Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
KingdomHeartsCoMCover .jpg
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories North American packaging artwork
Developer(s) Square Enix PDD 1[1]
Jupiter
Publisher(s)
Designer(s) Tetsuya Nomura
Writer(s) Daisuke Watanabe[2]
Composer(s) Yoko Shimomura
Series Kingdom Hearts
Platform(s) Game Boy Advance
PlayStation 2
Release date(s) Game Boy Advance
  • JP November 11, 2004
  • NA December 7, 2004
  • AUS January 13, 2005[3]
PlayStation 2
Genre(s) Action role-playing game
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer
Rating(s)
Media 256 megabit cartridge[7]
DVD-ROM

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (キングダム ハーツ　チェイン オブ メモリーズ?) is an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix and Japanese studio Jupiter and published by Square Enix in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance. The game serves as an intermediary between the two larger-scale PlayStation 2 games in the Kingdom Hearts series. It was one of the first GBA games to incorporate full motion video (FMV).[8] The game was remade into a PlayStation 2 game titled Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, which was released in Japan as a second disc packaged with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix in March 2007.[5] The remake was released in North America on December 2, 2008.

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is the direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts, and its ending is set about a year before Kingdom Hearts II.[9] The story centers around the protagonist of the first game, Sora, exploring a mysterious castle in search of his friends. As he ascends the castle, his friend and rival, Riku, explores the basement levels and fights his inner darkness. The game introduces new characters and plotlines that further expand the Kingdom Hearts universe and set up the premise for Kingdom Hearts II.

Though not as successful as the other Kingdom Hearts games, it received positive reviews and sales. It was praised for its story, graphics, and FMVs. The game features a new card-based battle system that is a departure from its predecessor. When it debuted in Japan, it sold 104,000 units in 48 hours; a record for a Game Boy Advance title at the time.

Contents

Gameplay

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is a combination between a console role-playing game and collectible card game. The main role-playing aspect is an experience point system that is used to increase the character's maximum health or Card Points, or to learn a new skill.[10] The cards are utilized in the progression of the story as well as in combat. The game features a field map and battle screen. The field map is an isometric area where the player can traverse between rooms.[10][11] Enemies inhabit the field map and track the player to engage in combat, which can be initiated through contact between the player and an enemy. Once combat has been engaged, the game switches to the battle screen which utilizes a card-based battle system.[12]

A unique aspect to this game is "room synthesis": to advance through the game, the player must utilize Map cards that he has found after winning battles to synthesize rooms.[13] The properties of each room―including quality of items and strength of enemies―are determined by the Map cards that the player chooses.[12] Each card has a specific effect: red cards affect the number and type of enemies; green cards affect the power of the player's deck; and blue cards affect the properties of the room itself, such as allowing treasure chests or a save point to appear.[10][14]

The game features three modes of gameplay. The first two are story modes that feature either Sora or Riku, and the third is a two player battle mode. Initially only Sora's story mode is available; once completed, "Reverse/Rebirth" mode becomes available.[14] Reverse/Rebirth allows the player to play a second story mode featuring Riku and a link mode where players can battle each other via a Game Link Cable.[13]

Sora battles Vexen. Player information, including cards and HP, is located on the left side of the screen while enemy information is located on the right.

Combat

Combat uses a card-based battle system executed in real time.[10][15] The player can jump and maneuver around the battle screen as they would on the field map, but all physical attacks, magic, items, and summonings are activated by playing cards.[9] Cards are ranked from zero to nine, and are used for making attack combos or breaking enemy cards. The higher the rank, the more Card Points (CP) are required to place it in the player's deck. Card Points—increased through level up—limit the number of cards the player can use in a deck. Cards with rank "zero" can break any opposing card or combo if played after the opposing card or combo, but they can be broken by any card or combo as well if it is played after the zero card is played.[16] Breaking an opposing card will cancel that attack and stun the loser of a card break for a short time. Special enemy cards may be obtained by defeating enemies and bosses, and are used to give the player a temporary ability, ranging from enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities to modifying the attributes of certain cards.

Combining cards in sets of three will create combo attacks that are more difficult to break because the rank of the combo will be the sum of the ranks of the three cards in the combo. Certain card combinations will create a "sleight", a special combination that will create a powerful physical attack, magical spell, or summon attack.[13] When the player runs out of cards, the deck must be reloaded. Additionally, using a card combination will cause the first card in the combo to become unusable until the end of combat.[12]

Sora's and Riku's stories differ gameplay-wise in several ways. In Sora's story, Sora obtains cards by defeating enemies or through Moogle Shops.[13] In some cases, Sora must earn the specific card first through a plot event before it becomes available. Sora can create and store three different decks in the pause menu. Unlike Sora, Riku has a closed deck that cannot be customized. The cards in his deck change depending on the world in which he is traveling. Riku is limited to mainly physical attacks, enemy cards, and Mickey Mouse ally cards. By breaking a certain number of opposing cards, Riku can activate "dark mode" and unlock his sleight attacks.[14]

Plot

Kingdom Hearts series chronology

Birth by Sleep
Kingdom Hearts
Chain of Memories
358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts II
coded
3D

Setting

The game takes place in Castle Oblivion, a mysterious castle kept by Marluxia.[17] Sora and his teammates are told that the castle causes visitors to lose their memories upon entering.[18] The lobby and areas between floors are white with flower-themed decorations, but each floor can be transformed into a different world from the first Kingdom Hearts game using "world cards" created from Sora's memories.[14][19] Like before, many of the worlds are based on Disney films while the rest were created by Square Enix.

Unlike the previous game, the worlds are created from Sora's memories. As such, many of the events experienced in Kingdom Hearts are relived in this game; Sora encounters memory-based versions of Disney characters that he has met before. The individual plotlines differ from those in the original game and revolve around the theme of memory. The exception is the Deep Jungle world which does not reappear in Chain of Memories. Just as Kingdom Hearts had several worlds created specifically for that game, Chain of Memories introduces Twilight Town, in addition to the original worlds of Kingdom Hearts. The world card for Twilight Town was created from memories on "the other side of Sora's heart".[20]

Characters

Sora returns as the main protagonist of the game.[21] Donald Duck and Goofy also return, but are less involved in the gameplay and story. Like the first game, Chain of Memories features numerous characters from both the Final Fantasy series and the Disney animated features canon. Being a direct sequel, many of the characters from the first Kingdom Hearts reappear in this game. As each world and the related characters are recreated from Sora's memories, they interact with Sora as if they had never met before. Chain of Memories also introduces a handful of new characters. Several are members of the enigmatic Organization. Other new characters include Naminé, a young girl capable of manipulating memories, and DiZ, a mysterious man concealed by red robes and bandages. Riku is also featured as a playable character in the second story mode. After being sealed in the realm of darkness at the end of Kingdom Hearts, Riku appears in the basement of Castle Oblivion. During his story, he is aided by King Mickey and DiZ.

Six members of the Organization serve as the main antagonists of the game, though only four appear in Sora's story mode, while the rest appear in Riku's story mode. Among the four are Marluxia, the main antagonist and lord of Castle Oblivion; Larxene, a female member assisting Marluxia; Axel, a double agent whose loyalties are hidden; and Vexen, an unwilling participant in Marluxia's plan. Zexion and Lexaeus, allies of Vexen, appear only in Riku's story mode. Ansem also appears in Riku's story as an entity within Riku trying to gain control of him. Many of the Disney villains return; although they are memory-based recreations like the rest of the Disney characters, they have different motivations compared to their Kingdom Hearts counterparts.

Story

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories takes place directly after the ending of the first game, Kingdom Hearts.[22][23] Sora and his friends Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket are walking down a winding path when a mysterious man dressed in a black, hooded coat appears. He directs Sora towards a massive fortress called Castle Oblivion and then disappears. When the travelers enter, they find the mysterious figure again.[14] When Sora and his companions attempt to engage the figure, they find that their abilities seem to have no effect. The figure explains that they forgot all of their abilities when they entered the castle.[18] He continues by creating a deck of cards made from Sora's and his friends' memories, and tells them that everything they encounter in this castle will be based on their memories.[10] The higher they go, the more memories they will lose in the process.[24]

Sora is unaware that he is being watched by a mysterious group called the Organization. Marluxia, the lord of Castle Oblivion and the figure who lured Sora there, plans to control Sora with the memory-altering powers of a girl named Naminé and use him to overthrow the rest of the Organization. The Organization members Zexion and Lexaeus catch wind of this plot and observe it while the member of their circle, Vexen, decides to use a replica of Riku against Sora when Lexaeus sends him up to sabotage Marluxia's plan, agreeing to have the replica's memory reworked with Naminé's powers.[25]

As Sora ascends the castle, he battles Larxene, a co-conspirator in Marluxia's plot. Afterwards, he appears to remember Naminé as an old friend of his.[26] He learns that she is being held in the castle, and continues to ascend, clashing with the Riku replica who now believes himself to be the real Riku. After witnessing the death of Vexen and killing Larxene, Sora learns about his shifting memories and Marluxia's plans from Naminé; Axel, another Organization member who serves as a double agent, had allowed Naminé to meet Sora to foil Marluxia's plans.[27] Sora forms an alliance with the Riku Replica—who discovers that his memory was also altered by Naminé—and they fight to the top of the castle and defeat Marluxia. Naminé then puts Sora and his friends into pod-like machines to help them regain the memories they lost in the castle, even though they would forget the events that transpired in the castle.[28] Before they are put to sleep, Sora and Naminé promise to meet again as real friends once he wakes up, Sora firmly believing that his memories of her and the castle will remain in his heart despite being forgotten.[29]

In the second story mode, Riku has been transported from the realm of darkness[30] and fights his inner darkness as he battles upward from the basement levels of Castle Oblivion. Vexen fights Riku to obtain his data and creates the replica of him that lacks the original's fear of darkness, believing himself to be stronger. Ansem, who took over Riku's body in the previous game, attempts to regain control of Riku below, but is continually thwarted by King Mickey's support.[31] On the way, Riku battles and defeats Lexaeus, only to be dragged into the realm of darkness. However, he is saved by King Mickey when Ansem nearly succeeds in taking Riku's body as his own. Seeing Riku of no use to them as Marluxia has been eliminated, Zexion attempts to dispose of him by tricking him in the Destiny Islands disguised as Sora. However, when Zexion drowns Riku in light, he is saved by Naminé disguised as Kairi. With the darkness in his control, Riku defeats Zexion. Arriving in Twilight Town, Riku meets DiZ, an enigmatic man interested in Riku who sends him to find Naminé.[32] The Riku Replica, who now seeks to justify his existence, fights Riku in front of the mansion in Twilight Town, only to be destroyed by him. Riku learns from Naminé that what remains of Ansem lives in his heart. Riku chooses to face him and DiZ pulls Ansem from Riku's heart to battle. After defeating Ansem, Riku vows to utilize both his darkness and his light to protect what's important to him. He sets out with King Mickey as his companion.[33]

Development

Early concept art of the card-based battle system

The idea for an intermediary title was developed after director Tetsuya Nomura and his team had already begun to develop ideas for the second Kingdom Hearts game, which he had intended to be set a year after the original. Originally titled Kingdom Hearts: Lost Memories, Nomura changed the name to match the overall outline of the story, while still reflecting the theme of memories.[34] Chain of Memories was developed to bridge the gap between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.[34][35] Like most sequels, Kingdom Hearts II was planned to have the character start from the beginning, ability-wise. To explain the loss of abilities gained in the previous game, Nomura had the story revolve around Sora's memories getting disorganized and implemented the card battle system to symbolize Sora's various memories.[34]

Nomura was hesitant about releasing a Kingdom Hearts title on the Game Boy Advance, feeling that the 3D graphics of the original game would not translate well into 2D. Nomura changed his position after hearing that children wanted to play Kingdom Hearts on the GBA.[34][36] After exploring ideas for the gameplay, he felt that a 2D Kingdom Hearts game would be possible, and that it could still feel like and play like what gamers were used to in the original.[23][34] Meanwhile, Nomura wanted to give the game a "lighter tone" than the PlayStation 2 games.[37]

Chain of Memories was announced along with Kingdom Hearts II at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003.[38] Initial details included the switch to 2D graphics, the use of cards to perform attacks, and that compressed movies would be utilized in some cut scenes.[11] The cut scene animations were rendered using the graphical engine of the PlayStation 2 iteration and then encoded for the Game Boy Advance by using a technology developed by Japanese company, AM3.[35][39] To help market the game, Disney and Square Enix launched official Japanese websites.[40][41] A playable demo was first made available to the public at the 2003 Jump Festa in Japan;[42] this demo and subsequent demos highlighted the card-based combat system. Aside from information gathered from the opening sequences, most details regarding the story were kept secret until the release.

The card-based gameplay of Chain of Memories would later serve to inspire the gameplay of Jupiter's next game, The World Ends with You; originally, the team envisioned a similar card game-based system taking place on the lower screen of the Nintendo DS, but eventually this morphed to a battle system taking place on both screens, with a card game controlled on the upper screen.[43][44]

Audio

Much of the music from the original Kingdom Hearts is present in Chain of Memories; the main vocal theme for the Japanese release is "Hikari" (光?), while the English version of "Hikari", "Simple And Clean", is used in the Western releases.[45] Additional and reworked tracks were created for its PlayStation 2 rerelease, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Since the music is reused from the original, a Chain of Memories soundtrack was never released. The new reworked tracks, however, are included on two CDs in the Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete.[46]

Due to the technological limitations of the Game Boy Advance, voice acting was kept to a minimum. Though many characters from Kingdom Hearts were voiced by the cast from before, the Japanese version used the following voice actors: Keiji Fujiwara as Axel; Tatsuya Kando as Vexen, Marluxia, and Lexaeus; and Rieko Katayama as Larxene.[2] A limited amount of voice acting was added only for the battle sequences.[47] Voice clips from the first Kingdom Hearts were inserted into Chain of Memories.[48] The English version is absent of dialogue; voices during Organization battles are replaced with simple grunts, laughter, and other battle cries.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator Score
GameRankings 77%[49]
Metacritic 76 out of 100[50]
Review scores
Publication Score
1UP.com C+[51]
Eurogamer 8 out of 10[52]
Famitsu 36 out of 40[53]
Game Informer 7.75 out of 10[54]
GamePro 3.5/5 stars[55]
GameZone 9.1 out of 10[56]

While the least successful in the series, both critically and commercially, Chain of Memories received generally positive reviews and met with successful sales figures. In Japan, it sold 104,000 units in 48 hours, a record for a Game Boy Advance title at the time.[57] Its positive debut sales placed it in the top spot of sales charts in Japan.[58] In the first month of its North American release, it was ranked 1st on GameSpot's ChartSpot for portable systems and 6th for all consoles.[59] By February 2005, it had sold over one million copies in Japan and North America.[60] Worldwide sales of the game reached 1.50 million copies by the end of 2006.[61] As of August 2009, Chain of Memories has sold over 1.55 million copies worldwide, with 200,000 units in PAL regions, 410,000 units in Japan, and 940,000 units in North America.[62]

Critical response

The game received positive ratings from critics. The card-based battle system received mixed reviews. GameSpot called it "unwieldy", while GameSpy called it "engaging" and GameWatch called it original.[9][22][63] Reviews also cited that the card battle system was awkward and made it difficult to plan strategies.[22][55] G4TV commented that the gameplay was well suited for portable play and that it successfully combined card battles and random dungeons, "two much-maligned RPG" elements.[8] Some critics found the Room Synthesis to be far too linear. The most frequent praise went towards the story. IGN called it an “engrossing storyline that actually changes up after the adventure comes to an end" and rated the presentation a 10 out of 10.[64]

The quality of the graphics was well received, particularly the cut scenes.[64][65] IGN cited them as "wonderfully produced FMV sequences".[64] GameSpot stated that the movies were true to the art style of the original and were on par with GBA video paks. They also commented on the detailed and well animated game sprites.[10] GameWatch described the event scenes as "high quality".[63] Many critics stated that though the graphics were not as good as the PlayStation 2 predecessor, they were very good for a GBA game.[9][15][66] G4TV complimented the graphics stating that Chain of Memories was "one of the best-looking GBA games out there."[8]

Versions and merchandise

Like its predecessor, a great deal of merchandise was produced to help market the release of the game. Square Enix released two products to coincide with the release of the video game. The first was a limited edition Kingdom Hearts Game Boy Advance SP set released only in Japan. The set contained the game, a "Kingdom deep silver" GBA SP with the Kingdom Hearts logo, and a carrying strap.[67][68] The second was a Kingdom Hearts trading card game produced by Tomy.[7] The TCG featured starter decks, playing mats, and booster packs.[68] Fantasy Flight Games later acquired the rights to market it to English-speaking countries.[69] In 2007, a remake for the PlayStation 2, titled Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories was released along with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix in a set, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+.[5] A manga series ran in Monthly Shonen Gangan in Japan, and was later released in the United States.[70][71] It is accompanied by three novels—two set during Sora's storyline and the third during Reverse/Rebirth, Riku's story. Like the Final Fantasy games and the first Kingdom Hearts game, Square released an Ultimania book on Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories following the release of the game. In North America, BradyGames released a strategy guide with a comprehensive walkthrough.[72]

Comparison of a scene involving Sora, Donald, Goofy and Aerith on the GBA (top) and the PS2 (bottom).

Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator Score
GameRankings 71% (20 reviews)[73]
Metacritic 69% (19 reviews)[74]
Review scores
Publication Score
1UP.com B-[75]
Allgame 3/5 stars[76]
Game Informer 6.75 out of 10[77]
GamePro 4/5 stars[78]
GameSpot 6.5 out of 10[79]
IGN 8.4 out of 10[80]

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was remade for the PlayStation 2, titled Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. It was developed by Square Enix's fifth Product Development Division, based in Osaka,[81] and released as the second disc of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ in Japan on March 29, 2007[5] and as a standalone title in North America on December 2, 2008.[6] It has not been released in Europe or Australia. The remake includes polygonal 3D battles and worlds using the same graphics as Kingdom Hearts,[82] as well as voice acting and an improved soundtrack. While the card-based battle system and room synthesis aspects of the gameplay stayed mostly the same,[83] there were additions, such as the "Reaction Command" function from Kingdom Hearts II.[82] Voice-acted scenes only occur in Castle Oblivion, as well as the Destiny Islands and Twilight Town simulations. The remake also includes new cutscenes and battles that were not in the original game.[84]

Manga

Like the first Kingdom Hearts, Chain of Memories was adapted into a manga by Shiro Amano, following the same plot as the video game.[85] It was serialized in Square's Monthly Shonen Gangan in Japan, then released in two volumes in Japan and later in the United States by TOKYOPOP. The first volume was released in Japan on October 22, 2005.[86] A year later, it was released in English on October 10, 2006, followed by the second volume on February 6, 2007.[71][87]

The manga series has had moderate success. The first volume was ranked 112th on USA Today's "Top 150 best sellers" during the week of its release.[88] IGN praised Amano's renditions of the characters and the humor added into scenes. They also commented the weak elements of the game lessened the manga's overall quality.[85] The series was followed by a third manga series, Kingdom Hearts II. The Chain of Memories manga series was rereleased in a boxed set in the United States on October 9, 2007.[89]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "【TGS】スクエニ第1開発事業部新規タイトル発表会、詳細レポート！" (in Japanese). Dengeki Online. 2003-09-26. http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/9/26/7eebeedd61ad754327406658d0626da4.html. Retrieved 2010-01-31. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/tech_info.html. Retrieved 2007-08-02. 
  3. ↑ Luke Van Leuveren (2005-01-09). "Updated Australian Release List - 09/01/05". PALGN. http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1879. Retrieved 2008-07-10. 
  4. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Info". GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/919011.html. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "『キングダム ハーツII ファイナル ミックス＋』が3月29日に発売！" (in Japanese). Dengeki Online. http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2006/12/28/b347257ab8fed8b41cc749267ca81a6a.html. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain Of Memories For North America". Square Enix. 2008-09-19. http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/. Retrieved 2008-09-19. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chris Cook (2004-09-24). "TGS 2004: Square Enix Press Conference Wrap Up". Game Informer. Archived from the original on June 09, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070609064657/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-22. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "G4 - Feature - Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". G4TV. Archived from the original on 2006-01-04. http://web.archive.org/web/20060104195700/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50874/Kingdom_Hearts_Chain_of_Memories_Review.html. Retrieved 2007-07-20. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Raymond Padilla (2004-12-08). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpy. http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/571890p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Ricardo Torres (2004-08-30). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Updated Hands-On". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6106055. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 IGN Staff. "Kingdom Hearts to GBA". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/451/451555p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Nintendo.com Games: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". Nintendo Power. Archived from the original on 2007-04-03. http://web.archive.org/web/20070403043652/http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=9e6ba488-3cb7-4901-a5a8-e2255fe4dd83. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Square Enix (2002). Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Instruction Booklet. Square Enix, Inc.. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Hollinger, Elizabeth (2004). Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0473-X. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Ricardo Torres (2004-10-22). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Feature Preview". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6111154&mode=top. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  16. ↑ "Hands-On: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". GamePro. 2004-11-26. http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/39811/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  17. ↑ Zexion: That was Marluxia, keeper of this castle. Jupiter. Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive). Game Boy Advance. (2004-12-07)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Donald: I'll try some magic! THUNDER! Come on. THUNDER! THUNDER! Come on...Blizzard? FIRE! Why isn't it working? / Marluxia: I should think it's obvious. The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you ever knew. In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way in Castle Oblivion. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2008-12-02)
  19. ↑ Marluxia: It isn't reality that you see. This town is an illusion conceived by your memories ingrained in that card. Jupiter. Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive). Game Boy Advance. (2004-12-07)
  20. ↑ Vexen: Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here...Look what I found. A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  21. ↑ Craig Harris (2003-10-03). "Square-Enix continues its Disney-based adventure on the GBA". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/453/453041p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Bethany Massimilla (2004-12-09). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/review.html. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Tetsuya Nomura on the Kingdom Hearts Sequels". G4TV. Archived from the original on 2006-12-03. http://web.archive.org/web/20061203020540/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  24. ↑ Marluxia: Proceed, Sora. To lose and claim anew, or to claim anew only to lose... Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  25. ↑ Larxene: With a little help from Naminé, you'll have all the real Riku's memories. Maybe we can get her to make you forget you're nothing but a fake. In other words, we'll remake your heart so you can be— extactly the same as the real Riku. 'kay? / Riku Replica: You want to remake my heart?! The real Riku is a wimp who's afraid of the dark! What do I want with the heart of a loser?! / Larxene: Any objections, Vexen? After all, you do want to test Sora, don't you? /Vexen: It must be done. / Riku Replica: How could you? Are you betraying me?! / Vexen: I told you I would make good use of you, didn't I? Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  26. ↑ Sora: What's...that? Is that thing mine? / Larxene: What a shame...You've been wearing it all this time, and forgot? No... That's not possible. The memory has to be engraved somewhere deep inside your heart. Sora—you think carefully now. What oh what could it be? And who gave it to you? / Sora: Na...Na...mi...? / Larxene: Sora...Sora...You're getting it now! Release the memory from within your heart! / Sora: Nami...Naminé. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  27. ↑ Axel: Ohh, right, your big plan. You use Naminé to rewrite Sora's memory piece by little piece. And he turns into her total puppet. Then, using Naminé and Sora together, you and Larxene overthrow the Organization. Am I right? I would say that YOU are the traitor, Marluxia. / Marluxia: Since when were you suspicious of us? / Axel: Do either one of us have the heart to believe anyone?Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  28. ↑ Donald: To remember again, we have to sleep in that? / Naminé: Yes. It's going to take a little time, but I'll take care of you. / Goofy: Gawrsh, when we wake up, we won't remember who you are anymore... Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  29. ↑ Sora: Once I wake up, I'll find you again. I promise. / Naminé: You won't be able to remember that promise. / Sora: Even if the links are broken, they're still there, right? / Naminé: I guess so. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  30. ↑ Riku: Urgh...Where am I... /.../ Riku: The king! Where's the king?! Together we closed the door to darkness. After that— Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  31. ↑ Ansem: You are weak. You need the darkness. Surrender! Bow to darkness, bow to me. / Riku: That's not gonna happen! / Ansem: Only darkness can offer to you all the strength that you will need. Mickey: You're wrong! / Riku: That voice...! Your Majesty?! / Mickey: That's right! Remember Riku, you're not alone. Listen close. The light'll never give up on you. You'll always find it, even in the deepest darkness! Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories. (Square Enix). Playstation 2. (2008-12-02)
  32. ↑ DiZ: You are special. You exist between light and dark. You stand in the twilight. I want you to meet Naminé, then choose. Jupiter. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive). Game Boy Advance. (2004-12-07)
  33. ↑ Mickey: Your darkness belongs to you. Just like your light. Until now, I thought darkness was nothing but bad. But my time with you made me change my mind. You've chosen a road I never thought of. Light and dark, back to back. With you, they mingle in a way no one's ever seen before. I want to see where that road leads. And if it's okay, I want to walk the road with you. Jupiter. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. (Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive). Game Boy Advance. (2004-12-07)
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 (in Japanese) Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: Revised Edition. Studio BentStuff. 2002. ISBN 4757513496. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "1UP.com KHCOM Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-1. Retrieved 2007-06-07. 
  36. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  37. ↑ "Tetsuya Nomura Drops Kingdom Hearts Details". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3129579. Retrieved 2007-06-07. 
  38. ↑ Justin Calvert (2003-09-26). "TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  39. ↑ Chris Faylor. "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". Gaming Age. http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=gameboyadvance&game=kingdomhearts. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  40. ↑ Mr.Cube (2003-10-02). "『キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン" (in Japanese). Inside Games. http://www.inside-games.jp//news/117/11771.html. Retrieved 2007-07-20. 
  41. ↑ クリ坊 (2003-11-26). "キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン" (in Japanese). Inside Games. http://www.inside-games.jp//news/122/12262.html. Retrieved 2007-07-20. 
  42. ↑ "Jump Festa 2003 Report". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3115214. Retrieved 2007-06-07. 
  43. ↑ "Creator's Roundtable, Episode 1". Square Enix. 2007. http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/. Retrieved 2008-06-18. 
  44. ↑ "Creator's Roundtable, Episode 2". Square Enix. 2007. http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php. Retrieved 2008-06-18. 
  45. ↑ Stephen Coleman (2002-08-22). "Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-02. 
  46. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete". EMI Music Japan. http://www.emimusic.jp/foozay/kh/. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  47. ↑ Ashton Liu (2005-02-02). "Review - Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance)". GamesAreFun.com. http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=447. Retrieved 2007-06-22. 
  48. ↑ Cortney Stone. "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - Review". RPGamer. http://www.rpgamer.com/games/kh/khcom/reviews/khcomstrev3.html. Retrieved 2007-06-22. 
  49. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories - GBA". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919011.asp?q=kingdom%20hearts. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  50. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories GBA Reviews". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/kingdomheartschainofmemories?q=kingdom%20hearts. Retrieved 2007-05-13. 
  51. ↑ David Smith (2004-12-13). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA)". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3137225&did=1. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 
  52. ↑ Rob Fahey (2005-11-05). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=58946. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 
  53. ↑ "News: November 3, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070313190620/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  54. ↑ Reiner, Andrew (January 2005). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". Game Informer. Archived from the original on May 03, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080503065311/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF2CBB52-70E9-4A61-A84B-5D856AD2B0A3.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-30. 
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Rice Burner (2004-12-07). "Review: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/40110/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  56. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameZone. December 13, 2004. http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22957.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-30. 
  57. ↑ "News: November 13, 2004". The Magic Box. Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070313190631/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  58. ↑ GamePro Staff. "Kingdom Hearts for GBA Debuts Number One in Japan". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  59. ↑ Tor Thorsen (2005-01-31). "ChartSpot: December 2004". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6116646. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  60. ↑ Anoop Gantayat (2005-02-01). "Kingdom Hearts Goes Platinum". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/584/584260p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 
  61. ↑ IGN Staff (2007-02-05). "Kingdom Hearts Ships Over 10 Million Worldwide". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/761/761448p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-05. 
  62. ↑ Graft, Kris (August 10, 2009). "Square Enix Profits Drop On Eidos Acquisition". Gamasutra.com. http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24779. Retrieved 2009-06-11. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 石田 賀津男 (2005-02-01). "スクウェア・エニックス、GBA「キングダム ハーツ チェイン オブ メモリーズ」" (in Japanese). GameWatch. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20050201/khcom.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-20. 
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 Craig Harris (2004-12-13). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA)". IGN. http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/572/572766p1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-23. 
  65. ↑ Greg Kasavin (2004-05-12). "Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Hands-On". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6097974. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  66. ↑ Mark Marrow (2005-01-13). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". PALGN.com.au. http://www.palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1882. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  67. ↑ Chris Kohler (2004-10-11). "Kingdom Hearts GBA SP for Japan". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110184. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 GameSpot staff (2004-10-13). "Kingdom Hearts trading card game for Japan". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110452. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  69. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts TCG". Fantasy Flight Games. http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdomhearts/index.html. Retrieved 2007-12-08. 
  70. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (manga)". Anime News Network. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=8018. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Volume 1 (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-Memories-Graphic-Novels/dp/1598166379/. Retrieved 2007-07-29. 
  72. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide". Brady Games. http://www.bradygames.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=074400473X. Retrieved 2007-09-23. 
  73. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/954016-kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/index.html. Retrieved 2009-05-24. 
  74. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories (ps2: 2008)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories?q=kingdom%20hearts%20re:%20chain%20of%20memories. Retrieved 2009-05-24. 
  75. ↑ Michael Donahoe (2008-11-29). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (PS2)". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171548&p=2&sec=REVIEWS. Retrieved 2008-11-29. 
  76. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Overview". Allgame. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67059. Retrieved 2009-05-30. 
  77. ↑ Vore, Bryan (January 2009). "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories". Game Informer. http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/DE575807-3C05-4F64-9057-7757D14862E9.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-30. 
  78. ↑ Noble, McKinley (2008-12-09). "Review: Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208080/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/. Retrieved 2009-05-30. 
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  80. ↑ Ryan Clements (2008-12-01). "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Review". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/934/934330p1.html. Retrieved 2008-12-01. 
  81. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (October 2, 2007). "Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts". IGN. http://psp.ign.com/articles/824/824305p1.html. Retrieved January 25, 2010. 
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  83. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ - RE:Chain of Memories" (in Japanese). Square Enix. http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2fm/. Retrieved 2007-06-12. 
  84. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/objects/853/853598.html. Retrieved 2007-06-21. 
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  86. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (manga) - Releases". Anime News Network. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=8018&page=28. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
  87. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 2 (Paperback)". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-Chain-Memories-2/dp/1598166387/. Retrieved 2007-07-29. 
  88. ↑ "USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers". USA Today. http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10/20/2006. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 
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