Square Enix Explains What Order You Should Play Kingdom Hearts In

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Square Enix Explains What Order You Should Play Kingdom Hearts In

Highlights

  • Square Enix released a video suggesting two potential play orders for navigating the Kingdom Hearts series on Steam.
  • The recommended play orders are either in chronological release order or in chronological story order, according to Square Enix.
  • There is no “correct” starting point for Kingdom Hearts, though, as players can choose based on personal preference.

As a gamer who has been following the Kingdom Hearts series since its inception, I’m thrilled that Square Enix has finally made the entire collection available on Steam. However, I can understand how newcomers to the franchise might feel overwhelmed by the complex timeline and interconnected stories.

After making the entire collection of the Kingdom Hearts series available for purchase on Steam in late June, Square Enix provided a video suggestion for players looking to follow an optimal order to experience the game’s intricate narrative. With the debut of Kingdom Heerts on Steam marking its first appearance on this popular PC gaming platform, fans now have the freedom to enjoy the iconic RPG series on their preferred PC service. Previously, players could only access the Kingdom Hearts franchise through the Epic Games Store, but the decision to make it exclusive there sparked controversy among the gaming community. Now, fans can choose where they play this beloved series.

As a passionate fan of the intricate world of Kingdom Hearts, I can understand how overwhelming it may feel for newcomers to dive into this beloved RPG series now that it’s available on Steam. With its non-linear storyline and numerous interquels, prequels, and spin-offs, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the recommended play order to fully grasp the rich narrative.

According to Square Enix’s recommended sequence and the majority of fans, the optimal way to experience the Kingdom Hearts series is by following the chronological release order. This entails starting with Kingdom Hearts 1.5+2.5, then moving on to 2.8, and finally 3. The breakdown for this playthrough would be: Kingdom Hearts 1, Re: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 2, 358/2 Days (movie), Birth by Sleep (play as Terra, then Ventus, and lastly Aqua to unlock the final episode), Re: Coded (movie), Dream Drop Distance, X Back Cover (movie), and lastly Kingdom Hearts 3 + Re:Mind. Keep in mind that some entries on this list are not games but rather movies or compilation titles.

Kingdom Hearts Can Be Played Chronologically by Release or Story Order

An alternate method to immerse oneself in the “Kingdom Hearts” franchise, as proposed by Square Enix, is by following the chronological sequence of the storyline. This approach involves initially delving into prequel content such as “X Back Cover” and “Dark Road,” followed by “Birth By Sleep.” Afterward, one can proceed to the games featuring Sora and his companions. By adhering to this sequence, numerous intricate plot points and lore are established, which later enrich the individual narratives.

In summary, Square Enix acknowledges that there isn’t a definitive beginning for the Kingdom Hearts series, as each game can serve as a valid entry point. For instance, someone might choose to begin with Kingdom Hearts 3 due to its recent release and the opportunity to join Sora on an adventure with Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The debate over the playing order remains a topic of discussion among fans, but this video offers a valuable starting point for newcomers to explore the Kingdom Hearts universe.

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2024-07-13 23:53