Birth by Sleep Countdown: Gameplay

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Published on August 31, 2010 @ 09:03 pm

Written by Raz

Hello folks!

With only six days left until the September 7th release of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, it is time for the second installment of KHInsider's Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Countdown! It's not too late to participate, just read more here. It's time to learn what there is to be excited about when it comes to gameplay elements present in the upcoming title -

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep promises the same action-packed gameplay as previous titles all on the PSP. The developers have gone all out this time around, implementing many new systems and features that promise to both dazzle and entertain. Nomura himself described the system as a combination of many unique elements, drawing inspiration from titles such as Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and The World Ends With You.

The player assumes control of three Keyblade-wielding characters, each with their own skill-set - Terra is the strong and slow type, Ventus is accomplished in the area of combos and speed, and Aqua relies on her graceful movements and magic. Most aspects of the game are controlled by the new Command Deck, which allows users to unleash devastating combos upon filling up the Command Gauge. Nomura promises players that they will get "the real taste of managing a Keyblade".

There are many new additions to Birth by Sleep's gameplay system, each guaranteed to make the experience that much more enjoyable -

Mode Changes take the place of Drive Forms this time around, giving each character a brand new Command Deck with some pretty ferocious attacks. For example, Spell Weaver (unique to Aqua) increases magical abilities and the way the Keyblade is wielded.

Another new addition is the Shot Lock System. Once the player's "Focus Gauge" is full they are capable of unleashing blasts of power that can destroy enemies in a wide radius with the press of the shoulder buttons.

D-Links are the equivalent to summons in Birth by Sleep. D-Linking allows the player to connect with a selected character and obtain their abilities in the Command Deck. This comes with special moves and finishers. Cinderella, Experiment 626, Maleficent, and Zack Fair are just a few of the available options.

Leveling up takes a bizarre turn in Birth by Sleep with the inclusion of the Command Board - a glorified game-board that allows players to increase the strength of their Deck Commands. Nomura decided to incorporate the odd system because of his "love for board games in elementary school". The main objective of the game is to collect as many panels as possible to obtain Board Points (BP). Sounds fun!

Multiplayer has an entire world dedicated to it with the Mirage Arena, a place "outside of reality" where characters can participate in battles with their friends. Players can gather and fight new enemies or each other. Special rules and restrictions make the game an entirely different experience each time, and you are guaranteed to never be bored with the furious action.

Kingdom Hearts is known for its chaotic and quirky Mini-Games. An expansion of Disney Castle, called Disney Town, offers a plethora of exciting challenges, such as the Rumble Race and Rhythmic Ice-Cream. Most mini-games are also available in Multiplayer mode as well.

Let's hear what the fans have to say about gameplay!

Originally Posted by keyblade007

Now the gameplay, I am super hyped to try out a real combo system in a KH game that doesn't involve mostly the X button. It will shut up all the people who say KH is nothing but a button masher. The intricate combos, the D-link, changing up you style plus Shoot Lock; it is OVERWHELMING.
I like that there will be mini games and bonus stuff like a critical mode just for the international releases. I can't believe a KH game will finally have a good mutiplayer system. I mean I would prefer infrastructure, but at least I can battle a friend, do a mission together, race, or play a board game. I really love board games and couldn't believe Nomura had put them in the game and make it playable with others. The racing is also like my dream version of KH Kart like Mario Kart a bit.

Destiny Seeker and El Coqui sent us some pretty neat fan-art, as well:

It's not too much longer until Birth by Sleep is out and you can play it for yourselves! Until then, stick with us as we take you through all there is to know about the game on our ">countdown.