POSTED 24/9/13


KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 REMIX

Disney Interactive/Square Enix
PS3

If you’re convinced that Disney’s classic cartoons are mere kiddie stuff then you’re goofier than, well, Goofy. Gawrsh!

For as savvy pop cultural acolytes know, there’s always been a depth beyond the simple fun-for-munchkins angle, be it in Mickey Mouse, or tales such as The Lion King.

For years, the Kingdom Hearts series has celebrated this, grabbing the best of Disney – and that’s a lot - then banging it together with chunks of Final Fantasy for action role-playing unlike anything else. Plus, they’ve been smart enough to acknowledge that the real star is Duck, Donald Duck.

The clunkily-named Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix isn’t a new game. It’s actually three oldies, spruced up, tweaked and plopped onto one shiny disc of heaven for fans, most of whom would’ve missed out on at least two as they weren’t originally released in Australia.

The star attraction is, appropriately, first. It’s Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, and was the series originator, released back in 2002 for PS2. As teen boy Sora, who has a natty way with a sword, you restore your world that’s been decimated by blotty black things. Donald and Goofy assist, and you’ll encounter innumerable classic Disney properties en route. Remastered graphics are peachy, and mercifully camera controls have been tightened. A bit.

Next, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. The sequel, this adds card game shenanigans to a GBA release that was rejigged for PS2 before rejigginess for PS3. Thankfully, more makeovers than Joan Rivers haven’t broken it.

Finally, DS title Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (so that’d be 179 Days?), which timeline-wise squatted between the above two, is here. Sorta. The cutscenes have been sticky-taped together with new bits added to make a near-three hour movie. Clock towers, ice cream and Mickey Mouse in bondage feature heavily...

This is fan service perfection. If you don’t agree then we’ll sic Donald onto you... WAK-WAK-WAK!

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