy to protect other worlds from
55660-416: The sole playable character in the original game. He is portrayed as a cheerful 14-year-old boy who lives on the Destiny Islands with his childhood friends Riku and Kairi. When the Islands are attacked by creatures of darkness known as the Heartless , Sora comes into possession of a weapon of light called the Keyblade , and he embarks on a journey alongside Donald Duck and Goofy to protect other worlds from
55913-452: The start of the game, Eraqus passes Aqua the Mark of Mastery but denies Terra, basing his decision on the darkness in his heart. He sends Terra and Aqua to deal with the appearance of the Unversed and the disappearance of Master Xehanort and Aqua to retrieve Ventus, fearing that Xehanort will use Ventus to create the χ-blade. When Ventus confronts him over this and confirms his fears, Eraqus attempts to destroy Ventus to foil Xehanort's plan, but
56166-451: The start of the game, Eraqus passes Aqua the Mark of Mastery but denies Terra, basing his decision on the darkness in his heart. He sends Terra and Aqua to deal with the appearance of the Unversed and the disappearance of Master Xehanort and Aqua to retrieve Ventus, fearing that Xehanort will use Ventus to create the χ-blade. When Ventus confronts him over this and confirms his fears, Eraqus attempts to destroy Ventus to foil Xehanort's plan, but
56419-457: The storylines of their respective Disney films. The main characters try not to interfere with the affairs of other worlds, as it could negatively affect the universe's order. Various Final Fantasy characters also make appearances within several worlds throughout the series. This includes Moogles , small creatures who are another common element in the games. They provide the player with a synthesis shop in order to create and purchase items used in
56672-437: The test in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , Sora and Riku enter the Realm of Sleep where they encounter a young version of Xehanort who can travel through time. The two Keyblade wielders also learn how Xehanort has long manipulated events since Birth by Sleep with Organization XIII's true purpose in providing thirteens vessels for him to inhabit and use against seven hearts of pure light in an ultimate battle to recreate
56925-514: The top spot of sales charts in Japan. 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. Within three days of the Kingdom Hearts II release in Japan, it shipped 1 million copies, selling through within a month. 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. In
57178-445: The two to form "Kingdom Hearts". 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. After Kingdom Hearts Final Mix was completed, development for Kingdom Hearts II began. There were several obstacles to clear before development could begin on
57431-461: The use of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in Kingdom Hearts III , but the response from Disney was that the character would be "too difficult" to use, with no further clarification or details from Disney. The series starts with Kingdom Hearts , where a boy named Sora is separated from his friends Riku and Kairi when their home Destiny Islands is consumed in darkness. At that moment Sora obtained
57684-515: The way. Players primarily control Sora, though there are numerous characters that join his party as computer controlled members . Most characters were introduced in the original game Kingdom Hearts , with subsequent installments featuring new original, Disney, and Final Fantasy characters. Dream Drop Distance introduces characters from Square Enix's The World Ends with You , while Kingdom Hearts III introduces characters from Pixar franchises. Various types of merchandise modeled after
57937-512: The way. Players primarily control Sora, though there are numerous characters that join his party as computer controlled members . Most characters were introduced in the original game Kingdom Hearts , with subsequent installments featuring new original, Disney, and Final Fantasy characters. Dream Drop Distance introduces characters from Square Enix's The World Ends with You , while Kingdom Hearts III introduces characters from Pixar franchises. Various types of merchandise modeled after
58190-531: The worlds. 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. He also felt managing and keeping multiple worlds was problematic. 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
58443-468: The year-long process to restore him and his friends' memories to their original state. Naminé also saves Riku in "Reverse/Rebirth" from Zexion, disguising herself as Kairi. In Kingdom Hearts II , Naminé visits Roxas in the virtual Twilight Town to help him discover his true identity as Sora's Nobody. She returns in the game's final world to help Kairi escape from the Organization's dungeon, after which she merges with her. In Kingdom Hearts III , Naminé plays
58696-466: The year-long process to restore him and his friends' memories to their original state. Naminé also saves Riku in "Reverse/Rebirth" from Zexion, disguising herself as Kairi. In Kingdom Hearts II , Naminé visits Roxas in the virtual Twilight Town to help him discover his true identity as Sora's Nobody. She returns in the game's final world to help Kairi escape from the Organization's dungeon, after which she merges with her. In Kingdom Hearts III , Naminé plays
58949-428: The χ-blade and unlock Kingdom Hearts to incite another war, desiring to create a new world where light and darkness exist in perfect balance. He also transfers his heart into Terra 's body to prolong his own life. However, he is defeated through the combined efforts of Ventus, Terra and Aqua , gaining amnesia in the process. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , Xehanort returns to his original form following
59202-424: The χ-blade and unlock Kingdom Hearts to incite another war, desiring to create a new world where light and darkness exist in perfect balance. He also transfers his heart into Terra 's body to prolong his own life. However, he is defeated through the combined efforts of Ventus, Terra and Aqua , gaining amnesia in the process. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance , Xehanort returns to his original form following
59455-408: The χ-blade within his heart, but causing him to lose his heart in the process. Aqua reconfigures the Land of Departure into Castle Oblivion to keep Ventus's catatonic body safe, while his wandering heart finds its way back to Sora, who accepts it into his body. Ventus makes an appearance in Kingdom Hearts Coded , where Mickey Mouse —whom Ventus befriended in the previous game—discovers his heart
59708-405: The χ-blade within his heart, but causing him to lose his heart in the process. Aqua reconfigures the Land of Departure into Castle Oblivion to keep Ventus's catatonic body safe, while his wandering heart finds its way back to Sora, who accepts it into his body. Ventus makes an appearance in Kingdom Hearts Coded , where Mickey Mouse —whom Ventus befriended in the previous game—discovers his heart
59961-445: The χ-blade, revealing his true plan is to use the true Kingdom Hearts to wipe the slate on reality clean before finally being defeated. Xehanort departs with Eraqus's spirit into the light as Sora closes Kingdom Hearts. Sora also sacrifices himself by using the "Power of Waking" once more to revive Kairi. Sometime later, all the guardians, including their close friends and allies, celebrate victory at Destiny Islands. Xigbar, revealed to be
60214-549: The χ-blade. But Sora's interference forced Xehanort to retrieve his alternate selves, Marluxia, Larxene, Demyx, Luxord, Vanitas, and Xion from across time in Replica bodies to form his ideal Organization XIII with Xigbar, Saix, and Vexen. Sora is narrowly saved from being Xehanort's final vessel with the aid of Lea (Axel's original self) and Riku learns about data that Ansem the Wise had implanted within Sora during his year-long sleep, which may be used to save those connected to Sora. At
60467-471: The χ-blade. Vanitas was initially faceless at the time of his creation until Ventus connected his heart to the newborn Sora, considering Sora as a "brother" like Ventus since their connection defined him as a person. Though he aids in Xehanort's scheme, Vanitas acted on his own whims to lure Ventus away from home to strengthen him into his equal to commence their reunion. He also attacked him and his friends with
60720-513: The χ-blade. Following Xehanort's defeat, Sora departs to restore Kairi by using the power of waking; in the final scene of the game, Kairi is shown to have been revived by Sora before he fades away as a consequence of overusing the power. In the "Limitcut" episode of Re Mind , Kairi is revealed to be in a deep sleep in Ansem's lab, as Ansem The Wise and his apprentices analyze her heart for clues on Sora's whereabouts. In Melody of Memory , she awakens and
60973-465: The χ-blade. Following Xehanort's defeat, Sora departs to restore Kairi by using the power of waking; in the final scene of the game, Kairi is shown to have been revived by Sora before he fades away as a consequence of overusing the power. In the "Limitcut" episode of Re Mind , Kairi is revealed to be in a deep sleep in Ansem's lab, as Ansem The Wise and his apprentices analyze her heart for clues on Sora's whereabouts. In Melody of Memory , she awakens and
61226-471: The χ-blade. They are introduced as thirteen Nobodies who seek the power of Kingdom Hearts to become complete humans, with Xehanort's Nobody Xemnas ranked first as their leader. With the exception of Xemnas, who uses Ansem's name, each Organization member's name is an anagram of their original self's name with the letter "X" inserted. While Nobodies initially lack true emotion and morality, they gradually grow hearts over time. Dream Drop Distance reveals that
61479-468: The χ-blade. They are introduced as thirteen Nobodies who seek the power of Kingdom Hearts to become complete humans, with Xehanort's Nobody Xemnas ranked first as their leader. With the exception of Xemnas, who uses Ansem's name, each Organization member's name is an anagram of their original self's name with the letter "X" inserted. While Nobodies initially lack true emotion and morality, they gradually grow hearts over time. Dream Drop Distance reveals that
61732-417: The χ-blade. Vanitas was initially faceless at the time of his creation until Ventus connected his heart to the newborn Sora, considering Sora as a "brother" like Ventus since their connection defined him as a person. Though he aids in Xehanort's scheme, Vanitas acted on his own whims to lure Ventus away from home to strengthen him into his equal to commence their reunion. He also attacked him and his friends with
61985-492: 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. 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
62238-409: Was later reposted by minor channels. On May 27, 2020, it was reported that a TV series based on the franchise was in development for Disney+ . On April 29, 2024, The DisInsider reported that a Kingdom Hearts film was in the works. While previously having been a show for Disney+, it was changed to a theatrical film. It was also noted that these are just rumors and nothing had officially been given
62491-426: Was manipulated by a sentient Heartless who possesses Riku and claims himself to be the Heartless researcher Ansem. Though Sora defeats Ansem, he is forced to trap Riku and Mickey in the Realm of Darkness after sealing the door and resolute to find them while Kairi remains at the Destiny Islands for their return. In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories , Sora's search for Riku and Mickey leads his group to Castle Oblivion,
62744-515: 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. 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
62997-403: Was real, with neither character making sense of it. The Kingdom Hearts games contain elements of action role-playing video games with hack-and-slash elements. The games are driven by a linear progression from one story event to the next, usually shown in the form of a cutscene , though there are numerous side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. In most games,
63250-603: Was released in the US by Tokyopop two years later in October 2005. Yen Press now holds the rights to publish the books for the USA market. The first series, Kingdom Hearts , consists of four volumes, while the second series, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories , has two volumes. The third series, Kingdom Hearts II , has ten volumes total, taking a hiatus to publish a fourth series based on Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days which has five volumes total, after which Kingdom Hearts II resumed. As of April 2019,
63503-497: 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
63756-422: Was the result of an encounter with Aqua , who gives the four-year-old Kairi a protective charm to shield her from the darkness; Kairi gains the ability to wield a Keyblade after touching Aqua's Keyblade. During Kingdom Hearts , where Kairi is 14 years old, her heart is stolen by darkness bugs commanded by Ansem, sending her body into a coma while her heart takes refuge within Sora. Upon learning her of identity as
64009-400: Was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced with Bobby Edner . According to Kearsley, the pilot tested well with their test audiences, but the decision was made not to go further into production due to the franchise's expansion and the difficulty of maintaining consistency with the ongoing game series. The animatic was later taken down by Kearsley at Disney's request, though it
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