If you haven’t already experienced the Square-Enix and Disney hybrid ‘Kingdom Hearts’ series yet, now is the perfect time. Previously announced this past October, Square-Enix has now released Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix available now for the PS3. The game is a compilation of the original Playstation 2 game ‘Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix” and the Playstation Portable game “Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix.‘ The game also features cut-scenes from the Nintendo DS game ‘Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.‘ The game’s graphics have been fully remastered to adapt to the Playstation 3’s hardware.
“Kingdom Hearts fans are our number one priority and their passion for the series drove us to create this unique experience ,” “KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX combines three fan-favorite titles in beautiful high-definition with amazing detail and depth, making fans feel as though they’re playing their favorite games again for the first time.”
– Tetsuya Nomura, director
For players new to the series, the game will allow players to start Sora’s journey from the beginning. For veteran players, 2.5 continues where 1.5 left off and will be able to continue their adventure with Sora, Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy and other Disney characters, and will lead up to the anticipated Kingdom Hearts III. They’re be able to explore the origins of the series with Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, while venturing to new places from various Disney movies, such as 100 Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Deep Space (Lilo & Stitch), Port Royal (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), and Timeless River (Steamboat Willie).
As the series has in the past, the game will feature an all-star voice cast, featuring David Gallagher as Riku, Star Trek’s own Lenoard Nimoy as Master Xehanort, Jesse McCartney as Roxas and Haley Joel Osment as the game’s protagonist, Sora.
Kingdom Hearts 2.5 can be purchased at participating stores for $39.99, or bought from Square-Enix’s store. Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts can also opt for the game’s Collector’s Edition, announced in November, which will include both 1.5 and 2.5 game discs, a collector’s edition box and steelbook case that features premium artwork from Tetsuya Nomura, a Shadow Hearts plushie, an exclusive Disney pin that features both Sora and Mickey, and a 30-page Art Book. The collector’s edition can be purchased for $99.99.