Kingdom Hearts. That already is going to illicit many an opinion from the fan base and non-fan base in every way. This isn't about that, but do discuss on the social media platforms however you will. Today however we will be talking about Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory. This is different from pretty much every KH game, whereas this is a rhythm based game. A massive difference is that as opposed to the fighting games of KH past, present and future. However, it doesn't present Sora as a narrator, but rather Kairi. What is good about KH: Melody of Memory and what is something that needed improving? All of that and more below!
Positives:
1. All the Music, all the worlds- All the music and all the worlds make for one heck of a nostalgia trip, if nothing else. Personally I liked going through some of them that I haven't played (Chain of Memories, Coded, Birth By Sleep namely) and those that I had played before just for nostalgia sake. So overall I thought that was a good mix.
2. Rhythm Base- The rhythm style of this game is one I didn't think I would enjoy but you have to give the people credit on this game, they made rhythm based style games fun for me. I think it was just trying to get that challenge done and trying to be perfect but also knowing so much was going on in the level that you strove to be perfect or be excellent. It was enticing to me for that reason.
3. Different teams- You can be Sora, Donald, Goofy. You can be Ventus, Aqua, and Terra. It really just depends overall. You can be the additional characters from other worlds with you. It all works, so I like that they implemented this from previous games and included it in this game as well.
4. Graphics- This part I credit on the Switch's great technology for handheld essentially devices. They did a terrific job with this as well. Square is typically amazing with it so I can't really mark it exceptionally positive but it is one nonetheless.
Negatives:
1. What does this add to the Story?- I asked myself this throughout and even with the narration, there just isn't any depth to this game other than it is rhythm based and it goes through the music of past games. That's fine and all but it makes it a cash grab (which I bought at a retro game store so it really didn't go to Square) so I would hope future games are not essentially cash grabs for the sake of "We just want a game for KH."
2. Kairi Narrating- Oh boy, here comes a lot of stuff. First I don't dislike Kairi, and second, this squarely has to do with Square. Kairi narrating does nothing to this game for me. Outside of the very end of the game, there is no role for her. The role that's been given to her up to this point is essentially the Damsel in Distress, much like Princess Peach, while trying to instill that she has a more important role, which is... I'm not sure what. Does she deserve better? Absolutely. Will she get that? Probably not given the standard of which Square has gone with Kairi to this point. As we know going to KH3, she has the ability to wield a keyblade, but her being an important character still is eluding to the KH Fandom. At some point Square has to understand what her role honestly is (and no, I am not counting ReMind DLC to this foray.)
Rating:
Overall, I appreciate how good the rhythm based feel of KH: Melody of Memory and how it was a good feeling of nostalgia and brought forward the music of the games past and present. However it does have some significant flaws, such as not adding much to the story and essentially forcing Kairi into finally having as minute a role as possible. However, this game still is pretty alright despite the flaws. I gave it an 8 prior and I still feel an 8 is warranted. It's not great, but it's a solid rhythm game that is good.
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