How Kingdom Hearts Got Me Through My Parents Divorce (yes I'm for real lol)

[@RealTDragon]

Kingdom hearts helped make a friendship for me… We really connected over the music, story and the gameplay. I haven’t seen my friend for years but I still remember all those days of playing kingdom hearts as kids. He was my first friend and made me feel safe being a nerdy dude.

[@gaming1zanagi-1999]

Yet even with that some still claims KH is nowhere as impactful when apparently KH have saved many people's life and affect them positively.

[@joshshrum2764]

@@gaming1zanagi-1999 Yeah it definitely helped a lot of people, the fans are just a little to passionate, but i love the series mainly 1, and 2, in terms of a full package since a lot of the for plot games suck ass, especially Recoded, and 358/2 days.

[@ORIGINALFBI]

"It doesn't matter how much we are each other. But how much we think of each other."

[@gaming1zanagi-1999]

@@joshshrum2764 yeah I don't mind 358/2 Days and Re:coded especially when in Re:coded they did explain why Master Xehanort came back.

[@happyabbyarts]

Power of friendship reached through!

[@shadow759]

Man that was a deep story. Thanks for sharing dude I could tell it was hard for you to tell at points.

[@Crash_2099]

Damn bro, you an OG.

[@mouseonthestreets8675]

@@Crash_2099 I forgot sonic reminiscent existed until I saw that pfp and then it all came flooding back

[@SMBShippuden4]

I see you everywhere brother lol, how are you!

[@nealforreals2098]

Shadow, I thank you for my childhood.

[@sorasun7757]

Oh no, Its you.😡

[@ParasWiineri]

I was bullied at elementary school and definitely KH was one of the best ways to escape that. Still the chills go down my spine when I hear the music.

[@westerfrost3701]

I was bullied when I was in elementary school, too.

[@joshshrum2764]

I actually made a replica keyblade as a kid, it honestly sucked, and eventually had to be thrown out because the cardboard broke, but it was really cool to have, wish I had a picture of it,

[@Ryfinius]

I was bullied, but I wasn't a bitch so they stopped.

[@daytimesky]

@@Ryfinius Yes, blame the victim. Like it or not, not everyone can fight back effectively. Many victims even get punished for doing so. I'm glad it worked for you, but it's not possible for everyone, especially people who are ganged up, have disabilities, etc.

[@Ryfinius]

@@daytimesky thats fine. Keep making excuses and keep getting picked on.

[@nataliecoronado4206]

in a way, Kingdom Hearts itself is about childhood. We spend our childhoods excited to grow up and see the world, unaware that what's ahead of us might not be anything like what we imagined. And the same is true for Sora, Riku, and Kairi. They want to explore worlds outside the Destiny Islands they grew up in, especially Riku who was so bored of island life, so desperate to see new worlds and experience new things, that he ended up getting manipulated by people who promised him just that. You don't realize what you have until it's gone, whether it be childhood innocence, close friends that have drifted away, or your home swallowed by darkness. And while the KH series is silly and the plot is absurd, it never makes you feel dumb for enjoying it. That's why I love it

[@BJ-zd2or]

Actually that's how I saw the game too. It hit more so last year for me that what was going on in the world and my expectations of things. I mean it's nice the game and something inspirational I find with it. I mean I'm a big mgs fan and that still am becouse it's a net for me. But as what has happened. I went back too this game 20 years later even buying the orginal ps2 game and guidebook becouse the first is so simple and yet has an undertone underneath. Especially the first part of the game that had the large shadow which gave metaphorically everything what I thought (Including the hooded guy in the corner in the cave that symbolised adulthood as Sora trys to prove the adult that oh yeah! You'll see, I'm gonna learn what's out there! Years ago I would of gone with sora but now I think oh sora you just dont get it, how he takes it for granted the simplest things). But also that large shadow with that see through heart has also wanting a heart. So deep and shallow, I got a bob Harris lost in translation in that tub part where he was distance from his wife that out of anyone control conversations and cant go furthur becouse of barriers. A yearning for love and connection and a lot feel that way. All it takes is acknowledgement and the right place af the right time. I got my mum, sisters flowers for valentines day. For my mum she immediately cried tears going as I showed her. Lol That's all it takes actually. And my sister giving me a nice cookie which was nice. But I'm getting sidetracked. But the point is with the game there js sp many good memories I still love about it. The sequal I love, it's about Sora growing up preparing for adulthood becouse we all want to grow up becouse it's cool lol nothing wrong with that. But as a kid, you want to grow up, as an adult you want to be a kid. And Destiny Island I would want to be there, never leaving.

[@holloworacle3140]

You must've been happy when Sora showed up in Smash Bros

[@MightyGazelle1]

Kingdom hearts may be cheesy, many eye roll moments of love and friendship... But sometimes, you need that in your life. The world can often be dark, I always enjoy the the light. Will always have wonderful memories of playing KH1 and 2

[@Kyman102]

Kingdom Hearts is all that cheesy silliness, but I saw someone once say that it's also one of the most emotionally sincere series out there. It is wholeheartedly itself and onboard with itself and its fans. There's no real sarcasm, no attempts to try and save face, and the jokes it pokes at itself are ones that feel like the fans would do (That moment of Kingdom Hearts II.9, anybody?) rather than anything that seems to look at the fans and go "Why do you like this?" That kind of sincerity and honesty is almost refreshing at points. And sometimes you NEED something that's just... Itself and happy. Yes, the story makes little sense if you look at it as just a series of events, but it has a lot of emotional beats that really resonate.

[@deadchannel89]

@@Kyman102 exactly they did it in such a right way it's unreal even without Disney I love the original charters a bit more don't get me wrong huge Disney nerd,manly because of nostalgia.but the original charters are what made it the best

[@saxenart]

It’s actually not cheesy at all. People irl normalized the idea to keep your emotions and thoughts for yourself and never talk about it with anyone, while it’s actually beautiful to just let it all out and when you feel you need to tell something to someone, just say it. That’s what KH teached me. Irl people look weird at people if they show off too many emotions and when you want to talk about how you feel you’re suddenly cheesy or cringy. KH is not actually cheesy, people irl are just used to being kinda more on the negative side and never talk about how you feel when we actually should to avoid miscommunications and people unnecessarily worrying about people.

[@smb-c3po]

It helped me better understand light and darkness.

[@BJ-zd2or]

I think we roll our eyes too often as why the world is complicated and dark at times. But yeah do get what you mean, you look passed that and see something nice there.

[@SonicFan2525]

Video games are therapy for a lot of us. They allow us to escape, if only for a moment, from all the stress and problems of our constantly struggling world. Kingdom Hearts is one of those special kinds of games that touches so many people in similar ways. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me why I love this series so much.

[@RichardG20]

True that brother. That’s why it gets me annoyed when people keep demeaning adult gamers.

[@smb-c3po]

What if it turned out to be an unintentional foreshadowing for the future of our world?

[@TheMasterofMasters1]

I agree. Even though I haven't played it in ages.

[@Joe_334]

So glad that the original PS2 titles are final mix versions that are available, as they are English patched.

[@Joe_334]

@@RichardG20 Wait, so adults can't play video games, yet it's not weird to adopt a dog and treat it as if it were human?

[@kennethkay7226]

Sora's inclusion into smash is helping me cope with my dog who passed last week.

[@GraceSavidesKeller]

I'm so sorry you lost your dog.

[@freakystories3583]

Am very sorry for your lost, poor dog my dog was killed by my sister boyfriend and I hate him very much I hope that he rides in hell for that. I hope that your dog die un painful and had a happy life before that happened?

[@kennethkay7226]

@@freakystories3583 14 wonderful years. I'm lucky to have had her that long.

[@excalibur493]

There was a sweet kitten I had befriended right before it got hit by a car also last week, and Sora brought me out of considering suicide. I'm sorry to hear about your dog. May your heart be your guiding key.

[@freakystories3583]

@@excalibur493 thank you, I wish that she never die and that my sister would dump that evil boyfriend of hers one day. And am glad that you j your mind about killing your self. Do you do art? Art might help you out? You don't need to be good like the best painter out there and it doesn't have to be painting, there's a lot of things in the name of art. Even making a game is art too.

[@contentdaddy6467]

I felt the same “childhood completion” on the last page of the HP book series. This video was hard to make I’m sure, thank you for sharing your story.

[@kingdomkeycrafter]

It was the same with me for the movies, as well as beating KH3 for the first time

[@aidanredding8058]

That's how I felt when I finally saw the last episode of Adventure Time

[@EB081997]

My favorite KH memory was finding out my college roommate, a best friend to this day, had almost the same experience with KH as I did. It got us through some lonely nights as solo kids to single mother's. We played through both games in 2015 together after classes. And the Final Mix for 2 dropped... And we absolutely nolifed it. Until the secret secret boss... I struggled, he struggled, we were broken men at that point. It felt impossible. Until one night, after a hard breakup for me, I told him I'm doing this. I needed it. At 1 am I finally beat it, my roommate was in the kitchen grabbing us some pizzarolls, and he ran in during the final phase bc I was screaming "Omg Omg he's so dead, this has to be it, holy fu--". The cathartic feeling in my bones felt SO GOOD. We still talk about it as a magical night. Burnt pizza rolls and celebration.

[@gaming1zanagi-1999]

And yet till this day some thinks KH is cringey and even less impactful

[@EB081997]

@@gaming1zanagi-1999 don't hate me, but KH IS cringey but it's still impactful lol The concept alone is groundbreaking, then the impact on fans is immense. But I still think it's cringey, but I love it more for it lol

[@gaming1zanagi-1999]

@@EB081997 it's fine XD. But yeah KH is rather innovative cause it contains some of the most complex game mechanics and makes us multi tasking in the midst of combat.

[@mraaronhd]

@@EB081997 definitely cringey (especially with whatever the hell the story has become under Nomura’s direction), but still great games.

[@bio-jay77]

Sometimes I forget that videogames can have such an effect on people.

[@batspidey7611]

Video games are art.

[@bio-jay77]

@@batspidey7611 Based opinion

[@Meg-nc4su]

video games are more than games... they are experiences. you going thru a journey, make friends, cry, laugh or be mad with them.... yeah they are virtual but you still feel invested... everyone has that one game that they are deeply connected with, or happened to be here at the worst time of their life, giving them the mental break they needed

[@bio-jay77]

@@Meg-nc4su it is one of the best forms of storytelling because it's interactive.

[@Meg-nc4su]

@@bio-jay77 very true!

[@onthedre]

When I was a teen I thought KH2 looked stupid but during one of my birthdays my uncle brought KH2 for me and the box art intruiged me. I started the game and immediately threw away all assumptions when I saw that intro cutscene. Twilight town and Roxas intro will forever be etched into my memory as some of the most profound storytelling I ever experienced.

[@dakotamabry1645]

Its actually my favorite kingdom hearts game. The 1st one had a better monster arena though .

[@roxassora2706]

Same. I also had a crush on Roxas. Now I just like the character

[@Hynotama]

Twilight Town is my favorite world from the series. Sunset Terrace in particular. I was so disappointed with how they handled it in Kingdom Hearts 3. Nevertheless I'm glad they included it, chopped down as it was.

[@dakotamabry1645]

@@Hynotama I got kingdom hearts 3 opening night , after 30 minutes i I couldn't play it - the game play alone was terrible

[@Hynotama]

@@dakotamabry1645 no, it really wasn't.

[@roiitzkovich4545]

"They can take your world. They can take your heart. Cut you loose from all you know. But if it's your fate... than every step forward, will always be a step closer to home". This quote hits harder now.

[@phantomthiefirwin9631]

Kingdom Hearts got me through moving half way across the country and loosing all my friends/family I had known since I was a baby. It was the last gift I had gotten from my friend before we moved away. Yeah you can say Im pretty attached to the series.

[@smb-c3po]

It's LOSING, learn proper grammar.

[@linear1224]

@@smb-c3po Translation since you can't read without losing it, you troglodyte: Kingdom Hearts got me through moving half way across the country and losing all my friends/family I had known since I was a baby. It was the last gift I had gotten from my friend before we moved away. Yeah you could say I'm pretty attached to this series.

[@smb-c3po]

@@linear1224 Your insult shows your heart has fallen to darkness.

[@linear1224]

@@smb-c3po Haha, no u.

[@smb-c3po]

@@linear1224 That doesn't even make any sense.

[@EB081997]

Woah Saber, thanks for sharing... Kingdom Hearts is special to me, but just in the way that it's what got me through my childhood and helped me connect with life long friends.

[@nezarredondo6101]

In my case it has a special place in my heart. When i was 12 i was the typical nerdy weirdo nobody befriended with, and the game helped me get through the grief and grudge, as well it formed a part of my identity, thanks to that game I had the dream of becoming a game designer, and here i am, in an animation school which has a game programme, and my only obstacle is how long my body allows me to live (dont get me wrong, im all healthy, but what i mean is that only death can stop me)

[@j.a.1117]

This video perfectly summarizes why I love this franchise, Kingdom Hearts was always there in my dark times, it was always there to light up the day or night. This franchise lets you escape to worlds and fight along side your favorite characters. And the music never fails to make me emotional, it makes me feel joy, it makes me sad, it makes me feel safe and warm. This franchise means a lot to me, and I’m happy to see more people have similar experience with this franchise

[@roxassora2706]

Yes. I got into the series back in like 2012. I was a young girl at the time going through a lot of drama. My brother got KH but he didn't like it (he went through an "I hate Disney" phase). But it kinda helped me.

[@cringedefender5264]

Man let me just say how much a good father means to a boy, I started crying when you talked about your father and the great time you had. My father means so much to me and, I had forgotten that thanks for reminding me.

[@GamingExpert9990]

Wish I had a father like that :/

[@cringedefender5264]

I'm sorry you weren't able to exprence what me and saber had , it is so important for a boy to have a positive male role model in their life.

[@smashyboi6887]

Man now I am sad, my father is across my state and it takes 6 hours to get to him so I don’t see him much. I am happy that you and your father have a good relationship, try to keep that please

[@cringedefender5264]

@@smashyboi6887 thank you I will always strive to keep that

[@mere2394]

Stories like this make me so happy. KH helped me get through my open heart surgery and six months of depression that led up to it when I was a teenager. All that earnest talk about “the strength of our hearts” was exactly what I needed at the time. I owe this video game series my life. Glad to hear it helped you, too.

[@roiitzkovich4545]

Let that be known. Kingdom Hearts is so wholesome that it helps people to overcome emotional scars.

[@SA-xl1tk]

That made me tear up

[@TheAwesomeDarkNinja]

I think this is why stories like these are important. The sheer optimism and positivity of the Kingdom Hearts series helps a lot of people - including myself.

[@nightsquire8005]

Kingdom Hearts has a special place in my heart too. My parents are also divorced, things were very rough on me during the time in a way I was never consciously aware of because my autism made it hard for me to process what was really happening to me and the emotions I was feeling. Family secrets I had to keep, grades I had to play catch up with, depression I had to combat, things went down very quick and out of nowhere. My sister and I were never really close, we never had that sister-brother sibling relationship we should have, but sometimes we would spend time together. I would pull up a chair from my room and place it next to her because I wanted to watch her play. I watched her play Left 4 Dead and Silent Hill, we even watched one of the movies together. But when it came tk Kingdom Hearts, she and I shared the most laughs and the most tears, and it was the first game she let me try to play since the playstation was a whole different thing to me compared to the gameboy and dsi. I always laughed at how they spelled money like “munny” and she always guided me kn where to go. As much as I love the series I told myself I’d never play it without her, because that’s the one thing my sister and I ever bonded over and the one thing that we ever truly did together. Seeing this video title made me happy, because just knowing a favorite KZbinr of mine has the same feeling I do about a game being a large comfort and coping mechanism puts a big smile on my face, and I just enjoy your presence even more now. Saberspark alone, you are a comfort for me, and I feel that same childlike innocent peace when I watch your videos. You’re an amazing man, and I’m glad we could hear about a personal joy you have, and I’m even more glad knowing we share that similarity with Kingdom Hearts being a tie to that same joy

[@SkyleWaterfall]

Sora and his silly Disney adventures have helped me cope with a lot of rough stuff in life too. Plus I feel like I resonate with Sora as well because of the life he’s lived. I also have a friend who’s been through horrible, and unspeakable things like Riku has. So in a way, we’re kinda like Sora and Riku. I’m sorry for what you went through Saber. May your heart be your guiding key.

[@xdfeverdream8122]

Kingdom Hearts specifically has helped me get through the deaths of many things and people I've cared about over the years. Its a very wholesome series and I'm quite frankly surprised despite everything its remained that way all these years. Sometimes it feels like one of the sole survivors of a nuclear war as far as escapism goes with the rest of the industry...

[@ltb1345]

Actually, most Japanese media has remained good escapism. It's western media that's falling apart.

[@xdfeverdream8122]

@@ltb1345 Tell that to Bandai Namco, Capcom and SONY. .-.

[@MikeAruba69]

Growing up with social anxiety and low self-esteem, Kingdom Hearts helped me socialize and make friends in school. I've made lots of friends that also enjoyed the Kingdom Hearts series and it was awesome! I've wonder how they felt when Sora was announced in Smash? They were probably happy as well! 😁

[@invaderkad]

Wasn't expecting to cry today. Kingdom Hearts means so much to me as well and hearing stories of what it means to others really hits me. This silly little game is so important to so many people. Hearing the instrumental to Simple ans Clean now makes me emotional and it's hard not to cry. The KH games mean so much to me and I even got a scene from the third game tattooed on me over old self harm scars. It's where Xemnas turns to Sora after being defeated where Sora says "pain is being human, xemnas". I have tattooed Xemnas looking back with the quote "Really? It must take incredible strength." KH has always been a game that helped me in different stages of my life and that includes KH3. Thank you for sharing Saber, it's amazing how video games help people in different ways.

[@rustyshackelford312]

"Our favorite games are the ones that came along when we needed them the most." I can't remember who said that but it always stuck with me.

[@tamararambo3079]

Thank you for sharing your story, hearing ‘Simple and Clean’ orchestra from the background got me emotional.

[@HeroOfLight13]

I feel you man, we had to move away when I was 10 years old and it was rough on me, those first few years of middle school I felt like such an outcast. I discovered KH1 around roughly the same time, in 6th or 7th grade I think, and it hooked me instantly. It ultimately became my anchor that helped me cope with living life in a new setting and making new friends, however long it lasted. Seeing Sora fins get included in Smash after all these years, it feels so so cathartic.

[@strwrbttlfrnt]

For me it was persona 5 royal and it still helps me to remember everything that it taught me to express myself and go do something for yourself and I wrote a whole college essay on it and that day I was finishing it i started crying for how far I have come and my profesor gave it back to me and gave me an A+ and I still keep that essay on my desktop just to remind myself how far I’ve come

[@PinkAmberlina]

With the announcement of Sora as the final smash character I cried like a baby, but I can seriously understand and connect with how the game was something that helped me as well. I was bullied a lot and KH really pulled me through and made me feel that I can hide away and immerse myself in the game and get away from things. Why this game has a special spot in my heart and will never be embarrassed to admit that.

[@Anxshiyn]

This is why I love the kingdom hearts series, is was one of the main reasons that I pursuing a career in animation. The series was my escape from the rough upbringing I had as the eldest child in my family. And even night when I have trouble sleeping, the Incredible soundtrack that was done by yoko shinamura (if I spelled that correctly) is so beautiful. I cried with sora was announced and I think is wonderful that the community pulled together for this to happy. I love this series and I look forward to sharing with my future children.

[@nezarredondo6101]

Kingdom hearts has been with me ever since i was 12, and watching sora in smash made me cry out of joy.

[@lamecgod]

I immediately cried out for riku to be there

[@PsychoticMuffinz]

I screamed and started bawling on my boyfriend's couch. He didn't understand why it meant so much to me at first. I was so so happy

[@AgentMonochrome]

KH will always be one of my favorite franchises and Sora's intro into Smash gave me chills. Thank you for sharing your personal story.

[@prettypockyillusion2028]

Kingdom Hearts helped me survive living with my abusive parents. Sometimes just the thought that another KH game was going to come out helped me to stay alive. Thank you for sharing.

[@wstine79]

Never knew a Saberspark video would hit me in the feelings. Thanks for sharing such a moment.

[@thecrazydisneyparksfanatic921]

We are in the age of where people are more attached to their childhood and fictional worlds more now than we’ve ever had, And I’m OK with that because as with my name I am just as much guilty for being into these fictional worlds as everyone else

[@maragued4569]

Grow up

[@thecrazydisneyparksfanatic921]

@@maragued4569 nah, I don’t think I will

[@thecrazydisneyparksfanatic921]

And from the looks of my likes here, I’m not only one

[@tylerhill2202]

Totally agree with you, man. I feel that way all the time. In these dark times, reminiscing about one's carefree childhood days or dreaming of escaping to a fictional world where all their problems disappear, is a coping method everyone uses when life gets tough. And even though there are times when reality must be faced in order to become a stronger person, one should never let the world crush their memories or their dreams because they bring happiness and helps make life a little more bearable.

[@____Carnage____]

@@maragued4569 *NO*

[@BlutheAndroid]

Kingdom Hearts sure helped me have a feeling of belonging when I was going through depression and chaos within my family. I felt like I was going through darkness.

[@reko_hinata]

For me it's persona.High school is the most stressful and lonely period of my life rn and my comfort game for the past year has been persona.I resonated with characters like Yosuke and the songs always brought me comfort.It's funny cause before I never even considered myself to be the type of person who would like jrpgs.

[@superstar1thechannel928]

Same dude Persona is another great game series that helps you escape from reality!

[@moosesues8887]

Why is sonic overpowered in persona

[@superstar1thechannel928]

@@moosesues8887 I ask myself that question everyday

[@joshshrum2764]

Undertale, for me.

[@joshshrum2764]

@@superstar1thechannel928 Undertale, also really makes you wish you could just forget about everything, and go explore mount ebott, and make some great monsters friends, and get a new hot goat mom, uhhh you didn’t hear that last part.

[@ryancarless7921]

Kingdom Hearts meant a lot to me too. I was away from my friends and felt like playing KH2. Playing as Sora and Roxas, I loved escaping into Disney worlds and making friends along the way. It's special to me

[@carsongold03]

I cried like a bitch at the Smash presentation because I knew Smash was capable of doing amazing things. I’m not afraid to admit this. Edit: I forgot to mention this but Super Smash Bros. Ultimate motivated me to be a game developer. I hold this game to a very high pedestal and as a true testament to how you can do something very impossible just like in the Lego movie.

[@tinle9]

Can't wait to see what you make man! Good luck!

[@carsongold03]

@@tinle9 Thank you! That really means a lot to me.

[@realar]

Disney to me has always been a part of me. In fact, my grandfather worked for Walt (so you can say I'm literally a Disney kid), for when I heard Kingdom Hearts was a thing I ate it all up. And this was when I had both the PS2 and the Gamecube. Little did I know that these parts of my life would converge, but it had to be when my Pops was no longer with us. Sora's inclusion in Smash was just a poetic end to a beautiful era of gaming. Granted, I will always miss the trophies... and my grandfather's zaniness. He left this world in 2009.

[@Hynotama]

I'm more shocked that we can write the word "bitch" without getting the comment removed.

[@ZoraVisions]

That's amazing

[@jkblohm9899]

Man, the comments about the family being together and in harmony, that alone struck such a chord with me.

[@phoenixsoren]

I remember the first time I landed in Hollow Bastion, I stopped playing for a month because it's a devastating plot point

[@PsychoticMuffinz]

I never finished KH when I was a kid but I played the hell out of KH2 when it came out (even though I was very confused until my friend explained it to me.) A few years later my friend let me borrow her copy of KH1 and when I got to Hollow Bastion I did the same thing!

[@joshshrum2764]

@@PsychoticMuffinz Damn.

[@BJ-zd2or]

Story wise or you saw something metaphorically too it?

[@BJ-zd2or]

Hollow Bastion sure dose have a symbolism too it. Like some Romanticism too it.

[@bun6885]

The music of Kingdom Hearts always makes me super emotional The games mean so much to me & my husband & it was sorta what brought us together He even proposed to me with a paopu shaped ring lol

[@cottoncandy2023]

That’s so cute 🥲

[@viddygames2043]

I found your story extremely touching and it stirred up my own feelings and nostalgia for a game that today feels so silly to admit having emotional ties to. Kingdom Hearts is a silly game, but through its unrelenting positivity it helped me put others before myself and overall be a kinder person and I will always thank it for that.

[@aspen1713]

Ahh this video made me so emotional. Fallout 3 was the same game to me - my dad was a very unstable, abusive alcoholic all throughout my teenage years and Fallout was a weird comfort. The only world where I had any power or control. I love it nostalgically to this day

[@mushroomdude123]

I absolutely relate with your story. You never know when your family is going to break apart. All we know is that it’s terrifying when it happens. But the experiences we get in these fictional worlds helps us move forward.

[@WolfmanArt]

I'm with you there, Saber... Kingdom Hearts was my escape, too. When it came out, I was going into my teen years; going thru middle school and later high school. There was a shit ton of things going on my life, where I didn't know where it was going or what will happen. Moving to different schools, having divorced parents marry new people and having half-siblings, and the CONSTANT bullying I endured. I felt lost... But then I was introduced to Kingdom Hearts, and it changed everything... It became a sanctuary(humor not intended) for me to go to whenever I wanted to be alone and escape. I've played a TON of video games before and even after, but Kingdom Hearts was different for me. I've played the other KH games, read the manga, collected figures and even did fan art 😅 And when I saw Sora was added to Smash Ultimate, I almost dropped my phone out of both shock and excitement!! Sorry if this was long, but Kingdom Hearts(the whole series), has been a part of my life. And I wouldn't want it any other way 😄

[@Kibadoglover45]

OH man! I cried so bad when Sora was accepted to smash! Sora always had a special place in my heart cause the series was also my coping mechinism. I had a a rough time during my teens cause I moved away from the US and moved to Croatia in Europe. I already played a bit of KH2 at a friends place and got addicted. All I had was the gameboy Chain of Memories and it helped me a lot when stressed in being in a whole new place. Specially when you don't speak the language, don't know the culture and barely had friends cause of being made fun of for being American. My stepdad got me the series since he knew I liked them and soon they became a huge part of me cause years in Croatia my parents relationship would be rocky, I deal with abuse and neglect for a long time. And when my little sister was born I was really ignored cause I wasn't blood to my stepdad. (I love my sister to death tho! She's really awesome!) So Kingdom Hearts has always been a huge part. Cried like a baby when the whole series came to PC since when moving away I didnt have the playstation. And bawled infront of friends when seeing the opening of KH3. So yeah! Haha! Kingdom hearts will always have a huge special place in my heart. It's just one of those games that can make me smile when days are hard and stressful. Sorry for this long emotional paragraph.

[@joshshrum2764]

I saw a lot of reactions of people crying over Sora, some of them literally sound like their being murdered in the most painful way possible with how loud they get.

[@matthewtucker2765]

Super Mario Maker 2 helped me cope with the loss of my grandmother. I absolutely love Mario Maker. I played the 3DS version a LOT. So I was very excited for the sequel coming to Switch. But my grandma's passing happened right around the same time as the games release, and it was soul-crushing. I really don't handle dealing with death or saying goodbye very well. But media, like movies, shows, books, or in this case video games, can help us all get through tough times. And I love the Mario series. Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World was the very first Mario game I ever played on my original GBA SP Back when I was around 4 years old I think.

[@SoraxDarling]

KHS got me through some really dark times growing up in an abusive home, it made me feel less alone and the music always gets me in the feelz now.

[@wowiezowiedotties9320]

This was really heartwarming I too got emotional seeing sora in the smash roster and the music just 🧎‍♀️

[@LendriMujina]

The first KH is an absolute masterpiece. Nothing will ever change my mind about that. Even if the story gets a little silly later on, the cinematics, visuals and audio of the original, it stands the test of time.

[@joshshrum2764]

I think 2, is better, but the first two are gold.

[@mylesmixon5078]

Hey, man. I just want to say thank you for sharing this. Kingdom Hearts has helped me with a lot through my life, and probably the most significant part was my own parents divorce. It happened to me right when I went to college, and I still cry when I see Sora thrust into an unfamiliar, hostile world with what seemed like no way home. I think Kingdom Hearts is really a perfect metaphor for dealing with loss. It's always there to remind me that even though many things and people are gone in a way that will never be the same, I always have those memories inside of me, and it gives me hope to keep going. So, thanks for putting this out there.

[@Laughy-Flaaffy]

Woah, your story is pretty close to mine. When I was entering into my teens, I lost my brother and I basically played Kingdom Hearts all the time in order to cope with his absence. The music would always make me cry, and it was the only game I played on my PlayStation 2. I remember playing the second game and falling in love with it. I was basically obsessed with the series for a long time, and it helped me deal with a ton of emotional struggles inside.

[@UndergroundUncle]

Man that Disney trip really hits close to home with me. My family also went to Disneyland before my parents split and that was also the last time my family was actually a family. Absolutely loved this video and this game was my life when I was younger. I remember rage quitting the end of the game at least twelve times. Warm feely feels all around.

[@DragonGirl2000]

Thank you for sharing your story Saberspark, honestly. Kingdom Hearts was one of my favorite childhood games too when i was a kid. I remembered the game was totally fun to play! And the story was fantastic! Including the characters and the boses you meet along the way of your journey. I loved everything about the game! And loving the series so much. Thank you again for sharing your story Saberspark. 😊

[@cpt.arctourus7950]

I've always had a similar connection to kingdom hearts it got me through my depression and I've played it consistently since my first in 2010

[@bransoncarlisle7934]

I know I'm real late but I also went through my parents pretty messy divorce about the age you did, and I remember playing Kingdom Hearts around the same time, and some of the things you had to say resounded with me without me realizing it may have been an escape mechanism for me as well. That is the first time I have openly wept at a KZbin video. Thank you Saberspark.

[@Shoyro]

I never experienced a divorce as a kid, but I was bullied in almost every way possible before the internet. I was always an outcast. Only two game series kept me going, Pokemon and Kingdom Hearts. Pokemon allowed me to have friends come with me as I moved all the time due to my dad being in the military. Because of that, I don't have any childhood friends that I talk to today. I have only the Pokemon that became a second family to me. I transferred them from generation 3 until Generation 8. Kingdom Hearts gave me something to lose myself in escaping reality to escape the pain and despair of being an outcast for even a short time. The Smash Bros. Reveal of Sora brought me to tears of joy, especially after that feeling of abandonment Game Freak did with Pokemon no longer being allowed to all be in a single game through transferring.

[@dreamguardian8320]

Kingdom Hearts is one of my most favorite games. Like watching movies and reading books, playing a game like this helps me get away from reality and find a better place to be in. It even makes forget who I am, my downsides, and makes me feel like a kid again.

[@_hyva_]

I started playing KH2 on my Mom’s old PS2 at the beginning of my Freshman year of highschool. I fell in love with it instantly. Eventually, I got stuck on the Demyx fight and couldn’t continue. During the lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic, I bought the 1.5 + 2.5 collection on my PS4 and played through all of the games. Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts 2 really helped me through the fear I had over the whole thing, I guess it’s a great series to just get lost and escape the difficulties of life in.

[@morisonando]

may be too much info hehe, but this resonated so much with me! i was also about 11 or 12 yrs old when i first played the game. around the same time, my father figure was no longer around for certain reasons. although i didn't realize it then, kh became a soothing coping mechanism for me. sora became this huge beacon of light and love during a time of hurt, confusion, anger, and fear. the different worlds were a way of escapism for me, and the music made me feel safe - still does to this day. thanks for sharing your story :) it made me realize something rly beautiful!

[@SNKJay]

What a heartwarming story! Thanks for sharing it online with a bunch of strangers! Yeah, Kingdom Hearts certainly is a very special game :)

[@CaptainphoenixofficialYT]

I remember having a similar experience. When my dad died, I played Minecraft for days as a coping mechanism. That game really helped me through some dark times.

[@ScarletBanter]

Thanks for sharing, Saber! With the whole plague thing, and knowing that it was likely to (and sadly, did) claim a family member, I found Spiritfarer was a big help in coping with needing to get ready to let go, and then coping with the loss. The messages and stories in games and other media can feel trite at times, but they generally connect with real stuff we may have to deal with in our lives, and they can be a safe place to explore those difficult feelings.

[@RicardoHipper]

I may have been a little late bloomer, but Kingdom Hearts 2 was alot of things for me. I felt like when I connected with the game emotionally, it helped me connect back to childlike innocence and process feelings. I felt motivated to be hopeful and focused much on the heart, as that was the game's theme. Since then, I have always loved Kingdom Hearts. It had always felt genuine to me for emphasizing the significance of innocence and hope while at the same time delivering an overarching compelling story.

[@A_Bottle-Of_Orange_Crush]

I remember when my brother passed away I would just lose myself playing Smash Bros for days at a time. Probably not healthy, but it helped.

[@OlyChickenGuy]

Funny how much your KH experience mirrors my own. I had recently made a friend, and we played games together- he'd play, and I'd watch (backseat gaming has been my thing), as he enjoyed doing the challenges, and I just wanted story and beautiful art. We played through FFX together, and I think if I'm recalling this correctly... I'd already been playing KH when he moved in next door, and when I explained it to him, and he asked about FF, my response was a blank, "I dunno, either. Anime games?" Not long later, we found FFX in the barging bin at Game Stop, so I picked it up with my allowance and brought it to him, saying, "Hey, now we can both learn about Final Fantasy- or, at least, ONE of their worlds and stories." So, we put KH down and picked up FFX, swapping whose house we were playing at through HIS parents issues, several moves, and so on. Then, we started a brand new Kingdom Hearts game, together. KH was also my first ever 100% game, and I believe Sephiroth was my bane, as well. However, I'm very proud of myself because as much as I don't play for overcoming challenges, when my friend would get frustrated, I'd take the controller for awhile in hopes that if I didn't complete the task, he could learn from my mistakes... but I beat Sephiroth, then rooted him through it. We were screaming and breathless, jumping around, hugging, and celebrating (thank God it was at his house- such childish expressions of noise weren't welcome in my childhood home). I never- NEVER- celebrate like that, but it felt like I imagine people who care about football to feel when their team wins the Superbowl. Myself, I was succumbing to an illness I was aware of, didn't have a name for, and was told without negotiation that I'm not ALLOWED to have. I'm paranoid schizophrenic with DID/MPD (DID is modern and appropriate), and my symptoms began to manifest in early childhood. I was adopted, with family history of schizophrenia. I was raped by my brother, with my mother telling me not to talk about what goes on between family... and still, according to them, I wasn't "traumatized enough" to be mentally ill. KH helped when, so to speak, the demons started screaming. It helped me to understand that darkness isn't evil, and if I'm a paranoid, pessimistic person, naturally... it doesn't make me BAD. I can live in the dark (or perhaps the twilight) without causing pain and destruction. I can focus destruction where destruction is constructive. I can embrace someone in the worst points of their life, because I can see in their darkness to the light enveloped within. I can help guide through and out of that darkness, like a kind fae or Owl totem who might guide a lost child out of a blind-dark forest. We live in these places, and know them intimately- and we can help by giving foreigners hope of getting back home... and we can help each other, by bundling together to keep each other's fires stoked. We are sad, but we are not evil.

[@xblade149]

Wow what an interesting topic because kingdom hearts helped me through 6 grade after losing my home to Hurricane Katrina. 🌀

[@DomoSama13]

Kingdom Hearts was always there for me back when I was a kid... I'm happy this game made you happy as well. Be strong Saber, you're a cool Dood!

[@DracoMagnius]

Speaking as a person who's parents also divorced, loves Kingdom Hearts and recently beat Sephiroth I really feel you through out this video and honestly I started tearing up near the end of the video.

[@joshshrum2764]

*Dearly Beloved, starts up.*

[@alexanderjohnson989]

In 2018, I went through a devastating breakup that involved many close friends leaving me for my ex. Kingdom Hearts 3 was around the corner, so I delved deep into the lore that I had missed and/or forgotten. It served as a much needed escape. A bit of a deviation from Kingdom Hearts, but through the Kingdom Hearts fandom, I also got introduced to NieR: Automata. That was an emotional rollercoaster. The song Weight of the World was my genuine prayer at the time, and I wanted to know the context. That led me to the rest of the NieR soundtrack. Kainé (Salvation) stood out. I would have that track on repeat for a very long time. The depressing storyline and music made me feel like I was not alone in my depression. I felt validated. Thanks for sharing. Hoping you receive all the healing that you need.

[@Cinedragon]

I feel for you! Divorce is never easy. My parents divorced when I was 25, cheating was involved. And it doesn't matter how old you are, it's absolutely an awful experience!

[@m..a..r..s8239]

As a younger person into kingdom hearts, it’s honestly helped me so much and been a massive comfort to me, my brother gave me the first game when I was 9 and it was one of the only things we bonded over, It helped me a great deal with my family problems as well. And I’m happy it helped other people too, and I’m so sorry that you went through that.

[@DrewskiGaming0]

I've been a gamer for 25 years I'm 30 now I can definitely relate to this, gaming for certain people can help de-stress from hard times life isn't easy and for me gaming is that escape

[@reese1339]

Pokemon was this for me. My parents (my mom and step dad who came into my life when I was in elementary school) they fought a lot he "left" a lot. They debated divorce a lot but it never happened to this day they still fight and tolerate each other. I can not tell you the last time they kissed or really showed affection other than just terms of endearment. Anyway pokemon was that escape. There was always more to do and catch and see. And each gen brought more to explore. To this day, though I have not played through more recent gens, it still holds my heart. I look forward to hearing about new releases even though I don't have the time to play them as an adult like I used to. Pokemon were my friends who would struggle with me. And if in the next gen if could catch my favs it was like they came back again. I would play with my older sister and later on my younger brother. It brought us together and helped us all find joy in the chaos. I could not be more thankful for it. For getting to experience that hype of the next gen coming out. For playing gen1 with my mom and sister. It will always mean so much to me.

[@bearerofbadnews1375]

Whenever I look back at kingdom hearts, chain of memories, and 2 I always get so nostalgic. They left an impact and a story that I didn’t forget. Even when this franchise decided to go in to odd direction in the later games I still appreciate them for adding more to the lore and giving most of the characters I’ve known a happy ending. the world of quadratum and fictional worlds will be the focus for the next phase and I’m here for it.

[@xblade149]

Same. I got into kingdom hearts in 5th / 6th grade back in 2006. It helped cope after losing my home from Hurricane Katrina. It gave that magical feeling I needed to help through stuff times

[@gracekim1998]

The lore is fun

[@TheKoolKat4Ever]

I know I’m a bit late but I just wanted to say that I experienced something similar as well and I wanted to share with you, if you’re still here. My parents divorced when I was 14, and it was totally out of left field for me because my family came from a religion where divorce wasn’t allowed unless adultery was involved, which didn’t occur. So it was so surreal to me. I had a hard time coping with it at first. I don’t feel like I had something to run to for those first few months, but then eventually I noticed that my sister was playing a game called Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I had seen her play it a bit and I thought I wouldn’t like it. I don’t remember why, but I remember I gave it a try one time and played in her town for a bit. And I got hooked. I bought my own copy of New Leaf soon after, and I couldn’t stop playing for about a year straight. I played the game during a hard time in my life, my dad had just divorced my mom and left the family home, my sister and mom were constantly fighting, and my sister almost never spent time with me anymore. I put all of my free time into my game, fixing the town, making it look the way I wanted, collecting all the bugs, fish, and sea critters for the museum, expanding my house, trying to get all the badges… I put my heart and soul into that game. Back then, I thought that I was doing it because I loved the game so much, and I did, but I think it was just also my escape from the reality I had at that time. Now, I can’t help but always feel so nostalgic when I think about the game. It got me through so much. It really holds a special place in my heart.

[@naminepng7083]

Damn this game helped me through my traumatic experiences at home. The magic of this game is truly unique and it feels like a remedy

[@kristalgic1534]

I started playing this game when I was 10 in 2003, and it also helped me get through a very very tumultuous childhood. Thinking about the media I loved as a kid helps me to remember the good times I had instead of the trauma. This is why I often replay the games I loved and rewatch the movies I loved, and this game is at the top for me. I play KH1 and KH2 all the way through at least once every few years. It's funny, because even though my parents didn't divorce, I'm going through my own divorce right now, and one of the things I can't wait to do when I'm in a safer place is to play through the whole Kingdom Hearts series

[@driftingswordsmanzer]

Kingdom hearts was a big part of my childhood, playing with both my brother and cousin. It was a great experience KH2 is still peak KH.

[@xxanglebadgirlxx]

When I was 7, my game that brought me comfort was Mario Party 10 or Smash 4. Usually being bullied at school, or maybe just a bad day, I’d come home, make myself a bag of popcorn, and sit on the couch. God, since Mario Party Superstars released, playing the minigames I had mastered as a child felt so nostalgic. Oh, and Kingdom Hearts is cool

[@TheSlipperyNUwUdle]

Honestly I didn’t care when my parents divorced. But KH did help me through some of the hardest moments of my life as well. I hold it so close to my heart.

[@dogwithaplanmaybe566]

When I tell you Kingdom Hearts has had a huge impact on my life, I mean it. I cant listen to the music without tearing up and sometimes I just cant listen to the music period. Its just too overwhelming. Amazing video my man, Love it.

[@MomokoTuHarumaki]

Kingdom Hearts was a series that helped me get through middle school and high school. I was very depressed and lonely because I didn't have a lot of friends and I lived pretty far outside of town away from the other kids my age with my mom's husband not really wanting anything to do with me or my sister. And while my sister had band and color guard to go to, I didn't have anything except video games. It really did feel like I had an escape.

[@JoryDaPuffin]

Thank you for sharing you story saber, it's interesting how much kingdom hearts and even video games can be so beneficial to the mind in some cases. Kingdom hearts is a safe space for many including myself and im glad you can find something to help you cope with something as serious as a divorce. I know the events were in the past but always remember to stay strong and let your heart guild you into brighter days away from the darkness when times get rough.

[@smokierings]

FFX did this for me with a bad period in my life. I just holed up, snowed in, and played it for weeks on end.

[@joshshrum2764]

That’s another good one, but in general the Final Fantasy, series helped me when I was younger, and I still adore it.

[@TheGman1166]

For me it was Star Wars. When Revenge of the Sith came out that was the last time my parents and I did something happy together. It ended up becoming my favorite Star Wars movie. After the divorce those movies would give me hope that everything will be alright.

[@justaperson8381]

Kingdom hearts was my childhood. I shared so many fond memories with my sibling.

[@Acepilot8Gaming]

That was such a deep story and we appreciate you sharing it. Kingdom hearts got me into so many things and got me through so much myself. The kingdom hearts story is absolutely amazing and it always keeps getting amazing. I'm glad we both share the same idea that this seemingly simple little story got us through so much and gave us something to look forward to in such hard times. Thank you again for sharing this story saberspark. I feel a bigger connection to you now

[@Rachel-su1fb]

I actually hadn’t heard about Kingdom Hearts until I was a bit older, around the time Kingdom Hearts 2 was coming out. But I’m so glad I had picked it up. High school is such a tough time for a lot of people, and though most would think a Disney/Final Fantasy crossover would be too childish at 15, it was just the wholesome escape I had needed. I connected to the emotion of the game, even more so in KH2 and 258/2 Days. It is sad and sincere, wholesome and fun and cheesy and absolutely ridiculous and over the top at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[@AJTOON-H]

3:42 that was the first time I hear Saber's voice being that emotional and it's actually great to hear

[@theartdragon1270]

So beautiful and I would watch this video to cheer me up whenever I’m sad

[@ilPUMAdog]

Thanks for sharing this Sabre. When my sister passed away I totally immersed myself into video games and it really helped me find a break from all of the emotions and hard times. My mom has also struggled with depression since my sister passed. I got my mom into Animal Crossing during quarantine. Not only did it help us both get through 2020, it’s helped her find a place to express herself and she’s a lot less stressed out in general.

[@jessicagreenfield6584]

I'm so happy kingdom hearts made you go through your parents divorce. 😊❤ Thanks for sharing your story❤

[@goldexp1882]

I remember the first time I got into KH was when I was 11 years old. I went into my local video rental store and while looking at the games, I saw a copy of Re:Coded. My first reaction was "Why is Goofy standing next to this person?" That game sealed my fate

[@giantpinkcat]

I feel like such a jerk for laughing so hard at the title.

[@alpha_jasperflair1097]

Its ok its just abit of misunderstanding

[@Ryfinius]

I don't.

[@invadertorithmva9358]

Thank you for sharing your story with us Saber 💙 Video games are like therapy to me as well, as someone with autism and other mental health issues due to trauma and family issues it helped me shape my own world in a way. Kingdom Hearts were one of the franchises that helped me keep going and im glad to hear that it has helped others as well!

[@toonzach2870]

....Would you say the game was your Sanctuary?

[@craycraywolf6726]

That story was very deep and emotional. Thank you for being willing to share from such a vulnerable place. I learned more about you today and now I feel closer to one of my favorite YTers :)