Kingdom Hearts III

Kingdom Hearts III is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the twelfth installment in the Kingdom Hearts series, a sequel to Kingdom Hearts II, and the final chapter in the Dark Seeker Saga. The game was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in January 2019, and later for Microsoft Windows in March 2021.

Gameplay

Kingdom Hearts III features a blend of action and role-playing elements, similar to its predecessors. Players control the protagonist Sora, who is joined by Donald Duck and Goofy as they travel across various Disney and Pixar worlds. The game introduces new mechanics, such as the "Attraction Flow" attacks, which are inspired by Disney theme park rides, and the "Keyblade Transformations," which allow Sora's weapon to change forms and grant new abilities.

Plot

The story follows Sora, Donald, and Goofy as they search for the "Guardians of Light" to stop the evil Xehanort from starting a second Keyblade War. They visit various worlds, including those based on Toy Story, Frozen, Tangled, and Big Hero 6. Along the way, they encounter familiar characters from the Kingdom Hearts series, such as Riku, Kairi, and King Mickey.

Development

The development of Kingdom Hearts III was announced at E3 2013, and the game was built using the Unreal Engine 4. The game's director, Tetsuya Nomura, aimed to create a more seamless and dynamic experience compared to previous entries. The game features a mix of returning and new voice actors, with many reprising their roles from the original films and previous Kingdom Hearts games.

Reception

Kingdom Hearts III received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visuals, combat system, and the faithful recreation of Disney worlds. However, some criticism was directed at its story and pacing. The game was a commercial success, selling over five million copies within its first week of release.

Legacy

Kingdom Hearts III is considered a significant entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, concluding the long-running Dark Seeker Saga. It has spawned additional content, including the Re Mind DLC, which expands on the game's story and adds new gameplay elements.

See also

• Kingdom Hearts (series)
• Kingdom Hearts II
• Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
• Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance