Throughout our entire time covering E3 2018, there was one game Odell and I had to get our hands on: Kingdom Hearts 3. At last, during the very last day of E3 we were able to get some serious one-on-one time with one of the most anticipated titles of the past decade. Being in development for so long, it nearly became a myth, that is until we finally received a release date this E3! Yes, Kingdom Hearts 3 will be releasing on January 29th, 2019.
Kingdom Hearts 3 First Hands on REACTION!
As a long-time fan of this franchise, it is difficult even to begin to articulate my excitement for this next installment. Getting my hands on the game was glorious.
Kingdom Hearts 3 – What’s New?
We already had information on the changes we expected to see, but it was a different experience being able to try it for ourselves. Beyond the pure nostalgia that engulfs you in waves, the new additions are very apparent. In real-time combat you’re using magic, all while evading, attacking, and building meter to unleash a variety of keyblade transformations and special attacks that decimate waves of heartless in unbridled anime fashion; it was truly satisfying.
With now four companions aiding you as well as new summons, such as Ariel and Wreck-It-Ralph, each battle will be one to remember. Although there are no more drive forms, the Attraction Flow ability makes up for it. With large maps, your arena turns into a theme park as you utilize some of Disney’s most iconic rides in combat for the first time ever. The Teacup ride has never been so much fun, it was pretty awesome spinning and slaying darkness in one.
Moreover, it’s refreshing to see developers that listen to the community, learning from previous titles and enhancing the player’s experience tenfold as Square Enix has done with Kingdom Hearts 3. The transitions between combat and in-game cinematics are breathtakingly seamless. KH3 perfects the merging of universes with the most iconic characters, creating a magical experience.
Kingdom Hearts 3 – Our Impressions
We only had a snippet of one world: Toy Story. Our brief time with the demo had us longing to explore more locations, gain new allies, and unlock new keyblades. With Four Confirmed new worlds to explore, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Frozen, Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean looking better than ever, we wonder what other worlds will be perfected in KH3? It’s difficult to see how dark this next installment will be when the Toy Story world we were able to demo was so playful and whimsical.
Finally, after suffering through all of the mobile games, handhelds, and remasters the next chapter of Sora and our friends is finally a reality, and it’s far more perfect than anyone could ever imagine. The years of dedication were more than evident as we played through the E3 demo. With the new soundtrack, voice acting, revamped combat system, and new friendly faces, Kingdom Hearts 3 is an almost impossible dream come to life.
Take as long as you need, Tetsuya Nomura, we understand now why it’s taking so long and we are happy to wait.
