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The June 5, 2009 issue of ''[[Famitsu]]'' covered an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, where he said that the game was, at the time, at the voice recording stage. It also speculated that the game would be showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2009.<ref name="PSP Hyper">{{cite web |title=Square: Birth by Sleep & 3rd Birthday Development Status |url=http://www.psphyper.com/psp/square-birth-by-sleep-3rd-birthday-development-status/#comments |date=June 8, 2009 |work= |publisher=PSP Hyper |accessdate=August 26, 2009}}</ref> In August 2009, new ''Famitsu'' scans revealed a revamped User Interface (having been revamped twice before) as well as new worlds after a lack of news for close to a year. It was also revealed that the official names for the new enemies were the Unversed. Nomura also confirmed in an interview that ''Birth by Sleep'' would contain a secret ending like in ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' for the next game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, which he confirmed to be a main game and the one which Nomura stated would link up ''Birth by Sleep'', ''358/2 Days'' and ''coded''. He also confirmed that a ''Birth by Sleep'' demo would indeed be playable at the 2009 Tokyo Games Show together with a new trailer.<ref name="BBSFR"/>
The June 5, 2009 issue of ''[[Famitsu]]'' covered an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, where he said that the game was, at the time, at the voice recording stage. It also speculated that the game would be showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2009.<ref name="PSP Hyper">{{cite web |title=Square: Birth by Sleep & 3rd Birthday Development Status |url=http://www.psphyper.com/psp/square-birth-by-sleep-3rd-birthday-development-status/#comments |date=June 8, 2009 |work= |publisher=PSP Hyper |accessdate=August 26, 2009}}</ref> In August 2009, new ''Famitsu'' scans revealed a revamped User Interface (having been revamped twice before) as well as new worlds after a lack of news for close to a year. It was also revealed that the official names for the new enemies were the Unversed. Nomura also confirmed in an interview that ''Birth by Sleep'' would contain a secret ending like in ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' for the next game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, which he confirmed to be a main game and the one which Nomura stated would link up ''Birth by Sleep'', ''358/2 Days'' and ''coded''. He also confirmed that a ''Birth by Sleep'' demo would indeed be playable at the 2009 Tokyo Games Show together with a new trailer.<ref name="BBSFR"/>


In early October 2009, Square Enix released their Tokyo Game Show 2009 trailer to the public on the official website. Nomura revealed that the concept of the Command Board originated from when he was in elementary school as at that time he was very fascinated with board games and even made his own; hence he wanted to incorporate a fun board game into the game. He also revealed that the name Eraqus came from an anagram of Square, and said that both Master Eraqus and Vanitas would be voiced by voice actors who are very difficult to hire. The official release date was also confirmed as being January 9, 2010.<ref name="Nov5 Famitsu"/>
In early October 2009, Square Enix released their Tokyo Game Show 2009 trailer to the public on the official website. Nomura revealed that the concept of the Command Board originated from when he was in elementary school as at that time he was very fascinated with board games and even made his own; hence he wanted to incorporate a fun board game into the game. He also revealed that the name Eraqus came from an anagram of Square, and said that both Master Eraqus and Vanitas would be voiced by voice actors who are very difficult to hire (Makio Inoue and Miyu Irino). The official release date was also confirmed as being January 9, 2010.<ref name="Nov5 Famitsu"/>


In late October 2009, Nomura updated the official Kingdom Hearts blog, "Message from the Kingdom", with a status report about ''Birth by Sleep''. He revealed that he was currently designing the cover art for ''Birth by Sleep'' as well as editing the staff rolls due to there being three main characters in ''Birth by Sleep''. He also revealed that they were editing the new opening movie for the game, though he did not mention if a new opening song would be used or a previous one would be re-used like with ''358/2 Days''. He also noted that they were also editing the promotional video and commercials for the game at the time.<ref name="Nomura Blog">{{cite web |url=http://blog.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/2009/10/post-1.html |title=クリエイターズメッセージ ＜野村哲也＞ |author=Tetsuya Nomura |date=October 28, 2009 |work= |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |language=Japanese |accessdate=December 2, 2009}}</ref> As with ''coded'' and ''358/2 Days'', [[Yoko Shimomura]], the series' main composer, composed the most prominent themes, while the rest was created by other composers.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24920| publisher = Gamasutra| title = Interview: Magical Planet - The Music of Hiroki Kikuta & Yoko Shimomura| author = Jeriaska| date = August 31, 2009| accessdate = October 12, 2009}}</ref> Like ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories'', ''Birth by Sleep'' uses [[Hikaru Utada]]'s theme song "[[Hikari (song)|Hikari]]" for the Japanese version and its English version, "Simple and Clean", in the overseas releases.
In late October 2009, Nomura updated the official Kingdom Hearts blog, "Message from the Kingdom", with a status report about ''Birth by Sleep''. He revealed that he was currently designing the cover art for ''Birth by Sleep'' as well as editing the staff rolls due to there being three main characters in ''Birth by Sleep''. He also revealed that they were editing the new opening movie for the game, though he did not mention if a new opening song would be used or a previous one would be re-used like with ''358/2 Days''. He also noted that they were also editing the promotional video and commercials for the game at the time.<ref name="Nomura Blog">{{cite web |url=http://blog.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/2009/10/post-1.html |title=クリエイターズメッセージ ＜野村哲也＞ |author=Tetsuya Nomura |date=October 28, 2009 |work= |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |language=Japanese |accessdate=December 2, 2009}}</ref> As with ''coded'' and ''358/2 Days'', [[Yoko Shimomura]], the series' main composer, composed the most prominent themes, while the rest was created by other composers.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24920| publisher = Gamasutra| title = Interview: Magical Planet - The Music of Hiroki Kikuta & Yoko Shimomura| author = Jeriaska| date = August 31, 2009| accessdate = October 12, 2009}}</ref> Like ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories'', ''Birth by Sleep'' uses [[Hikaru Utada]]'s theme song "[[Hikari (song)|Hikari]]" for the Japanese version and its English version, "Simple and Clean", in the overseas releases.

Revision as of 14:02, 6 December 2010

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
North American cover art for Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep featuring (clockwise from top): Terra, Aqua, Ventus, and Mickey.
Developer(s)Square Enix PDD 5[3]
Publisher(s)Square Enix
Designer(s)Tetsuya Nomura (game director)
Tai Yasue (co-director)
Shinji Hashimoto (executive producer)
Patrick Chen (game producer)
Yoichi Yoshimoto (co-producer)[4]
Writer(s)Masaru Oka
Composer(s)Yoko Shimomura
Tsuyoshi Sekito
Takeharu Ishimoto
SeriesKingdom Hearts
Platform(s)PlayStation Portable[4]
ReleaseKingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
Genre(s)Action roleplaying game
Mode(s)Single-player, Multiplayer

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (キングダム ハーツ バース バイ スリープ, Kingudamu Hātsu Bāsu bai Surīpu) is an action roleplaying game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable, serving as the sixth installment in the Kingdom Hearts series. The game was released in Japan on January 9, 2010,[5] in North America on September 7, 2010 and in Europe on September 10, 2010.[6] However, it was not released for the PSP Go. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep was also released with a limited edition PSP-3000 as a bundle in Japan featuring designs from the Kingdom Hearts series on its back.[7] An international version of the game titled Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix is set to be released in Japan in the start of 2011 featuring the changes made in the overseas versions.

The game also utilizes an overhauled battle system different from previous games in the series with new elements such as the Command Board, Command System and Dimension Links added in. The game is a prequel to the original Kingdom Hearts, taking place ten years before. The game centers on the journeys of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, characters briefly featured in Kingdom Hearts II, in their quest to locate the missing Master Xehanort and protect the worlds from creatures known as Unversed.

Development of the game began in June 2005 with parts of the game Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix meant to bring clues of Birth by Sleep. Director Tetsuya Nomura has referred to the game as "Episode 0"[8] saying that the game is on the same scale and plays as big an importance as Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.[9] The game has been well received, selling a large number of units in Japan shortly after its release, and receiving positive comments by video game publications.

Gameplay

Terra battling the Trinity Armor with Aqua and Ventus.[10]

Birth by Sleep is an action roleplaying game. This game allows players to customize their "deck" by choosing which techniques and abilities to display.[11][12]

Another new gameplay aspect is the Command System; when the command gauge is filled and requirements have been fulfilled, the Command Style of the character will change. When the gauge fills up and the requirements have been fulfilled for the second time, the character will change to an even higher level Command Style.[13]

A new feature of the game is the Command Board, which appears whenever the player completes a world, and can be accessed from save points and the world map once unlocked. Each world has its own unique Command Board with its own tricks and mechanisms. The Command Board plays like a regular board game where a dice is thrown and the player moves, each space having its own unique effect on the player. Various Disney characters from throughout the game also appear on their respective Command Board to either aid or hinder the player. Special panels in the board game can trigger "special events" when landed on by the player.

The game does not utilize a Magic Points (MP) system for spells or magic casting, unlike in previous games in the series. Instead it uses a new system known as "Focus" which is displayed in a gauge on the interface, involving targeting spells using what is known as the "ShotLock Mode". It also involves the characters casting spells in a first person mode, where each character is able to cast their own unique magic attacks.[14]

Another new aspect of the game is the Dimension Link (D-Link) which can be used to summon allies to lend their power to aid the player from different worlds. Companions such as Experiment 626 who have been left behind in previous worlds can be called upon once again to temporarily aid the player in his or her, by providing them with an entirely new range of attacks in their command decks replacing the usual ones. At the end, a new powerful finishing move is activated to take out enemies. Each ally used will have a unique set of attacks and finishing move. Each finishing move has two levels which can render a finishing move more powerful than before, similar to that of the Command System. The D-Link can be activated by pressing right on the directional pad to access the D-Link menu, followed by selecting the chosen ally namely, Experiment 626, Aqua, Ventus, Terra, and several others.[13]

Scenarios

The game is divided into three separate scenarios, with each scenario surrounding the story of the three main characters: Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. Each scenario is related to the other. The gameplay of each scenario differs based on the personalities and abilities of each character such as power, speed and magic: Terra is the most powerful in terms of physical damage, Ventus is the fastest character, and Aqua specializes in magic. Players are able to choose which of the three scenarios near the beginning of the game and will be able to switch to another scenario midway through.[4] The scenario's recommended order of play by Nomura is Terra, followed by Ventus, and lastly Aqua, allowing the player to best understand the story.[9] In addition, the three scenarios are very different and only share the same story-line for the first ten minutes of the story.[9]

Multiplayer

The game supports up to six players at a time[15] in four new multiplayer modes. Players control one of the three main characters suited in armor in a world known as the Mirage Arena. In Versus, players fight against each other in a deathmatch style game, while in Arena players fight co-operatively in a "Survival Mode" style of gameplay against wave after wave of Unversed. In Rumble Racing, players race against each other competitively on their Keyblade vehicles which can also be used to attack rivals. In Command Board, players play a board game on the in-game Command Board mechanic to reach the end first like in traditional board games.[16] Setting records in the Mirage Arena earns players medals which can be exchanged for rare items in-game.[17] Only Ad-Hoc wireless multiplayer is allowed.[18]

Plot

Kingdom Hearts
chronology

Setting

Further information: Universe of Kingdom Hearts

Birth by Sleep is a prequel to the first Kingdom Hearts game, taking place ten years prior.[19][20] Like the other games in the series, the player progresses through a collection of various worlds, based on various locales from the Disney animated features canon: Dwarf Woodlands from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Enchanted Dominion from Sleeping Beauty; Castle of Dreams from Cinderella; Olympus Coliseum from Hercules; Deep Space from Lilo & Stitch; Neverland from Peter Pan (featuring for the first time most of the main island setting new to the series rather than Captain Hook's pirate ship and Big Ben from the first game and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days); and Mysterious Tower from Fantasia.[15] The game also features various new worlds specially created for the series by Square Enix such as the Land of Departure and Radiant Garden. Disney Town, which is the town that surrounds the castle grounds of Disney Castle, serves as the game's minigame world. Worlds such as Destiny Islands and Castle Oblivion also appear in the form of cutscenes, while the 100 Acre Wood from the Winnie the Pooh franchise, which had appeared in most other games of the series, only appears as a Command Board in Birth by Sleep. The staff first chose the worlds based on the game's scenario, leading to the inclusion of Princesses' worlds. They then added the worlds of Neverland and Deep Space to add variety to the game, while Olympus Coliseum was selected to show that the game takes place years before Kingdom Hearts.[21]

Characters

Further information: Characters of Kingdom Hearts

The three main characters are Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, a trio of close friends and apprentice Keyblade-wielders under Master Eraqus who aspire to become Masters themselves. Another Keyblade Master, Xehanort, and his mysterious apprentice, Vanitas, serve as the game's antagonists. Other characters from the previous games return, such as Sora, Riku, and Kairi, though they are younger than their original incarnations and given less prominent roles. A number of characters who later come to form Organization XIII also appear, particularly the first five apprentices of Ansem the Wise (Braig, Dilan, Even, Aeleus, and Ienzo) as well as Lea and Isa, who were previously unaffiliated with the former five.[22] As with the Heartless in Kingdom Hearts and the Nobodies in Kingdom Hearts II, Birth by Sleep introduces a new type of enemy: the Unversed, creatures of raw emotion and who are not well-versed in their own existence.

As with the other games in the series, Birth by Sleep features an extensive cast of Disney characters.[12] The most prominent of these characters is King Mickey,[11] who serves as a student under Yen Sid at this point in the series chronology. Donald Duck and Goofy, who served the main protagonist Sora in most other games, appear in smaller roles. Most other Disney characters remain in their respective worlds regardless of their overall importance to the story in previous installments, such as Maleficent and Pete, who served as major antagonists between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, and a number of the Princesses of Heart. Some characters (such as Experiment 626, Prince Phillip, and King Mickey) occasionally fight alongside the player characters in battles as partners similar to the other games, providing assistance and performing combos to help the player proceed. However, they do not follow the player around constantly like Donald and Goofy in the other games. Unlike the other major installments, which also featured casts of various characters throughout the Final Fantasy series, Birth by Sleep only features two of these characters: Zack from Final Fantasy VII, and Moogles, from several of the Final Fantasy games.[23] As Birth by Sleep is a prequel of the first Kingdom Hearts title, the staff decided to add Zack to the title as he is protagonist from the Final Fantasy prequel, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.[21]

Story

The story begins in the Land of Departure, where a trio of friends and Keyblade wielders— Terra, Aqua, and Ventus (Ven for short) —train under the Keyblade Master Eraqus to become Keyblade Masters themselves. Terra and Aqua take an exam to achieve the Mark of Mastery, but only Aqua passes, while Terra fails, due to the darkness in his heart. Shortly after the test, Master Xehanort disappears, and a horde of mysterious creatures called the Unversed begin to appear throughout the worlds. Eraqus learns from Yen Sid that the Princesses of Heart are in danger from the Unversed, and orders Terra and Aqua to destroy the Unversed and find Xehanort.[24] Ven is driven into following Terra against Eraqus' wishes by Vanitas, Xehanort's apprentice,[25] and Aqua is sent to watch over Terra and bring Ven back to the Land of Departure.[26][27]

Upon arriving in several worlds, Terra, Aqua, and Ven encounter various Disney characters, fighting off many Unversed along the way. Among the characters they meet is Mickey Mouse, the apprentice of the sorcerer Yen Sid, who is also on a mission to destroy the Unversed, albeit against Yen Sid's wishes.[28] Terra ends up attracting the attention of several Disney villains, who offer him the whereabouts of Xehanort in exchange for assistance in their own agendas. Upon finding Xehanort, Terra is instructed by him to kill Vanitas, as he is revealed to be the Unversed's source.[29] The three briefly reunite at Radiant Garden where Aqua and Ven confront Terra about his actions, but he leaves to continue Xehanort's mission.[30]

Ven comes across Xehanort, who reveals his intentions to use Ven's heart and fuse it with his other half, Vanitas' heart to create a final Keyblade known as the χ-blade.[31][32] He sends him to the Land of Departure to confront Eraqus, saying he knows the truth about him. Eraqus tries to kill Ven to prevent Xehanort's plans from succeeding, but Terra, who was also sent to the Land of Departure by Xehanort, faces Eraqus to protect Ven.[33] Upon his defeat, Eraqus is vanquished by Xehanort, who covers the Land of Departure in darkness and tells Terra to go to a world known as the Keyblade Graveyard, threatening him about his friends' fates.[34] Ven is similarly instructed to do the same by Vanitas, as is Aqua by Yen Sid after he informs her of Eraqus' death.[35][36]

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus gather at the Keyblade Graveyard, where Xehanort appears with Vanitas and reveals his plan to use the χ-blade to unlock Kingdom Hearts and unleash the secrets of the Keyblade War onto the various worlds. In the following battle, Xehanort takes over Terra's body as his heart is swallowed by darkness, but Terra's will remains within his discarded suit of armor, which comes to life as the Lingering Sentiment and defeats Xehanort.[37] Meanwhile, Ventus is forced to fuse with Vanitas to create the χ-blade and battles Aqua alongside Mickey while the real Ven engages Vanitas in a metaphysical battle from within his heart.[38][39] Aqua shatters the χ-blade as Ven destroys Vanitas within his heart, though Ven's heart is sent into a deep sleep as a result.[40]

After learning that Ven will not awaken, Aqua brings his body to the ruins of Land of Departure, where she seals the world's keyhole and transforms it into Castle Oblivion to ensure Ven will not be disturbed.[41] Aqua then goes to Radiant Garden, where she fights Xehanort, who still possesses Terra's body.[42] The battle rages until Terra's presence manifests, resulting in Xehanort stabbing himself in the struggle and falling into the realm of darkness, but Aqua tries to save Terra, and becomes trapped there in the process.[43] Xehanort, who has lost his memories, is discovered and taken in by Ansem the Wise, ruler of Radiant Garden, as his apprentice. Ven's heart then reconnects to young Sora's and is able to rest within his heart.[44]

In the game's secret ending, which takes place after the events of Kingdom Hearts II, Aqua comes across Ansem the Wise in the Realm of Darkness and learns from him about Sora, who has the power to save those connected to his heart, including Terra, Ventus, and Aqua herself.[45] Sora, having learned of their fates from King Mickey, decides to undertake another quest in order to save them.[46]

Development

Development of the game began in June 2005 and was originally intended for the PlayStation 2 with Sora as the prototype protagonist of the game.[47] Birth by Sleep was developed by Square Enix's fifth Product Development Division, based in Osaka,[3] the same team behind Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, and uses the same graphical engine as both Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Dissidia: Final Fantasy.[48] During development of Kingdom Hearts II, the Osaka-based team had requested to be involved in a spin-off if one were to be made.[3] Development of the game began before the release of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+. The plot was completed, but development was halted six months after it began due to development of Re:Chain of Memories. The development team changed the platform to the PlayStation Portable so as to make use of the PSP's functions such as co-operative and competitive multiplayer gameplay.[49] The title of the game is based on II Final Mix's secret ending, "Birth by Sleep", a title which director Tetsuya Nomura developed as he wanted a phrase having "by" as well as to use an English title like previous games.[49] Nomura has referred to the game as "Episode 0"[8] saying that the game is on the same scale and plays as big an importance as Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.[9]

Birth by Sleep was directed by Nomura and co-directed by Tai Yasue.[4] In 2007, Nomura mentioned a desire to create a spin-off Kingdom Hearts game on a mobile platform and for it to feature gameplay slightly different than other titles in the series.[50] It was announced alongside Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts coded at the Tokyo Game Show on September 20, 2007, where a trailer was shown in a photo-prohibited theater.[51] New trailers were shown at the 2008 Jump Festa in December 2007 and the DKΣ3713 Private party in August 2008—a playable demo was also available at DKΣ3713.[52][53]

The June 5, 2009 issue of Famitsu covered an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, where he said that the game was, at the time, at the voice recording stage. It also speculated that the game would be showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2009.[54] In August 2009, new Famitsu scans revealed a revamped User Interface (having been revamped twice before) as well as new worlds after a lack of news for close to a year. It was also revealed that the official names for the new enemies were the Unversed. Nomura also confirmed in an interview that Birth by Sleep would contain a secret ending like in Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II for the next game in the Kingdom Hearts series, which he confirmed to be a main game and the one which Nomura stated would link up Birth by Sleep, 358/2 Days and coded. He also confirmed that a Birth by Sleep demo would indeed be playable at the 2009 Tokyo Games Show together with a new trailer.[5]

In early October 2009, Square Enix released their Tokyo Game Show 2009 trailer to the public on the official website. Nomura revealed that the concept of the Command Board originated from when he was in elementary school as at that time he was very fascinated with board games and even made his own; hence he wanted to incorporate a fun board game into the game. He also revealed that the name Eraqus came from an anagram of Square, and said that both Master Eraqus and Vanitas would be voiced by voice actors who are very difficult to hire (Makio Inoue and Miyu Irino). The official release date was also confirmed as being January 9, 2010.[18]

In late October 2009, Nomura updated the official Kingdom Hearts blog, "Message from the Kingdom", with a status report about Birth by Sleep. He revealed that he was currently designing the cover art for Birth by Sleep as well as editing the staff rolls due to there being three main characters in Birth by Sleep. He also revealed that they were editing the new opening movie for the game, though he did not mention if a new opening song would be used or a previous one would be re-used like with 358/2 Days. He also noted that they were also editing the promotional video and commercials for the game at the time.[55] As with coded and 358/2 Days, Yoko Shimomura, the series' main composer, composed the most prominent themes, while the rest was created by other composers.[56] Like Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, Birth by Sleep uses Hikaru Utada's theme song "Hikari" for the Japanese version and its English version, "Simple and Clean", in the overseas releases.

The game made its final public appearance before its Japanese release at Jump Festa 2010 on December 19, 2009 where a playable demo as well as new footage from the game were present and shown.[57] The trailer shown during the event was finally unveiled to the public on December 28, 2009 as part of an update to the official site. Like previous console titles in the series, the game contains a secret movie at the end, which had been described as being more like a "true ending" rather than a teaser for the future like previous ones.[9] Development of the movie began in October where Nomura noted in the blog that the game would contain a teaser to the next major Kingdom Hearts game similar to the teasers Deep Dive and Birth by Sleep.[55]

Localization

On March 16, 2010, Square Enix announced the English version of Birth By Sleep, which was released on September 7, 2010 in North America, and on September 10, 2010 in Europe.[16] The overseas version of the game contains some adjustments from the original version, such as a new difficulty setting called Critical Mode, and additional songs for the Ice Cream Beat minigame. A new boss known only as the Unknown appears in the overseas versions, as well as a new gameplay element called "Crown Stickers", which act much the same way as the Puzzle Pieces from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix.[49] The game also has an all-star voice-acting cast of returning members such as Jesse McCartney and James Woods as well as numerous new actors such as Willa Holland, Leonard Nimoy, and Mark Hamill.[58]

Final Mix

In early 2010, Nomura was asked in an interview if Square Enix would release an international Final Mix of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep to which he replied he would like to as he enjoyed the work from the English voice casting done in the previous games. However, he stated that one of the main reasons for the popularity of the Final Mix version of Kingdom Hearts II was due to the fact that it was released alongside the PlayStation 2 remake of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, so he and the staff would think on it more.[49] In September 2010, Square Enix announced that Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix will be released in January 20, 2011 in Japan. Like all Final Mix releases, it will combine English audio with Japanese game text and subtitles, and include all additional features implemented in the Western versions as well as brand new content,[59] such as a new playable secret episode. Alongside The 3rd Birthday, Final Mix will include a code that will allow players to get new donloadable content from the upcoming Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy , with Final Mix featuring the Kingdom Hearts outfit for the character Cloud Strife.[60]

Reception

The game sold very well during its first two days of release with over 500,000 copies of the game sold in Japan.[75] As of February 14, 2010 the game has sold a total of 800,551 copies of the game solely in Japan.[76] Sales in North America and Europe have also been good, with the game taking high places in various categories.[77] In October 2010, it was listed as the sixth bestselling video game in the United States by the NPD Group.[78]

Prior to the game's release, IGN expressed their excitement at the release of the game in 2010 having played the demo.[52] 1UP.com echoed similar statements, praising the visuals and stating it "plays better" than the previous Kingdom Hearts games. They had some complaints regarding to Ven's demo due to constant jumping. They further stated that Ven's demo gave them an idea of "how the game is going to feel", and predicted the game would improve the series.[14] 1UP also put it on their article "Top 10 PSP Games of 2010",[79] while Gamasutra put it in their "The Most Anticipated Games Of 2010" and "The Most-Awaited Games Of 2009: PlayStation Portable" articles.[80][81] IGN featured it as nominated of 2010's "Best of E3 Award" in the category Best PSP Games.[82] GameTrailers also had praise for the new title and gave it a nomination for Best PSP Game of E3 2010.[83]

So far, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep had received positive reviews from gaming publishers. The game's current average score is of 82 out of 100 in both sites Metacritic and GameRankings.[73][74] The game has been highly praised by Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, which gave a score of 10/9/9/9 for a total of 37 out of 40. It praised the game's graphics and music, calling them "superb", as well as praising the wide variety of customization available to the players due to the three unique playable characters. It also praised the design of boss battles, calling them "lively and exciting".[63] English websites have also given praise to the game with GameZone calling it "amazing title that every KH fan must play", finding it the best portable game from the series.[64] RPGamer praised the "evolution" from the gameplay ever since the series' start.[72] PlayStation: The Official Magazine (PSM) agreed calling the fighting system "one of the deepest, most rewarding" ones from the PSP.[70] IGN called its battle system "unique", labelling it as the best one from all the series and having a campaign story.[69] 1UP praised the differences between the protagonists' fighting styles with PSN comparing them with different classes of RPG characters.[61][70] A common complain has been the game's loading times, which tended to be very long depending on the PlayStation Portable's memory.[67][70] Reviewers also called the game's worlds "hollow due to the lack of interaction, and also criticized the game's camera which sometimes made fights confusing.[66][69] Visuals were also well received for being similar to the ones from PlayStation 2's games with praise on the design of the worlds,[70] although a lack of details was also noted.[68]

Sites have also praised the game's story, commenting that due to the fact Birth by Sleep is a prequel, it does not require that players to have played previous titles in order to understand it,[72] or that it did not bear elements from previous games that tended to confuse gamers such as the characters' identities. Critics also appreciated how the story is told from three different perspectives, which helped to give different point of views as well as expand the time the game can be played.[61] Nevertheless, some character traits were criticized such as the similarities between Terra, Ventus and Aqua to Riku, Sora and Kairi, respectively.[65][71] While Eurogamer cited that the three characters had little impact to the Disney worlds' storyline,[62] Terra's role was praised by critics for having a different style from the other storylines shown in previous games.[61] Although the lack of Final Fantasy characters got mixed opinions, PSM thought that it helped to expand the exploration of Disney worlds,[70] while Zack's role was found suitable by GameZone.[64] The English casting for Birth by Sleep also received positive comments with GameTrailers calling it "features one of the few good English dubs in recent memory", remarking Leonard Nimoy's performance.[68] GameSpot stated that Ventus' and Aqua's voice actor to have done a good job voicing them, but criticized Terra's as one of the worst ones from the game, most notably, when compared with other well-received actors.[66] IGN featured it in their "Game of the Month" from September 2010 in the PSP category.[84]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Nets North American Date". PSX Extreme. May 17, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  2. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (October 29, 2010). "Date Set for Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix". Andriasang. Retrieved October 29, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c Gantayat, Anoop (October 2, 2007). "Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d "A New Chapter In The Kingdom Hearts Series Delivers Three Brand-New Titles To The Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, And Mobile Phones". Square Enix. September 21, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2007.
  5. ^ a b Famitsu (August 28, 2009). "マルチプレイの情報も飛び出した『キングダム ハーツ バース バイ スリープ』". Famitsu. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
  6. ^ "Kingdom Hearts PSP hits September 7". GameSpot. May 17, 2010. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  7. ^ Luke Plunkett (November 17, 2009). "New Kingdom Hearts PSP Fit For Japan". Kotaku. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  8. ^ a b Gangan Staff (February, 2010). Monthly Shōnen Gangan (in Japanese). Square Enix: 80–81. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e Dengeki Staff (January 15, 2010). Dengeki PlayStation (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works: 60–61. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ Yui (January 2, 2008). "KH Birth by Sleep：DKΣ3713" (in Japanese). Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  11. ^ a b Parish, Jeremy (September 19, 2007). "Preview - First glimpse of the KH prequel for PSP". 1UP.com. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  12. ^ a b Onyett, Charles (January 19, 2007). "TGS 2007: Three New Kingdom Hearts Titles". IGN. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  13. ^ a b "『キングダム ハーツ バース バイ スリープ』でディズニーキャラクターなどの仲間とリンク！". Famitsu. October 2, 2009. Retrieved November 3, 2009.
  14. ^ a b Parish, Jeremy (August 2, 2008). "Previews: Kingdom Hearts PSP". 1UP.com. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
  15. ^ a b Famitsu Staff (December 24, 2009). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 116–121. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ^ a b "KINGDOM HEARTS BIRTH BY SLEEP OPENS THE DOORS TO AN UNTOLD WORLD THIS SUMMER". Square Enix. March 16, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  17. ^ Famitsu Staff (December 10, 2009). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 48–55. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  18. ^ a b Famitsu Staff (November 5, 2009). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 262–267. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Famitsu Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. September 26, 2007. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  20. ^ "Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep". IGN. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  21. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Q&A". GameSpot. July 19, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  22. ^ Famitsu Staff (January 14, 2010). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 36–42. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ^ Jump Staff (December 1, 2009). Weekly Shōnen Jump (in Japanese). Kazuhiko Torishima: 20. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  24. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Eraqus: Eliminate the Unversed and find Master Xehanort. I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Vanitas: Or you'll never see Terra again. / Ventus: What? Get real? I can see Terra anytime I want. / Vanitas: Like right now? He's leaving you behind. And by the time you catch up...he'll be a different person.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Eraqus: I told Terra this could be a second chance to show the Mark of Mastery...and I meant it. However, that flicker of darkness he displayed during the examination--I can sense it runs very deep. If he were to-- If those powers were to prove too much for him to handle, I want you to bring him back to me at once. It's for his own good. I could not bear to lose any of you to the darkness. / Aqua: Of course. I would never let that happen. I promise you I will bring Terra back. Only this time, you'll see he has what it takes to be a Master. He's not as weak as you think.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Aqua: Wait, Ven! / Eraqus: No! He mustn't! You have to bring him back!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Terra: But sir, wasn't that your pupil I passed on the way in? He had a Keyblade... / Yen Sid: You refer to Mickey. He, too, sought guidance here. As a king, he is good and kind. But the weight of a crown has not cured him of impetuousness. He left with an object whose power he does not understand nor know how to control. Mickey imagines my Star Shard will be of help in his current quest. And, like you, he is eager to use his Keyblade to set things right.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Vanitas uses the Keyblade to sow seeds of darkness. / ... / Terra: The Unversed! / ... / Xehanort: Lend you me your strength, Terra. Right this wrong what I have wrought.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Terra: It might be a different route, but I'm fighting the darkness. / Aqua: I'm not so sure. I've been to the same worlds as you and I've seen what you've done. You shouldn't put yourself so close to the darkness. / Ventus: Listen to yourself, Aqua. Terra would never-- / Terra: You mean you've been spying on me? Is that what he said to do? The Master's orders? / Aqua: He was only-- / ... / Terra: Just stay put! I'm on my own now, all right? / Aqua: Terra, please! Listen! The Master has no reason to distrust you, really! He was just worried.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Pure light against pure darkness, to forge the ultimate key. The all-powerful χ-blade! / Ventus: And I have the power to make it?{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Ventus: Please don't do this master! I'm not strong enough. / Xehanort: Let the dark impulses waken in the pit of your heart./... / Xehanort: Really? You would rather die than use the power? Feckless neophyte. If I must... I will extract the darkness from within you myself. Empty creature from Ventus riven... to you, the name Vanitas shall be given.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Eraqus: Why do all my attempts to reach you fail? If you don't have it in your heart to obey... then you will have to share Ventus's fate. / ... / Terra: You may be my master... but I will not... let you hurt my friend!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Still so blind... Then I will make you see. Come to the place where all Keyblade wielders leave their mark on fate--the Keyblade Graveyard! There you will watch your dear Ventus and Aqua meet their ends, and the last light within you will die!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Vanitas: The Keyblade Graveyard. There you're gonna see me choke the life out of Terra and Aqua. Then we'll see how long you play the pacifist.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Yen Sid: Aqua, the stars bring me grave news. Master Eraqus's star has blinked out. I am afraid that means he has been struck down. / Aqua: The Master? But-- Who is responsible? / Yen Sid: Master Xehanort...and Terra. / Aqua: No! That's absurd! Terra would never! / Yen Sid: I hope with all my heart that you are right about your friend. There are some things even the stars cannot tell me. Terra's heart is leading him to the ancient Keyblade Graveyard, where wielders of those weapons once waged war.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Your body submits. Your heart succumbs- so why does your mind resist?{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Vanitas: Correct. I am not Ventus. His heart has become a part of mine now.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Vanitas: Our union was not finished. The χ-blade shouldn't stay broken like this. Join me now, and we can complete the χ-blade! / Ventus: I've got a better idea. How 'bout I destroy you both? / Vanitas: The χ-blade is made of your heart, too, idiot. If you destroy it, your heart will vanish forever. / Ventus: Whatever it takes. Anything to save Terra and Aqua.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Aqua: Ven! Ventus! / Yen Sid: The boy's heart is sleeping. / Aqua: When will he wake? / Yen Sid: I could not say. It is almost as though his heart has left.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Eraqus' flashback: Just use the key, and this land will be transformed. From that day forward, all who visit this land will be lost to oblivion, none ever able to solve the mystery. None, Aqua, except you. / Aqua: I know it's a lonely place, but you'll be safe. Terra and I will be back to wake you up before you know it.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Terra's heart has been extinguished- smothered by the darkness within him. / Aqua: My name is Master Aqua. Now return my friend's heart or pay the price.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Xehanort: Stop fighting back! / Aqua: Terra, I know you're in there! / Xehanort: This will teach you. Get out of my heart!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Sora: Hey, can you hear me? / Ventus: I heard your voice. It cut through the darkness around me. All alone, I followed the sound into a sea of light and found myself here, with you. You gave me back something when I needed it the most. A second chance. / Sora: I did? / Ventus: But... now I have to go back to sleep again. / Sora: Are you sad? / Ventus: Would you mind if I stayed here, with you? / Sora: Sure, if it'll make you feel better. / Ventus: Thank you.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  45. ^ Square Enix PDD 5 (September 7, 2010). Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (PlayStation Portable). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Ansem: In fact, I would like to believe... Maybe he can set things right. A boy like him who touches so many hearts--he could open the right door, and save all those people whose lives I managed to ruin. So many are still waiting for their new beginning, their birth by sleep. Even me...and even you. / Aqua: What's this boy's name? / Ansem: His name...is... /.../ Aqua: Sora.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  48. ^ "Photophile - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep". Game Informer (176). Cathy Preston: p 125. December 2007. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
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