Rumination Analysis on Kingdom Hearts 1

[@TheGabs468]

Speaking of Disney supplying great voice actors for this game, did you know that Alice and Wendy are voiced by the same actress who voiced them in the original films in the 50's? Kathryn Beaumont reprised her role as both characters for Kingdom Hearts. This blew my mind when I found out.

[@chuganoga1908]

I know this is a very cliche and common comment you may receive throughout your videos here and there but I genuinely appreciate your content and hard work you put into these videos. I sincerely believe your channel deserves far more subs and views for the quality of content you provide.

[@Sjono]

The Deep Woods had Sora remember Hollow Bastion even though he never has been there. Its foreshadowing to Kairi being inside his heart since that's here home world

[@thant0s]

So glad to have you back, man. Your sister is sweet and enjoyable in her own way, no doubt, but just happy to know you're doing well enough to entertain us and indulge your desire to ruminate for us!

[@Vandalia1998]

I love how in the game Sora has been hallucinating Kairi in a few of the Worlds

[@greenleadercyrus5717]

While previously I was with most in regards to Monstro and Deep Jungle in terms of getting lost, recently I learned the trick. They are actually really easy to navigate. In Monstro the light texture that cover each opening from room to room change color. Ones that flash green are the correct way to go and ones that flash blue are the wrong way. Geppetto explains this if Sora speaks to him. Same thing in Deep Jungle. Jane tells Sora where to go if the player ever gets lost.

[@Sjono]

Sora is using the Keyblade of Light. Mickey is using the Keyblade of Darkness. His Keyblade is even called Kingdom Key D, the D stands for darkness.

[@WowThereBuddy1]

KH1 is still the best in the series in my opinion, not the vanilla version of it but the definitive Final Mix HD version released more recently. Its platforming and combat is clunky but its effective. Its story is still simple and clean, no pun intended, but at the same time is open to interpretation. The level design is underrated in my opinion, each world feels distinct. The combat is more smooth in KH2, feels more like Devil May Cry, but in KH1 its more in line with Dark Souls. Its slow and can be considered clunky, but to me it provides the feeling of a sword fight with weight. This allows the boss fights to feel like true duels. I never had that experience in the other games. The other games in the series completely abandoned a lot of the mechanics and ideas presented in the first game instead of improving on them. KH2 has little to no platforming, it lacks any real puzzles or world interactions, and it just doesn't feel as immersive. The close camera in KH1 actually helps with that feeling in my opinion, it makes me feel more immersed in the world. The worlds in the first game had a feeling of scale, which I feel is lacking in the other games in the series. The worlds feel bigger even if they aren't. This was a great analysis by the way but I thought I'd share my perspective on the series.

[@heyitsjoshmusic]

Awesome video. I love that you took the time to delve into the symbolism and intricacies of the story. I have played the game but apparently missed a few things that you mentioned, and now it does make a lot more sense, so thank you for that.

[@SamLoser2]

I've been looking for analysis like this for a long time and finally someone goes as deep into everything as you do. Bravo, very much appreciated!

[@1skrmsp1]

that Sora with Keyblade scene was srsly made me tear up a bit. With that silly smile.. just so good scene.

[@OniLink96]

Cid wasn't actually voiced in the original Kingdom Hearts. The first time his voice is heard is in Advent Children, if I remember correctly. As I'm sure someone has pointed out in this two+ years old video. Also Squall's voice was changed after KH1. He was voiced by David Boreanaz (of Buffy/Angel fame, and his only video game credit that wasn't a Buffy game, interestingly) in KH1, but by Doug Erholtz in every other voiced appearance he's had. Deep Jungle is actually one of my favorite worlds. I didn't think it was overly complicated and it actually encouraged you to explore. I MIGHT have just gotten lucky with going to the right places though... But really, it and Wonderland are some of my favorite things about KH1. Wonderland especially is a whole lot of fun to me, especially the Bizarre Room. I also disagree with Deep Jungle being filler. The world had a lot to do with the theme of the game if not the actual plot. It served a purpose and held a lot of hints about a plot point that pays off in Hollow Bastion. Friends in my heart indeed. I dig Monstro. It's not the most well designed world in the series, but I think the aesthetics are really neat and, to be frank, I don't really dread playing through any part of KH1, although Agrabah is, admittedly, probably my least favorite part of the game. You mentioned that Monstro was the first time that Riku met up with Sora in the game, but he met up with Sora on the second visit to Traverse Town briefly. Unless you meant about them teaming up in which case...yeah, sure. I've never heard anything hinting at Sora's Keyblade being THE Keyblade of Darkness. It's certainly an interesting idea, but not something I can recall Nomura or anyone involved saying anything about. Or maybe I'm missing in-game hints. TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE FINAL MIX THING, OH MY GOD. I remember when I first picked up BbS and then...a week later BbS: Final Mix was announced. It was just like...damn, I can't even enjoy having the definitive version of the game for a while before I know it's going to be outdated in a few months.

[@Xxandrew01]

Umm...KH1 Came out before FFVII Advent Children. KH1 Came out in 2002, and FFVII Advent Children Came out in 2005.

[@jonettheonly]

@@Xxandrew01 Cid was in KH1 but wasn't voiced. All of his dialogue was in text boxes only.

[@kyubiblaze]

Welcome back bud! You do whatever you please, we love you man. =)

[@Kaweebo]

It still boggles my mind how I can sit there and listen to you talk for two hours and feel like it's only been about thirty minutes. I swear you have some kind of hypnotic voice or hypnotic way-of-saying-things.

[@jumpysniper]

another part of deep jungle that had *some* plot relevence, is when you collect that slide that shows hallow bastion and sora says he recognizes it but doesnt know why because kairi was in his heart and that was her home

[@drake15445]

loved the video and welcome back

[@Scraxs]

Great to see you ruminate KH1! It's my favourite in the series by far. I couldn't really see why people preferred the gameplay of the second so much but your talk on the clunkyness started making me see why. I thought the combat was marvelously done but I'm kind of weird like that. I like to have an "oh crap" moment where you realise you did a mistake and now you have a short time to figure out how to get out. Kind of like how I liked gun jamming in far cry 2 while a rocket is flying towards me.

[@ben_sisko2149]

About if the games were all written (the basic structure) way back when, we now know that it was NOT the case. Nomura has explicitly said that he only thinks of the next game on the series; he doesn't plan the next 3 or 4.

[@lozdbzmario]

So happy to see you back!

[@JonathonPHaney]

This just made my day.

[@Flaris]

Will say the first thing I wanted to do after beating KH1 was to listen to this rumination XD. For whatever reason I didn't play the KH series originally on the PS2 so decided to jump in after they released 1.5 HD. Probably for the reason stated in that it was a combination that seemed odd and I just never got around to it. Totally had fun though. Agree with the weak points, the camera was tough and a lot of places were cramped. I personally enjoyed Atlantica. I thought going merman for a level was really cool and a great change of pace. The rehash I think did work for the plot and worked for Ariel's character. Neverland was a lot of fun both for pure flight and actually for the story. Interesting thoughts on Riku and Sora. Honestly from the start I thought that Riku was just much darker of a person. He just seemed unsettled even before all that stuff happened. Just extremely competitive. Now maybe it makes more sense taking in the rest of the series as a whole, but I didn't pick up Riku and Sora being that similar. There is definitely darkness in Sora, with the whole during into a heartless though. Ending was certainly bittersweet. I mean Riku and Mickey Jesus (I swear I thought that when we first saw Mickey in there) were sealed in there, but they'll manage. Kairi having to go back to her world alone. That sucked. This trio are trapped all in separate places and can only hope things will work out. Kind of leaves me worried though if this is as positive as it gets. Bit weak when it comes to tragedies...but since I've come this far guess I'll keep going when 2.5 comes out.

[@OniLink96]

+FlareKnight KH2 has a nice ending (which I'm assuming you've gotten to by now). Like. It's really satisfying and almost beautiful, even. The ending of KH2 is why I really hate the way people were clamoring for KH3 before it was announced. KH2 felt perfectly conclusive, and I feel like that when 358/2 Days came out people should have just been grateful that more KH was even happening. I remember on the launch trailer for 3D the top comment was something along the lines of "ENOUGH WITH THE BULLSHIT, WE WANT KH3" and I was so unbelievably annoyed.

[@JustinJets]

I'm in the minority here, but I actually prefer the combat in KH1 more. I felt Kh2 combat felt very button mashy. The game seemed to play itself. I agree with you that Kh1 was very blocky, and the camera was bad, but I enjoyed it more personally. Great video I really enjoyed it.

[@maxguercia]

good to hear your thoughts again. Hang in there

[@GreyJedi91]

Ashamed to say I'm a new viewer. Should have been aware of this awesome channel for some time now.

[@Margrave_of_Brandenburg]

I still get lost in Deep Jungle.

[@8bitmagic]

Fullmetal Jedi I know where to go and I get lost lol

[@IanCaronia]

Break given, mate! We know you've got a life outside of the vids, Archengeia. We're just excited. Loved the vid and keep on being you!

[@michaelgerard2]

Spoiler. Kingdom Hearts is light

[@mrred773]

I know that now. Without a doubt.

[@captmoroni]

Sweet. I can't wait for all your other ruminations. Please keep doing ruminations and stop doing everything else. Actually your other vids are thoroughly enjoyable also. Your StarCraft lore on twitch cleared up so much for me. And I finally played and beat FF6. ευχαριστώ.

[@TheChatterbox1991]

Thank you for reconsidering you anti-spoiler policies, it gladdens me that you are willing to be fluid regarding it. :3

[@nuts0that]

I really like the Monstro world!!!

[@guitaraddct94]

KEEP EM COMING (KH SERIES!)

[@kadeemwhyte1507]

Great rumination btw. You just earned a new subscriber!

[@hoperidesalone]

"ARGH I'M OVER 9000 HEART" best part of the video

[@DrunkenMimir]

So, when I originally saw the ending. I thought "Aww, that's sweet". Ya know, the promise between Sora and Kairi, Kairi in the cave on the Destiny Islands, and Pluto arriving to Sora, Donald, and Goofy and they were gonna go find the King as well as Riku. But then after this it opened a thought that just goes "Huh... it really all couldn've ended here had the game not been a success and none of these groups ever seeing each other again.

[@thesoniczone11]

I just want to clear up that the Keyblade tha Mickey uses is the "Kingdom Key D".

[@Dotoku14]

Great video Arch. Don't fool yourself, it was definitely up to snuff.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

When people talk about the jumping, it’s always about how bad it is. Personally, expect for the first few times I played it, never have any issues with it. Whether that be landing in a small surface, across gaps, nothing. I just don’t see the issues people have with it. Maybe that’s because I play the whole series through every year and know that game like the back of my hand and just subconsciously correct for errors, I don’t know. I will have times where I didn’t hold O long enough get the full height of the jump, thus I didn’t clear a gap or grab a ledge, so those hiccups are from human error. For me it’s kinda like the jumping in Symphony of the Night. Weirdly. I can understand, sort of, why people don’t like the floatiness of the jump and how much hang time you can make you feel like a sitting duck in while in the drop animation.

[@kadeemwhyte1507]

I honestly feel like Deep Jungle does have some relevance. When we entered the world, there wasn't any heartless but as the story in the world progressed and Jane banned Clayton from "studying" the gorillas....the darkness in his heart began to manifest and actually created heartless. It was the first time we learned that heartless can be in controlled by individuals who don't have power over the darkness per se. It was even mentioned in the cutscene with maleficent and the villains.

[@allenchen6394]

great video man, love it, brings back memories :()

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

Interesting to hear Lore praising the Phantom battle here, given his comments in the actual lorerun or marathon or whatever, where he stated that Phantom had *five times* too much health and was just tedious to defeat.

[@lokigen]

so its apparent that the triad that exists within the kingdom hearts main characters is also shown in the other universes but the more i think about it the more i'm of the opinion that the triad exists in nearly every world between the disney characters. but as far as main characters go I'm thinking that donald and goofy form a composite symbol fir the inbetween. i just find that as an interesting contrast to the other symbolic characters in the other two universes

[@orcstr]

A puppet that keeps its strings hoping to control its master can only be controlled. Only when a puppet severs its strings can it truely be free. I feel this accuratly describes several characters of the kingdom hearts series. I've always loved the athsthetic of darkside btw, its something about the way that he appears to be the personification of darkness itself makes me really pumped for an awesome boss fight, and then I realise he's really easy..they could have made a much better fight for it

[@alaskinator]

I LOVE your ruminations Arch, but definitely don't stop your other stuff! That would make me super-duper sadface

[@brianmcd993]

Do not at all understand how KH1 ending is happier than KH2?

[@DSquareReviews]

Great stuff as usual!

[@WilliamGarland]

The quote about friends and country actually comes from E. M. Forster.

[@thesoniczone11]

Sora doesn't really feel like the inbetween. I mean, like, he's always been strongly associated with the light, even though he isn't 'pure' like Kairi. The... um... other characters later in the series that are... like other versions of Sora.... have more obvious .... 'connections'... to light. Like... one of them, who literally IS another side of Sora's being, uses Light as his main element and stuff.

[@IHeart16Bit]

... and now I have to buy "1.5" or whatever the HD release is called xD I always held off on KH because some of the fans... somehow made it very off putting to me. But it sounds really interesting :)

[@Qmanization]

You said jungle book instead of Tarzan and I'm not panning you or anything it just made me laugh :p

[@ScipioWill]

Like just for the Billy Zane love, everything else is also great!

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

I find myself agreeing with the philosophy espoused by the main villain in the final monologue. Everyone has darkness, meaning fear and desperation and will to power and thrill of domination. Light amounts to innocence, which is just the inability to conceptualize all those dark and horrible things. And darkness by its nature will always destroy light any time they come into contact. So the villain has the right of it... darkness is the truth, light is just a fragile illusion, and that truth is best embraced rather than avoided.

[@gerabadillo7889]

I thought it was interesting the secret passages where you had the 3 hearts of secret colors that you could unlock with jumps I cant remember well, can you elaborate on that?

[@MugenHeadNinja]

To this day I will never understand why they got rid of tech points in the later games in the series....

[@juanz888]

nice video, with this i see it better

[@theirongreengiant]

i hope there is a "hard" difficulty selection this time. i would gladly put it on this time around.

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

It's Tarzan rather than Jungle Book here, but that error makes me think about the fact that Disney has both properties and could very easily do a crossover between them.

[@Guyinthecbox]

And then The Lord sayeth "Let there be videos!"

[@TallManVanitas]

Sora's Keyblade is the Keyblade of Light and Mickey's is the Keyblade of Darkness. Just saying.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

I can’t remember which game it was but it’s mentioned that Kingdom Key-D is actually a Keyblade of Light and Kingdom Key in a Keyblade of darkness. Each hidden in the realm opposite of their own nature. I’m pretty sure it was in 0.2 A Fragmentary Passage. If not 0.2 then I’m fairly certain that it was in one of the handheld games.

[@Draygera]

If I'm almost Level 40 when I first entered Atlantica, does that mean I might have been overdoing the fighting a little bit? This is my first play through of KH1, and I really don't feel like fighting almost every battle to completion is grindy. The combat is so fun and fluid compared to most games I've played lately.

[@hitoyurri]

Sora the twilight keyblade master!

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

FRICKIN' Minigames is a lament i often suffer, but never more than in Mega Man Battle Network Four.

[@RorytheRomulan]

The satyr's name is Phil.

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

Get up on Cerberus' back!

[@TheChatterbox1991]

How come you never mentioned anything about the Sephiroth super optional?

[@lokigen]

and i apologize if my meaning in that comment was unclear. I'm working and typing it on my mobile at the same time so wording may not be as clear as i'd like

[@TheMusicalGameroriginal]

Well the thing that pisses me off more than anything is how many systems kingdom hearts in on. The entire series spans 6 systems! No kidding! PS2, GBA, Mobile Phone(Original coded), Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and the PSP. And now 7 if you count the ps4 with KH3. I don't really count that though because it is in the "Console succession" of Sony. I don't have all of these systems Square! Pick one or two systems to put these games on and LEAVE THEM THERE!

[@clouds5]

Damn, the second time after Assassins Creed that i get lost in a game seriese because of Archengeia :D Thx for sharing your thoughts and insights Sir.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

It’s so unfortunate that nearly everyone here in the West believe Nomura only began writing the story of a game during its development, that he had no idea where he was going to take the series. The reason for that is because we never got the Final Mix until recently, when you play that you realize... “shit... he definitely KNEW where he was gonna go.” What’s worse though is that everyone thinks the Final Mix versions’ extra content and scenes and that one clocked secret boss were retconed into the game for the Re:Mix releases. So fucking unfortunate because Kingdom Hearts gets so much shit for how crazy the story gets, just like Metal Gear Solid gets shit on. Only difference between MGS and KH is that one director had a map of when they wanted to go and the other was flying by the seat of his pants. Ironically, the two video game franchises that each have one of the most convoluted stories and plots in all of gaming MGS and KH and I ain’t tripping. I love those games.

[@ctrain149]

Yep. There is a cool new boss battle, a new keyblade, and other new stuff. I don't even want to ruin what they are so just go out and play it.

[@vdate]

I dunno that invoking the Japanese term is necessary? 'Comrades' or 'comrades-in-arms' seems sufficient.

[@JoeNeutrino]

What is a "heart" in Kingdom Hearts?

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

The way they use the term creates a strong impression that they're basically souls.

[@IHeart16Bit]

Yup, he's answered several times. He's just not a fan unfortunantly.

[@fatedead505]

I'm going to pick up Kingdom Hearts 1.5HD remix.... Is it better to play 1HD, CoM and 358/2 Days or try to emulate 2 and go production order, then come back for 358/2?

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

I would love a game where Final Fantasy crossed over with Metroid and Castlevania and Zelda (not so much Mario or Kirby); I very much wish we'd gotten that instead of Disney.

[@progste]

i never played kingdom hearts even if my friends always told me to, i guess i'll give it a try

[@StevenColgan]

I miss your videos :(

[@RealityMinusMe]

great rumination ^_^

[@Theblaziken2000]

Personally I don't really like the movie The nightmare before Christmas, but I did like the world because it's kind of cool seeing these new outfits for the gang. I think the reason is because I think the concept of The nightmare before Christmas is cool, I just didn't like the movie.

[@ShadwSonic]

I keep hearing you say you like BBS the most, but... I'm rather not looking forward to it. See, I played Re:Coded once, and really liked almost all of it... but the Command Crafting system was infuriating to me, as my completionist tendencies said "get a complete collection" yet the knowledge of HOW to craft them was, solely based on the game's given info, "none". Problem: I know this system was also used in BBS and DDD! Which means I'll need to constantly be referencing a guide for that aspect! Now, this alone isn't the big problem, but rather the fact that just about everything else demands my attention NOT be on a guide at all while playing. Thus a weird cycle of "get invested, pull back, get invested, pull back" that's somewhat exhausting just thinking about it.

[@SilentFantasy5]

Pretty much a soul. It's not a literal heart. As for exactly what it is supposed to be, i'm not sure if it's ever fully explained beyond vague explanations that just make it sound like a soul. I could be forgetting something considering the years it's been since playing any of the games, besides 3D, though.

[@Izziana]

Hey... How come you stopped doing these with video? I though that was a lot better as I can actually see your expressions and it gave off that storytelling mood.

[@andrewledbetter4112]

I've never played video games before. But I'm watching all these ruminations and interested in starting to play with my son. We could only afford to ever buy one game system and there are so many out there. So what would you intelligent people suggest be the game system we should purchase. It doesn't have to be the newest model just something that has all these great old games that he's always talking about.

[@Lorerunner]

Well that's a difficult question to answer. In short, the best answer for a system to play the largest number of games would be a PC, but if you don't know about building or getting one the next best answer would probably be an Xbox 360 or a Playstation 2.

[@andrewledbetter4112]

@@Lorerunner Wow I didn't expect an answer from the man himself. So a 2 will work and don't even need a 4. That's great. We watched all your ruminations about movies and TV, and finally moved on to the games tho I don't play them just because I love hearing you think out loud. Keep up the great work. My dream isn't to win the lottery but to one day hear you ruminate on ST Enterprise. Thanks again. Will try a ps2.

[@andrewledbetter4112]

@@Lorerunner Wow I didn't expect an answer from the man himself. So a 2 will work and don't even need a 4. That's great. We watched all your ruminations about movies and TV, and finally moved on to the games tho I don't play them just because I love hearing you think out loud. Keep up the great work. My dream isn't to win the lottery but to one day hear you ruminate on ST Enterprise. Thanks again. Will try a ps2.

[@EmperorOfLols]

When you delete a comment, does it say "comment deleted by video uploader" or does it say "Comment removed by the author" like it was the one who comment who deleted it, and not the uploader?

[@speezbortzappfing3r224]

I enjoyed Monstro

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

Tragic that we didn't have Robin Williams for the genie here ... but to replace him with an extremely recognizable Homer Simpson was a very poor choice imo.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

I’m gonna have to disagree with you wholeheartedly, as to Kingdom Hearts one having the happier ending compared to others in the series. To me it’s definitely one of the more tragic ones. Kingdom Hearts II was a defacto happy ending everyone is reunited for the first time in 3 games, and are back home at Destiny Islands while Micky, Goofy, and Donald are reunited and return to Disney Castle. Fade the piano version of “Sanctuary” in and Role credits. Kingdom Hearts one on the other hand... Riku and Micky essentially sacrifice themselves and work with Sora, Donald and Goofy in order to prevent the Door to Darkness from opening. Then there’s also Sora and Kairi... man... Just when they had finally reunited physically, Kairi’s heart within her own body I mean, they’re separated AGAIN because Sora, Donald, and Goofy restored Destiny Islands and other worlds. They find each other in their darkness. She’s standing on a little space of sand and being pulled away as Destiny Island reforms. Sora promises her that he’ll always be with her and will find her no matter what. The Kairi pulls a Han Solo and says, “I know you will.” They can no longer hold onto each other’s hand and lose grip and cold open of “Simple and Clean”(acoustic). Nobody really one at the end. Yea, they defeated Ansem, Riku realized he was being an asshole, Kairi’s heart was returned to her and Sora found his friends, and Donald and Goofy found the “Key” and learned the King was alive m, and that’s all worth celebrating but at the end of the day all those wins about 80% are fleeting “victories” and are gone far quicker than they came. There’s so much uncertainty for everyone, and that’s by design but Kingdom Hearts’ ending quite tragic. For me it’s definitely one of the darker endings absolutely.

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

God, how I wish Donald *didn't* sound like Donald....

[@BaileyCallis]

I love Kingdom hearts so much, but Sora and Riku are pansies, despite missteps by Riku there is no doubt that he is good, i think there should be a lot more ambiguity with the characters morals.

[@scenedikemon]

Hey Archengeia! I'm not sure if you've mentioned this before, but have you ever played the Persona series of games?

[@SamLoser2]

I was certain it was backwards, that Micky had the dark kingdom key and Sora the light one. It what was implied to me when he said he "found the keyblade of this relm" while in the relm of darkness. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I had thought Namora had said every keyblade so far was a light one except for the Kingdom Key D (which even stands for Darkness) and obvisouly the Keyblade of heart.

[@saadrehman362]

That's not true, Riku's keyblade, way to dawn as well as Xehanort's are both dark keyblades as well. in Dream Drop Distance, Yen Sid said before the keyblade war, keyblades were used to fight light but they were eventually used to defend it.