Kingdom Hearts II Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 64 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 442 Ratings

  • Summary: It has been a year since the events of "Kingdom Hearts." Sora and friends are joined by a vibrant new cast of characters, including the king himself. Together, they will face countless dangers in worlds both familiar and brand-new. It seems the Heartless still exist. A new villain also awaits - but is it an old foe behind the mask, or a new menace? This mystery and others will be solved as the story unfolds in a grand adventure. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 64
  2. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. 100
    An inspiring emotional work of art and perhaps the best role-playing game this year. Square Enix continues to prove that you can take even the most played out source material in the world (Disney's various franchises) and make something wonderful.
  2. Given the title's wide appeal, featuring numerous characters and scenarios close to the hearts of many, and given how it ties this to simple yet addictive gameplay backed by mostly solid game design, there's no denying Kingdom Hearts II satisfies in a way few games can.
  3. It just washes you away in the magic that is two of the world's greatest storytellers--Disney and SquareEnix--coming together to make something timeless, wonderful, and unforgettable. [Jun 2006, p.77]
  4. Were it not for the rich, recognisable and beloved settings that fall over themselves to get to the player, this would be a desperately bland game. But the power of those settings simply cannot be brushed aside. [June 2006, p.88]

See all 64 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 7 out of 127
  1. Kingdom Heart II is better than its predecessor. Pros: Excellent use of action-RPG and platforming elements, improved controls, graphics, and visual effect, and more Disney worlds to explore. Cons: Only for viewers who have played the previous games and starts out with a dull 3 hour long tutorial. Expand
  2. Definitely better than the first Kingdom Hearts in both gameplay and story. It's darker and even has certain moments that could be considered epic, even though they have characters that would make us laugh as kids (Goofy and Donald and other Disney toons). The battles at times in this can be extremely long, but to an extent that's what makes it all so fun- it wants you to take your time, plus there's a vast amount of things you can do to get better at fighting. Despite it's E-Rating, this is a pretty mature game and that's why I found more to enjoy in its subject matter, though it still suffers some of the flaws of the first game. Expand
  3. Seriously, IF you have anything good to say about this game then say what so good about it. I can't give it less than 5 beacuse it ain't a total waste of playing though I rather play trough the previous Kingdom Hearts that actually was fun. Belive it or not but ut was less butt mashing on X and Triangle. You actually used your block. In this game you just grind trough an endless waves of mobs hoping you at least get to the next "decent "cutscene. Still I like the somewhat nostalgic and still childish feature about this game. Like the cheesy story line but Voice acting imo are much better in Japanease. (As in all other dubbed video games) The Camera are much better than the last game but gameplay are less fun, less challenging. Still hope that the next game will be a mix of both this and the previous one. Expand
  4. DylanC.
    2
    Kingdom Hearts two was a disappointment and utter failure. If you don't own a gameboy andvanced with Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, this game will make no sence at all. It lacked both story and excitement unlike the first. Kingdom Hearts (the Origional) was a spark of geneous and insperation that has obviously left the creators of the game. A sudden puberty stuck Haley Joel Osment made listening to the main character, Sora, litterally unbarable. Although the graphics may have improved a little; it didn't make a big impact. Hopefully Square can compensate for Kingdom Hearts II's failure to meet many fans' expectations. Better luck next time I guess? Expand

See all 127 User Reviews