Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance continues the tremendous storyline of the Kingdom Hearts series, and the seventh installment to the series could very well be the best yet. The return of Sora and friends is littered with addictive combat, entertaining mini-games and plenty of new features to keep the game from becoming dull while laying the foundation for future releases. Although the game was released for the Nintendo 3DS, it gives players a presentation that would make many console games envious. The game provides a tremendous sequel to Kingdom Hearts Re:coded and an excellent segway into Kingdom Hearts 3 if this is the route developer and publisher Square Enix ultimately takes.
For the first time in any video game in recent memory, the storyline of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance revolves around two characters, Sora and Riku, as they attempt to become Keyblade Masters by passing the Mark of Mastery exam issued by King Mickey and Yen Sid. While two characters have been the focal point of many games before, none have incorporated both storylines the way Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance does with its Drop system that will countdown time before immediately switching between characters. This interesting concept will happen no matter what is going on in each of the 6 worlds the duo must free from the threat of Dream Eaters who have put these newly reformed worlds in a deep sleep. Simply put, the game provides a substantial narrative that will easily please any fan of the series.
Each of the worlds have a nice variety that includes The Three Musketeers, Fantasia, Pinocchio, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and more with a special appearance by the gang from another highly popular Square Enix handheld title, The World Ends With You. Environments are nicely crafted and include a new mechanic called Flowmotion that will see your character running, jumping and dodging all around the various environments in the game. Both characters in the game can be accompanied by friendly Dream Eaters that can be captured and boosted statistically in true monster training fashion. There is such a great abundance of mini-games featured in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, it would be impossible to list them all, but one of the best allows you to pet and play with your captured Dream Eaters not completely unlike Nintendogs for various statistical benefits.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is an incredibly stylish game that looks far superior to nearly any other title on the Nintendo 3DS. With many of the worlds being new to the franchise, it's hard to compare titles, but you'll notice in earlier parts of the game that Traverse Town has never looked better. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance not only introduces new control enhancements, but it brings back the Command Deck that many consider the best battle system in the series. The game is a treat for the ears as well. Several of the songs on the soundtrack are actually remixes of classic tunes, while fully orchestrated songs occupy entire other sections of the game. Familiar voice actors and classic sound effects return here as well to continue the series' long history of providing excellent presentations.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance may have been released 10 years after the original title back on the PlayStation 2, but the series has aged very well and has released quite possibly the best spin-off yet with Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The game pieces together many new features with an interesting storyline and an excellent presentation to produce a high quality game that is sure to influence each title released from here on out. If you're a fan of the Kingdom Hearts series then picking up Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is a no-brainer, but there's still some fun gameplay here for those that might find the game's intricate storyline a bit overwhelming. Check out Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance today to experience one of the best Nintendo 3DS titles to date.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is now available from all major retailers for the MSRP of $39.99. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is rated E by the ESRB for Fantasy Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance website.
Game Features:
Drop between two great storylines
Recruit Dream Eater allies
Customize Command Deck
Game Information
Developer and Publisher: Square Enix
Available exclusively on Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Score: 9.5 out of 10