Simple Review
I have been following Square-Enix's Kingdom Hearts series ever since it was first released in English on the PS2. Since then, I have played all of it's sequels(AND prequels) and always can't get enough of it. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is no exception.
Storyline:
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep tells the story of 3 good friends; Terra, Aqua and Ventus, who are aspiring Keyblade masters. All of this happened way before the story of Sora, Riku and Kairi. So yepp. It's a prequel. Well, I will not go on about the content of the story as you can find it all over the net. However, I can tell you that if you have been following the Kingdom Hearts story, this game will bring about some feelings of nostalgia. Well, at least it did for me. For those who have yet to play any of the Kingdom Hearts games, I still say go ahead and get this game cos it is great. However, you will not be able to recognize some of the characters and go "OH MY GOSH" in the game. But, that doesnt really affect the game much. In terms of storyline, it's awesome. However, some parts just felt like things which has been inserted just for the sake of it being inserted, feeling pretty unnecessary to me. Honestly, I had some trouble understanding the end..
Gameplay/Combat System:
In the game, you take turns to use each character and follow their story. Their paths cross every now and then in the story which seems to add up when you play the next character. However, after the first two characters, everything you do in the game or each world for the matter of fact just seemed to be rather repetitive. It made me feel like just wanting to complete the character so as to play the final boss.
To me, I find that all of the Kingdom Hearts games have awesome combat systems. I honestly cant stand RPGs where their combat systems goes like: each side has a turn and you click the button and wait. Well, KH never had those so yeahh. Birth By Sleep comes with a new system of combat where you select commands and place them in a deck. With the deck equipped, you would be able to use the commands during combat. The deck can hold all sort of combinations too. Another thing I like about the combat system is the ability to Meld Commands, which is to combine already existing commands to make them even more powerful. There are many different possibilities and types of command which can be gained from here. Getting commands which kills off the enemy in one use always satisfies me.
To me, there are only two flaws to the combat/gameplay system.
1. It takes forever to load! When you use certain commands in combat, your character will change mode(cant rmb what its called) to make itself even more powerful. However, the time it takes for the character to change is rather long. This also applies to D-Link.
2. The Lock On. Lock on is always used to find the target and making your attacks easier. However, KH: BBS made the lock on system seem rather hard to use, or at times, hair-pulling-worthy. During combat, you may just lock on to a non-enemy and takes awhile before you find the enemy.
KH:BBS also returns with treasure finding and many new and old mini games. There are also collection of stickers which you can choose to do or ignore. DO IT I SAY!
Apart from the main storyline, Square Enix has introduced The Mirage Arena where players get a choice to play Online or Offline. In the Mirage Arena, players can either join with friends or play solo on four different modes (three for solo). They are Versus Mode, Arena Mode, Command Board and Rumble Racing. You earn points from playing each mode and these points can be used to exchange for prizes. There are many different levels in the Arena Mode and it is definitely worth playing, especially when you have completed the game.
Appearence:
Graphics-wise, its okay, live-able. I do think the game could have used more of the super-cool-cut-scenes (whatever you call it), those with really nice graphics.
One thing i really hate about this game is the load time. It takes forever to load when you move from one area to another.. or even during combat when you switch modes. I do feel the wait is too long even when you installed the game to the memory card (there's an option for this). When i play this game, Im always sure that I have something beside me to read or do while awaiting load times.
Apart from those few minor setbacks, I do think that KH:BBS is a game worth getting for RPG/DISNEY/SQUARE ENIX/KH lovers, or basically anyone else. I currently own an xbox and if the next KH game releases on a PS3, I may consider getting it and the PS3.
Cheers..
