a video essay about kingdom hearts: chain of memories.

kingdom hearts: chain of memories is an important game, and if you think i'm wrong you should watch this video. if you were to take one lesson away from this video i hope that it would be that CoM is best experienced on GameBoy Advance.
/ discord ⬅️ join the joetalks. discord!
huge thanks to the wayfinder project for helping me source most of these cutscenes.
wayfinderprojectkh.com/
this website is an amazing tool for gathering KH cutscenes! GBA and PS4 gameplay footage are my own, and this video was also scored using midi files from the games.
if you made it this far, check out my music! My single just released 9/1: open.spotify.com/track/2dXdJ7...

[@joetalks.]

discordtalks. ⬇️ discord.gg/vu7jWjgSTf

[@jacindamiller1694]

always been tired of fans who bash kh for being messy, poorly programmed and written, etc. i'm here for discourse like this, where we talk about what makes these loony games so genuinely deep and charming. man, thanks for being part of what makes kh so special for me.

[@joetalks.]

I'm glad I can do that for you friend! 🩶 A lot of times when I encounter a complex story in other media (the musical RENT, for example) I just chalk it up to "I'm a KH fan, I can handle anything". The complexity of this story is absurd but the point of a story isn't how realistic it is, but the message it's trying to spread! Thanks for your comment :)

[@bluecheckmiya]

As I’m going back through the series… the story is a lot more tightly told than ppl give it credit for. Certain things are hinted at 2-3 games early it’s almost like… how did you not see it coming lmao. Like I’m 100% sure Nobodies are hinted at in the first game in that machine in The End of the World… and then COM flat out tells us Xemnas and Ansem “smell similar” letting us know they’re linked

[@joetalks.]

Oh yeah. I think "Nobody" is literally dropped a few times too in dialogue. I will say, there is an evident drop off between the KH, CoM, II and the rest of the series, the rest of the games feel like an add on to that trilogy

[@ansemthetrueseekerofdarkne2730]

As hard as this may be to pull off, I hope to God that we eventually see the original version of Chain of Memories on Nintendo's GBA Service sometime in the future.

[@joetalks.]

this. Either that or a hand drawn remake like twewy would go insane. But your idea is def more realistic 😅

[@ansemthetrueseekerofdarkne2730]

@@joetalks. Wasn't there a supposed leak for The GBA Online Service's lineup a while back that mentioned Chain of Memories?

[@joetalks.]

@@ansemthetrueseekerofdarkne2730 most recent things I can find are April 2022, but who knows? Sora Amiibo hasn't been announced yet, I think those two would be a good pair for a small blurb in the next Nintendo Direct!

[@RandomVids0987]

@@joetalks.The Amiibo was announced.

[@joetalks.]

Guess it aged well!!

[@whilrwindweasel5511]

CoM has always been a dynamic title. Thank you for giving it the recognition. Re:Coded is another entry I am passionate about. The gameplay was superb and well-designed. It was a massive shift up from 358, and even included some side-story details that come up later on (Like Pete and Maleficent's predicament in 3D)

[@joetalks.]

Omg yes Coded's gameplay is on par with KHII, but that story is what kills it for me. Such a good gameplay build wasted on such a pointless plot. Thanks for the comment!! 🩶

[@aussakagamine8862]

COM GBA was my very first KH game as a kid and it started my love for KH, I still love KH GBA many years later

[@joetalks.]

My first was 358/2, I didn't play thru GBA until March of this year. So worth it and I can see why you love it so! Thanks for the comment! 😁😁🩶

[@EqualityEarth]

I’m still never getting over Deep Jungle getting axed 🥲

[@joetalks.]

Honestly me neither. In 8th grade english we had a project where we had to make a bonus chapter of a book we were reading. I was reading the CoM novel, so I wrote a Deep Jungle chapter. It was what you would expect from an 8th grade english class, but I can't believe they didnt renew their licensing rights! There's actually an unused sprite for a Jungle King Keyblade Card in game too! Thanks for comment! 🩶

[@skyhart1377]

To put even more a shine on chain of memories. Bio-Roxas made a video a while ago discussing the psychology of Sora and a whole section of it is dedicated to how castle oblivion affected him. Y'all should take a look at that video.

[@joetalks.]

Yes!! I just saw that one and it was a really cool idea! Thanks for the comment, friend 🩶

[@RiftRipper]

I never made the connection that the CoM devs went on to develop TWEWY but in hindsight this makes a lot of sense. I’ve never noticed the similarities with the deck system and 2.5D perspective before.

[@AllStarKingD]

I liked GBA COM more than console. I just found it more charming and convenient.

[@joetalks.]

Yes!! Exactly!! Not trying to be something its not!!

[@suikodensenpai41]

Finally a good KH chain of memories video

[@curiouscat5708]

I've always loved KH:CoM and RE:CoM! At one point it was my favorite Kingdom Hearts game, now it's my second favorite since I'd fallen in love with KH2. Sometimes it switches depending on the day, honestly if you put KH1, KH:CoM, KH2 and KH:358/2 Days all in one, that would be my favorite. I still really like BBS, DDD, and KH3 too, of course. Don't know what it is about RE:CoM but it always stood out to me and 'Scent of Silence' (epsiecally the GBA version) was the whole reason I ever started looking up the amazing soundtrack of the series. I'm not sure why out of all the previous good tracks in that game and KH1, THAT ONE caught my attention. The Castle Oblivion theme is also one of my favorites. I loved meeting the Organization 13 members for the first time, learning about Namine, and the sprites from GBA version are so good! Riku's journey was also interesting meeting the other two Nobodies in the castle. The only issue I had with it was the retread of Disney worlds from Kingdom Hearts 1. All of the Org 13 members that were shown first here are great; Marluxia, Larxene, Axel, Vexen too, all of them! I was even invested in Twilight Town and who DIZ was.

[@joetalks.]

Thank you so much for your comment friend :) yeah! i actually cut a paragraph out of my script here but I was going to mention that KH1-CoM-358/2-KH2 is the BEST era of KH. Not often do games effectively kill off their protagonist and focus in on all the side characters, then bring the protag back and have everything reach this amazing peak. Thats why it kicks ass!! Again thanks for your comment, I agree with all of your other points too! Disney worlds werent an issue for me bc the new spins on the story kept things fresh tho. Thanks again friend!!

[@QwertyRulz2]

Oh! And while I HAAATED the gameplay of CoM, MAN, was the story worth it! Glad I played it.

[@joetalks.]

Yes. The story is SO GOOD 🤌🤌

[@AmazingOwnage]

I really enjoyed Re:Coded, but I know that’s a hot take. Also, props to you for making a YT channel to talk about what you’re interested in.

[@joetalks.]

Your comment made my night :) 🤍 check out my other stuff! I'm sure you'll enjoy. Also I love Re:Coded too, it's just a bummer the story doesn't amount to much in the grand KH narrative. Coded's gameplay was peak.

[@95Space]

Great video, always happy to see KH related content from a fan who appreciates the franchise, wish you all the best with your channel, hope you find success!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you friend, your comment made my day 🩶 :)

[@epicrunner]

Im so happy the Gameboy version is getting the love it deserves 😤

[@joetalks.]

Of course! Its a classic. Thanks for the comment my friend! 🩶

[@Jaylobeans]

The GBA Version Is The Superior Version In My Opinion

[@joetalks.]

Yes yes yes!!! Thanks for you comment!

[@macback6011]

This was fun to watch, keep it up

[@ligudinkteuf4394]

I like the editing in this video. I smell a lot of potential in this channel!!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you for your feedback, it means a lot! 🔥🩶

[@commradeBee]

I love the sporadic vibes! Happy to subscribe ❤

[@joetalks.]

Thank you so much. I'm happy to have you on board!! 🩶🩶

[@NostalgiaNate]

Definitely changing my mind about CoM with this video. Also love your commentary style. You talk about this with the same passion I talk about Crash Bandicoot with. It's pretty great! 😊

[@joetalks.]

Thank you friend!! Im gonna check your videos out, you've got my intrigue!! 🩶

[@joetalks.]

Also glad I could help convert you 😆😆

[@zinn1as]

I really enjoyed this video. your voice is pretty calming so I’ve also been playing this video to sleep lol

[@joetalks.]

Thank you so much friend! I'm glad I can provide that for you :)

[@rinomander]

aw man, this is excellent! getting into exactly what makes com special over other kh titles, both inside and outside of the game/canon, how the card-based gameplay and presentation works for the GBA over re:com, the context for retreading disney worlds in both riku and sora's stories (and why com exists as it is for that matter), how com affects each character's development and kh as a whole (even to this day!), and touching on some narrative theming, all without major spoilers or being overly negative about any one aspect of the game! i have a friend who wants to get into kh, and this is a video i could send them :) i look forward to seeing if u want to make more vids like this! u have great writing that gets into things not every kh fan acknowledges, it seems. ive watched a lot of essays on this game, and while i don't think i would play it myself, i learn new stuff about it all the time and it is SO interesting when compared to the rest of kh. p.s. SPOILERS FOR ANYONE READING - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - it is FUCKING ME UP to know that this game is about gaslighting, manipulation n other forms of abuse, memory, identity, and trauma. sometimes when people undergo severe enough trauma, they later have fuzzy memory of it, or have completely blocked it out because it is too difficult for the brain, emotionally and mentally. what happens to sora at the end of this game? he is FORCED TO FORGET EVERYTHING because it metaphorically would be too painful for him. sora be like "I'm 13 This Is Ridiculous"

[@joetalks.]

Thank you so much for your comment! I'd be willing to look in to other KH games. It's my favorite series. I'm glad I'm not too negative. I like to raise a critical eye to things without tearing them to shreds. I've canned a few scripts because of this. Yes, that second paragraph is a stroke of genius. I did not even think about it like that but you hit the nail on the head right there! That could also explain why CoM is hardly mentioned to Sora in KH3!!

[@bastianaccounting]

Love this! Very thorough and creative

[@joetalks.]

Glad you liked it! 🩶

[@coldandstinky3485]

I honestly enjoyed this game, I am one of the few people who played this game again on Proud mode.

[@joetalks.]

I've been looking for an excuse to replay the games and you may have given it to me. Thanks for the comment!! 🩶

[@coldandstinky3485]

@@joetalks. You are welcome.

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

I know many people who played Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 and some who then also played 3 but I don't know many who made the effort to also play the "side games". Which explains why I had to explain the timeline and story of KH so often in recent years. You really need these other games or the numbered ones won't make as much sense. I own Chain of Memories for GBA and must say I enjoyed it but also didn't put as much time into it compared to other titles. The card game thing just becomes too tedious after a while and once the story is over. I'm a huge fan of playing on original hardware as much as you can but I can imagine that playing COM on an emulator is probably much cheaper. Not everyone can score a used game in a mint condition box for 10 bucks after all like I did.

[@joetalks.]

Yes emulation is also good because you can at least play with a controller if you wish. I injected a rom in to my DS so I still got the handheld pick-up-and-play feel which added to my experience overall. Its a fun game when you want to play KH and only have like 20 minutes. Thanks for your comment friend!🩶

[@riiyoka__]

This is an incredible analysis friend!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you 🩶 check out my other stuff if you liked this one!

[@diegolomba2613]

I disagree that the game is best experienced on GBA. I agree with your points that the context of the GBA makes more sense for many combat situations, but it was easy for me to look past the remade gameplay on PS2 because I knew that's what it was. Really good video though! Def my favorite video essay on this game I've ever seen.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for your comment friend!! 🩶 I'm glad you decided to share with me :)

[@QwertyRulz2]

Hope you grow! Gonna leave a like, comment, and subscribe for the algorithm!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you friend, your support warms my heart! 🩶🩶

[@CupofJoe_93]

Here before this video blows up.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks friend, that means a lot!! 🩶🩶 Thank you for commenting 👍👍

[@chables74]

Fun video dude, keep it up!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you friend! 🩶

[@williamhenderson3597]

I think the comparison of the "Most sold for this system" is quite irrelevent. Users with a nintedo handheld are much more likely to own the same 15-20 games due to the nature of Nintendo prinarily featuring exclusive IPs, meanwhile the PS2 having hundreds of publishers making their own classics, alongside the fact that it is the best selling console of all time. Additionally, Re:Chain came out in 2007, after the PS3 had released. I still agree with your overall point of how impressive the game sold on the GBA, just thought that was an odd way to get it across.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, that segment was more to focus in on GBA being the better option, but the context you bring up is quite fair. Either way its still a fun stat I guess. Thanks for sharing dude!! 🩶👍

[@ethanclark640]

without this game, kh2 would not be as good as it is imo

[@joetalks.]

I like the way you think! Thanks for the comment my friend!! 👍🩶

[@ProfessorWFS]

Found your channel. Liked and subbed

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for your support friend! 🩶

[@Asakedia]

im sold. ty algorithm

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for commenting friend, glad you enjoyed it!! 🩶

[@jamesfort3]

I still think COM is one of the best looking game boys games honestly probably the best 2d game graphic wise

[@joetalks.]

Yes! Square worked with another Japanese company that developed a technology that allowed for FMVs on GameBoy, and I believe this game is the first to utilize that tech! Thanks for the comment! :)

[@ozziepadilla294]

bro this a goated video

[@joetalks.]

Thank you!! Glad you liked it, and thanks for the comment! 🩶🩶

[@leshyaedawnfire]

Games don't necessarily have to or need to have a message. I would say that the importance of Coded is that it provides Mickey the final clues he needs to piece together what may have happened to Ventus and Terra, whose fates were unknown to him, contributing to the decision made by Yen Sid in regards to the Mark of Mastery exam. That being to have it involve the Sleeping Worlds, so that Sora can gain the Power of Waking needed to free Ven. It also formed a bridge between UX and the main story, as Maleficent's experiences in the Data Scape jog the memories of her time in the Age of Fairytales after her attempt to change her own history got her temporarily trapped in an illusory version of her own world, leading to her motivation to find the Black Box in KH3 to find the Book of Prophecies that created that illusion.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for the conment, friend! Good takes! 👍🩶

[@CampingforCool41]

“Coded was not relevant” honey you’ve got a big storm comin

[@joetalks.]

Furl the sail!

[@CampingforCool41]

@@joetalks. btw there’s a lot of evidence that the dark Riku in San Fransokyo isn’t actually the same Repliku as the one in the keyblade graveyard, but is actually Darkness- the same one that Maleficent met in khux and used her as its waypoint. Hence the weird scene where she says he’s a “friend” but she couldn’t say from when. The Repliku in the KG is 100% convinced he’s the real Riku, the one in San Fransokyo immediately admits he’s not the real Riku when Goofy says it, and then just goes along with the convenient explanation Goofy gives afterwards. But remember Mickey also thought the KG Riku was Riku from when he was possessed by Ansem. It’s presented as factual exposition- until it’s proven wrong shortly after.

[@gamesgonenuts]

this was great hitting the like button

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for your feedback my friend!! 🩶

[@bastianaccounting]

Nice!

[@TheGamerFriends3]

I got into kingdom hearts bc of Rechain of Memories and 358/2 days... Im different type of KH fan

[@joetalks.]

For me, 358/2 and Re:Coded were my ins. My dad sold the PS2 before I got the chance to experience them so the DS titles were my first two. Thanks for sharing friend! :)

[@TheGamerFriends3]

@@joetalks. Awhhh that sucks mann, I grew up a Nintendo household so I didn't really get to enjoy any of them until my friend gave me his PS2 and all the KHs for it. I had owned 358/2days already and named my hat after Roxas. (Side note I started with ReCoM bc my friend who gave me the PS2 bet me I couldn't beat both stories without dying once... Easy bet of my life☠️)

[@TheGamerFriends3]

@@joetalks. Honestly playing KH1, 2 and 3 was a trip bc I was used to Cards and 358/2days crappy level up system ☠️

[@magnus5747]

Ah man, I really hated the gameplay of this game. I just couldn't be bothered to finish it, just searched up the cutscenes and moved on to kh2.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for the comment!! I get it. I 100%'d ReCoM and it took FOREVER.

[@Xykel-]

I have to say i had no issues with the camera really, my biggest of few gripes for Re:COM was the clunky movement. Not being able to move during/after certain sleights or attacks and things of that nature. Also I thought that comparing COM and Re:COM in terms of sales is a bit weird considering the sheer amount of games that the ps2 had in the years that games were made for it. Not saying that the GBA didnt have a lot but i feel that it would be a lot harder for Re:COM to compete in its environment compared to the og in its own.

[@Xykel-]

I still really enjoyed the video as a whole, dont get me wrong. Thanks for the content!

[@joetalks.]

Of course not! I appreciate any feedback- negative too. I included the sales in the script to further push the idea that CoM on GBA is at home and on PS2 does not fit in with the bunch. I didn't write it in, but it is funny to me how Re:CoM was listed as a "Greatest Hits" title despite not being one. But the last sentence of your comment is exactly it. KH1 and KH2 and CoM are bestsellers, Re:CoM is not. And yes! The clunky gameplay is INFURUATING! Thank you for the comment! 🩶

[@NovaAeternus]

18:13 what is kingdom hearts: pain of memories

[@passion_vogue_]

I literally rebought this 2 weeks ago

[@eddytennyson9546]

I love the card system of COM and regularly return to fight the final bosses of Sora's campaign (and occasionally Riku's). That said, this video so far feels like its just praising COM for doing the bare minimum as a game/sequel.

[@joetalks.]

Thanks for your comment friend! Yeah, CoM is an intermediary title so ofc it can't go above and beyond like KH and II, but it still is quite important in its own right!

[@Jidokun]

Hey, would love to join that discord but the link os expired!! Great video, absolutely smashing quality, much love!

[@joetalks.]

Thank you thank you thank you for telling me!! Just updated :)

[@TalysAlankil]

i think you're being overly harsh to coded. it may not have a direct an impact on the plot of later games (though the HD movie's addition of a scene about the book of prophecies certainly is intriguing for the lost masters arc), but thematically, it is actually extremely important at establishing what KH3 did and where the series is going. otherwise great analysis of COM. i actually prefer the gameplay of re:com to the gba version (and i started with the GBA version on launch) but i understand why i'm in the minority with that one lol

[@joetalks.]

Interesting take, and thanks for the comment! Don't get me wrong though, I love Re:Coded. I played the hell out of it as a kid, and it's still prob right up there under KH2 in terms of best gameplay in a KH game

[@meevil24]

Sora went through a lot of shit in this game 😢

[@joetalks.]

That's part of why I love it so much!! Thanks for your comment 🩶

[@NovaAeternus]

??? he went through a lot of shit in every game lmao

[@brandonbertelsmeyer5713]

Hopefully you got your money worth because damn did you put way too many ads on this video.

[@joetalks.]

There's ads?? I had no idea.. I'm not eligible for monetization yet so maybe that's just KZbin?

[@MrMazingme]

why arent you also talking bout 358/2 days? as that too kinda plays into chain/rechain's story. just askin.

[@joetalks.]

I actually cut a bit from the script for length. I had a segment where I talk ab 358 but honestly I love 358 so much that I could write a whole vid on its own. Thank you for the idea!! 🩶

[@MrMazingme]

@@joetalks. haha you are very much welcome. honestly Days deserved better, the story of Xion, how it played during the event's kh1 and chain. and the most underappreciated thing about it was the 4 player missions and the chance to play as ORG 13 bosses. game deserved to be remade on the hd remasters. not some boring hd cutscenes! its a real shame honestly.

[@joetalks.]

@@MrMazingme nothing beats the despair I felt when they announced those cutscenes in 1.5 man, nothing.

[@MrMazingme]

@@joetalks. I'm entirely with you on that "despair" train bro, like could you IMAGINE the direction the kh series would of made if you could play days on the console in HD AND if they slapped in a online multiplayer mode with you and 3 other friends could BE AN ORG MEMBER!? like that would of sold by the millions i swear. NOMORA YOU HAD ONE JOB UGHHHHHHH!!!!

[@joetalks.]

@@MrMazingme in a perfect world, dude. In a perfect world.

[@nobleskywalker4639]

I mean it is... still hate the gameplay loop of it. Same as with dream drop MASSIVELY IMPORTANT TO THE STORY still dislike the gameplay. That's my feelings on them anyway

[@tomking8552]

Honestly, I bet this is a good video, but I won't watch it. I closed it when he mentioned trying to keep it spoiler free. You just don't have to do that for a 20 year old game and having already played it many times, it just makes the video worse for me watching someone skirt around the plot points to avoid spoilers. It makes the video feel less refined and I get the necessity of that for a newer game, but why try with CoM, most people watching this video are watching because they've played it, or aren't going to, and you're catering to the small percentage of viewers who either have not played it, or will be convinced by this video.

[@joetalks.]

Don't judge a card by it's cover my friend! Thanks anyway 👍

[@tomking8552]

@@joetalks. Nothing against you my man, I might come back to the video in the future but I feel like I'm not the target audience, which is rare with kh content