Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2, 2006)

As one completely bowled over by the original Kingdom Hearts, I bought the sequel as soon as humanely possible and finished it three days later, emerging from the fantastic world I had been submerged in a little disoriented at the sudden lack of Disney characters in THIS world.

This was everything that I had hoped it be, and better. The same enjoyable elements that made the original such a keeper are all here - imcomparable graphics, engaging storyline, easy yet interesting and enjoyable game play, and of course hundreds of Disney characters in addition to the original much loved Sora, Donald, and Goofy. There are familiar faces returning, as well as a host of fresh new characters. We finally get to find out whether or not Sora, Riku, and Kairi are reunited! I won't spoil it for you. This was another masterpiece, a game so easy to fall into that you honestly get annoyed at the things that keep you from it, like work, eating, etc. The game play has actually been improved, with more flexibility and game play options for the player plus improved angling, and the gummi ship system was greatly improved. There are scores more mini-games and challenges that are enough to make another game out of them alone. The bad guys are bigger and badder, and the good guys lift the game to heights you won't believe.

You don't need to have played the original Kingdom Hearts game to enjoy this one, although it would enhance the experience. The only fly in the ointment was the seemingly endless beginning with completely new characters and locations that took some time into the game to understand. However, it's all part of an RPG and not as bad as some reviewers make it out to be. Also, while the story was a continuation of the first, it seemed to lack the emotional punch of the first. That was part of the draw for me, getting drawn into the story and wanting to find Kairi and Riku just as much as Sora did. This lack of personal involvement was not enough, however, to make a real dent in my enjoyment of the entire game.

This is another must for your RPG library, and one that you will play over and over and enjoy just as much each time. Don't miss it.