The entire Kingdom Hearts collection is now available on Steam and I spent the weekend replaying some of my favorites. The games are divided into three different packages that collect games from various platforms. You can also buy the "Integrum Masterpiece" which includes all three packs with all the games. I’m lucky that all my favorite entries in the series are in the first pack called KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-.
Kingdom Hearts II is my favorite game in the series. For a long time I considered it my favorite game ever! I’ve played a lot of good stuff in the intervening years, but KHII still has a special place in my heart.
I played a bunch over the weekend and KHII is still a great game even almost 20 years since it originally came out. If you’re thinking of trying it for the first time I highly recommend it but you should be aware that it has one of the slowest starts of any video game ever. If you sit through all the cutscenes you’ll probably end up playing the “prologue” for two or three hours before you get to the game propper. This time I skipped all those cutscenes and I was playing as Sora after about an hour. The opening chapter aside, KHII is still a beautiful game and a lot of fun to play, especially if you’re a Square/Disney nerd.
I’m also playing Re:Chain of Memories which is also included in the pack I bought. This is another PS2 game but this one uses a very weird card battle system for combat and exploration. Personally I like it but not everyone does. When I see a message like “whether an enemy or a door confronts you, cards are the only way to proceed” I’m fucking tantalized but your mileage may vary.
In other news, my June sticker pack will hit the store this Wednesday on the 19th! As a reminder, Kara and I make these packs every month here at home and they are available for Club PA members of any level to purchase for about $10. We’ve made 200 of the June packs and they include a bunch of cool stickers. This month you’ll get:
Penny Arcade Kart Racers sheet
Summer Fun Gabe
You’ll also get some little bonus surprise stickers as well as a signed thank you card from yours truly. You can also find non-limited edition stickers available to everyone in Gabe’s Sticker Shoppe as well as an official Penny Arcade sticker album to store your collection!
