▷Kingdom Hearts 3 review: the return of the magical trio 🥇

Get here - with the controller in hand and the disk of Kingdom Hearts 3 plugged into the console - it wasn't easy. The route was bumpy, complex and above all very long. In fact, fans of the series had to wait thirteen years before getting their hands on the beloved crossover between the Disney characters and those created by Square Enix. The wait, however, was not in vain: despite the inevitable defects, the last work of Tetsuya Nomura it's really fulfilling.

a magical trio

The narrative component of Kingdom Hearts 3 is undoubtedly one of the most questionable elements of this chapter. There are many aspects that have left me some perplexity during the adventure. The first is definitely the close dependence on previous episodes. The universe created by Nomura is extremely complex, full of characters and full of events that you may not remember or even have never experienced. In short, newbies to the series will have some difficulty understanding what is happening.

But suppose that, after a truly interminable sequence of cutscenes, you are able to understand the basics of Kingdom Hearts and above all of this chapter. You will then find yourself in the company of a Sora very weakened after the events told in Kingdom Hearts 3D - Dream Drop Distance. Our famous protagonist, however, is not alone: there are always alongside him Goofy and Donald. The task of the magical trio? Actually nothing too exciting. The different worlds you will explore, and the adventures you will experience in the company of the most beloved Disney characters, take the form of a gigantic workout, a workout that will help Sora regain his strength and his powers. On the other hand, the most important - but also the least visible - work is done Riku and Mickey Mouse. In fact, the two will have to gather the allies in view of the last, decisive confrontation with Xehanort.

Do not misunderstand me. This doesn't mean that Kingdom Hearts 3 isn't a fun, engaging and incredibly polymorphic title. The game will in fact give you moments of exaltation, tears and twists, but it will also force you to make a considerable mnemonic effort to remember every single event. Past, present and even not experienced by you firsthand.

As you may have understood, the main trend of Square Enix's latest effort is certainly not what I expected, but do not panic: Disney will think about saving the fate of the game. Taken individually, the different places to visit are incredibly fascinating, capable of brutally bringing you back to childhood. Ercules, Woody, Buzz, Rapunzel and Elsa will not only keep you company, but they will be your valid shoulders in a series of new and hilarious adventures.

[

The power of the Keyblade

Don't be fooled by appearances. Behind the colorful worlds and characters of your youth there are rather layered game mechanics. There are four basic elements that you will always see at the bottom left: Attack, Magic, Objects and Bonds. The first allows you to take advantage of the keyblade to hit opponents, Magic allows you to cast a spell, Items to use elixirs and healing potions at any time, and Bond to summon a character who will help you in battle. So far everything simple.

Alongside these basic elements, however, we find a series of more advanced features. First of all Sora can equip three Keyblades at the same time, each of course with different characteristics and above all Mergers different. What are they? Simple: if you attack the Heartless or Nobody long enough, situational commands will appear that will enhance and modify your weapon. Yes, you got it right: the Keyblade can change its appearance and become even more lethal, but only for a short period of time.

The spectacularity of the clashes is also entrusted to Attractions, spectacular attacks that are activated by hitting enemies marked with a green indicator. You will find yourself inside magical rotating cups, on a dangerous pirate ship or aboard a crazy rubber dinghy.

All these elements make it the extremely spectacular clashes but with some small sacrifices. The level of challenge in fact tends to be low, which allows you to face battles without major worries. In short, if you are an inveterate gamer, you should aim for the Expert mode, while the other two options are particularly suitable for children or those who want to enjoy the journey without too many interruptions.

Collect, cook, upgrade

I admit it: Kingdom Hearts 3's combat system is indisputably fun. I can't say the same about the RPG component. From role-playing games the title of Nomura inherits i Skill Points, essential to activate the skills that you will unlock during your adventure. To get them, however, you will not necessarily have to increase your general level: the universe of Sora and his companions is full of consumables that will increase your AP without too much effort and sacrifice.

Then present the inevitable crafting system, divided in this case into two main components: on the one hand the collection of objects and resources will help you to create all kinds of accessories and potions, on the other hand we have the possibility to upgrade your Keyblades, thus increasing their parameters to make them even more lethal in battle. But don't expect anything too elaborate: the system is really very basic.

Not all the items collected will help you upgrade your equipment. In fact, each place hides a series of ingredients that you will have to bring to Uncle Scrooge's new chef: Remy. Ratatouille's little mouse will help you cook tasty dishes that will allow you to recover some energy when you need it most.

Colorful and enchanted

Kingdom Hearts 3 is a magical video game, a place where childhood meets adulthood, where fun is combined with humanly important values. All within a truly sublime setting, colorful and cared for in every detail. The cutscenes - far too numerous - are truly superb, the game is fluid and the environments, although not overly large, are varied and fascinating.

Finally, the soundtrack is promoted, which combines the classics of Disney and Pixar with the typical melodies of the Square Enix saga.