REVIEW! Of Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ (North American Version)

Hi everyone it's Xebs, today is very exciting. Because I'll be doing my first ever (non-spoiler) review of a game within the franchises of Kingdom Hearts, SQUARE-ENIX, and Disney. The game I'll be writing about is the North American release of Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ. (Please note, that even though I'm from Australia, I was able to download the game by doing something very similar to what KH13.com recommended. Click Here to go to the link if you want to know how to download the game outside of North America).
 
Ok, where should I begin.

Story: Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ begins before the time of the Keyblade War. You, a Keyblade wielder must choose one of the five Unions: Anguis, Leopardos, Unicornis, Ursus or Vulpeus.

After you select a Union, you'll be introduced to a Foreteller (A Keyblade Master that represents one of the Unions you have chosen). Soon after you'll meet Chirithy, your little cat friend that will aid you on your journey. You, Chirithy and your friends must defeat the darkness from worlds within the Book of Prophecies that depict a possible future.

So, the story is undoubtedly complicated, especially if you're a newcomer to the Kingdom Hearts series. As for me, the intensity of wanting to know more about the Foretellers and Chirithy makes me want to play more and more. (Which undoubtedly will be shown once you completed the game or in Kingdom Hearts III). However the way the story progresses is very slow, which again makes the intensity a little bit frustrating because you want more story, but instead, you have to complete a lot of missions.

Gameplay: So I've been playing Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ on an iPad Air 2, which isn't bad, especially if you have big hands like me. *laugh*. So basically you use your finger to select items from the menu, write or type, walking your character, and battling enemies. Using your finger to navigate or swipe can be a bit tricky, but you get the hang of it.

The battle system is quite easy. You'll have to collect different medals from missions, attach to them to your Keyblades to strengthen them. There are three particular medals; Attack (Red), Speed (Green) and Magic (Blue) that you'll need to defeat the Heartless. Depending on the Heartless weakness, you'll have to change Keyblades on whether the Keyblade is the right one. To level up your Keyblade you'll need to go to other worlds and collect particular ingredients. 

Personally, it can be fussy sometimes, especially when you have a limited range of medals. If you want to get stronger medals you'll need to spend Jewels, which is another form of currency that you can achieve in missions or daily rewards, but you can also use real currency to purchase Jewels. To me, it can be a little unfair.

Another type of currency is Avatar Coins. You use Avatar Coins to purchase different kinds of clothing for your character, to strengthen their HP and to increase your AP.  

I think it's fun to create a personal avatar that represents you. Again it's a fun little feature.

Graphics/Design: Now, I know a lot of you guys and gals don't like the particular art style that SQUARE-ENIX has chosen, but I think it looks "charming". The character and background designs look like they came right out of a storybook, which makes sense because of the Book of Prophecies. To me, it gives a modern take on of a fairytale for your electronic devices.

Also, the art style reminds me of a number of 2D animated TV shows like; Dex Hamilton: Alien Entomologist, Total Drama, Samurai Jack and etc. Mixed with good old Disney magic. I do think that people can relate to this art style and what it has to offer, but unfortunately, its complicated story doesn't help.

 

Music/Sound: Not much to say about the music. Because they used the same tracks from the previous Kingdom Hearts games. However, there are some new soundtracks for the new world, Daybreak Town. The sound choices do establish the gaming environment really well. From hitting sounds to encountering the Heartless, you do get the sense of a previous Kingdom Hearts game.

Overall: Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ is a game that is very much dedicated to the fans... ONLY. I personally don't see a newcomer getting into this game, at all. The reason why is because it's so undoubtedly complicated, that I think to a newcomer they'll be very confused. Example, they may ask questions like: "Why does Hercules look much older when this game takes place before Birth by Sleep?". All these questions, but no direct answer. I would recommend newcomers to play the first Kingdom Hearts or Birth by Sleep and to do their research before playing Unchained χ, just so they get the idea of the games world and law.

For a "free" downloadable game (internet connection ALWAYS), it's not too bad. Good story, Ok gameplay, wish I didn't have to do so many missions, great graphic/design and of course great music by composer Yoko Shimomura. As a fan, I do have high hopes for this game. Hopefully, I'll finish it before the arrival of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts.

I give Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ (North American Version) a score of:

☆ 3.5 out of 5 ☆

I hope you like my review of Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ.

Please, write in the comments down below on what you thought of Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ. Thanks.