KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX

About

"Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 +2.5 ReMIX" is an HD remastered collection of six unforgettable Kingdom Hearts experiences, including our favorite Disney worlds and characters. This collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, ReChain of Memories, 358/2 Days , Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final MIX, and Recoded . It's a perfect opportunity for newcomers to our franchise to start wielding their Keyblades and relive the magic of Kingdom Hearts, leading up to the release of Kingdom Hearts III.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX screenshot

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,824 reviews

story196 positive mentions

optimization38 negative mentions

story
665 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
66%
5%
The "Kingdom Hearts" series is celebrated for its intricate and emotionally resonant storytelling, blending Disney's charm with Final Fantasy's depth. While the narrative can be convoluted and requires playing multiple titles to fully grasp the overarching plot, many players find the journey rewarding and nostalgic, filled with memorable characters and themes of friendship and light versus darkness. Despite some criticisms regarding its complexity and execution, the series remains a beloved staple for those who appreciate its unique storytelling approach.
- “The story is entertaining, the combat mechanics are enjoyable and accessible, and the remakes include some additional content not present in the PS2 editions.”
- “From the complex story to the wonderful music and boss fights, well-designed and lovable characters, everything about this game just makes me feel a certain way.”
- “The overarching story of the series has very little to do with the Disney characters, and each Disney franchise is treated sort of as a dungeon or lite hub world here or there.”
- “The story is all over the place due to Tetsuya Nomura not being able to actually plan much due to Disney playing fast and loose with licensing, so the story would end up being written the same day the licensing confirmations came in.”
- “The plot is a convoluted and inane crossover smorgasbord.”
- “The story is confusing, the fights can be hard at a point of losing patience and yet you want more; 10/10 will do all the Kingdom Hearts content and listen to the main song on repeat.”
gameplay
386 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
6%
The gameplay in the Kingdom Hearts series is a mix of action RPG mechanics, exploration, and unique combat systems, with each title offering distinct gameplay experiences. While many players appreciate the engaging combat and nostalgic charm, some criticize the dated mechanics and clunky controls, particularly in earlier titles like Kingdom Hearts 1 and Chain of Memories. Overall, the series is celebrated for its fun and addictive gameplay, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of certain mechanics, especially the card system introduced in Chain of Memories.
- “I recommend playing Kingdom Hearts for the gameplay alone.”
- “The gameplay is as addictive and immersive as ever, with a perfect balance of action-packed combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.”
- “Gameplay-wise, this entry feels more refined.”
- “The gameplay is floaty, plain and simple.”
- “The controls and mechanics of this game are trash and I do not recommend anyone playing this.”
- “The gameplay in this game is awful, relying on commands instead of MP to use attacks.”
graphics
234 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
79%
4%
The graphics of the Kingdom Hearts collection have received mixed reviews, with many praising the remastered visuals for their crispness and vibrant colors that enhance the nostalgic experience. However, significant issues have been reported, particularly with compatibility on modern AMD graphics cards, leading to frequent crashes and performance problems. Overall, while the graphics hold up well for their age, the technical issues detract from the experience for users with certain hardware.
- “The game runs beautifully on modern hardware, and the visuals, even after all these years, still hold up surprisingly well.”
- “The remastered graphics and soundtrack are amazing, a must-have for anyone who wants to understand the story before KH3 or anyone who wants solid action-focused gameplay.”
- “The graphics have been updated to look crisp and modern, breathing new life into these classic games.”
- “The graphics are old but they hold up pretty well today due to its distinct art style.”
- “There are serious crashing issues on current generation AMD graphics cards that make this game an unplayable mess.”
- “If you do have an AMD graphics card, don't buy this; it's unplayable.”
music
167 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
The music in the Kingdom Hearts series is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting its emotional depth and nostalgic value. Composed primarily by Yoko Shimomura, the soundtrack is described as iconic, enhancing gameplay and storytelling with memorable themes that resonate with players long after their initial experience. While some users noted minor issues with remastered versions, the overall consensus is that the music remains a timeless and integral part of the gaming experience.
- “Did I mention this series has one of the greatest soundtracks of all time?”
- “From the soaring orchestral tracks of 'Dearly Beloved' to the high-energy tunes that make you want to kick ass with a keyblade, this game has one of the most unforgettable soundtracks in gaming history.”
- “The soundtrack is iconic—composed by Yoko Shimomura—and sets the tone perfectly for every moment, from heart-pounding battles to serene moments of calm.”
- “Please fix the sound issues on the Steam Deck; the crackling sound while music is playing is unbearable and distracting, as the music is one of the best aspects of the game.”
- “Only downside: since this is my first time playing the 2.5 remix version, I did not know they re-composed/made the songs for the Gummi Ship routes.”
- “The final mix also has updated the quality of the music and swapped the color palettes of some of the Heartless, and I think I prefer the original colors and music, but that's just a personal preference.”
optimization
122 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
51%
31%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly on certain hardware configurations. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay with customizable settings, others have found the port poorly optimized, leading to frustration and a lack of enjoyment. Overall, the game's performance appears to vary widely depending on the user's system, with many recommending caution before purchasing due to these inconsistencies.
- “The porting is well optimized, the action system and character development are well integrated, the combat is quite refreshing, and the music is very listenable.”
- “For a game that’s been around for nearly two decades, the performance holds up impressively, and the ability to tweak settings to your rig’s capacity (whether you’re rocking a monster gaming PC or a mid-tier setup) makes it a win.”
- “The combination of high performance, portability, and stunning visuals creates a great balance for gamers who want to enjoy the magic of Kingdom Hearts without compromise.”
- “I was really wishing for a fun port that'll keep me, a guy who played KH1 and KH2 interested and happy, but the performance issues are so terrible that it hampered any fun I tried to get out of it.”
- “These versions are so poorly optimized that it makes certain titles in the collection borderline unplayable.”
- “As of right now this game is horribly optimized and it actually hurts me to give it a bad review, there are way too many problems with this, such as the textures being completely removed then crashing when entering a loading zone, to crashing randomly when loading a new area.”
stability
101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
1%
51%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting that it runs well on the Steam Deck and other systems, often achieving smooth performance and high frame rates. However, numerous users have encountered significant bugs, crashes, and audio glitches, particularly during cutscenes and specific gameplay sections, leading to a frustrating experience for some. Overall, while the game has potential for stable play, persistent technical issues detract from its overall reliability.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck and is perfect for traveling.”
- “This port is good and runs great with no problems.”
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck out of the box, getting a constant 60 fps.”
- “Kh II Final Mix is a bit buggy, especially the first part of the game in Twilight Town. The animated cutscenes made my game crash several times, so the end of the game was a bit problematic too.”
- “The game frequently stutters and freezes.”
- “It's a shame how many games are just completely unplayable or buggy, and Square seems to consistently have this problem with new releases.”
emotional
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the Kingdom Hearts collection is highlighted by its deep, heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic charm, resonating with both newcomers and longtime fans. Players appreciate the blend of whimsical Disney worlds with complex narratives that explore themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, often evoking strong emotional responses through memorable characters and orchestral soundtracks. Overall, the series is celebrated for its ability to create an emotional journey that captivates and touches the hearts of its audience.
- “From the whimsical charm of Disney worlds to the layers of mystery surrounding the original characters, this collection is an emotional rollercoaster that reminds you why this series is so beloved.”
- “What truly sets this collection apart is its emotional depth.”
- “The stories are beautifully woven together, featuring memorable characters and emotional moments that will tug at your heartstrings.”
grinding
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
3%
94%
The grinding aspect of the Kingdom Hearts series is often described as tedious and repetitive, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the games. While some appreciate the depth and challenge it brings, especially for completionists, others find it excessively time-consuming and frustrating, particularly when compounded by technical issues like crashes. Overall, grinding is a polarizing feature that can either enhance the experience for dedicated fans or lead to significant frustration for casual players.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Trying to 100% this version requires extreme grinding, and it's not really the same as playing the one from your childhood.”
- “These games are like insanely boring now, and extremely grindy, not in a good way.”
- “Regretful that the crashes have not been addressed, which means you can binge 2 hours of grinding and easily lose your progress upon trying to save or finishing a cutscene.”
humor
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of absurdity and sincerity, often eliciting laughter through its unconventional scenarios, such as Disney characters engaging in anime tropes and awkward comedic moments. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance heartfelt storytelling with comedic elements, creating a charming and sometimes ridiculous experience that resonates with nostalgia. Overall, the humor is described as both clever and endearing, contributing to the game's unique appeal.
- “If that level of tonal whiplash sounds hilarious to you, play this.”
- “Just remember, in this game, every victory is celebrated with a high-five from Mickey Mouse and an invitation to join the next Gummi Ship race—because even across galaxies, friendships and funny hats are timeless.”
- “For the games themselves, they have really good gameplay, and a super funny story in a B-movie way -- but it's delivered with so much sincerity that you just have to marvel at it sometimes.”
replayability
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
45%
27%
Kingdom Hearts is praised for its high replayability, featuring multiple difficulty settings, secret bosses, and a wealth of collectibles, making it rewarding to fully complete. Players appreciate the extensive content, including nearly 200 achievements, and the relatively short progression time, which encourages repeated playthroughs. Overall, the series is considered to have exceptional replay value, with many eager to revisit it multiple times.
- “Replayability: with multiple difficulty settings, secret bosses, and tons of collectibles, Kingdom Hearts offers a lot of replay value.”
- “Constant replay value and a rewarding game to fully complete.”
- “All these games have a ton of content and they added nearly 200 achievements, so it's a lot to work through. I also think with the beginning-to-end progression being relatively short, these games have incredible replay value.”
- “Replayability is also a factor.”
- “Excited to play this series of games for the 100th time now that they're playable on Asus ROG Ally :)”
- “I will change the review to positive once the problems are fixed and all the games are playable.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
33%
22%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its enchanting and magical qualities, effectively capturing the essence of Disney better than many contemporary Disney products. Each world is noted for its spot-on visual representation and fitting soundtracks, which enhance the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding the simplicity of level design and exploration. Overall, the combination of characters, story, and music creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates with players.
- “Otherwise, a fantastic game with a fun story and a magical Disney atmosphere.”
- “The music is still just as enchanting and captivating as ever, adding to the overall magical atmosphere of the Kingdom Hearts universe.”
- “Functionally, each of these 'worlds' is merely a handful of simple contained areas which have the vague visual atmosphere of the Disney film at hand, but there is no real level design, exploration, or progression.”
- “The atmosphere of these games does a better job of feeling like Disney than current-day Disney products.”
character development
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and integration with the story, featuring nuanced arcs and heartfelt moments for the main cast. Players appreciate the introduction of new characters and plot twists that keep them engaged, while the combination of Disney and Final Fantasy designs enhances the overall experience. Overall, the character development is highlighted as a standout aspect, contributing significantly to the game's narrative and emotional impact.
- “There are lots of moments for character development for our main cast along with heartfelt moments.”
- “Perfect gameplay, great story, great character development, great world building, great bosses, great side quests and one of the best video game soundtracks.”
- “With surprising plot twists and more nuanced character development, the story kept me invested throughout, even if some aspects remain as convoluted as ever.”
- “We are introduced to a whole new cast of characters and a plot that really shows some character development.”
- “I'm very biased for KH2 as the storytelling, character development, and gameplay are definitely peak in my opinion out of every other Kingdom Hearts game.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate that the monetization strategy for the game is perceived as a cash grab, with critics suggesting that Square Enix released a poorly tested port aimed at exploiting Kingdom Hearts fans rather than addressing existing issues.
- “Square Enix obviously did not test this and put out a lazy cash grab port for Kingdom Hearts fans to eat up.”
- “I feel like this publication was a cash grab without any intent to remedy known issues.”