Kingdom Hearts is a game that needs no introduction. It seems even the most jaded of fans still hold very much respect for this little gem that has, against all odds, remained as one of the PS2’s most beloved classics. This was a time when SE was still doing tons of risky, experimental stuff rather than trying to capitalize on the thing that was big at the time. I think it should come as no surprise that I really miss those times.

Though Kingdom Hearts may be the last of its kind - that being a quirky, experimental title - it’s still a shining example of a simple joy of creating new and exciting things that used to be SE’s M.O. I’d argue it’s also one of the last bastions of such creative joy within the company, but I guess I’ll be elaborating more on this in later pieces.


But what is it that makes KH so risky and experimental? Why, it’s the unique combination of Disney and Final Fantasy, of course. As if that needs to be stated. Much like the mythical encounter Sakaguchi had with a Disney exec, it’s just one of those things that we treat as a given nowadays, ...