Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX - PlayStation 3

This is probably my favorite PS3 game ever, and it happens to be cheaper than most. I will get the cons out of the way first, as the rest are entirely pros.Cons:- The two games included are remastered versions of a PS2 and a PSP game, so the graphical fidelity is low compared to your average modern game. (Though it can be played in 1080p, unlike your average PS3 game.)- There is no install option, so it suffers from the PS3's blu-ray tech by way of increased load times. This is the sole downgrade from the source games. The only time this is ever really noticeable is when activating drive forms in KHII; in the original game it took about 2 seconds to load, whereas that time is seemingly almost doubled in this version, which is jarring.- Some of the added content for the "Final Mix" additions don't quite conform to the source material, like using a different voice actor or just having inconsistent text formatting, giving it kind of a DLC-ish feel at times. (Though in general it is admirable how much this is avoided; I can only name a scant few examples.)That's all I can think of, and those are by and large minor concerns. Don't let that scare you away. In reality, what you are getting is two of some of the best games ever made, for the first time ever overseas in their "Final Mix" expanded forms (previously exclusive to Japan), in 1080p on a home console, on the cheap. And you get a movie version of Re:coded, though that is less notable. The Final Mix additions are very sound, adding new and redesigned content in nearly every facet of the game, for the better.As for *why* these games are fantastic, they seamlessly blend 3rd person action (think God of War, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, etc). with RPG (think Final Fantasy, mostly) in entirely unique yet compelling ways while also dishing up a deep and interesting storyline to thread it all along. The games are simply a joy to play, with flashy yet intelligent combat backed up by a deeply compelling RPG progression system and a story that you'll likely get wrapped up in. You might not think a Disney/Final Fantasy crossover universe would even work, much less spawn an engaging world/plot, but it succeeds admirably, especially when supported by the games' stellar soundtrack (which is also remade/enhanced for this version!) The Final Mix additions also go a long way to giving each game more of a 'late-game,' as well, giving you a ton of optional things you can do outside of the main storyline. I could really write an essay on how well-designed each game is, and impressively the two games in it actually feature rather different mechanics entirely, but they both work brilliantly.(To geek out about the major differences: KHII features one protagonist who can cast spells by depleting MP, enter superpowered 'drive' forms by depleting 'Drive points,' and gains passive abilities he can allocate 'Ability points' to throughout the game, about half of which modify his basic attack chain to be more versatile/powerful; in contrast BBS features three different protagonists/storylines each of whom play differently and can use abilities (spells/special attacks) via 'commands' on their 'command decks' which are limited only by cooldowns, they can combine ("Meld") commands to make new stronger ones, and there is a command bar filled by landing commands and basic attacks; if filled with enough commands of one type you enter a "Style" (rough equivalent of Drive forms from KHII), and if not meeting any Style requirement you execute your finishing move which of course can be upgraded and customized throughout the game. Both games also feature the standard exp/leveling system as well. This is just a very basic overview, there's a lot more depth to these systems than mentioned.)It is a bit of a shame that the story is rather obtuse if you haven't familiarized yourself with the previous entries in the series (conveniently all bundled into 1.5 HD ReMIX), especially since I feel strongly that these games are much better games overall than the ones in 1.5. But those games are quite good as well, and I'm sure you can still get into it without having played the prior ones, since it does make some effort to catch you up/ease you in (some of the Final Mix additions even add cutscenes to the story to help clarify it!). It's just hard to understate how brilliantly crafted the games in this HD compilation are. If you're on the fence at all, don't be, and just buy this.

Very good game, very snazzy presentation that clearly captures the essence that is Disney as well as a few surprise appearance from some Disney characters that haven't been in the spot light in a while. On PS3 the game looked sharp and honestly didn't feel old especially for a rpg since normally visuals take a backseat for example Disgaea another popular rpg, but then again one shouldn't be surprised of Kingdom Hearts 2.5 Remix visuals since it does hail from the critically acclaimed Square Enix which was previously known as Square Soft whom's more recent titles includes the very well received Hit Man Absolution, and 2013's Tomb Raider, as well as classics such as Chrono Triger, Final Fantasy 10, and Final Fantasy 7. I honestly never feel as if the games outdated in fact it's not till a friend reminds me how old it is that I notice, the textures are just great as well as the animation that brings Sora, Goofy, Donald and the rest to life. Also unlike the previous Compilation which included the first 3 chapters of this amazing saga (Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix) gone are those few moments where you'd notice ugly stretched low detailed character models, both the cutscenes models and the in game models match them selves well and blend much better, the only real gripe is probably the fact that not all cutscenes are voiced and this goes for the previous compilation as well but it's understandable given the fact that a lot of Disney voice actors are brought out of retirement and one could only imagine how much that must cost to begin with. Also the game runs at 30 frames per second so sorry to those looking to find it running at 60 few but honestly the game runs so fluidly that there's really no need for that , did have one moment during a later world you visit where I felt there was some slow down during the cutscenes but it might very well been done for impact. I'm not a old fan of Kh but rather a new fan who just recently got into the franchise when I happened to stumble upon the first compilation for around $20 dollars at the bargain bin of my local GameStop. And decided o give it a shot, since then I've been working my way through them while I want in anticipation for the third and what should be the last chapter to this tell, one last note to understand what is happening within the tales told in this compilation it's highly recommended you get the first, even with the fact I had played the other games I found the story quiet confusing at times.

I love this game! It's been almost a decade since I played this and the remaster brought back some wonderful memories (please no chain of memories puns). The final mix additions changed how I played and enjoyed the game too. If you've played this before I highly recommend Proud Mode or Critical Mode. It adds an additional challenge to what I previously thought of as too easy ( seriously you will die consistently but it forces you to get better at the mechanics in combat which are surprisingly deep and varied). Part way through a playthrough of all the games before Kingdom Hearts 2.8and couldn't be more satisfied.Soundtrack: A emotional score that moves from light hearted,to whimsical, or the poignant orchestra of Organization XIII. The music is great.Gameplay: Play on higher difficulty for a full experience. Combat is fun and increases in complexity as you go on. Easy and Standard mode do not do this game justice. If you're interested in doing more than button mashing play on Proud or above. Fighting the extra bosses is a exercise in frustration and elation. Dying ten times to a boss that you "know" how to bat but simply do not have the stats or abilities to makes victory in the end oh so sweet .Visuals: Not exactly a next gen sight but the HD remake holds the up. Don't be looking for amazing details and whatever you do don't look at character's mouths. There lies the uncanny valley. Still from the distance of a TV it looks fine and colors and effects are punchy. (The KH 1.5 had colors that were notably off)