Everybody likes to rag on Kingdom Hearts’ weirdest entry, but even 20 years later, it might be one of my favourites

When it comes to the Kingdom Hearts series, one word that always comes to mind is ‘weird’. It’s just inherently strange in its concept.

Imagine a series of games that combines Final Fantasy with Disney, born out of a real-life elevator pitch. That’s definitely out of the ordinary! With 12 games in the series, there’s a lot of variety to be expected. From Birth by Sleep’s multiple character perspectives to Dream Drop Distance’s Pokemon-like elements and the rhythm game Melody of Memory, each entry brings something unique to the table.

Out of all the entries in the series, there’s one game that stands out as the weirdest of them all, and surprisingly, it’s the second game released. No, it’s not Kingdom Hearts 2, but Chain of Memories for the Game Boy Advance. Despite its mixed reviews, this game, now 20 years old, holds a special place in my heart.

Picture this: after the original Kingdom Hearts, you dive into Chain of Memories on the GBA only to find Sora trapped in a mysterious castle, encountering hooded figures and engaging in card-based combat. It’s bizarre, yet incredibly engaging.

While many may be more familiar with the PS2 remake, Re:Chain of Memories, I believe revisiting the original GBA version is worth it. The blend of real-time combat and card-based strategy is truly unique and offers a level of gameplay complexity not found in later Kingdom Hearts titles.

Despite its unconventional gameplay, what truly sets Chain of Memories apart is its story. The themes of memory manipulation and self-discovery resonate deeply, making it a standout in the series.

As the Kingdom Hearts series continues to explore complex themes, I hold a special appreciation for Chain of Memories for daring to be different. Here’s hoping Kingdom Hearts 4 captures some of that magic whenever it arrives.