Scans Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

BIRTH BY SLEEP

Realisation
“Birth by Sleep, co-realised by Tai Yasue, is developed by the same team that was in charge of Re: Chain of Memories; although its production had begun first, it will be the last of the three new projects to be released. Technically, the name Birth by Sleep is therefore a bluff, and the graphics should appear as beautiful and animated as well as Kingdom Hearts II! Aspects dedicated to the PSP will include new Disney worlds, such as those of Sleeping Beauty, Snow-White and Cinderella (the remaining Princesses of Heart it seems), as well as surprising training courses… Birth by Sleep being held a few years before the first adventures of Sora, certain worlds will take this into account; for example, one can expect to see an adolescent Hercules in Olympus Coliseum.”

Gameplay
“Following the example scenario, the gameplay will differ according to the character: Terra will impress us with his power; Ven will be the most agile, while Aqua undoubtedly proves the specialist of forces/magic. The combat menu conceals a new gauge, Command, which fills up by attacking and is executed by pressing Circle or Triangle (the actions associated with this button are modifiable) and gives access to additional techniques; for example, Terra will be able to enter into Fatal Mode to carry out combos and then finish with devastating move. Another change, the MP disappears; certain magic will require a time of loading and can be launched only when their gauge is full. The progression system (which is still quite mysterious) and some of the enemies will also be new…”

Music
“Once more, Yoko Shimomura will compose her memorable, melancholic music to accompany the journeys of Terra, Ven (which has been said to be an abbreviation of the name of this character, who is undoubtedly called Ventus) and Aqua. As new software for creating the music is a priority, including only a few elements of the previous software, the majority of the pieces should be new. It would be logical that the theme of the secret ending of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+, precisely entitled Birth by Sleep(Riku: Or Fate of the Unknown I think they’ll find), would be the primary theme of the new soundtrack… Moreover, one will discover doubtless arrangements of the melodies representative of each new Disney world - unless, as for The Lion King in Kingdom Hearts II, the artists (Riku: Disney composers) offer compositions of their own.”

Scenario
“This dark and complex adventure will be divided into three scenarios which you will be able to make in the order of your choice. You will therefore follow the destinies of the three main friends, each able to wield a Keyblade: the warrior Terra, Ven, the double of Roxas (this mystery will be explained in the game), and Aqua, the young girl with the blue hair. The epic story will proceed well before the events of Kingdom Hearts I, when Sora, Riku and Kairi, were still children. Terra is seen overseeing them with Ven, and in the company of Yen Sid, Donald and Pluto. This chapter will raise the subject of the War of Keyblades, the capacities of their owners and, undoubtedly, the origins of the amnesic disciple of Ansem the Wise…”

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You have to like these two episodes of a series which doesn’t cease growing : an enthralling scenario, promising gameplay, a technical realisation of impressive actions and attractive characters. However, the DS game of Kingdom Hearts will not really quench the thirst for innovations of some players, as its worlds, its music and undoubtedly the majority of its characters are already known. On the contrary, the PSP game brings on the innovation and will finally clarify some of the enigmas which have puzzled us since the first chapter; for this reason, it is even more awaited than the adventure of Roxas.”