‘Kingdom Hearts 3’ pulses with the magic of our youth

This is the game of my generation. Many who played the first Kingdom Hearts have similar stories of it being a definitive moment in their gaming youth. For me, sitting on a forest green beanbag and playing it on a big box TV provided a fun portal to another world beyond my early teen bedroom. Kingdom Hearts is a world built on the bedrock of Disney movies and Final Fantasy games — am equal parts of ridiculous and magical combo. Seventeen years and 12 games later, Kingdom Hearts 3 (KH3) is a worthy conclusion to the series. Even after all this time, it still manages to beat with the same, well, heart.

The central character is still Sora, a boy whose fate ties him to the maniacal Xehanort, who is trying to bring about war and “darkness” upon a multitude of Disney-, Pixar- and Square Enix-inspired worlds. To help Sora on his journey to light is the wizard, Donald Duck and a knighted Goofy — not forgetting Sora’s all-important “Key blade” (those who know, know). You, of course, get to play Sora.

But over the years, the story has become convoluted, with unnecessary story arcs and random side characters. Even at the beginning of KH3 you sort of just have to go with it until you get swept up in the magic.

But even in its most confusing moments the drawbacks aren’t enough to distract you from the fact that this game is a bloody good time.

Another element that works in its favour is the inclusion of Disney nostalgia — it’s a huge thrill each time a new Disney character comes on screen and gets interwoven into the storyline. That coupled with incredibly designed, sweeping worlds (inspired by Disney films), and the iconic Final Fantasy-inspired outfits, is another plus.

But beyond the visuals, it’s the gameplay found around almost every corner that lends KH3 gem status. It’s a happygo-lucky romp that has thrilled the teeny tiny remnants of teenage me.