Birth by Sleep is my favorite game of the series so far, and of course, Aqua is my favorite character~ But, like many others, I still see areas in Birth by Sleep that could have been better. A lot better. That’s what this post is all about. It’s pretty long, be preparedddd. I tried my best to cut down on any rambling, this was written over a few weeks, so there might be somediscrepancies. (I think about Birth by Sleep a lot, but I didn't really discuss which worlds each character doesn't need to go to...)
First, to get a few things out of the way:
And now, I will use the rest of this space to discuss how I feel the plot/worlds should have gone:
Land of Departure
Castle of Dreams
Although it was super cute how Ven was introduced to this world.... I don’t think he should have any part of it, nor should he replace Gus. I know the point of this world was to show off Ven’s dream of wanting to be a Keyblade Master... but I’m sure this can occur somewhere else? Then again, Ven’s time there was fun and light hearted, so maybe this part can remain? Maybe they all visit the princess worlds?
Enchanted Dominion
This is an important world where I think all three characters should appear
Dwarf Woodlands
Again, maybe all three should visit all three of the princess worlds in this game. So here are a few changes I can recommend:
That’s the first three and probably most important worlds. As for what order they would arrive:
Terra: [Dwarf Woodlands] [Castle of Dreams] [Enchanted Dominion]
Ven: [Castle of Dreams] [Dwarf Woodlands] [Enchanted Dominion]
Aqua: [Castle of Dreams] [Dwarf Woodlands] [Enchanted Dominion]
As I explained already, Aqua arrives at many of these places after the fact is because she didn’t rush off and leave right after Terra and Ven. She and Eraqus hadn’t realized that Ven ran off for unexplained reasons. Her cleanup in Castle of Dreams and Dwarf Woodlands are relatively quick, and it will land her in Enchanted Dominion just as Terra is leaving and Ven is arriving. It's real tight to fit that in there, but eh. We must assume there is more overlap in when each one was on each world.
As for the rest of the worlds, of course there are little tweaks here, little tweaks there, but I will only be addressing some key points in each of their stories and a lot of discussion about Radiant Garden, which I will do next:
Radiant Garden
Radiant Garden is where a lot of stuff goes down. It’s where the trio of friends finally meet together again.
Smaller Changes
So, that does it for some of the major story changes, most everything else kind of fits into place. Now I will just quickly bulletpoint other things
Things that should be totally excluded
First, to get a few things out of the way:
- Not every character should be in every world. This only caused the plot of each world to be way too spread out and short. I see what they were trying to do, but it just doesn’t work. I feel the same about DDD in a way, but that game had a much bigger scale and more room to work with.
- Characters should have gotten their own keyblades and more abilities special to them. Getting differently sized keyblades that all looked the same was not very exciting.
- Goodness this game needed more NPC characters in the worlds.
And now, I will use the rest of this space to discuss how I feel the plot/worlds should have gone:
Land of Departure
- Most of Land of Departure was fine. I mean, what is there to really change? I would change Aqua’s line of “You two would make the weirdest brothers!†into something more reasonable like, “You two are fighting like siblings, pfft.â€
- I would display the dynamic between Eraqus and Xehanort better, such as what conversation they might have about Terra before they decide that he doesn’t pass. (A scene similar to the KH3 trailer where Xehanort and Eraqus are playing chess would be very cool) I want to see Eraqus trying to trust him, but obviously looking doubtful. I would like Eraqus to warn Aqua about him, I would like Eraqus to do something given Xehanort was the one that wrecked his face.
- I would make it more clear that Ven was trying desperately to warn Terra about the boy in the mask and he runs off right under Eraqus and Aqua’s nose
- To help the time gap between Aqua and the other two, it could be that Ven literally sneaked off and it isn’t until Eraqus notices that that he demands Aqua bring Ven back right before she takes off. Prior to that, Eraqus might have continued talking to her about her new duties and Terra, putting more time between her start of the story and theirs
- I would like for Eraqus to not only to bring Ven back, but have Aqua question why he seemed so overtly panicked about it (other than the fact that they don’t know why he left and he kinda ran away)
- Maybe to fill in more time of gaps between the stories, particularly Aqua, she could very well return to LoD at some point (or even occasionally) to explain what's going on to Eraqus. This would give Eraqus more screentime and relevance to the plot, as well as Aqua starting to see a lack of balance in Eraqus's opinions (where Fairy Godmother told her light and darkness must be balanced, Eraqus insists Terra is going down the wrong path for having ANY darkness at all) I think it would bring out Aqua's subplot so much more (that being her stepping out of Eraqus's shadow of "light only, darkness is always bad" to undestanding balance is needed)
- Skipping to nearing the end of the game, I think Eraqus should speak more on his mistake in trying to trust Xehanort, and how he must fix his mistakes and protect the world by destroying Ven. Doesn't make matters any better thoough
Castle of Dreams
Although it was super cute how Ven was introduced to this world.... I don’t think he should have any part of it, nor should he replace Gus. I know the point of this world was to show off Ven’s dream of wanting to be a Keyblade Master... but I’m sure this can occur somewhere else? Then again, Ven’s time there was fun and light hearted, so maybe this part can remain? Maybe they all visit the princess worlds?
- Aqua: Much of everything can stay the same for Aqua, but Aqua does not necessarily need to visit the Castle until the end. She can simply appear near Cinderella’s home and things can play out much the same. Aqua can learn of Terra helping Cinderella once she’s taken care of the boss battle and right before Cinderella reunites with Prince Charming.
- Terra: Much of everything can stay the same for Terra, but I think there should be WAY more emphasis on dreams come true and Terra could also get the ‘light and dark go hand in hand’ speech as to why Cinderella seems to attract so much trouble?
- Ven: If Ven is here, his role would be much the same. I would just suggest there be more mice, and the birds, and everything. Make it more interesting. His visit is very cushioned and 'safe' much like the game.
Enchanted Dominion
This is an important world where I think all three characters should appear
- Terra: I believe Terra’s portion would play out much the same, but make him a little less naive. I believe he’ll find Maleficent suspicious immediately (like the Queen in Dwarf Woodlands), but does not act on anything. He and Aqua are supposed to be at the same level, he should be able to sense her strong darkness. I think he will ‘steal’ Aurora’s heart, and I believe as he is leaving, he outwardly expresses his mistake and shame. It could be that the fairies chase him out, pushing his guilt even further and making their aggressive meeting with Ven quite reasonable.
- Ventus: Much like the original timeline, I believe Ven arrives shortly after Terra’s supposed mistake and decides to help the fairies reclaim Aurora’s heart. Ven finds it first and releases it before he encounters Maleficent. I believe he seemingly wins his match against Maleficent, but she has the upper hand and is able to take down Ven. At that very moment, I believe Aqua can arrive to save the day. This would further affirm Aqua’s desires to protect Ven and bring him home.
Aqua tries to convince Ven that Terra is fine -unconvincingly- and that they should go home. But Ven runs off anyway but does mention to Aqua that he must speak to Terra, much to her confusion and distress - Aqua: To switch it up from the original timeline, I think it is at this moment that Aqua arrives in the world just in time to hear Terra express his regretful actions aloud and leave. This easily fills in the ‘spying’ accusation he hits her with later. Rather than Maleficent giving her doubts on Terra, Terra himself gives her doubts because she heard from his own mouth what he did while talking to himself. As soon as she turns her head, she sees Ven running off in the opposite direction and chases after him.
As I mentioned already, I think Aqua comes in and saves the day for Ven, even if Maleficent wasn’t actually going to hurt him per Xehanort’s request. She tries to convince Ven to come with her, but he runs off. Afterwards, the scene plays out much the same way as before I suppose, but more with the threat of Maleficent deciding to regain the heart herself. Cue fight against Maleficent... but I feel it shouldn’t leave off with Maleficent being crippled. If Maleficent is still standing proudly after, Aqua’s speech might be more epic rather than talking to a lady who looks like she's gonna faint. (It’s pure cheese btw. Aqua is pure cheese and it’s amazing)
Dwarf Woodlands
Again, maybe all three should visit all three of the princess worlds in this game. So here are a few changes I can recommend:
- Terra: I believe his story should play out much the same except he doesn’t just abandon Snow White when she runs from the monsters. I know his role is supposed to match the hunter that the queen sends after Snow White, but how about we switch it up a bit? I think Terra should get her safely all the way to the the Dwarf’s House before leaving, just like he escorted Cinderella to the castle. His boss should be similar to Ven’s boss before he leaves without meeting Snow White again.
- Ven: Ven’s role here now is kinda wishy washy huh? I think his visit would certainly center around the dwarfs. I think Ven will also meet Snow White and hear about the help Terra gave her. After hearing Snow White’s words and hearing where Terra went off to (toward the danger and stating he hasn't returned and she's worried), Ven could go off in the same direction and end up encountering the remnants of the Unversed Terra already fought. (That’d be an interesting concept). Tying it off when Ven unintentionally aiding the old hag would work just fine too.
- Aqua: Aqua has 2 important things that must happen here. She must see Snow White in the casket, and she must encounter the mirror. People weren’t too happy that Aqua’s boss battle was just a repeat of Terra’s, so obviously that’s been fixed in this instance. Aqua would go to the castle in search of the hag.The hag could have returned to the castle after her deeds and siced the mirror on Aqua before disappearing.
That’s the first three and probably most important worlds. As for what order they would arrive:
Terra: [Dwarf Woodlands] [Castle of Dreams] [Enchanted Dominion]
Ven: [Castle of Dreams] [Dwarf Woodlands] [Enchanted Dominion]
Aqua: [Castle of Dreams] [Dwarf Woodlands] [Enchanted Dominion]
As I explained already, Aqua arrives at many of these places after the fact is because she didn’t rush off and leave right after Terra and Ven. She and Eraqus hadn’t realized that Ven ran off for unexplained reasons. Her cleanup in Castle of Dreams and Dwarf Woodlands are relatively quick, and it will land her in Enchanted Dominion just as Terra is leaving and Ven is arriving. It's real tight to fit that in there, but eh. We must assume there is more overlap in when each one was on each world.
As for the rest of the worlds, of course there are little tweaks here, little tweaks there, but I will only be addressing some key points in each of their stories and a lot of discussion about Radiant Garden, which I will do next:
Radiant Garden
Radiant Garden is where a lot of stuff goes down. It’s where the trio of friends finally meet together again.
- Terra: Prior to this, Terra meets with Xehanort where he gives Terra a bullshit story about why Ven is the way he is and who Vanitas is. That’s fine. Now that Aqua has actually heard Terra’s dark confessions with her own ears, Terra’s accusation of her spying is more accurate. Instead of thinking “Forget THEMMMMâ€, maybe his thoughts should be more be like, “Maybe she’s right...†as he’s gazing at his wayfinder, but Braig interrupts his thoughts or realization that he’s in the wrong.
In Hollow Bastion, I think the hostage story Xehanort planned out is real weak. It’s good that Terra didn’t believe Braig right away, but even after that, I would think Terra would question such a weird set up? Maybe Xehanort’s plan should have been similar to Repliku, where Braig taunted Terra with (borrowed) dark strength and Terra can only win by using his own darkness. Xehanort could wait until they meet in a more natural setting where Terra confesses to what he did.
At this point, having Xehanort assure Terra that his darkness is not bad and he’s done nothing wrong might gain a timid “Only Xehanort believes in me†reaction. - Ven: Prior to Ven’s arrival here, he encounters Vanitas and pretty much gets beat up until Mickey helps him. I think that can all stay the same. Meeting all the org members is kinda unnecessary to be honest... but eh, I guess a little fun can be had?? Not much needs to change here. I do think after he meets Lea and Isa, he should glace at his wayfinder as he says “At least they know who their real friends are†or something to that affect. To further tie in the wayfinder theme.
- Aqua: Aqua doesn’t have many changes either except a few things. Firstly, while Aqua will come and rescue Kairi, I don’t think she casts a spell on Kairi. Instead, I think Aqua will introduce the wayfinder concept to Kairi. How? Maybe in the rush of things, Aqua dropped her wayfinder and Kairi returns it to Aqua after the battle. In return, Aqua tells her all about it, the tree of legend on an islands, how it connects her to her friends, etc etc. I think that is a MUCH better connection between the two than some vague spell.
Not much of a change, but I think a better focus of the argument had between Aqua and Terra is more justified here. Along with her statements of Terra being too close to the darkness, I think she insists on knowing what happened in some of the worlds because it’s super sketch. Then comes Terra accusing her of spying and Ven running off again because he thinks Aqua stepped out of line.
The second big change I would make is about Vanitas. I think after the trio split up after the boss battle, Aqua goes looking for Ven, but runs across Vanitas the stalker following Ven in the shadows. Instead of Vanitas approaching Aqua, I think Aqua should approach him, especially after hearing Terra and Ven speak negatively of him. I think that is when Aqua engages with him trying to figure out who he was and Vanitas acts even more aggressively in return, but manages to get away after he’s defeated. I definitely think it should be Aqua tracking down Vanitas, not the other way around.
I think Aqua will want to find Terra to talk more about what’s going on with him, and to ask about Vanitas since Terra clearly knows more. When she tells Ven to go home and doesn’t go with him, I think it’s because she simply wants to catch up with Terra.
Smaller Changes
So, that does it for some of the major story changes, most everything else kind of fits into place. Now I will just quickly bulletpoint other things
- Ven reaffirms or first brings up his desire to become a keyblade master when he completes the Coliseum. Not only does he enjoy seeing the friendly competition between Zack and Hercules (which reminds him of Aqua and Terra), he also wants to prove himself to his two best buddies, much like Zack and Hercules want to be come heroes. I’m surprised this wasn’t touched on.
- I think Vanitas never ‘outgrows’ his use for Aqua as of Neverland, which is where Aqua tracks him down, not where he decides to meet up with her. He’s gotten new orders to test her in Neverland and while she may pass, she’s obviously too much for Vanitas to handle. While she may have been an annoyance before, I think the implication that Baldy has a new use for her in mind is good, even if it never happens in BbS.
- If the Keyblade Ceremony must be a thing, I think Terra should state more clearly that if his heart is strong enough, maybe he will get his own keyblade someday because as it is, it implies Terra literally gave Riku a keyblade and not just a recommendation
- I think when Terra and Aqua meet in the keyblade graveyard, he tells Aqua more so that she knows why she’s fighting. As it is, she knows that Xehanort and Vanitas are the bad guys, but Terra telling Aqua face to face that Vanitas is Ven’s darkness and that Xehanort must want something with him AND that he backstabbed their master? Much more rage would be had
- If they didn’t have limitations, I would have loved for the in-game fight sequence in the Keyblade Graveyard to have been more epic somehow.
Things that should be totally excluded
- The entirety of Deep Space. It’s just fluff and filler and they didn’t really do a great job tying it all in
- How/Why Pete was banished and meeting Maleficent. Goofy mentioned it was because Mickey banished him and Pete said Maleficent helped him, so just leave it at that.
- I loved Donald and Goofy’s cameo at Yen Sid’s tower, but it contradicts Donald and Goofy not knowing where Yen Sid lived before. Canonwise, I write it off as Yen Sid moves a lot (his tower and the land he’s on that is, moving from world to world or realm to realm). This can be avoided completely if they aren’t there. Maybe they make an appearance in Disney Town instead
- Ven meeting nearly every single Org member, pure fanservice
- Ven constantly introducing himself as “I’m Ventus, but call me Ven. 8D†What an adorkable dork