[PS2] Kingdom Hearts 2

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I dunno about that chin flesh on pete. It seems to change between hard and soft all the time. Sometimes it flaps around like a double chin..all blubbery. But then othertimes it'll stay still like its part of his jaw. I think the animator's should have studied the character a bit more or something.

I think you're referring to the low-res models I mentioned before, the ones that don't use those lush facial expressions and rely solely on stiff mouth flaps. It'd be great if they simply didn't exist, but I'm very pleased that so far, the hi-res faces are used much more often than the low-res ones.

Too bad Yuffie's first appearance has her in low-res. Hope we get a hi-res cute Yuffie later.

Same applies to that "other girl".

There's nowhere I can't reach.

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oh is it me or David Boreanaze doesn't do Leon anymore? I thought that his voice was a little different... too bad I really like him in this role >.>

It isn't. The new guy seems to do a better job though.

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about the voice actor, it was a little odd to hear sora at first >.> I was like wtf they change the actor? but then I remember that the actor is now 18 years old >.>

It wasn't so odd for me, since I've been hearing Osment in IGPX. Still, it adds a touch of realism to have his voice change like that when he grew. It's a much smoother transition then in Harry Potter (horrible voices in the 2nd movie).

Osment is 18 now?

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oh and the new costume of Yuffie, is it the one in DoC ? I like it, but the green fit her better XD

It's her AC outfit.

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I noticed a few changes in the POTC world.

SO. FUCKING. LAME. :aargh:

I decided to give Proud Mode a try, skipping cutscenes in Roxas' story and fighting some of the battles. I went up to the fight with Setzer, and so far I haven't really noticed a difference aside from losing more HP with each hit. The enemies seem to use the same patterns as in Normal (though I did notice a couple of new attacks from Setzer, but maybe that was because I was prolonging the fight). If the only difference in Proud Mode is more HP loss, then I'll stick with Normal.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Does that apply to all items? It seems a bit of a cheat to mark, say, a Megalixer as "AT", and have it reload whenever you want. Or am I thinking about "restocking" instead of "reloading"? I'm not too clear how it works.

I'm also wondering why I can't use my Drive form in the Mulan world, even though the meter is at full and I have Goofy in my party.

Speaking of the Mulan world, I felt slightly underwhelmed when I entered. The cutscenes are well done as usual, especially the hilarious fight in the camp, but the world itself feels a bit bland, kind of like the worlds from KH1. The music also loops too much to the point that it gets annoying for a while (also a problem KH1 had). But perhaps this is my bias against the movie itself. I was never a fan of Mulan, as it greatly held back what could have been a potentially great setting by keeping it all G rated friendly (a massive, beautifully rendered army is cut short by a stupid avalanche). It also had what I believed to be the absolute worst romance ever in a Disney picture. For 99% of the movie, the Captain is an absolute asshole to Mulan, and only in the last 5 minutes of the movie does he soften up, and suddenly everyone wants them to get married. Bleh.

Cid's VA....is quite a shock. I'd rather discuss that in the AC thread though. And Suvari fails to impress so far. She's just making Aerith far more wistful and souless than she's supposed to be.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Having finished Land of Dragons, I take back a little what I said. Things improved quite a bit once you had to climb the summit, as the battles that followed were excellent (though brief). The first Limit was real nice as well, and offers a taste on what's to come.

I can't hold the suspense though; when do I get to see Cloud again? I just want to know if his appearance is mandatory, or if it's an optional thing that I have to seek out on my own. I went back to Hollow Bastion, but nothing new occured there.

If it is mandatory, is the rest of his story optional from then on, meaning I need to seek them out for myself?

Also, the difficulty has increased a bit in Land of Dragons. Those who were complaining previously should have no problems when those Centaur-type Heartless smack you silly. The boss battle was quite frantic as well.

Finally, that member card that Squall gave Sora was probably the most blatant form of Disney advertising ever. For those not in the know, the card resembled a pass to Disney World, down to the last printing.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Amazing. Somehow they managed to make Auron even cooler. He really needs his own game.

And the boss battles continue to get better and better. I was wondering how they could top the fight in Beast's Castle, but the Hydra battle completely blew it away.

There's something that I've noticed that's been bugging me, but I was hesitant to bring it up, being a rather touchy subject. I showed it to someone else first though, and he was able to spot the same thing.

It has to do with one of the wallpapers Kairi submitted in the thread. There's a pic from the intro, where it zooms in on Sora and Kairi holding hands. Well, what I noticed is that on her leg, where there should be the trademark shorts, is instead bare skin.



Instead, it looks like she's got panties on. So what's the deal, did Kairi's japanese design end up being a bit too risque, so Square USA added in some fabric?

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Not really. The pic you showed has the fabric covering her leg, but in that pic I linked, it's bare skin. I don't know, maybe it's the lighting, but that's how it looks. Perhaps Kairi Li can elaborate?

I have access to Disney Castle, but I'm in a bit of a dilemna. I want to take this game nice and slow, considering how long the wait has been. But I wonder if I'm going too slowly or too fast. And with AC out this month, I wonder if I'll even finish before the movie (or even reach you-know-who).

By the way, to get 100%, does that include beating Sephiroth?

I'm also told that Cook does a really good Tifa, which is nice to hear.

FELIPE NO

Anyone get a look at tonight's Gamehead at Spike TV. It was pretty much dedicated to promoting Kingdom Hearts II. The host went with BVG's producer (who was surprisingly hot) around Disney World as they talked about each of the worlds. It was pretty cheesy (costumed mascots) and full of shameless marketing ("the game is 50 hours even if you go through it quickly, 80 if you do everything". "The script is the size of a phonebook"), it did a good job to hype the game.

Even better was an interview with some of the VA's, including Haley Joel Osment ("it feels like it's been years since I played Sora"), Gwendolyne Yao (Paine), who mentioned that she loved KH2's Paine on the account that she was "cuter and had smaller boobs".

Then there was the one with Rachel Leigh Cook, in which she mentioned how because she loved being able to play a girl who could kick ass, practiced a lot on how she should sound when throwing a punch or getting hit in return. You hear that Suvari? This is how an actress who actually cares about her character sounds like.

Despite all that, Gamehead still gave "Game of the Week" to Godfather, and not the game they've spent the last 30 minutes promoting. :doh:

Oh, and I totally experienced what happens sometimes when you lose to a boss. I refuse to give it away, but I recommend you try losing purposely (it was Cerberus for me). You won't forget it.

How ya doing, buddy?

Spoiler:

I wonder what the odds are of him showing up, what happens if you lose as Mickey, or if you beat the boss instead of reviving Sora (I stuck with the latter the first time). I also hope this option applies to the Organization members (or Sephiroth!!!)

Oh man, just when I was wondering how these guys could top themselves, this comes along.



Absolutely Brilliant.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

People are not being careful with their spoilers. Even though I already know about the "assistance" you can get in boss fights, many people still don't. You're ruining a cool moment for them.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Oh, man, I just entered Timeless River (Steamboat Willie). Just when I thought things couldn't get better, along comes this incredibly accurate portrayal of Mickey's first outing. They even added a static effect to make the voices appear old. It's pretty creepy.

I just wish they had the characters dance in place like in those old cartoons.

I actually feel sorry for Pete.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

After Timeless River, I have serious questions regarding how Disney characters age, if they even thought that through. Even so, I would've liked new outfits for Donald and Goofy, even though I love Donald's zipper-heavy digs.

I have a question about Yao, from Mulan (the small guy). Is he missing an eye, or is it swollen like that on account that he constantly gets into fights? That always bugged me.

Also, I've always wondered if Pete is a cat or a dog. The bullish face and large girth suggests dog, but after seeing his SW incarnation, it seems to resemble a cat more. Wikipedia doesn't seem to know the answer either, stating that he began as a cat but now seems to be a dog.

And for a bit of trivia, it turns out that Pete predates Mickey, making him one of the oldest Disney characters ever.

I also have an early observation about the Organization. If you're past the intdroduction, you can read this.

Spoiler:

I notice how there seems to be a diversity in age between the members. It's my guess that the first members, like no. 1, are the oldest, and the ones who join after are younger, with no. 13 being the youngest. That would explain why the last member is around Sora's age, while Axel is about 2-3 years older. Am I correct here?

How ya doing, buddy?

I finally met Cloud.

I think I just crapped myself.

I had no doubts, but hearing Burton in action again really rocked. He does a great job in replicating Cloud's angsty personality, but manages to make him sound different from Squall. His tone is a lot more sad, almost in pain, rather than just "loner for the hell of it" Squall.

And hey, Suvari actually got slightly better. She didn't do too bad acting out Aerith's playful side. She's still not good, but at least she moved up from "piss poor" to "almost tolerable".

I'm not giving out the cutscene away, but let's just say it felt like FFVII being re-enacted for PS2. God, I love this series.

Spoiler:

Hmm, do I detect jealousy from Aerith?

"Wherever he goes, his light will lead him back here."

Let's see if they spell out what most of us are wondering concerning that "light"

/fanboy

Now, on to a few more comments:

The Pirates world had spectacular graphics. They should have hired Square to make that upcoming PS2 game. I also loved how they used the battle theme from the movie.

However, the Pirates world suffers from what I mentioned earlier concerning the Disney Worlds from part 1: It feels like a short, unenlightening summary of the movie. A lot of details were lost for anyone who hasn't seen the movie (like the significance of Jack's pistol). Also, Jack didn't feel quite like the movie Jack. They got his mannerisms down pat, but he still felt a little...coherent.

And the censors were quite noticible, the lamest being when Will threatens to shoot himself (even though he now has his pistol lowered). I'm glad they at least kept Barbosa having himself a drink in order to prove a point. It was a very well done scene, practically exact from the movie.

Good thing there's a second episode, so maybe the story will get better in that world.

Agrabah was more interesting story-wise, as it borrows heavily from Return of Jafar, but not enough that it feels like a quick summary. The cutscenes also did a real good job of making me laugh. I'm also glad they added an actual sky this time. I still have two minor beefs.

Iago still looks retarded.

I can't believe they changed Jasmine's VA. She's been Jasmine forever, why was she unavailable now? It's really noticable too, almost....Suvari-noticable.

I was speaking idiomatically.

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Did anyone besides me feel bad when you fought

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old Pete? He had done nothing wrong, and there you were hacking away at him and all he wanted to do was try to get away from you. Those animations of him freaking out and running made me feel really sorry for him. Also, I forgot he had a tail back then!

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Yeah, I did feel kind of bad, especially when it turned out he had a bad back. Beating up your elders just ain't cool. If anything, I always felt Mickey was sort of the bad guy in the old cartoon. Watch Steamboat Willie and see what he does to a cat.

I feel bad for normal Pete too. He was too mischevious to be allowed around Disney castle, but he isn't bad enough to hang around with Maleficent and the other bad guys. He's rejected by both sides. Yeah, I'm a softy, I felt bad when he tearfully reminisced about the "good 'ol days".

It's amazing how in the span of 30 minutes, you were treated to wave after wave of fanboy material.

For the FFVII fans, you meet Cloud.

Then for the anime SD/Loli crowd, you had the YRP Fairies (Devil Paine is so cute).

For the FFVII fans again, you met a certain leading lady who could shake up an entire room with one kick.

Spoiler:

I really hope they elaborate on the story here. Was Squall purposely keeping Tifa from finding the hidden room? Why doesn't she ask Aerith or the other characters where Cloud is? Or is she on her own, and if so why? Damn Nomura.

Then for the Disney fans, a certain mischevious creature that my sister loves and worships above all others.

And finally, for the computer/retro geek, the Tron world, which ironically has far better graphics than the actual movie. I love the techno Nintendo-style music, and I really really hope they make a figure of Tron Sora.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Hey. Asshole. How are you?

Mark your spoilers, dispshit.

Thanks.

FELIPE NO

Spoiler:

You can only hurt the pirates when they're zombified, though it can be a pain to get them under the moonlight. Best thing to do is just stay still and let them run to you. Also, thunder is the best spell to use, as it freezes them in place. Don't bother with fire, as it has them run around, potentially away from the moonlight.

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Added a spoiler tag to Interrobang's post.

You're the best, Rydia. <3

But it's too late, I have it in my head. People just don't care about marking spoilers. People are assholes. Thus, assholes don't mark their spoilers.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Spoiler:

I honestly don't know what firing the cannons is supposed to do. I guess it just stuns the ship to keep it from firing at you. You have to beat all the pirates if you want to win. And no, you don't really have to level that much, just use the right kind of limits/drives when the oppurtunity arises. Or just jump a lot so they don't steal the medalion from you.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Spoiler:

Just kill them all. :/

Most amazing jew boots

And how would I know whether it actually happens or not? That's no excuse.

"Hey Aerith dies."

"What? I don't believe you."

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Him and me just had this discussion earlier. I don't know what he's talking about, it's as good as KH1 for me. Moreso, even, since there's a greater use of the high quality facial expressions.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I like how the war in Hollow Bastion was secretly a ploy by Nomura to have all the FF fanboys systematically explode their heads in unison. I absolutely refuse to give any of it away, but it was literally one insane moment after another. If there was ever a more awesome hour+ of excellence for the PS2, I can't recall it right now.

I have no idea what Nomura is going to do for an encore, but I can't wait to find out. But I'm going to replay that scene several times before I move forwards.

I was speaking idiomatically.

This game is NOT as easy as everyone claims. I found myself struggling plenty of times, mostly in events where you can die due to a cheap techincality (the Light Cycles, and a battle with a certain Organization member). Not to mention that the game FLOODS you with enemies every chance it gets, to the point that you get too tired to play.

It's not a real challenge, but it isn't Wind Waker-easy either. It feels just right.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I honestly can't see a young kid (6 or 10) having an easy time with this game, considering the frantic button mashing required to pass through. The point is, I've actually died in this game more than once, so I can't say it's that easy. Plus you DO have to pay attention and change your position in order to advance, unlike Devil May Cry 2, where you can literally stand still and just blast enemies until they die.

Basically, the game is easy-ish. But that doesn't stop it from being fun, unlike DMC2.

And while I find the newly-acquired Stitch summon pretty useful, it is true that the Summons aren't nearly as useful as Drives or Limits. In the end they're merely for aesthetics.

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I almost threw my tv out the window when Sora started singing.

I haven't visited this world yet, but I'm looking forward to it, if just to laugh at the absurtity of Sora singing.

This shouldn't be taken as a criticism though. Guess what: they sing in Disney movies. You shouldn't bash Square for attempting accuracy.

FELIPE NO

I think maybe they were just covering their bases and ensure that everyone has something to look forward to, from 5 year olds to FF fans.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

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I plan on skipping Atlantica completely. I'm sorry, but cheesy singing is not my sort of thing. I've enjoyed some of the many songs in the original Disney movies but the songs in this game are just plain horrible.

It can't be THAT bad.....

Then again, I still haven't actually gone to it. I decided to wait until tommorow when I'm all refreshed.

Despite what I said before about how the game is trying to appeal to both young kids and older players, I do need to give props to Square for the way they've handled the Disney side of KH. They've taken the characters and put them in a more mature setting, without doing any drastic changes to the actual characters. What I'm trying to say is that they've managed to sort of evolve the Disney characters, make them appear more seamless in a darker story, all without making them "edgier" or "hipper", like what WB tried with Loonatics (or whatever that crap is called).

I mean, just look at Mickey. Stop and look at him. He is SO FREAKING COOL in this game. I almost have trouble believing it.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

They can't be prototypes if the FFVII characters predate them.

Sora doesn't have an ounce of Cloud in him, which is a good thing. Kairi as Tifa I can see though, especially with the new hairstyle.

Speaking of which, I just have to toss some theories around based on where I am now, even though most of the people here probably finished.

Spoiler:

Just what is going on with Cloud's story? We have Sephiroth making the usual cryptic remakarks about "extinguishing his light" and that "I am you." Then Tifa shows up, Cloud gets a headache (are the two related?) and runs off. And what about the other characters? Are they purposely keeping Tifa out of the loop, or is she choosing to go solo?

I have a feeling I won't get any answers out of this. They'll probably milk the story just so they ring in people again for KH3.

I like how everyone exaggerates about Atlantica. God, stop being so emo and deal with it, it wasn't that bad. It was mildly amusing if anything else. Try listening to some of the awful songs that were created for the awful Disney sequels (especially that new Lost Boys song in Peter Pan 2). I wish they had an FF character sing just so the internet could explode with all the enraged discussions. The only thing I couldn't stomatch was seeing Sora's naked torso again. At least he's been doing sit-ups.

And you can't honestly call the game easy after that Xaldin battle. That guy's insane (and my personally favorite design of the Organization members. It's like General Grievous, only not the movie version). Maybe I'm too low a level to win (32).

Oh, and...

Spoiler:

Dark Sora WTF!?

There's nowhere I can't reach.