thePULSEKingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
By Katey Khaos
Ahhh, Disney and Final Fantasy combined, it doesn’t get much better than that. The latest installment of the Kingdom Hearts series is out on the 3DS with [the bizarre] Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.
Some of the beloved locales of previous games ~ like Traverse Town and Monstro ~ are back; however, there are stunning new levels to tromp through like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tron: Legacy, and Fantasia. As with its predecessors, the first few levels aren’t particular interesting, but as the game progresses, the stories and battles become more interesting and will leave you glued to the screen until the credits roll.
Okay, there has to be some new stuff in here other than new levels, right? Absolutely.
One of the biggest gameplay changes is a timer that seems to hover over nearly every action in the game. When it runs out, whichever character you’re in control of immediately succumbs to plot-mandated narcolepsy and “control shifts” to the other character in whichever world he or she happens to be. Sounds weird, right? The idea is for Sora and Riku to experience different parts of each world’s story while swapping items, etc. Personally, I find this new mechanism to be nothing less than obnoxious.
Square Enix has also introduced a new progression system to the game ~ virtual pets called Dream Eaters. Collect enough materials and you can build your own little buddy to fight along side you. Your virtual pet party can house up to three Dream Eaters ~ and upon leveling them up, points can be spent on unlockables for both Sora and Riku.
Finally, let’s talk combat. Yes, it’s been frustrating in the past (cough, cough…camera angles). Square Enix has implemented a new system called “Flowmotion” which, in short, makes slaying any sort of bad guy with a keyblade feel pretty damn awesome. The new system allows you to push off walls and enemies to gain speed and altitude, thus ending with a special attack. I won’t sugar coat it though, the combat mechanics are nothing to write home about, and there are some boss fights which will still leave you frustrated.
The verdict? If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, you’re going to love this game. For those who are less involved in the series, it may take a little more determination and coaxing to stick with it and see what all the hype is about.
