What You Need to Know Before Playing Kingdom Hearts 3
Jumping into Kingdom Hearts 3 requires a solid understanding of the series' rich history and lore, especially if you're not familiar with Birth by Sleep and other key prequel titles. While the game doesn't hold your hand, there are resources available to help you prepare. This guide will outline the essential games and clips you should watch to make the most of your Kingdom Hearts 3 experience.
The Importance of Prior Games
Kingdom Hearts 3 (KH3) is known for its complex narrative and deep connections to previous installments. Without prior knowledge of the series, particularly from Birth by Sleep (BbS), players might feel lost or disconnected from the story. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Birth by Sleep: Essential for the Story
Birth by Sleep is a crucial game in the Kingdom Hearts series, serving as a standalone story that provides key background information. This game introduces many of the central characters, including Master Xehanort, Terra, Aqua, and Ven. These figures play significant roles in the subsequent main games, making their introduction in BbS especially vital.
Why You Should Play/B Watch BbS:
It offers the complete backstory of several key characters. The story is well-plotted and engaging, creating a rich world that enhances the main series. It’s a self-contained game that works as a prequel and a standalone adventure. It’s available on multiple platforms and can be streamed on YouTube if you don’t want to purchase it.2. Other Key Prequel Games
While Birth by Sleep is the most crucial, there are other prequel games that can provide important context:
Baby Cuties (KH 1.5 Remix) and Deep Dive Dive Deep (KH 2.5 Remix)
These games are connected to the main numbered games and provide additional details and memorable story points. If you can find them, the 1.5 and 2.5 remixes are highly recommended, but the numbered games alone are good enough. For those unsure about the time commitment, there are plenty of video summaries and playlists on YouTube that can give you a quick overview.3. Essential Story Cliffs Notes and Vlogs
YouTube channels like TheGamersJoint offer concise and engaging summaries of the games. Their videos are entertaining and informative, making it easier to catch up quickly:
TheGamersJoint's Seasonal Explainer provides a comprehensive summary of the main games. Their Season 2 Breakdown offers a deep dive into the key plot points and character development.4. Recommended Games to Play in Order
The recommended order for playing the prequel games, from most crucial to least, is:
Birth by Sleep (BbS) Kingdom Hearts I (KH1) and II (KH2) 365 Days, Birth by Sleep: Definitive Edition (BbS DE), Dream Drop Distance (DDD) Deep Dive Dive Deep (KH2.5 Remix) and Baby Cuties (KH1.5 Remix)While Birth by Sleep is essential, the other games can be watched in any order. However, for a more cohesive storyline, it's best to start with KH1 and KH2 first.
Why Birth by Sleep is a Must-Have
Birth by Sleep is often cited as one of the best games in the Kingdom Hearts series, both in terms of story and gameplay. It's a self-contained adventure that provides valuable background information on key characters and their relationships. This game is so important that it's recommended even if you have no intention of playing KH3. Here are a few reasons Birth by Sleep stands out:
It introduces major characters like Terra, Aqua, and Ven, and gives context to their actions in the main series. The story is engaging and filled with memorable moments that resonate throughout the entire series. It’s an exceptional standalone adventure that can be enjoyed without directly impacting the main narrative. Even if you’re not a fan of traditional role-playing games, Birth by Sleep offers accessible and enjoyable gameplay.Additional Insights: Portable Installments
Many fans dismiss the portable installments of the Kingdom Hearts series, but they are actually quite valuable. Portable games like 358/2 Days and Re:Co De Co De (Re:Coded) provide unique stories and gameplay modes that add to the overall experience:
358/2 Days: While the story has its flaws, the gameplay is enjoyable and offers a unique take on the Organization XIII. Re:Coded: Despite being a memorable experience, the storyline is less impactful, but the side missions and quests are fun. CoM (Chain of Memories): This game is praised for its excellent narrative, though some find the gameplay a bit lacking compared to other titles.Conclusion
To fully appreciate and enjoy Kingdom Hearts 3, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the series' rich history and the key prequel games. While Birth by Sleep is the most essential, taking the time to watch or play the other games will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the main game. With the right preparation, you'll be ready to dive into the world of Kingdom Hearts and appreciate all the connections and character arcs that make the series so beloved.