zippdementia's Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep review

Hey. Nice to see you back for a bit. I enjoyed this review simply for its straightforward presentation. You don't really rehash the basic premises of the Kingdom Hearts series like some people reviewing a sequel would, and thus appeal straight to those who are familiar with the series. I for one have been interested in this game since I heard about it (that is, since 100% completing KH2 a year ago...), and I'm glad to read that I may not have overestimated my expectations for it.

I am a bit more curious as to what sort of worlds appear or reappear in this game, and what new ones are added, but overall I'm glad you left that out because that's really something I'd like to find out on my own one day.

Maybe for Christmas I'll buy a PSP. It'd certainly be more affordable than a hi-def TV and PS3/X360, anyway. =P

If you're okay with a used PSP, Wolf Queen, I've been thinking of selling mine. I have Birth by Sleep, as well as a ton of other games. We could probably work out a price that we were both satisfied with; just putting that out there.

Yeah, I was afraid to touch too much on the exact levels. I originally had two more paragraphs on the levels, but took it out when it felt like it was dragging. Hopefully what I said about them has excited your curiousity! I'll say that they are the best of the levels I've yet seen in a game, though they don't have quite the "scope" of the KH2 levels. You know, no huge tundra like the Pride Lands or environment spanning level like the Mulan stage.

Hm... That actually might not be a bad idea, as long as everything's in good working condition. Let me know what the best way to contact you is, and when the best time to talk about this would be, and I'll do so. Thanks! Out of curiosity, are you considering selling it because you need to or because you want to and/or just don't really use it anymore?

As for the levels, it was actually your description of Malificent's castle that piqued my interest most. I think Sleeping Beauty was my favorite Disney movie as a kid, and I'd always wondered how Kingdom Hearts would handle it. The first was pretty cool, but it really felt more of an "end of game" destination or whatever than an actual exploration of the Sleeping Beauty story or world. And the second KH kind of turned it into a base town. Either way, both replications had almost nothing to do with the Disney story, so I'd like to see how they go more in-depth with it.

As for some other comments, I did find the whole command deck thing a bit confusing and perhaps tedious, but I hadn't played Chain of Memories, so I don't have much to go on. I have a strong feeling it's something I'll figure out more as I play the game, though, and may in fact come to enjoy as you seem to.

I for one did find the notion of combining abilities interesting. I've always liked similar elements in other games, and may find it quite interesting here as well. Though, I do have to ask, when you combine abilities like you say, do you still get to keep the two you used to make the third, or does the third replace the two used to make it?

The best way to contact me is via email. My schedule is kind've nuts (I'm sure you understand, as a fellow student!) so catching me on chat is tricky. I'll pm it to you (let me know if you don't get it).

I really enjoyed the PSP. Especially for RPGs, it was a great system and it also took some pretty standard series, like Metal Gear, and did some cool things with the concepts. Overall, a very underrated system. With me starting my final masters program next term, and working two jobs besides, I just don't have time to play as many games and I hate to see it lying around collecting dust. I'd much rather it gets used by someone who can enjoy all the cool games that are available for it!

The PSP is in perfect working condition and the screen is not scratched (aside from the hair-thin scratches that you can't see except by holding it close under a light). There is a light splattering of dust under the screen that you can only see when the screen is off... in other words, nothing on the screen affects or distracts from play). I'll throw in the 2 memory cards (they've got a few downloaded games on them, including 60 second hero, Obscure 2, and Badman 2) and a couple games I got direct from the manufacturer, for no extra charge. Of course the PSP comes with charger. I'm thinking to sell that main bundle for $70.

For games, I'm going various prices per extra game you'd like. I've got like-new copies (with original case and instructions) of Birth By Sleep, Dissidia, Metal Gear Acid 2 (that one even comes with the 3D viewer that people talk about being hard to find in one piece), PQ, Shadow of Destiny, Mega Man X remix, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, Tomb Raider: anniversary, GTA: Chinatown.

You'll have to cover shipping; but one of my jobs is I work at a UPS store so I can get you the best deal possible, and that will come with a tracking number and free insurance on the package.

Back to Kingdom Hearts... the card concept can be tricky to understand. I debated for a long time whether to even make the Chain of Memories comparison, but finally decided it was a good way to break into a discussion of the system.

Simply put, the card system forces you to limit the amount of abilities and special moves you can use during battle, because you have to wait for them to recharge. There are other aspects to it, but that's the biggest one. You have to decide, prior to getting into a fight, how you are going to fight. It's surprisingly exciting in this game, considering how boring it was in Chain of Memories.

Sadly, combining two abilities to make a third erases the two cards you used in the mix. But then, no loss, no gain...?

Added photos.