KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) Review Summary

Stunning graphics and art style: The game features stunning graphics, a beautiful art style, and a gorgeous atmosphere, enhanced by the capabilities of the Unreal Engine. Character models and animations are impressive, and the game runs smoothly on PC, especially at high frame rates. Many reviewers highlight the visual improvements over previous installments.

Fluid, dynamic, enjoyable combat: The combat system is fluid, dynamic, and enjoyable, with improvements over previous titles. Keyblade transformations, attraction flow, and team-up moves create an exciting and varied combat experience. The game offers diverse combat options and a mature RPG system.

Satisfying conclusion to saga: The game provides a satisfying conclusion to the current saga, resolving character arcs and plot threads. Longtime fans will appreciate the emotional payoffs and nostalgic nods. The story is considered a highlight, with many reviewers finding it moving and captivating.

Excellent and emotional soundtrack: The game boasts an excellent and emotional soundtrack that elevates the gameplay experience. The music complements the atmosphere of the worlds and enhances emotional moments. Reviewers specifically praise the contributions of Yoko Shimomura and Utada Hikaru.

Combines best of previous games: The game incorporates the best aspects of previous installments, combining familiar gameplay with new elements. It retains the charm and vibes of earlier entries while also innovating with new systems. Reviewers appreciate the evolution of the series and the improvements in gameplay and graphics.

Convoluted, confusing, poorly-paced story: The story is convoluted, confusing, and poorly paced, especially for newcomers or those who haven't played all previous games. Many plot points are crammed into the end, with excessive exposition and reliance on fan service over coherence. This makes the narrative difficult to follow and ultimately unsatisfying.

Inferior to previous installments: Compared to previous installments, particularly Kingdom Hearts 2, this game is considered inferior in story, combat, and world design. Many elements that fans loved from earlier games are either missing or diminished, leading to disappointment.

Unnatural voice acting, awkward dialogue: The voice acting is often unnatural and lifeless, with awkward dialogue and pacing. Some players also noted the absence of a French voiceover option.

Underwhelming, lacking base game: The base game is considered underwhelming and lacking in content, with a disappointing finale. Many feel it relies too heavily on nostalgia and corporate pandering.

Lacking Final Fantasy characters: The absence of Final Fantasy characters is a significant disappointment for many players, as they were an integral part of previous games. Their exclusion diminishes the universe's scope and removes a key element of nostalgia.

Upgradeable Keyblades and abilities: The game allows players to upgrade Keyblades, encouraging experimentation and allowing players to stick with their favorites. Sora's moveset is effective and visually impressive, with situational powers allowing for devastating special attacks. The game adapts the possibilities of each world to Sora's mobility and combat abilities.

Improved Gummi Ship exploration: The Gummi Ship sections have been revamped with large, open-world space sections to explore, objectives, and on-rails battles. Players traverse galaxies aboard the Gummi Ship, obtaining blueprints and resources to create new ships. Gummi Ship exploration is bigger and better with open-space sections.

Re:Mind DLC expands story: The Re:Mind DLC expands on the final chapter, addressing complaints that certain parts felt rushed by replaying that chapter, including the old cutscenes. It also adds extra story pieces to the final confrontation that give extra context, and some post story content. The Re Mind DLC adds game modifiers that make the game easier or harder, with extra objectives tied to these modifiers.

Disney-themed attacks and summons: Combat includes a new "Attractions" mechanic, Disney ride-themed weapons. Partners can perform cooperative skills or consume MP to summon Disney characters like Lion King, Stitch, and Ariel for linked attacks.

Partially open-world exploration: The game is partially open-world, allowing exploration after discovering or finishing a zone, despite its somewhat linear story progression. The core gameplay loop revolves around regaining power throughout the adventure.

Generally well-optimized, smooth performance: Many reviewers reported that the game is well-optimized and runs smoothly on a variety of PC configurations, including the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. They also noted improvements in graphics and performance compared to previous entries.

Steam Deck verified, Linux support: The game is verified for Steam Deck and runs well on it. HDR looks great. The game also works on Linux.

Gummi Editor performance issues: Several reviewers specifically mention crashes and performance drops in the Gummi Editor and during cutscenes. Additionally, large worlds suffer from long load times and occasional crashes.

Lacks ultrawide support: The game lacks ultrawide support, which is a disappointing omission for some players. However, the game does allow players to customize settings to their liking.

No online DRM: The Steam version of the game has no online DRM, which allows players to play the game offline.

Generally recommended, especially for fans: Many reviewers recommend Kingdom Hearts 3, especially to fans of the series, action RPGs, and Disney. Some suggest newcomers start with earlier titles to understand the complex story. Some reviewers suggest that the game is not worth it at full price, and should only be bought on sale.

PC port: mixed performance reports: Some reviewers praise the PC port for its enhancements and options, while others cite significant performance and optimization issues. Some recommend playing on console instead, or waiting for fixes. Some reviewers mention the game is good on Steam Deck, while others say it is unplayable.

Wait for a sale: Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing the game. Some felt the game was not worth the full price, especially considering its age. Some reviewers recommend buying the game as part of a bundle with other Kingdom Hearts titles.

Difficulty preference varies: Reviewers have differing opinions on the best difficulty setting. Some recommend Proud or Critical Mode for a challenging experience, while others suggest starting with standard difficulty. Some reviewers advise against playing on critical difficulty, as it can negatively impact the fun of the game.

Prior knowledge enhances enjoyment: Reviewers emphasize that understanding the story requires playing previous games. New players may still enjoy the action, but will miss much of the narrative context. Some reviewers suggest watching summaries of previous games to avoid confusion.

Complex story requires series knowledge: The overarching narrative, particularly Xehanort's saga, spans numerous titles, making prior knowledge almost essential. While KH3 attempts to recap events and includes story summaries, newcomers may still find the plot confusing. Some players needed external resources like YouTube videos to understand the story.

Future direction causes series concern: Some reviewers expressed concern about the future direction of the series following the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Saga. Despite any reservations, many feel too invested to stop playing the series now, hoping for fresh ideas in KH4.

Steam release is fully patched: The game's release on Steam was appreciated, with the PC version including all patches, improvements, and the Re Mind DLC. This marks a significant step in making the series more accessible to PC gamers.

Praised soundtrack by Shimomura/Hikaru: The game's soundtrack, featuring contributions from Yoko Shimomura and Utada Hikaru, is highly praised. Reviewers describe the OST as amazing, with no bad tracks and many great ones.

Gummiphone tracks game elements: The game features a smartphone-like device called the Gummiphone, which includes apps for tracking characters, enemies, collectibles, photos, and additional story information. It also includes an Instagram-like feature.