Since its 2002 debut, the Kingdom Hearts collection has taken gamers on an unpredictable experience, containing every little thing from human replicas to time journey. One factor has remained fixed, although: Stellar music. Whether it’s the poignant character themes or heart-pumping battle tracks, composer Yoko Shimomura has stayed on the prime of her game, creating preparations which have grow to be core to the collection’ identification. Rhythm game Melody of Memory is the last word tribute to this musical expertise, providing an enormous catalog of over 140 tracks to relive. The finish result’s proof that transferring the highlight onto this part wasn’t unwarranted. While not with out its faults, Melody of Memory is a refreshing technique to look again at Kingdom Hearts’ lengthy journey up to now, and even provides followers simply sufficient breadcrumbs to anticipate what’s subsequent.
Melody of Memory has no scarcity of songs, and I’m impressed by how a lot content material Square Enix has packed in. Expect traditional tracks which have been integral to the collection’ identification (like “Destiny Islands” and “Hand in Hand”) alongside fashionable Disney standbys (like “Let It Go” and “Under the Sea”). Even theme songs like Utada Hikaru’s “Simple and Clean” and “Sanctuary” can be found. A rhythm game is simply as sturdy as its library, and Melody of Memory delivers in that division, offering an amazing tracklist that immediately transports you to sure moments in time. I can’t play “Lazy Afternoons” with out excited about Roxas’ summer time trip, or “Go for It!” with out reliving all of the loopy tournaments I took on at Olympus Coliseum.
Don’t go into Melody of Memory anticipating gameplay mirroring Square Enix’s fashionable Theatrhythm collection. While there’s some inspiration and nods to its artstyle within the loading screens, Melody of Memory is a 3D expertise that makes an attempt to duplicate Kingdom Hearts’ trendy motion fight in a rhythm game shell. To execute assaults, you faucet and maintain buttons in time with the on-screen animations, chaining them for a fair increased rating. It sounds primary, however the addition of a leap button to hit airborne enemies or keep away from incoming assaults provides extra frenzy. You see your assaults join in actual time with the enemies on display screen, which suggests the lanes are cluttered, generally making it exhausting to arrange forward of time or see prompts. I favored the extent of element within the enemy design, particularly having their aesthetic match up with the world’s, however rather a lot is at all times happening.
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The essential mode, World Tour, is one of the best ways to unlock nearly all of the songs. As you full sure aims to unlock new worlds, Kairi narrates pivotal moments in every game, explaining the massive takeaways from the primary entry all the best way as much as Kingdom Hearts III’s latest Re Mind DLC. I used to be upset that Melody of Memory doesn’t have many new scenes till the very finish, however as quickly as I noticed the ultimate moments, I had a brand new pleasure for the collection. Similar to the tip of Dream Drop Distance, the finale offers clues and context, and it additionally units up the place issues are going sooner or later. It appears like a great reward for taking place reminiscence lane.
The different bonus with World Tour is boss battles, which had been my favourite a part of the mode as they take a extra conventional setup, clearing the onslaught of enemies on display screen and difficult you with extra holds and a number of button presses that decide the ability of your hits and for those who dodge incoming assaults. The small variety of these boss battles is an enormous letdown, particularly since they’ve at all times been an enormous a part of the collection. Memory Dives operate equally, however as a substitute of intense battle sequences, you faucet to the beat over scenes from particular worlds, however the busy CGI could make it tough to comply with prompts. For some purpose, all of the Kingdom Hearts III ranges are like this, which is disappointing, as it will have been cool to see battles play out with the newer Heartless designs.
Even after finishing the primary World Tour mode (which took me round eight hours), I’m nonetheless unlocking songs, chasing hi-scores, and discovering new methods to expertise them by way of the sofa co-op and on-line versus mode. The solely disadvantage with co-op is each gamers want to pick out the identical talent stage, so in case your accomplice isn’t on the identical stage, one in every of you is left wanting.
For these involved about problem, not solely is Melody of Memory one of many simpler rhythm games I’ve performed, however it additionally has loads of choices to tailor the expertise to your talent stage. In truth, if there’s something to knock at it, it could be that extra superior gamers might not discover a lot of a problem, even in Proud mode. For these gamers, there may be an internet versus mode to face off towards the most effective gamers, and it additionally provides additional challenges, like permitting you and different gamers to make use of tips that vanish enemies or put faux prompts in your opponent’s display screen that they have to ignore.
I didn’t notice how a lot Kingdom Hearts’ soundtrack has impacted me till I performed Melody of Memory. As a fan of the collection, I’ve at all times praised the rating, however one thing about truly going again by way of varied tracks and tapping to the beats on acquainted backdrops showcased simply how highly effective these songs have been. Melody of Memory delivers nice music and tons of unlockables to maintain you listening.
Score: 8
Summary: While not with out its faults, Melody of Memory is a refreshing technique to look again at Kingdom Hearts’ lengthy journey up to now.
Concept: Tap alongside to iconic Kingdom Hearts tunes whereas revisiting the collection’ greatest twists and turns
Graphics: Square Enix put loads of element into replicating the enemy design related to every world, and the 3D graphics look proper at house
Sound: Composer Yoko Shimomura’s abilities are on totally show right here, with an enormous tracklist that captures every little thing from intense battles to heart-wrenching moments
Playability: Multiple difficulties and extra methods to change the management scheme to solely use one button or add additional inputs makes for an approachable rhythm game in any respect talent ranges
Entertainment: Melody of Memory offers a enjoyable and energizing technique to rejoice the franchise’s improbable music and biggest moments
Replay: Moderately High
