Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - #15 - Marluxia

[@PlayFramePlus]

Apologies for the re-upload! We've had a few episodes getting blocked in a bunch of countries, so we're releasing repaired versions. All playlists are now updated!

[@alexslusher16]

I'm not really a pro at the battle system in this game, but does this game even allow you to block?

[@alexslusher16]

However, after watching some videos on Chain of Memories, I think I'm finally starting to understand the battle system though. So as far as I understand, you mainly want to be stacking cards and doing sleights in the later part of the game. Especially when it comes to cheesing the game with Sonic Blade. And also, 0 cards are important for breaking enemy's cards as long as the 0 card is used after their attack. I was never doing that in other playthroughs. I kept stacking my 0 cards. LOL. But yeah, I"m starting to understand now.

[@_kalia]

Marluxia: * turns into a boat * Dan: This design's a little bit overboard. _Waheyyyy!_

[@mithy7525]

'We might be headed towards the end' Me seeing 8 episodes in the playlist after this one: yeah...

[@qwertystop]

22:22 I think it's interesting that the first we see of the Organization is its internal trouble - it shows they're not a stable group, plays its members against each other to show their character instead of reducing to "shadowy conspiracy" as it would if they all worked together cleanly, and gives them their own priorities.

[@MaskedBeeX]

I guess Castle Oblivion can remove someone's memories AND their youtube uploads!

[@finchhawthorne1302]

What having a Riku replica adds: maybe seeding the premise of replicas being their own people through a simple example. This isn’t the last replica we’ll see. (That’s the best I can do without big spoilers)

[@MatthiasPendragon]

Love your comment on Donald and Goofy's personalities. While Kingdom Hearts as premise is ludicrous, it gives a lot of cool chances to put characters in interesting positions. Also, your complaints about female characters are sadly true. One of the reasons I loved BBS so much, having Aqua be the responsible, serious minded, badass protagonist was a nice change from having the female leads be objectives.

[@MegaSpideyman]

Objectives? What's wrong with that?

[@KeybladeMasterAndy]

@@MegaSpideyman For some people, "objective"="object". Though all characters are objects manipulated to the desires of the writer.

[@krishnansubramoni7801]

@@MegaSpideyman This is an incredibly nuanced and complicated topic that affects real people in our world, but to put it in simple terms (which is not a good idea at all because saying or spreading the wrong idea can actually hurt people): It is about good and healthy representation. Having all female characters be just objectives for the male characters. Having Black characters die the most. Having Asians only be smart. Having all "important" characters be white. These kinds of things send a bad message. "I am a white man, therefore bow to me." "I am a woman, so I must serve" . These are not good or healthy things. All media are powerful, and therefore must be responsible with what they show whenever they show human characters doing human things. In a game like Monster Hunter, this does not matter because there is no character development of any kind and personality has no importance there. Other examples are games like Overcooked where we have humans, sentient animals, sentient food etc. And then there is Journey which is another way doing great story without the complexities of race and gender etc. But when you tell a story like in Kingdom Hearts, the individual characters matter and therefore who and what they are matter. Now stop listening to a random person's explanation of this topic and do a lot research on this because it is very real and more people understanding, and willing to accept this will always help.

[@christinacordova6271]

Yea I agree

[@unicycle1017]

PS: If anyone wants to read about these types of things, I recommend the addictive TV tropes website with thousands of TV tropes listed, and to look up index lists on TV tropes like gender TV tropes, race TV tropes, stereotype TV tropes, sexuality TV tropes, romance TV tropes, disability TV tropes, mental illness TV tropes, and more on similar topics.

[@sarahm7203]

I see Riku Replica as a good storytelling tool not for this story but for the connection with Days, which chronologically takes place at the same time. The way the Organization treats Riku Replica is pretty much identical to how they'll treat Xion (who's also a Replica): calling them "it" and "puppet," denying them any agency or humanity, and generally treating them like dirt. It's very useful context that the Organization has this established view of Replicas and a history of abusing them - including Axel, who in a few months after CoM will have quite a strong negative initial reaction to finding out Xion is a Replica, before deciding he has to change his views.

[@perro692]

While i agree that the internal rebellion is a kinda backwards ways to introduce the organisation, it's a good way to introduce them while having a self contained conflict to this game so they can let the more general stuff to the main games so people are not to lost

[@IncredibleMD]

The fact that Goofy is the Heart of the operation and Donald is the Brains of the operation really makes you think.

[@mrmrmadlad9167]

“If Namine uses her powers to erase your memory, you’ll be nothing but an empty shell.” Marluxia just screwed over all his plans to go “ACKSHYUALLY” at Sora.

[@susieboo22]

Just leaving my periodic "thank you for this series" comment. It really has been such a delight to bingewatch over the last few weeks.

[@thegustbag]

Something I'm VERY curious about is: what were the ideas that were discarded when KH's plot as a series was conceived, and what plot points didn't make the cut to any games. Cuz you gotta wonder, with all these unnecessary complications, what ideas were deemed less interesting?

[@KeybladeMasterAndy]

Sora being half-animal got cut.

[@coleurquiola6759]

I actually kind of loved the Riku Replica (or Rikuplica, if you will). Idk, characters with identity crises are always my favorite, and having this character so similar to Sora's Riku, but who has different memories, and who develops a personhood over the course of the game, is something incredibly fascinating to me. Whether that's good writing from a story perspective I have no idea, but I really enjoyed it.

[@KeybladeMasterAndy]

Repliku

[@MinionEnji]

@@KeybladeMasterAndy I like that one.

[@oakenshadow6763]

That freeze frame of Sora hitting the metal face is actually really nice. 43:06

[@IncredibleMD]

26:14: Wow, characters sure are good at just getting over crises of existential dread in this game!

[@MrAuthor3DS]

I agree, this was a strange place to introduce Organization XIII - especially since this attempted coup resulted in 5 members being destroyed. Then again, this instability within the Organization isn't too out there, since the next game involves one key member leaving it. As for Riku Replica, his very existence does play heavily into this game's story theme of memories. What do memories mean to an artificial copy of someone else, after all?

[@Bellezarna]

I see three reasons for the Riku replica (Repliku?). First, Sora gets a lot of mileage out of the friends-but-rivals relationship with Riku, but he isn't mentally or physically in a place to fill those shoes. Repliku can switch with a snap of Namine's fingers Second, Riku's journey focuses on his internal battle. Repliku makes a convenient visual for that struggle. Third, Nomura wanted to play with spoilers. I will return in later comments!

[@ityabean]

I kind of wish that when Marluxia said "chain of memories", Carrie had edited in some airhorns. That's the best response to a title drop like that. EDIT: While the whole "the protags forget the events of this game even happened" makes this game seem even more like a spinoff, because it seems like it's letting this game not matter to the story... except it absolutely isn't that way, because the events of COM are extremely important.

[@MrAuthor3DS]

If anyone's wondering: that final phase was something new to Re:CoM. The GBA version's final battle was the Specter one, but it was set in a zone similar to this.

[@kyleshank3411]

The definition of Riku in one word: problematic

[@diadsalies]

Loving watching this let's play! It's so perfect. I've wanted to get updated on the crazy bloody story from bookend to bookend for years, but it's too much of a tangled multi-console mess for me to try myself. I see what you mean about the unnecessary complexities and added elements to the story, but in this case, I think the Riku-memory is justified :) . Having Riku there also remembering Namine adds an extra layer of confusion and uncertainty for the player, second-guessing if the Namine memory is truly real since Riku also remembers her or if she is fake, and most importantly, their shared 'memory' is what creates the climactic moment where it is 'revealed' to the player that the memory is indeed totally fake, because they have the same exact memory from their childhood. The duplicate childhood memory reveal couldn't work with a new stand-in character or something.

[@krzuker]

"It's all right. I'll deal." Get it? Because cards? Hahaha

[@Pluveus]

I'm so glad you get to experience the glory of trinity limit, It's basically a room nuke, and it amazing. On the Riku Replica: The thing about the Riku Replica plays a bit of a part in Riku's story, it's a good way to show that the Riku story and the Sora story are happening at the same time. It also plays a part in the Riku story and introducing him in the Sora helps to prevent a lot of exposition. On the GBA version: The Boss fights are much harder and you HAVE to card break, because the 2D battlefield makes it almost impossible to dodge the enemy attacks. Finally, Riku already has the perfect 1 word description of his character, especially in Anime terms. The Rival boy.

[@IncredibleMD]

Square Enix: I know, let's remake the 2D game as a 3D game! :D Square Enix: But let's also not bother accounting for verticality in the transition! :D Square Enix: Square Enix: :D :D :D

[@incyray9709]

48:24 DAM SON THAT IS THE MOST STONE-COLD FACE I'VE EVER SEEN ON SORA :0 also, Marluxia turned into a fyucking boat. I'm dying.

[@mulduls]

39:28 I always cry when he summons Strelitzia in this moment. It’s just too sad, to think that Keyblade wielders are fighting Keyblade wielders. Also, Marluxia doesn’t even remember Strelitzia, so it’s just subconscious that Marluxia summons his sister to help him. He doesn’t even know she’s there. Does anyone else think like this, or is it just me? 43:42 OH MY GODS this is the part that really gets me. It’s actually a Nobody Strelitzia, not just a Nobody that looks vaguely like Strelitzia. Can someone please explain why Square had to put Marluxia’s sister in this game? And why did they have make you cry every time you looked at her?

[@Jilinhall]

I actually loved this story way more than kh1. Thank you Dan and Carrie. :)

[@lorecraftlp6155]

I just noticed on the title screen Riku seems to be wearing buttless chaps over a pair of pants. That is... a *look*. Wow.

[@ptcarbonproductions2013]

43:34 Marluxia turns into a boat.

[@MegaSpideyman]

But never a goat :(

[@AceiteArtimus_423]

Sora believes in himself Marluxia turns into a boat And Dan presses 🔺 alot

[@superplays6328]

Been loving watching this playthrough

[@bdk336]

The 2:40 discussion is half the reason fanfiction exists

[@BlueberryWizard]

The reason for Fake Riku is to complete the trio Sora = Sora = Ventus Riku = fake riku = Terra Kairi = Naminè = Aqua

[@christinacordova6271]

Also who thinks marluxia and axel are hot as fuck?

[@alexivan8615]

47:35 u notice how a regular strike attack with a 5 card did more damage than sonic blade?! Ima have to try that out soon!

[@shadowgun649]

I am a writer so i can tell u that all writers have diffent ideas but i think having a fake riku shows the power of a heart bc everything is fake about him when his heart was destoy he was dead but when his memories was destoy his love for namine keep his heart alive

[@shtaw7]

Hey Carrie and Dan! Thanks for this playthrough. I played only KH1 and KH2 and never finished Chain of Memories because of the card system but I must say that Dan's playing made me think about trying it myself again haha Cheers!

[@smallpoly10]

36:30 "Some complexity that doesn't help the story much" Well that's just kingdom hearts all over, isn't it?

[@thepurplebox380]

Man. Super Saiyan Rosé is in Kingdom Hearts too?

[@IncredibleMD]

22:06: Just do what Sora would do to all those questions, and not sweat the small stuff! Don't worry, even after you learn what they normally do, and why you might want to take the organization over, it's not going to make any sense anyway!

[@jancesoltero5007]

2:40 you know that's some deep stuff that I never even saw or even thought about that's some good observations there ⁉️🤥👍🌟

[@brentlane1483]

“I have been recording for an hour!!” he says at 15:56 😭 brutal

[@dmas7749]

29:26 wow he really just killed you in one move, technically repeated but goddamn this is unfair, this isn't even proud mode 32:06 EASY? jesus wtf is this game

[@Namadu7]

43:00 To the world without what?

[@TalonSky]

Sora is the best puppy dog.

[@cuteypetz]

Also on a completely separate note, knowing how much Dan hated the gameplay in Sora's story where they had all the tools at their disposal to make it the easiest run possible, and knowing how Riku's game mechanics work.... Honey, you got a big storm comin' XD

[@vibes5805]

I've never actually played Chain of Memories before - where are Lexaeus and Zexion? They're in this game, and they do some important things as well. I'm confused

[@JR50777]

Marlucia’s boss theme kinda slaps ngl

[@WannabeCanadianDev]

Yay! I'm glad you mentioned the Goofy movie, because I was going to be upset otherwise! XD I love the goofy movie, it's so good, Goofy just trying to be a good dad!

[@luminary_weeb]

But the riku replica dies have an importance because of the plot lead up in kh3

[@shadowgun8203]

Ok the riku fake is important to the story to so how strong the heart of a memory can be

[@fionnagatechronicler1088]

Ok, Marluxia, please, PLEASE, stop saying "do you want to scream"! You have given so many weirdos so many bad ideas.

[@ceridwenaeradwr8105]

Wow. This game has some pretty awesome story. My biggest question is why the hell they hid it all behind half a game of pure meaningless fluff???

[@shaunpauldocherty2416]

I'll be honest the verticality argument falls a tad flat when you consider that the main premise is that sonic blade can't hit flying enemies, which is also true for sonic blade when it appeared in the numbered titles, plus most other sleights do account for the added dimensions, it's also why i preferred lethal frame over sonicblade because its equally spammable, cast stop on them while ignoring stop resistance and can't be made from a stop card + 2 attack cards of any value so it can be 3 nines for 27 or 3 zeroes for breaking stuff, so you can set the deck up to run through once with lethal frame then reload and have the cards meet the value for a different sleight like blitz or strike raid either of which have a good chance of hitting pesky flying mobs then using a high potion to restock all the cards used for sleights and rinse and repeat.

[@makenna_kenna_kenz]

I thoroughly enjoyed your line reads through this whole game. Thanks for keeping it lively! Ya had me gigglin. 🤗

[@neo7655]

Had a joker for that big door.

[@polarfusion5499]

I'm having problems with Marluxia I came here for help xD

[@cuteypetz]

I would say my take on the Repliku is that it's a study of identity, sort of parallel to Sora's story. What does it mean to remember something that never happened to you? What does it mean to give power to those memories by knowing they are fake but choosing to accept them anyway? // minor spoilers for the second half of the game below // I think this question of identity is continued in Riku's story; we get to see what Repliku thinks of himself before he becomes consumed with Naminé's fake memories. He prides himself so strongly on being "better" than Riku and his own separate person that it's quite devastating in light of what we know from Sora's story; he loses all of that in proving himself. He becomes someone that he might have hated, but does that matter if he doesn't remember who he used to be? Also, in Riku's story, I think Repliku serves as a contrast to Riku himself. Repliku is perhaps what Riku would have been if he hadn't pulled himself out of the darkness; in seeing Repliku's interactions with Riku, we can see how Riku has changed and it honestly makes him more of a sympathetic character. He sees his mistakes in Repliku; we see how turning back from that kind of path is a constant choice, and one fraught with guilt and self-hatred. That's why I love Riku's side of the story so much; we get to see how Riku slowly learns to accept the mistakes he made and that they don't make him unworthy of being loved. (Re-reading this I see there is an overabundance of semi-colons but I'm sticking to it!)

[@alexivan8615]

Woot woot. Good job Dan! Winning in ur "recon" fight !

[@Star-Commander-Vong]

I'll be honest, I dislike the Card Break system primarily because it prevents us from seeing most of the bosses attacks. Which is disappointing because they're probably visually pretty impressive.

[@alexivan8615]

Ya i sometimes take damage just to check them out 😆

[@alexivan8615]

☝I think dan did that too actually. Run around / dodging instead of breaking their attacks

[@caamanofun8607]

Ben 10 he’s Voldemort

[@alexivan8615]

RANDOM JOKER CARD FOR 99 CARD!!

[@ShadowOnTheWall666]

I have the GBA version (I saw it in Circuit City and was just excited that it was a new Kingdom Hearts title) and I politely disagree that it's the way to go. Aiming in 2D was not great on top of the card mechanic being horrible on its own.

[@spengey085]

I’m sad that Axel died. He was such a good character

[@viperv6768]

See, I want to like Sora, but he is so sullied by the company he keeps. If Sora did not always run around with Donald and Goofy, I'd like him so much more since he is such a sweety. You know what, if Donald and Goofy just had different voices I could get over it, but as they are now? All I'm waiting for is 358/2 Days and the start of KH2. And further note.... Larxene and Namine are the best two females of the game (for clearly different reasons) and they really get shorted screen-time wise.

[@shayneleighton]

My favorite part about this vid was Dan’s push for feminism! 🙌🏻🙌🏻✊🏻 #letkairifight girls can wield key blades too yo

[@adonaiblackwood]

@23:23 lol 😆 no

[@adonaiblackwood]

31:39 - Team Slate! 🙌

[@MegaSpideyman]

Don't see anything wrong with any character being an objective. I definitely don't think KH is in any red with females characters. If it doesn't want to feature them prominently, that's fine. Just the same with male characters. Nothing wrong with that.

[@AnimeRayanne]

I agree! I do want to see Kairi a bit more since I like her character, but In the first game she was asleep for most of it so that makes sense. I also think that most female characters in Kingdom Hearts get enough screen time for who they are (if that makes sense?) For example Belle wasn't shown much but in the context of the story and the role she plays she got a good amount of screen time.

[@WannabeCanadianDev]

The problem is that its very common across many games and its tiresome as a trope and much better could have been done. There's no reason they couldn't have given powers to some of the female characters to let them have support or combat roles in the action parts of the game play. Go check out Anita's youtube series of Tropes vs Women in video games for a fairly comprehensive look at the shortcomings in the industry as a whole as a medium.

[@iantaakalla8180]

Furthermore, this is never really solved in Kingdom Hearts. All Kairi equivalents are shunted aside in some way. Naminé has a cool subversion on the manipulative witch, but she is shunted aside until 3. Xion, being made to look like Sora sometimes, is the most relevant in that she does battle and is actively friends with Axel and Roxas, but she still is the subconscious goal for Axel and Roxas after her death. Finally, Aqua, the person with her own arc and most agency and is the person not screwing things up (which is still pretty sad because that is roughly what women do irl in general and emotionally) after Birth By Sleep is relegated to being just another bitter person Sora needs to save (specifically for Keyblade hero forces). As the water-themed person, however, she is still Kairi’s equivalent, when Terra resists Xehanort forever, and Ventus becomes part of the melange that is inside Sora. This is not to say all have good stories, but they still fill some “passive woman” or “emotional woman” trope. Of course, Kairi’s issues still exist and her biggest achievements are swatting some weak Heartless, defeating Xehanort with Sora’s empowerment, defeating a Xehanort she dreamt up, providing the body of Sora when he was about to disintegrate, and sleeping to find Sora. Only providing the body of Sora is not strictly “passive woman except when empowered by man” territory, but it is still “supportive woman” territory even if it is strictly “supportive friend” territory. Furthermore, except for swatting weak Heartless, this is after training that is admittedly useless because her partner is literally the only partner that would go easy on her because she is, again, linked to Xion by appearance. Kairi is not strictly useless, but you can argue that she effectively is. Heck, as far as relationships go she too is canonically sidelined for Riku, as far back as Chain of Memories as well because apparently that is when Sora figures out his special person is Riku and not Kairi and every further game confirms that, with 3 confirming Sora is also Riku’s special person. But she also is not her own person outside of Sora save her time in the academy in Kingdom Hearts 2. Even funnier, you know how Belle is shown as empowered within the context of her story? At some point, her story parallels Sora and Riku’s relationship. That’s right, Kairi very literally was never any important at all in Kingdom Hearts except as a close friend increasingly sidelined.