Re:CoM Review - Re:Chain of Memories Triumphs Over Original Handheld Release
I finally got around to picking up the PS2 remake of Chain of Memories to help keep me sated until DDD comes out, and to help refresh my brain of the story. After playing it for a few days, I easily came to the realization on how much better this game is on the PS2 platform. I mean, wow, you have the 3D models, the voice actors, smoother gameplay, as well as a butt-ton of new sleights to pummel your enemies with. My personal favorites are Sonic Blade and Lethal Flame.
I really wish that Square had made this release on the PS2 in the first place. I find myself better understanding the story elements, and connecting with the characters much easier than I did in the text-heavy original release. Plus, the 3D rendering is much more aesthetically pleasing than the sprites. It actually feels like I'm playing a Kingdom Hearts game this time around! It has that KH1 gameplay feel, while having some KH2 game mechanics and doodads. The cutscenes between Sora and Riku are much more dramatic in this release (David Gallagher, hats off to you for phenomenal VAing). Larxene's VA is pretty good as well, the sadistic vibe comes off very well.
If you never knew exactly how to pronounce some of the Org. member's names, then fret no longer. Many of the dialogue between Org. Members are VA'd scenes. I was caught off guard at the phonetic pronunciation of Marluxia (I always thought of it as "Mar-lucks-ia," when it's actually "Mar-loo-sha." Go figure).
I always enjoyed the card system, even when others loathed it. I find it to provide an extra sense of strategy, where every swing of the key blade counts. It may sting in the beginning, but once you have an unbreakable deck, the card system becomes your best friend. I find myself always being on the offensive and barely ever taking damage since I can always break their cards.
I am plowing through Sora's story mode so I can play as Riku, for I don't recall finishing his story mode. I can't wait to start tearing up heartless as a rendered Dark Riku.
For anyone who either enjoyed, never played CoM, or is looking for something to do until KH3D, I highly recommend you pick up Re:CoM. It's a very well done remake, and it's how the game should have been the first time around. Granted you don't play at the speed that I do, you should be able to enjoy this game for about a month or so (For me, more like a week or two...).
The only thing wrong with Re:CoM is that there is absolutely no explanation of Premium Cards. You kinda just find out on your own that they make your card usable only once a fight, but at the cost of that lower the CP count as if it was a "1" of it's kind. So, don't go making your strongest cards premium, unless you're sure that they will be the lead of a sleight.
Feel free to share what you think about the game. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
I finally got around to picking up the PS2 remake of Chain of Memories to help keep me sated until DDD comes out, and to help refresh my brain of the story. After playing it for a few days, I easily came to the realization on how much better this game is on the PS2 platform. I mean, wow, you have the 3D models, the voice actors, smoother gameplay, as well as a butt-ton of new sleights to pummel your enemies with. My personal favorites are Sonic Blade and Lethal Flame.
I really wish that Square had made this release on the PS2 in the first place. I find myself better understanding the story elements, and connecting with the characters much easier than I did in the text-heavy original release. Plus, the 3D rendering is much more aesthetically pleasing than the sprites. It actually feels like I'm playing a Kingdom Hearts game this time around! It has that KH1 gameplay feel, while having some KH2 game mechanics and doodads. The cutscenes between Sora and Riku are much more dramatic in this release (David Gallagher, hats off to you for phenomenal VAing). Larxene's VA is pretty good as well, the sadistic vibe comes off very well.
If you never knew exactly how to pronounce some of the Org. member's names, then fret no longer. Many of the dialogue between Org. Members are VA'd scenes. I was caught off guard at the phonetic pronunciation of Marluxia (I always thought of it as "Mar-lucks-ia," when it's actually "Mar-loo-sha." Go figure).
I always enjoyed the card system, even when others loathed it. I find it to provide an extra sense of strategy, where every swing of the key blade counts. It may sting in the beginning, but once you have an unbreakable deck, the card system becomes your best friend. I find myself always being on the offensive and barely ever taking damage since I can always break their cards.
I am plowing through Sora's story mode so I can play as Riku, for I don't recall finishing his story mode. I can't wait to start tearing up heartless as a rendered Dark Riku.
For anyone who either enjoyed, never played CoM, or is looking for something to do until KH3D, I highly recommend you pick up Re:CoM. It's a very well done remake, and it's how the game should have been the first time around. Granted you don't play at the speed that I do, you should be able to enjoy this game for about a month or so (For me, more like a week or two...).
The only thing wrong with Re:CoM is that there is absolutely no explanation of Premium Cards. You kinda just find out on your own that they make your card usable only once a fight, but at the cost of that lower the CP count as if it was a "1" of it's kind. So, don't go making your strongest cards premium, unless you're sure that they will be the lead of a sleight.
Feel free to share what you think about the game. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.