When I first discoveredKingdom Heartsin 2002, it also, thanks to a catchy, melancholyUtada Hikarutune, introduced me to the wonderful world of J-pop. Music has been embedded within the franchise’s DNA throughout all of its daffy, emotional, lore-stuffed titles. So in a sense, I shouldn’t be surprised in the form the latest title has taken. And yet, here I am. Surprised, and delighted, to learn that the upcomingKingdom Hearts: Melody of Memoryis a full-on, straight up rhythm game.
As Collider’s residentmusic dorkus, rhythm video games are especially important to me. FromPaRappa the RappertoRock Band, hitting buttons in time with music to achieve a video game goal activates serotonin in me like no other video game component can. So to hear thatMelody of Memoryis applying one of my favorite video game genres on top of one of the most delightfully dense video game franchises – a place where Disney characters and anime heroes go on adventures with equal billing – is exciting news, indeed. And in this go around, you’ll hit buttons in rhythm to enact pieces of action and combat, reminding me a bit of a less intenseThumperorAmplitude. According to their official website,“the game features a massive catalog of over 140 songs, including music from theKingdom Heartsseries, Disney, and more.” Gotta tell you – the idea of smashing someone to that Utada Hikaru song soundswonderful.
But if you ain’t a rhythm game stan, and just want your newKingdom Heartsfix, this game will probably still work for you. You’ll get fan favorite characters like Sora, Donald, Goofy, Riku, Kairi, Hercules, Aladdin, and more in the title. While it may not be an official entry into theKingdom Heartscontinuity, it still manages to offer a story and be crammed with everything you love about theKHworld thus far.
Plus – the specific trailer forMelody of Memoryalso comes with a new trailer forKingdom Hearts' 2020 future in general, what they’re calling the series' second phase. And that includes promising other titles likeMelody of Memory,Kingdom Hearts 3: Re:Mind(a DLC expansion of the original game),Kingdom Hearts Dark Road(a mobile game focusing on the villainous Xehanort), and two empty spaces which could be… anything. Get your toes tapping, and get your brains speculating.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memorycomes to PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch later in 2020. Check out its trailer, and the overallKH2020 trailer (both in Japanese), below. For more in the world of video games, here’s everyPlayStation 5 game trailer thus far.
