Kingdom Hearts 3 Gameplay and Story

updated_at: November 24, 2024 20:55

published_at: November 24, 2024 20:52

Kingdom Hearts 3
Release Date & Time	Gameplay & Story	DLC & Preorder	Review

Kingdom Hearts 3 Gameplay

Combat System

The combat in Kingdom Hearts 3, much like the other mainline games in the series, is an action-based hack-and-slash system with third-person gameplay. Players use a command menu to perform various actions in battle, including attacking, casting magic, using items, and activating abilities such as Link Summons. This allows Sora to call upon Disney characters like Simba for powerful special moves.

Battles begin in real-time when enemies, usually Heartless or Nobodies, appear in the world. Sora automatically equips his Keyblade and enters a battle stance. He can perform melee combos using his Keyblade, and these combos can be extended with abilities unlocked through leveling up or equipped via the menu.

Movement plays a significant role in combat, as Sora can perform acrobatic stunts like dodge rolls, gliding (available later in the game), double jumps, and Flowmotion. Flowmotion allows Sora to interact with the environment for parkour-like maneuvers, such as bouncing off walls or spinning around poles to attack enemies.

While Donald and Goofy accompany Sora throughout the journey, he can also team up with other Disney and Final Fantasy characters encountered in different worlds. A key feature of Kingdom Hearts 3 is the Formchange ability, which lets Sora transform his Keyblades into various weapons, such as Guard Form, Blitz Form, and Strike Form, each with unique abilities and attacks. Additionally, Sora can now wield up to three Keyblades at once, greatly enhancing his combat versatility.

Exploration

Kingdom Hearts 3, like its predecessors, has Sora and his friends exploring and traversing a variety of worlds, some returning from previous games and others entirely new. Many of these worlds are inspired by popular Disney properties like Frozen and Big Hero 6. Below is a list of the featured worlds.

　⚫︎　Twilight Town
　⚫︎　Destiny Islands
　⚫︎　Radiant Garden
　⚫︎　100 Acre Wood
　⚫︎　Arendelle
　⚫︎ Realm of Darkness
　⚫︎　Disney Castle
　⚫︎　Olympus
　⚫︎　Quadratum
　⚫︎　Dive to the Heart
　⚫︎　Kingdom Hearts
　⚫︎　San Fransokyo
　⚫︎　Kingdom of Corona
　⚫︎　Scala ad Caelum
　⚫︎　The Caribbean
　⚫︎　Final World
　⚫︎　Monstropolis
　⚫︎　Mysterious Tower
　⚫︎　Land of Departure

Kingdom Hearts 3 Story

Kingdom Hearts 3 picks up where the previous installment, Dream Drop Distance left off, following Sora on his quest to stop the forces of darkness and bring an end to the threat of Organization XIII and its leader, Xehanort. At the start of the game, Sora finds himself powerless after the events of DDD, and he must work to regain his strength in order to face Xehanort, the mastermind behind much of the series' conflict.

To do so, Sora embarks on a mission to find the Guardians of Light, key individuals who will aid him in the battle against the darkness. Joined by his trusty companions, Donald and Goofy, Sora journeys through a variety of Disney-themed worlds, some familiar and others new to the series. Along the way, he uncovers secrets and meets new allies while uncovering the truth behind the Organization’s schemes.

With the help of his trusted Keyblade, a mysterious key-shaped weapon that fights darkness and frees hearts, Sora and his friends must stop the Organization and save the worlds.

Kingdom Hearts 3 Characters

Sora

Sora is the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series. At 15 years old, he's a bit naive, but his determination, optimism, and deep love for his friends make him an inspiring hero. Sora's kindness and selflessness often leave a lasting impact on those he meets. He's best friends with Riku and Kairi, and after the Keyblade recognizes his potential, he is chosen as its wielder. Now, Sora is on a journey to become a Keyblade Master, facing countless challenges and growing stronger with each step.

Donald

Donald is one of Sora's closest friends and travels with him on his journey. As a powerful mage, he's often portrayed as the most hot-headed and stubborn of the trio. However, beneath his fiery exterior, Donald also shows a great deal of compassion and loyalty, especially toward his friends. His occasional outbursts are always balanced by his deep care and dedication to those he loves.

Goofy

Goofy may be clumsy and a bit simple-minded, but he’s often the voice of calm wisdom and reason within the group. His cheerful and easygoing nature helps keep spirits high, even in the toughest situations. Above all, Goofy is fiercely loyal to his friends, always doing his best to support them and be there when they need him most.

Kairi

Kairi is a childhood friend of Sora and Riku, and the three of them grew up together on Destiny Islands. Like Sora, she is charismatic, kind-hearted, and full of energy. Her caring nature often leads her into dangerous situations as she tries to help others. Kairi is also a Keyblade wielder and is currently training to become a Keyblade Master, determined to grow stronger and protect those she loves.

Riku

Riku is Sora and Kairi’s childhood friend and is the most mature of the three, often acting as the calm and collected voice of reason. Though he can come across as distant or even aloof, Riku has a deep, unwavering desire to protect his friends. His sharp wit and occasional snarky remarks add a layer of humor to his character, showing that beneath his cool exterior, he’s always looking out for those he cares about.

Xehanort

Xehanort is the main antagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series' Dark Seeker Saga. A Keyblade Master obsessed with understanding the balance between light and darkness, he seeks to recreate the χ-blade and unlock Kingdom Hearts to reshape the universe. Through time travel and manipulation, Xehanort exists in multiple forms, including his Heartless (Ansem, Seeker of Darkness) and Nobody (Xemnas), orchestrating events that drive the series' central conflicts.