Why Riku is My Favorite Hero | Characters In-Depth

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No character has inspired me like Riku from Kingdom Hearts has.
Kingdom Hearts is owned by Square Enix.
“Dr. Stewart’s Theme” - F-Zero GX. F-Zero is owned by Nintendo.

[@jasondavis2381]

Riku's journey throughout the Dark Seeker Saga - from rival turned evil, to remorseful recluse, to atoning anti-hero, to Keyblade Master.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you my friend

[@silverr12310]

@@joshua2400 and Satan loves you ;P

[@jabarimcleod9768]

Riku is a reminder that we can really change, if we put our all into it. It also helps to have loved ones around.

[@TheBUCfifty]

Chain of Memories Riku is the Absolute BEST Riku! Him learning that you don't need to run away from the Darkness and you can in fact use it for good... I really wish Kingdom Hearts kept that... 😓

[@Azurald55]

That's literally what he does after. He literally uses darkness in his fighting style.

[@edgeofultima7483]

I prefer him in Days myself.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus Christ loves you my friends

[@joshua2400]

@@edgeofultima7483 days riku was cool Jesus loves you 😊

[@cosmo7314]

Dude that's what he does in later series Bruh. DDD literally has him use his Old Skills like dark aura dark firaga dark Splicer Dark Break.

[@redx3009]

Riku is possibly my favorite video game character, his quote for the Road to Dawn is what keeps me optimistic despite the dark times and that there is always an opportunity to redeem yourself. Riku is only missing his own game and final boss without playing second fiddle to Sora.

[@KingdomHeartsgal1]

Truthfully him conquering Ansem, Seeker of Darkness in Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance is pretty close. So we kinda got there!

[@jasondavis2381]

Aunt May: You start by doing the hardest thing...you forgive yourself. I believe in you, you are a good person. And you always have it in the right mind to know what's right.

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Jason Davis I love aunt may.

[@The_13th_Voyager]

Those are words to live by my friend. Thank you.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you my friends 😊

[@itsablankkandy]

At first I wasn’t a fan of Riku, but he grew on me after Kingdom Hearts 2. Then I totally fell in love with this character in Kingdom Hearts 3. I’m Riku obsessed. He is just…just….*chef’s kiss. He did a complete 180. Thanks to his determination, he did years worth of growing in like 2 years. It’s crazy. Ugh, this man needs to always be protected. I wish him nothing but true happiness by the end of the Kingdom Hearts series. He earned it! I love you Riku!❤ Good luck with you know who!

[@lordgreeb6349]

So Riku is the Kingdom Hearts version of Shadow the Hedgehog; both being rivals and look dark but are really likeable when you know them.

[@jedijazzygamer5369]

Unfortunately, there is a difference: Shadow doesn’t keep that character development

[@lordgreeb6349]

@@jedijazzygamer5369 Unfortunatly, but one day he might regain it and hopefully keep it.

[@jedijazzygamer5369]

@@lordgreeb6349 Yep!

[@heroce974]

I think that Shadow is more introverted and maybe has PTSD unlike Riku who is more on the cool-chill side with a lil bit sense of humour. I like both tho. P.S : Sorry for the grammar mistakes. I'm French

[@joshua2400]

Jesus Christ loves you my friends

[@Sjono]

7:33 “He is technically the final boss.” Technically? Riku literally is the final boss of 358/2 Days

[@Sluggii]

I’ve always looked up to Riku, watching my mom play the series when I was little and seeing him come back in 2, now that I’ve seen the whole series and really seen his arc he’s back to being a favorite of mine ^^

[@kokoro7996]

In my opinion, Riku is not just the best written character in the KH series, but one of the best written characters in media overall. PS: I love that you used Lizz Robinett’s version of Riku’s theme at the end. Every time I listen to that song, it reminds me why I love Riku so much.

[@BusiedSasher]

You had me in the first half not gonna lie

[@AndrewUchiha4747]

He was everything I’ve ever wanted to be. But in the end he taught me I can be something more. Be my own person and go down my own unique path. My own Road to Dawn. He also taught me how to handle situations and people in a gentle manner. I’m still getting complements of my kindness I owe it all to this man. I’m with Riku till the end of the line.

[@elainetaylor-lewis5417]

Riku is awesome, I agree. Riku in Dream Drop Distance was him at his best. It is such a shame that Kairi is ditched in the background and doesn't have much character development or story in comparassion to Riku. I hope Melody of Memory and the future Kingdom Hearts games give her the chance to shine to prove the Kairi haters wrong.

[@internalforce]

Well in Re:Mind, Kairi actually managed to do something. And seeing as Kairi is the Protagonist of Melody of Memory (outside of gameplay), I think this is Kairi's time to develop

[@elainetaylor-lewis5417]

@@internalforce Ok. In the DLC Kairi did do something productive (finally) and I am happy that she fought Xehanort with Sora. I just hope they keep it up and make her character stand out.

[@Xackadee]

I 1000% agree with this. Kairi deserves so much better. It felt wrong that the saga started with a trio, spent most of the time after II forwarding it as a duo and then had a chance with the end of it to gives us our trio back and even the playing field with them, only to completely drop the ball. Fingers crossed the series from here on remedies this and Kairi being the main protagonist of Melody of Memory is very encouraging, even if it's a rhythm game.

[@jeriahrosen101]

I would love if you did more characters in kingdom hearts. Roxas next!

[@kieranstark7213]

This is just the beginning, and because Characters in Depth didn't have it in him to be a KZbinr as much as a voice actor, it will stay that way forever unless he wants to make an analysis of why Pac-Man characters are underrated (re: Spooky, Pac-Man and his family, the ghosts like in Pac-Man World 2, etc)

[@michigosinister1508]

I started playing the series at Kingdom Hearts 2 so I started to like Sora at first. But then I played Kingdom Hearts 1 and Chain of Memories and quickly switched to Riku. I loved Riku's arc so much. I loved watching him go from this evil person to someone who understood he made a mistake. Someone who had to understand he had to forgive himself. I watched Riku through all of the games hoping that one day he would finally be able to forgive himself and understand what he did. And then Dream Drop Distance happened. Watching Riku through the worlds was the biggest highlight for me. Watching him learn more from the characters of the worlds and at the end finally forgiving himself and coming to terms with what he did. I cheered when Riku became a Keyblade Master. He had earned that title and there was no one better for it than him. I haven't played all of Kingdom Hearts 3 but what I have played of it just makes me love Riku more. They did such a beautiful job with Riku's arc and this just makes me wonder what he's going to do from here.

[@keeganstormblade5456]

6:40 ...and leaves the castle and his weird sniffing fetish behind. I honestly can't take Reverse/Rebirth all that seriously thanks to that, but I'm glad he kicked the habit by the time he shows up in Days.

[@atlasultima4200]

Yeah! Has been my favorite since I first played the games and I completely agree! From a dark rival to a redeemed Keyblade Master, he's most likely why I enjoy the 'fallen hero' stories nowadays. Still wished he dual wielded 'Way to the Dawn' and 'Braveheart', though.

[@r3n3gad33]

Riku's cool but my favorite Kingdom Hearts character will forever be Mike Wazowski

[@michaelthex2684]

Mike wazowski, the strongest character with 20 thousand keyblades. Sora can never beat him.

[@mariamali9184]

Ahhh yes Mike Wazowski……the seeker of darkness

[@conyXcony253]

Remy is the strongest because he controlled Sora

[@puterboy2]

Never thought I’d say this…but Riku is a better protagonist than Sora will ever be.

[@hannahheart1254]

Riku is also my favorite kingdom hearts character as well and I’ve had a huge crush on him since the first game

[@jamiecranton]

My favourite thing about riku is his true keyblade the fact it's a car key may look a bit silly but it's the first time riku has had control of his own life this time he's in the driving seat and hes in control

[@raheemaslam7363]

And also considering it’s a modern key it could be representing a new away of using a keyblade with Light and Darkness

[@r1s1ng_sun]

I'm so excited! Riku Is my favorite character in the series and I think this video is the reason for this.

[@silverslayer6262]

My favorite is roxas

[@r1s1ng_sun]

@@silverslayer6262 He is also one of my faves

[@westerfrost3701]

He’s one of my favorite characters, too.

[@eggintheshell9801]

Sora has my heart ❤

[@apathy2454]

Riku has always been my favorite kingdom hearts character ever since the early days

[@makotoyuki345]

He’s one one the best renegades/lancers I know (in my top 3 no less)

[@welchrebooted4739]

I love this video, you have come along way from making great videos to even better ones, I would say this is your best video yet Anthony and I like your discussions and how you truly understand characters.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Thank you. That means so much.

[@welchrebooted4739]

@@charactersin-depth3472 I am glad it does.

[@tintor2]

In all seriousness though, Cloud was about to die in Advent Children due to a disease yet he is the one goes to fight when Marlene is taken by those guys from Kadaj.

[@DJAB87]

You're right. I'd also like to point out that his depression in AC is not because he's an emo, but because after everything he went through and all that he lost along the way (Especially Aerith and Zack) he finally got the time to grieve. And then with himself, Denzel and so many others suffering and dying from Geostigma, how do people expect Cloud to be happy at that point?

[@MayoTheNnaise]

if only twitter learned this lesson. :(

[@m0ckyzo185]

Riku has jumped up in the ranks of my favorite KH character

[@hiizen]

Hey man, I just came to wish you a happy birthday as I promised, I hope you have a great day and enjoy it as fully as possible. I hope you keep the great job with your content and again happy birthday!!

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Thanks, hiizen.

[@matthewriddle2698]

I see a lot of myself in Riku, both as a introvert who cares for his friends and others close to him first and foremost, as well as a guardian who seeks out his own redemption. Wanting to better himself to never fail those he loves and cares for again. Riku truly earned my respect and is one of my favorite characters of all time.

[@synovelle]

If I didn’t empathize with Sora so much, and didn’t admire Kairi so much, I would probably have Riku as my #1 or #2 favorite character (Kairi and Sora are tied at #1 and #2, so Riku is #3 which is still really good because there’s so many characters lol). I love the Destiny trio. Although Sora is the main protag, he’s the main character and main hero, the story definitely wouldn’t have taken off like it did without Riku. Riku is also probably the most realistic, most relatable character out of the Destiny trio. A teenager who wants independence and adventure, is a little vain, doesn’t trust adults but also wants to please them because they’re the authority, and eventually learns that he’s committed wrong actions and grows to redeem himself and take responsibility. I personally relate more to Sora, because we’re both a bit naive, very optimistic, wanting to be friends with everyone and see the good in everyone, be happy for others when they have success, and would willingly fight for or sacrifice myself for my friends and family. I admire Kairi for being brave, and using her traumas as fuel for her strength, she understands and admits to being weak sometimes and needing to rely on her friends that are physically stronger than her, but works hard to train and become stronger so she can protect those same friends and herself. These three are a wonderful circle of emotions, strengths, weaknesses, friendship, and tragedy. I wish some people could see past the series having Disney characters and cooky moments because just these three characters alone are totally worth the extravagant stories and timelines and awkward moments. And even though Sora is probably my favorite over Riku, I definitely think Riku is the more worth Keyblade Master when they have their test. I think Sora will be definitely worthy once the Yozora arc is finished, especially after he literally died, recollected the pieces of himself, rewrote time, and sacrificed himself again so everyone else could live. But, between the two, Riku is the one who should be the first to become master. Master Riku. Has a wonderful ring to it.

[@hotspotcinema234]

I didnt like Riku at first. While I still love Sora and Kairi....Riki is now starting to grow on me. Thank you dude for making me see how Awesome Riku character is. And I was wrong he isn't a emo kid, he's so much more.

[@JeremyBelpoisX]

Kingdom Hearts was a huge influence and inspiration for me, and I loved your take on Riku (and yeah, the story is crazy complicated), but I couldn't really say who my favorite character is in this game or even my favorite hero in any show, game, or movie.... except for one, and it's a bit unexpected. Jeremy Belpois from Code Lyoko (and old French cartoon that got dubbed on Cartoon Network back in the early 2000s) is another huge inspiration for me. There are too many reasons to list here (and I'll try to make my own video about it like yours) but he's kinda like Billy from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He's the tech wiz and the brains of the group, being the only one who can use the supercomputer and send the group to Lyoko to fight of the evil virus XANA, but he doesn't have any physical prowess (gym is one of only two classes he bombs in at Kadic Academy, the other being Italian) but his friends clearly value him for his mind and his determination to never surrender to XANA and always find a way to save the world. And they're all younger than Sora and friends! To me, it's a crime that not more people know this show exists. It was extremely popular and well awarded, even if the awards were mostly in Europe. I blame the CN exec who never aired the final season simply because he didn't like it. Not cool.

[@shanejohnson1606]

So, that's what happened to the last season. Now I definitely need to rewatch Code Lyoko

[@edgartrujillo5030]

KH3 was the Sora show, damaging Mickey, Aqua, Ventus, and Kairi’s characters (before Re:Mind) but even though it did damage to Riku (stealing his thunder in the Realm of Darkness by having Sora save Aqua alone), he still had some of the best moments like his last stand against the colossal Demon Tower and his exchanges with Repliku and Ansem. I agree with you that Riku is perhaps the best written character in all of KH followed closely behind by Aqua and then Roxas.

[@Dokuro05]

Subtitles: IT IS I HANDSOME THE SEEKER OF DARKNESS

[@nerdinahoodie7972]

Riku is one of my absoulte favourite videogame characters of all time. His story and character growth make him a truly inspiring hero.

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Happy birthday! Hope you enjoy KH: melody of memory!

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Thank you! I'm enjoying it plenty.

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Your welcome!

[@gabrielpiche5024]

Seriously, HOW THE HELL RIKU HAD HIS GODDAMN WAY TO DAWN KEYBLADE??

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

I mentioned this before on another comment section, so I'll do it again. Riku is more complex than he let's on. Have one of the best character development of the series. Starting as unwitting pawn of darkness, then finding the path towards the dawn (a.k.a redemption), learning from his mistakes and finally reaching balance within himself. He deserves the title of Keyblade Master, because he gained the strenght to protect what matters.

[@imapanda3468]

i 100% agree with your anaylsis with riku, as he too is one of my favourite characters, and has one of the best redemption stories ever in media. (next to zuko from avatar) Given what's hinting in khmom and the secret ending with yozora, im really excited to see how riku will be handled. my prediction is that the reversal will happen: as sora was looking for riku and becoming his emotional clutch in kh2, now in the series, riku will be the one searching for sora and will become HIS emotional clutch in his moments of weakness (as we saw in kh3 with sora's breakdown). anyways, fantastic vid!

[@mystuff789]

Wow! Kingdom hearts had always lost me. From what I've heard, I thought it was just a mish mash of bland characters that do good stuff and bad stuff, confusing "whose the real Ansem?" stuff and Disney. But wow! I had no idea Riku was actually deep! And that he wanted to right his wrongs! Or that he even had a personality! I always thought he was just the rival of Sora that turned evil because reasons. You did a great job on this video! Finally! A kingdom hearts video that actually tells me what part of the story is! And what you said at the end was inspiring, but it also unexpectedly hit me a little hard cuz I'm kinda in a rough spot in life right now... It makes me happy that Riku was able to forgive himself. It's not an easy thing to do. Anyways, makes me wonder if any of the other characters have as much, well, character to them. I also didn't know that kingdom hearts actually had a string of stories that lined up well together. I thought character growth was random or bare bones! (To be fair, I've only ever watched my bro barely play the first half of Kingdom hearts 2. It was interesting, besides the endless amount of cutscenes.)

[@agentofxehanort]

Great video man

[@Sam_Younger]

Yep!

[@TheAnimeExpression]

I feel the same way brother Riku is the greatest written character of all time, my favorite

[@tylerscott2442]

I really hope the new KH saga will include more Riku action. All the Riku fans were so hype after 3D since he was now officially a keyblade master and would have bigger roles to play. But unfortunately, 3 didn't give him nearly enough attention. I really hope that changes in 4.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

I think 3 gave him the appropriate amount of attention. He was on his side mission with Mickey and got in on the action.

[@tylerscott2442]

@@charactersin-depth3472 Yeah but it was mostly him getting dunked on. And I understand, the realm of darkness contains way stronger forces of darkness than what were used to, but I was just underwhelmed by what Riku actually accomplished in that game. His only major highlight was standing up the shadow swarm when Sora had given up hope.

[@JapanFreak2595]

I think what really makes Braveheart an awesome keyblade is how the name reflects the kind of person Riku has become, and how the design is like a modern update to the Kingdom Key.

[@thatoneblackdude3333]

I only wish it was actually important instead of just being a replacement for way to dawn

[@Simba_bdl]

This video made me subscribe. You picked kingdom hearts over any universe. My brother

[@vanitas456]

When riku is antagonistic I have the animal i've become playing then to symbolise his redemption I have breaking the habit playing and stick with that as his main theme

[@RealHyperHedgehog]

My favorite hero is definitely Sonic. But the ones I can relate to are Dawn from Pokemon and Cammy White from Street Fighter. Good Video.

[@daviddyster4145]

Nice, could you do one on the Freadom Fighters from Sonic SATAM?

[@stardogsmasher6217]

The funny thing about Riku, I actually think Shadow is like the Sonic version of Riku. Think about it. Both Riku and Shadow started off as antagonists in the first game but by the end of the game, they realize the error of their ways to try and make up for it. Though, Shadow was originally supposed to die in the end of SA2 and Riku gets locked in the realm of darkness and has to find a way home, which means that Shadow was lucky enough to be brought back for the arcs of Sonic Heroes and my personal favorite Sonic 06. Another thing I thought would be fitting was the lyrics from one of Shadow's themes. This gives a hidden little hint to the lyrics from All Hail Shadow (which I consider Shadow's main theme); "Somewhere in chaos, we all find ourselves. This destruction is the only tale we tell. White is black, black is white. Right is wrong and wrong is right. Nothing ever fills this hole inside your heart". Despite the bad things he did, he's willing to do what's right because of Maria's wish for everyone.

[@lpfan4491]

I can see the parallel because they have similar dynamics plotwise. The prophecy of the keyblade wielder unlocking the truth of the world is more likely about Sora, yet the keyblade is actually Riku's. Meanwhile Shadow existed first, but only because of a prophecy about Sonic. And both are connected to the journey of the relevant hero. It is at the same time selffulfilling but also the paradox of "the second one" that actually came first.

[@Hondoku]

Riku has come such a long way his whole redemption Arc was performed perfectly and it is truly a blessing that he literally has become a favorite among kingdom hearts fans but what will the later games have in store for him? Only time will tell all I know is Riku is still an awesome character

[@poisonsmoon]

Rikus arc is so good it's one of the best written arcs in any media only being beaten out by zuko, I feel like people dont talk about rikus arc enough and how genuinely good it is I think it should be talked about as much as people talk about zukos, riku is my absolute favorite character ever and I'm excited to see what comes next for him, screw the people who cant accept that hes the second main character and want him to become a side character or just written out all together hes literally the best thing about kh, really hope the next game is actually a riku solo game his interactions in ddd with other characters was the best

[@donathan2933]

great vid

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Welcome back! I also have a question, I want to play a KH game but I only own a Wii, a Wii U, a switch, and a X-Box one, so I can't play the 1st games, does it matter if I play the new games first? Edit: Riku looks cool, he's probably gonna be my favorite character.

[@matiasrivas1692]

Xbox one recieved the compilations earlier this year. But about 3, do not even think about playing it before all of the previous installments, it relies heavily on them for context.

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Thanks bro!

[@zagumemes]

I hope he's playable in the next game again

[@BardockSkywalker]

U Should Make A Video About How To Make Good *"Lancer"* Characters

[@kristenhicks2504]

riku is best boyo good video!

[@JeremyBelpoisX]

Okay, pardon me for asking, but what show is this dog at 8:33 from?

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Duckman - Season 4 - "Western, No!"

[@DaBlackMane]

I just realized how similar Shadow and Riku are.

[@Jessica27065]

Riku

[@TheJaredPunch]

The path to Dawn.

[@Etrodecim]

Hello, I love your video and I want to say Riku is also my favorite character of all time. I've grown with him and I found his story most relatable. He's very precious to me and I agree with your point of view. However I want to say Riku still has a few inner demons left as revealed in DDD and KH3. during La Cité des Cloches, Riku has a conversation with Quasimodo where the former lectures him about going outside and finding people who understand him. after Riku's lecture, he stated he wish he could take his own advice. Later in said world, Captain Febus and Esméralda had a conversation with Riku where it is revealed that Riku himself still had walls around his heart and keeps a lot locked inside from the world at large. During the Destiny Islands portion of end game Riku was asked some questions by Roxas, Ventus and Xion. where he answers his, fears, what's most important to him and what he wishes. there isn't a wrong answer for either of these and I want to keep this comment short but something interesting to note is that. an Answer Riku can give Xion is "to heal the pain from the past." take note that Zexion in CoM belittled Riku because he caused maybe people to die when he opened the door to destiny islands, many hearts were lost to the darkness. Riku actually caused mass genocide, I doubt he forgave himself for that. again in KH3, Riku told Aqua that he already had "misery and despair in his heart." It's implied that it's because he inherited Riku-Replica's memories and feelings, this is supported by we seeing Riku-replica right after this statement. The KH3 Ultimania also confirmed he was entrusted with his feelings and the KH3 character profile stories also stated Riku-Replica's memories are Riku's now. either way, Riku is still a troubled soul so if he starts to show signs of his emo persona again, please remember this. :)

[@danishdiana102]

Could you do a rewiew of Lego star wars the complete saga?

[@brickenawesomefilms6301]

Danish Dan That would be cool, I played that game a bunch during childhood, and I love Lego.

[@zar1536]

Optimus prime is my favorite hero and I hope you'll make a video on him

[@RockyChickXx]

Riku is my favorite and your insight into his character is great, but how about watching videos on Cloud's character? because you obviously don't understand his character and his circumstances in Advent Children.

[@xavieriwundu9601]

Riku is Sasuke done right or done in better way

[@miguelanderson4116]

I can relate

[@raizul1563]

hey guys can i ask what meaning of character in depth

[@kap1618]

I get what your going for but I don't think the Bojack Horseman line fits for this all that well. Cloud at his worse is defined by his inability to let go of the past and move on from Sephiroth hence his main quote being "Stay were you belong, in my memories." Its not, taking responsibility for his actions but rather letting go of the past.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

It's the way Cloud started in Advent Children that bothers me. If his personality was close to the way he was at the end of VII, I'd be good with that. He started out the same as in the beginning of VII.

[@kap1618]

@@charactersin-depth3472 I disagree Advent children Cloud is based on a false interpretation of Cloud's character. In the beginning Cloud was a Cocky, dismissive jerk who was deep down a dork trying way to hard to be cool. (Pre Remake obviously.)

[@Hi-Rise]

My best friend was always Sora, and I was always Riku

[@theskyeisblue6802]

Raiku approves of this video

[@TETSUSakura91]

Riku for Playstation All-Stars 2?

[@user-zq1um1mf1s]

That you and kairi smell the same Comment with that stare he does right after always made me go WTF lmao

[@venquish8046]

riku has been my favourite character to analyse ever. his corruption/redemption arc is so fun to watch. i’m also a sucker for corruption, so kh1 riku will always be my favourite. he ticks every box when it comes to his downfall. he obviously has a clear goal, motive, and flaw, and it all weaves perfectly together so timely. even the way he was reluctant to give in at first, questioning maleficent on her means, then achieving his goal just to realise it was never enough. the way he completely abandons his morals because he’s so jealous of sora therefore giving in to the darkness is just ... chefs kiss 💆‍♀️

[@anasuasil9475]

Ok my name is Riku

[@sofaris576]

Favorite hero? Huh honestly a lot of my favorite characters I would not consider heroes. My 2 favorites are Nanachi and Reg. But the Abyss trio are Adventurers but not really heroes. Reg saved one man when he had the chance but overall there priority is survival and continuing there adventure. They dont try to make the world a better place ore take out villains. And there are things like Reg pretty much saying "Screw morals I need to focus on protecting my friends. I cant let myself get distracted." while turning his back on dying people he could have saved at the risk of leaving his friends unprotectet. Not to mention Nanachis dark past. They are great lovable characters but no heroes. Well atleast up to the 5th book. I want to wait fore the continuation of the anime until I move on with the manga. Bayonetta is kinda like Sesshomaru. She does not give a shit about random civilians getting caught up in here battles but she is very dedicated when it comes to protecting here friends. I think this is what you call an anti hero ähm anti heroine. That would leave Stich, Yugo, Takato and Morgana. Yeah those totatly count as heros. Hard to pick a favorite of those 4. Morgana is my favorite Videogame hero. He is more of a little helper to a bigger more powerful hero but Joker is pretty dam good at making me fell like I am in his shoes so more then most Morgana fells like he is my companion and he is a bloody amazing helper. Serously I can bearly stay alive without him but with him even the new game plus super boss is a cakewalk. And while his writing has some flaws I really like his character. I enjoy his pressens throughout the entire game ALOT. Best Videogame companion I know. Oh I have not played the Royal yet. Takato, Stich and Yugo are just really lovable cartoon heroes. Not much more to add to that. Even though I would not consider them heroes Nanachi and Reg are still my favorite characters.

[@obitoxshinobi8978]

fav kh: 1 Brain 2 Lauriam (Marluxia) 3 Terra 4 Riku 5 Vanitas

[@KingdomHeartsBrawler]

Interesting character analysis for Riku, who's easily the best character. That being said, in my opinion, the series started to go downhill in quality starting in Birth by Sleep. 3D was when the series jumped the shark and Kingdom Hearts III did nothing to fix the giant mess everything had become. It was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. In hindsight, KHII should've been where the story ended.

[@lpfan4491]

I would argue kh2 is where it started spiraling down and days was an accidental jump back before doing the big yeet.

[@KingdomHeartsBrawler]

@@lpfan4491 Yeah, same. KHII had some good moments and a VERY strong finale, but there was some BS in there, too (like most of the worlds being filler and the plot twist about "Ansem" being Xehanort that crapped all over the first game). Birth by Sleep was really when everything started to go downhill, though, and then 3D was when the series took a major nosedive. Kingdom Hearts III was the point of no return, it seems.

[@imaniscott8535]

I have no problem saying Riku is my favorite. I named my car after him. I collect shit with his face on it. It’s not healthy. I fell in love with him in CoM.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

"To the Riku-mobile!"

[@imaniscott8535]

@@charactersin-depth3472 LOL I might steal that, but I usually say to those I "introduce" him to "He's the only male gaming character that I'd ride."

[@porobotboyxxx]

Explain it to us! *XD*

[@Emu-]

But Why? Why are Dark Riku and Vanitas wearing surfer outfits?

[@burgergud2804]

Well time to watch Ant dudes Kingdom hearts saga again

[@brandonbrown6922]

Definitely like Braveheart too, but the way he got it is still kind of bullshit. Seriously, Way just... Breaks? Keyblades can DO that? And then Yen Sid just magics a 'new, stronger keyblade' out of his ass?

[@erindelgado9639]

Since you talk about Riku as your fav hero in media, I wonder..... who is your #1 Villain in media? Thought of trying that?

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Maybe Destroyer in Godzilla vs Destoroyah. He evolves, he's ruthless, and he made Godzilla cry.

[@erindelgado9639]

@@charactersin-depth3472 Interesting, I thought it would be like a supervillain like from DC or Marvel.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@erindelgado9639 My fav comic villain is Doctor Doom; the man's done everything. There's also the Emperor from Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Not from comics, but he was really engaging.

[@erindelgado9639]

@@charactersin-depth3472 Nice picks. :) My fav villains I know are Dr. Octopus from Spider-Man, Xehanort from Kingdom Hearts, Aku from Samurai Jack & Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

[@TophDaGreat]

Didn't like how Riku was handled in KH3 at all (To be fair, I wasn't crazy about KH3 in general).

[@internalforce]

I don't think anyone was crazy about KH3

[@lpfan4491]

I was happy with the gane because it was a neat experience to cap of the decade of uncertainty of "will KH3d be the next BBS that is a pain to play?". Though yeah, it has so many flaws overall that I rather not play it again.

[@thatoneblackdude3333]

@@internalforce don't let the loud majority fool you people like kh 3 just as much as the other games

[@internalforce]

@@thatoneblackdude3333 I was just saying I think. I know there's the possibility of people loving it. Even if some things could've been handled better(like the times where you play as other characters)

[@dragonflyswataswata5135]

Your In the Rabbit hole of Sasuke like character's 😃

[@dreqdreck7531]

My only issue with Riku now is... I just don't know what he's about anymore. KH3 just had him say "I've achieved this", and "I'm not like this or that anymore." Well then, please show me *WHO are you NOW?* Don't tell me how you've changed, *SHOW me* who you've become. He just comes off as painfully empty and boring to me now. I don't want to say that his darkness struggle was the only thing his character had, but Nomura sure made it seem that way in KH3.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Riku in KH3 and beyond is the hero after the completed arc. Now we're seeing him in his prime. I'm happy with this. And boring? He's still got his sense of humor.

[@SincereSneakyy]

F Zero GX music? Based?!

[@deathstrokeclanrules8562]

Yeah I don't think using Nolan's Batman as an example of moving forward is appropriate. Did you see Dark Knight Rises? He basically gave up and became reclusive for 10 years.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

He did stick to his principles in DKR. "No guns. No killing", "There are always people you care about."

[@EndThusIAm]

Your comment directed at Cloud sickens and offends me. Also, Riku is basically the Sasuke of Kingdom Hearts. But still a good video. Just on a character I never liked.

[@nunothedude]

I miss when Kh story wasnt complete garbage

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

I mean I love how you criticise modern games for butcherising characters... yet don’t criticise KH for butchering FF characters like Tidus, Cloud, Sephiroth etc

[@charactersin-depth3472]

I'll talk about Cloud post-FF7 in a future video.

[@cypher838]

On that note final fantasy in kingdom hearts is so under utilized only 7 and 8 get representation. If it were up to me, then almost all final fantasy games would get representation in the series

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

@@charactersin-depth3472 ok to say I love your vids it’s just a bit wierd seeing some FF characters be ruined in other games that’s all

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@cypher838 I think only the most popular make guest appearances. It's why Cloud is in Smash and not Cecil or Terra. I doubt the heroes of 2 or 3 would be in KH.

[@raidoukuzonoha883]

Yea even tho I would want Tidus in smash... cloud is just way more popular and I get that

[@yuncelluz8709]

Drinking game

[@ablosch2452]

Ah Kingdom Hearts. That lovely absolute mess of a plot that makes no sense at all, and is only liked by Weeaboos who want to see their manchild fantasies of generic anime characters hanging with actually well-made Disney Characters become official, and it doesn't care enough about it's own storyline to make things coherent because the fans will praise and defend and eat up anything from this series solely because it's anime meets Disney and nothing else. But then again, what am I supposed to expect from someone who thinks Sonic and Shadow are well-designed characters?

[@crazydgr2464]

@Xionic Sonic Just ignore him, don’t waste your time with this toxic nobody

[@ablosch2452]

@Xionic Sonic Ah, typical response I'd hear from you sheepish Otaku Kingdom Hearts fanboys.

[@ablosch2452]

@Xionic Sonic I could go on for hours, but here's a video that explains why. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6Cwdqtvnt-cfpI

[@ablosch2452]

@Xionic Sonic Well the characters are apparently based on some sort of wish-fulfillment Shonen protagonists, you can clearly see that. Also it often contradicts itself, There's so much wrong with the series. Like for one, The So-called namesake of the game, the Kingdom Hearts? It is never actually mentioned what it is or what it can do, it had served some purposes, but never explained what it is. It can be pretty much anything it wants for plot contrivance. A big ol Deus Ex Machina in ways. Also why the hell is Alice a Princess of the Heart? She's not of royalty, she's more mischievous than pure-hearted, why is she one?! Also they said that Namine is a Nobody, but that doesn't follow how that Nobodies are the remains of those who have become Heartless from their despair or some crap, but Kairi never turned into a heartless. Her body was kept by Maleficent and Riku the entire first game. Namine contradicts what was established how Nobodies are born! Vanitas also suffers similar problems too about how they line up with the established material, why are Vanitas and Roxas suddenly two different people? Another thing, they say that Nobodies are supposed to be emotionless due to lacking a Heart, but yet there are times they DO act like they still have emotion, What? Or another thing. It is stated that they use Gummi Ships or Darkness Corridors or some bullshit to transport people between the different Disney universes, but how do they transport notes? Are notes somehow easier to transport between the universes? On that note, with how originally they kept the borders shut to prevent chaos from ensuing, how did Maser Zen and King Mickey first meet up if their universes were always shut before then? Plot contrivance much? A really big one too since both King Mickey and Master Zen play a large role. And since he was talking about Riku in this video, Riku at first said he wanted to leave the island, but one could clearly find boats on the island large enough to hold him, why the heck didn't Riku just use that if he wanted off the island so badly at that time? I can go on. And then when they introduced Time Travel and Dream Drop Distance, it screwed it up more than I could possibly imagine! There you go!

[@ablosch2452]

@Xionic Sonic Did you even read the rest of my post there? I explained myself in that one.

[@crimsoncross8823]

For me, my fav hero is three way tie between Batman, Ichigo Kurosaki, Killy from Blame! I’m cheating a bit, but I honestly can’t choose from these three 😂