kingdom hearts hollow bastion white trinity

Kingdom Hearts: Hollow Bastion and White Trinity - A Mixed Bag

As I ventured into Disney Castle/Timeless River in Kingdom Hearts II, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. After seeing the castle from afar in the first game, it was thrilling to finally explore its nooks and crannies. However, my enthusiasm was quickly dampened by the awkward gameplay mechanic of escorting Minnie from one end of the throne room to the other, avoiding the heartless along the way.

The world itself is a masterclass in audacity, featuring an entire realm inside a whale's body. It's a bold move that pays off, providing a unique and memorable setting for exploration. The story also takes a dramatic turn as Sora confronts Riku, revealing his plan to kidnap Pinnochio and team up with Maleficent.

Despite its initial charm, the world can be confusing and circuitous, making it easy to lose one's bearings within Monstro's innards. However, with fewer tasks than most other worlds in the game, you don't have time to get too frustrated or bored.

In contrast, Wonderland, also known as Atlantica, is a jumbled mess of psychedelic chaos, replete with cid reflux and parasites galore. It feels like Ursula's revenge on us for defeating her in the first game, and it's hard not to feel a sense of schadenfreude at Ariel's repeated trust in the Sea Witch.

The retread of events from the first game is clunky, introducing Prince Eric awkwardly into the mix. While we do get some musical gems like 'Under the Sea' or 'Part of Your World,' we're also subjected to abominations like 'Swim this Way' with its cringe-worthy lyrics.

It's clear that Square was attempting to create a villain origin story through rhythm games, but it falls flat, much like Disney Town and Melody of Memory before it. The music fails to move us, and the sequel has turned Agrabah from a great world into a mediocre one, while Atlantica has been transformed from mediocre to excruciating.

In the end, Kingdom Hearts II's Hollow Bastion and White Trinity are a mixed bag, offering some unique experiences alongside frustrating gameplay mechanics. While it's not perfect, it's an intriguing chapter in the Kingdom Hearts saga that sets the stage for future adventures.

Kingdom hearts hollow bastion white trinity