Kingdom Hearts II
In 2002, big-shot RPG game creators Square Soft envisioned a new kind of game title. It was a game which included the serious-ness of a standard RPG title they produce along with the bizarre and wonderful workings of Walt Disney. The two companies announced this new game idea and the gaming world burst out laughing at the thought of a serious RPG with Disney characters. However, they soon realised their mistake when the game was eventually released in September 2002. The game was a huge success and a wonderful new RPG experience for all ages and is now renowned as one of the best RPG titles available.

Since 2002 there has been 2 game titles released under the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for the Gameboy Advance and now, the game we're looking at today: Kingdom Hearts II for the Playstation 2. It's been 4 long years since a proper Kingdom Hearts game and the online fan community has been strong and persevered through thick and thin, countless screens and E3 appearances, Tokyo Game Show appearances and many more Square-Enix hosted events. However, for Japan and America, their wait was over about a year ago.

I'm here to tell you though, that this game is coming to European shores in September - October time and will defiantly be worth your patience, dear European gamers. However, let's take time to tell you the basic premise of the game. The game takes place a year after the events of Kingdom Hearts, following almost directly on from the GBA title, Chain of Memories.

Sora's universe has become increasingly more dangerous, dark and sinister with not only Heartless roaming worlds and causing chaos but also Nobodies, lead by the evil Organisation XIII, who's goal is to make the Keyblade master their puppet and to rule over everything. Sora, Donald and Goofy are still mind-set on one thing though, to get back their friends who are still roaming the worlds, Sora must find his best friend Riku and Donald and Goofy must find their King, Mickey. The search takes them across many worlds which are based on movies from Disney including Beauty and the Beast, Mulan and the unforgettable Steamboat Willie. New gameplay elements such as "Drive forms" make a new and refreshing way to beat the living heck out of your foes and can either hinder or help your struggle against countless enemies. Huge fights take place during the game including an entire war against hoards of Heartless enemies. The game's visuals are wonderful and realistic as possible and all adds to the awe of this video game. However, one nag to the game is that it was rather easy. 3 days was our average play-time on our first attempt with the game and we were at best displeased that "Proud Mode" (Difficult setting) only took us a mere 4 days to complete. However, the game's story and gameplay is something to make you replay and replay this game again and again.

What else can we say other that, get your preorders in now. Keep tuned for release dates on Kingdom Hearts 2 and many other game titles.