It’s almost time for school break to begin. That means the kids are going to be looking for something to do while hanging around the house. While we tend to spend a lot of time out and about, there are moments when we’re home and the boys are looking for something to do where they can just kick back, relax and chill. I am a huge supporter of them spending time together, fostering the bond they have. I’m very blessed to have boys who enjoy each other’s company. One of the activities they enjoy together is playing video games (big surprise, right?). They were recently given the opportunity to try out Kingdom Hearts III, the third in a series of action role-playing games by Square-Enix (in collaboration with Disney ). What did they think and will this be a game they add to their regular repertoire? Let’s take a closer look.
This is a sponsored post. We were given access to the game in exchange for an honest review.  This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.
Kingdom Hearts III
Video games have certainly come a long way since I was a child. I remember the simplicity of the animation and the graphics being so rudimentary. We couldn’t even take them on long trips with us for the longest time. Today, what we see on that screen is phenomenal. There are so many colors, so many movements, so many technical advances. We’ve created games that have stories and ones that give us the feel of being right in the middle of the action.
Kingdom Hearts III is a perfect example of those advances at work. The Kingdom Hearts game is a collaborative series of action role-playing games through Square Enix and Disney Interactive. It takes the player on a quest with the protagonist, Sora, into various Disney-related lands in a battle where Light must overcome Darkness with the power of Friendship.
Kingdom Hearts III has players joining forces with various characters from the Disney and Disney-Pixar films and takes them on a perilous adventure to put a stop to an evil force known as the Heartless, an organization of 13 members looking to become complete again by searching for their hearts.
Players journey through a vast array of beloved Disney worlds. The adventures take them into the larger than life toy box of Toy Story, across the scare floors of Monsters, Inc., into the winter wonderland of Frozen and out onto the perilous open sea of Pirates of the Caribbean,
From what I understand, something new to the game is a special ability inspired by popular Disney theme park rides. Players can now take down hordes of Heartless who may be blocking the way simply by calling on the Spinning Teacups!
The Boys Take On Kingdom Hearts III
The teens took on the quest and at first were quite impressed with the graphics.  While they are familiar with many of the technical advances and details through other games they play, they certainly noted the complexity of art involved. They thought it was a beautiful display of color and design. As I noted above, animation has come a long way when it comes to video games.
On a personal note, I really enjoyed the inclusion of various Disney characters interacting with the main character during the adventure. Â
However, the boys were quickly put off by a variety of elements they encountered. There are long pauses and a dragged-out story-line. They felt it was cluttered and had too many cut scenes. It was difficult to follow and game-play seemed clunky. It just didn’t hold their attention for very long.
They felt that, for players who enjoy consistent action and the ability to interact often, this game unfortunately does not provide that.  It has a weak story-line and is sometimes incomprehensible to follow.
The boys also weren’t thrilled that they were unable to play the game together. This is a single player game, so one got to play while the other played spectator.  Reminder – there are looooong pauses between play sequences. Since they enjoy playing together (and I always encourage that), this was something that was a put-off to them…and me.
For long time fans
No doubt that the game is something long-time fans will be eager to explore. It answers some of their questions, has definitely improved upon its technical qualities and complexity over the years, and brings in new worlds and lands they haven’t seen used before. However, even among fans, I’ve heard various complaints, such as characters missing and the skill level required not being all that challenging.
Needless to say, it was not a hit for my boys.
Final Thoughts
Listen ~ I don’t understand the technical aspects of the game, nor can I comment on it’s series evolution simply because we haven’t experienced the story from its beginning. However, my boys did not find the game entertaining or compelling. Now, truth be told, they are just two teens who like consistent action and games they can play together. All that to say that our word can’t be taken as pure gold.Â
If you’re a Kingdom Hearts fan and have taken the time to follow the series over the years, you may find your experience and opinion to be contrary. No worries. I’d actually be curious to hear what you think. Perhaps my boys didn’t give it enough of a chance. Should they play any of the previous games first before jumping back into trying this one? If so, which one(s)? Feel free to share below what you liked about Kingdom Hearts III!
Kingdom Hearts III has been available for play on Playstation 4 and XBox One since January 2019. Avid players are waiting for the release of its next story-line.
Know Before You Play:
This game is rated E-10+. It does have fantasy violence, mild blood and the use of alcohol. The game is all about a battle between Light and Dark.
Check out my personal pre-release review of the upcoming mobile game Spies in Disguise: Agents On The Run: CLICK HERE!
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