PixlBit

So last night we went out to go shopping and I bought Kingdom Hearts 1.5 and Tales of Xillia for $20 each. Both of them were the collectors editions and they both came with art books. I'd say that was a great deal! So for a couple of hours today I went and played though 1.5 to see what was new. Keep in mind that I haven't played this game in a couple of years.

Things I noticed:

1. The art book was kinda lacking

I actually didn't expect to get the artbook when I got the game because it was a preorder bonus. I had known that the Square-Enix online store had a limited number of them with the artbook for sale but I didn't know that Gamestop had them. I was surprised and my heart stopped for a moment when I saw it. It made waiting in line for 20 minutes to get into the shop worth it. However, when I got the book home, it really wasn't that impressive. I had expected a lot of new and never before seen content, but the only new stuff were a few storyboard panels. There was a nice message from Tetsuya Nomura in the front though. The coolest thing about it though, I think, is that the art book is the case. On the last page of the book there was a little holder thingy where the game was. 

2. It's in HD!

The new updated models look really nice. It's nice to play this in HD for the first time instead of SD widescreen. 

3. The GODDAMN CAMERA IS FIXED

Seriously, this is my favorite change. On the PS2 the camera moved with the triggers. Now it's moved with the right stick. The old way was stupid, and the new one is better. That is all.

4. Enemy model reskins are bearable

In initial screenshots I didn't really like the changes that were in the Final Mix in terms of the villain coloring, but they've sort of grown on me a bit. The battles stand out because I am so used to seeing enemies in their original colors.

5. Speaking of battles...

I'm playing this game on normal mode which is one down from the hardest and I'm actually finding this game much easier than any time I've ever played it. This might just be becuse I've played it so many times that I'm familiar with the enemies attack patterns though. I'm going to play through this game four times so that I can get all of the trophies. This time I'm playing it on the medium difficulty and I'm going for the unchanging armor trophy. The second time I'll play on easy and go for the speedster trophy. The third time I'll play on easy again and I'll 100% that one. Fourth time I'll do it on Proud mode and get the trophy for that. 

6. The camera feels slippery in manual

If you're gonna play this game, set the camera setting to auto. Otherwise it will be all slippery and keep going for just long enough to tick you off even after you're done moving the camera

7. Sora, Riku, and Kairi seem WAY younger than I remember. 

When  I first played this game I was about 4 years old so the fact that in the manual it said that the characters were 14-15 year olds was believable. Now, being a 14-15 year old, it sounds like they are 7. The change from KH1 to KH2 will be even more prominent this time around I guess, because in KH2 they look and sound like teenagers.

8. I spent like 15 minutes grinding

Combat just feels less like a chore. I can't really point out why, but I'm having a lot of fun.

So that was that. If there is anything else, I'll bring it up in the review that I'll do after my first playthrough. I'll probably do a blog like this for Tales of Xillia soon once I get to that. 

My verdict so far: 

You should get this game if you are interested in the series or if you have played only the first game because the addition of Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days is intergral to leading into the upcoming KH 2.5 HD. If you really didn't like the original, then I doubt that this will change any opinions, but if you have a passing intrest in it, then I definetly reccomend it. It's not life changing, but it is definetly a unique and memorable experience.