Recent reviews by Nightmare

For someone like me who cherished Kingdom Hearts II during my high school years in 2010, diving into Kingdom Hearts III felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The game had immense shoes to fill, given the emotional and gameplay highs of its predecessor. Did it live up to expectations? Let’s dive in.

Right out of the gate, Kingdom Hearts III dazzles with its graphics. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game brings Disney worlds to life in a way that’s almost indistinguishable from their animated counterparts. From the lush landscapes of Corona to the icy expanses of Arendelle, every location is dripping with detail. Seeing iconic characters like Woody and Buzz rendered so beautifully was a joy, even though the nostalgia of KH II's more pixelated charm lingered in the background.

The gameplay is a double-edged Keyblade. On one hand, the combat is fluid, flashy, and filled with delightful new mechanics like Attraction Flow and Keyblade transformations. On the other, the challenge feels somewhat diminished compared to the finely tuned balance of KH II. While combat is a visual feast, it sometimes feels more style than substance, especially in the early game.

One of the standout features is the addition of the Gummi Ship exploration. It’s bigger and better, with open-space sections that bring a sense of wonder and discovery. Yet, it’s still an acquired taste for those of us who didn’t love the mechanic in the earlier games.

Here’s where things get divisive. If you’ve followed the Kingdom Hearts series through its many twists and turns, KH III delivers a finale that ties up numerous loose threads. However, the pacing feels uneven, with many plot resolutions crammed into the latter half of the game. For a series steeped in mystery, some answers felt underwhelming, while others were deeply satisfying.

As someone who adored the emotional depth of KH II, KH III didn’t quite reach those heights until the Re Mind DLC. The DLC adds crucial story beats that flesh out the final act, providing the depth and closure the base game lacked. It’s a must-play for fans who want the complete experience.

Yoko Shimomura returns with a breathtaking score that mixes new themes with beloved classics. While nothing quite dethroned the iconic tracks of KH II for me, the orchestral reimagining of familiar tunes evoked strong nostalgia.

Kingdom Hearts III is a visual and emotional spectacle that shines brightest when it leans on its Disney charm and the legacy of its predecessors. While it doesn’t fully eclipse Kingdom Hearts II in my heart, the Re Mind DLC elevates the overall package, making it a worthwhile journey for fans who’ve been along for the ride.

Final Rating: 8.5/10
Pros: Stunning visuals, heartfelt Disney worlds, improved Gummi Ship exploration, emotional DLC.
Cons: Uneven story pacing, less challenging combat, underwhelming base game finale.
For those of us who grew up with Sora, Donald, and Goofy, Kingdom Hearts III feels like coming home—albeit to a home with a fresh coat of paint and a few growing pains.

Still awesome

Really nice game! To the developers I hope you continue improving the game, we really appreciate it

Nice yes yes!

Very nice

Very fun

The mech game that I've been looking for years!

Khaine approves

Awesome game with cool graphics. It gets more awesome with multiplayer.

Very nice :)