Gameinformer reviews KH2.8 - Critical Mode in 0.2 is unlockable, lengthy scene ties into KH3
- Details
- Published on January 5, 2017 @ 01:19 am
- Written by Joey
With just under 20 days until Kingdom Hearts HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue launches in North America, Europe, and more locations, reviews for the game have started to come out of the woodwork. The first review is by Gameinformer, who gave the game an 8.5 out of 10 citing solid voice perfomance, crisp visuals with detailed environments, and the smoothest controls in the series.
In Dream Drop Distance, critical mode had to be unlocked by beating the game once. From there you could restart the game, carrying over your Dream Eaters into critical mode. It seems the same applies for Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-, which will add to the replayability of the short title. It's also worth noting that fans who only want Kingdom Hearts 3 might need to tune into 0.2 for reasons other than it's the prologue to the game. Gameinformer reports that the end of 0.2 contains a lengthy cutscene that propels the story forwards as the characters embark on their next journey.
For Kingdom Hearts χ [chi] Back Cover, Gameinformer said that it featured the best visuals compared to Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX respectively whereas Dream Drop Distance runs smoother than it's original version and the touchpad on the PlayStation 4 controlers works similarly to how the touchscreen was used on 3DS.
Kingdom Hearts HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue launches January 12th 2017 in Japan and January 24th 2017 everywhere else on Playstation 4.
COMMENTS
Can we get a link to the gameinformer reviews?
Huh, Game Informer giving something that's not COD or the usual bias? I have a lot of issues, was it January 2017.
Yeah it's in their most recent issue (February issue came out today so it's that one)
Can we get a link to the gameinformer reviews?
Unfortunately the review is only available in the magazine at the moment. If you can find a copy or subscribe to Gameinformer's magazine then you can see the review, otherwise you will have to wait until they put it online.
Man, I was really hoping Critical Mode would be available at the start.
But now it's like that in 0.2 as well? Is this going to happen in KHIII​ as well?
Just a note: we will not post scans and if any of you post scans, we have to delete them.
I'm guessing the scene that leads into KH3 is the one with Riku and Mickey with luggage from the trailer a few weeks back
Unlocking Critical Mode sounds like it'll add some replayability for 0.2. I can't wait to see the ending scene in 0.2.
Does the review mention roughly how long 0.2 is?
Does the review mention roughly how long 0.2 is?
3-4 hours, same as what the Famitsu review said.
I'm actually shocked to see a decent review from Game Informer.
With that being said, I am curious as to how the final scene plays out in 0.2. Also happy to see a better reaction for DDD this go round.
So hyped to see the ending of 0.2. The lore and cutscenes are what I'm most looking forward to, so hearing that there's going to be a lengthy cutscene gets me very very excited. Can't wait for this game to release!
I'm used to starting KH games on Critical so this kinda bothers me. It already bothered me in 3D but I guess since 0.2 is only 3-4 hours long it's okay.
Had a good laugh about the smoothest controls. Unles that didn't change drastically from the Gamescom build, that line has to be a joke. The game didn't feel chunky, but its smoothness was nothing compared to KH2.
I typically enjoy Gameinformer's reviews, and this seems to be a fair score.
I'm totally cool with Critical being an unlockable difficulty, and I almost expected it. That's how it has been for the series aside from the remasters, so I totally understand why they did it here as well. There are so many games out there that don't offer the hardest difficulty until you beat the game for the first time, so I'm certainly game. I planned on doing numerous playthroughs anyway, so this'll do just fine.
I'm totally cool with Critical being an unlockable difficulty, and I almost expected it. That's how it has been for the series aside from the remasters, so I totally understand why they did it here as well.
DDD is the first time Critical has had to be unlocked. It was open from the beginning in KHIIFM, BbS, and BbSFM in their original releases, and Re:coded.
In KH1 Expert was open from start, and Proud in KHFM. Re:CoM has Proud open at start. Days as well. There was no precedent for unlockable difficulties prior to DDD.
DDD is the first time Critical has had to be unlocked. It was open from the beginning in KHIIFM, BbS, and BbSFM in their original releases, and Re:coded.
In KH1 Expert was open from start, and Proud in KHFM. Re:CoM has Proud open at start. Days as well. There was no precedent for unlockable difficulties prior to DDD.
I appreciate you double-checked me, my mistake! You're right on this one, but regardless, it is a trend typically seen in many other games, and provides an incentive to replay it again. I'd imagine this is the trend going forward with all KH games then, including 3.
I reckon it's gonna be really hard to avoid spoilers.. Since i'm waiting for 1.5+2.5... But i guess i'll have to try...
Man, 8.5 out of 10.
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I'm okay with Critical Mode being unlockable tbh. Wanna experience the game first.
Looking forward to the lengthly cut scene. I hope western retailers ship the game fast...
I can tell obviously that lenthy cutscene is going to be pretty important. I thank Gameinformer for reviewing the game. Now I'm more excited for it. :p
I've never been a fan of Critical Mode anyway to be honest, so it being unlockable is fine for me since I was already planning to begin with Proud Mode. I've always found Proud Mode to be the best difficulty for the series. It's hard enough to be plenty challenging, but not so hard that it starts to become annoying and ruin enjoyment. Up until I platinumed the 2 ReMIX's, I almost never touched Critical Mode. The same will apply here. I'll run through Proud Mode to experience the game, and then do it again on Critical for the inevitable trophy it will unlock. So, Critical having to be unlocked is fine by me.
Looking forward to the lengthly cut scene. I hope western retailers ship the game fast...
I'm hoping Japanese ones in a few days,I want to see 0.2 and back cover so bad.
I hope this unlockable Critical Mode doesn't become a trend. The fact that this and DDD had it worries me a little.
I hope this unlockable Critical Mode doesn't become a trend. The fact that this and DDD had it worries me a little.
I would agree with that. I can respect having replayability but I don't think locking a difficulty level for after you've completed the main game is the way to go for it. If I recall, MGR: Revengeance also had a lock on its hardest mode but at least you could enter in the Konami code to get them if you wanted to. I don't necessarily mind it in 0.2 considering how short it is but if I want to do the hardest difficulty first I really shouldn't be inhibited by a "complete the game first" lock.
Meh. I still don't get why people wanna go to the extreme right off the bat. (Or how that's written)
I feel like exploring the game first - learning the different techniques etc - and then playing Critical is way better... but that's just me.
Meh. I still don't get why people wanna go to the extreme right off the bat. (Or how that's written)
I feel like exploring the game first - learning the different techniques etc - and then playing Critical is way better... but that's just me.
I get people want a challenge but it's your first time, playing on higher difficulty to a game or port you never played is asking for trouble
I get people want a challenge but it's your first time, playing on higher difficulty to a game or port you never played is asking for trouble
Depends on what you want for your first experience really. I chose critical for my first playthrough of BBS and I never really had much of a problem except for a few bosses. Even then, I liked learning from my mistakes and figuring out what I was doing wrong. I also don't find that exploration or coming up with different strategies really changes depending on the difficulty either, though I could argue it becomes that much more important on critical. All I'm really saying is that if someone wants to play on Critical first, they should be allowed to. I really don't see a reason not to allow it.
Depends on what you want for your first experience really. I chose critical for my first playthrough of BBS and I never really had much of a problem except for a few bosses. Even then, I liked learning from my mistakes and figuring out what I was doing wrong. I also don't find that exploration or coming up with different strategies really changes depending on the difficulty either, though I could argue it becomes that much more important on critical. All I'm really saying is that if someone wants to play on Critical first, they should be allowed to. I really don't see a reason not to allow it.
Exactly.
I won't lose sleep over 0.2 not having Critical from the beginning, sure, but I also don't feel like it helps replayability so much that it's a necessity. Majority of the people that wanted to replay it at Critical will do it regardless.
Meh. I still don't get why people wanna go to the extreme right off the bat. (Or how that's written)
I feel like exploring the game first - learning the different techniques etc - and then playing Critical is way better... but that's just me.
If I've played the game already I automatically have some good strategies at hand if I want it or not. I know what's gonna happen.
Jumping in blind offers the most opportunities to be caught off guard and stuck in a tricky situation. And that's exactly what I want. Find a way when there seems to be none at first <3
Meh. I still don't get why people wanna go to the extreme right off the bat. (Or how that's written)
I feel like exploring the game first - learning the different techniques etc - and then playing Critical is way better... but that's just me.
But let's protract the scenario. What if your save corrupts, or your console dies, etc.? Then you'll have to clear the game on Proud or lower again just to get Critical Mode back.
In DDD, there could be an excuse that Critical is intended as an NG+ mode with importing your Spirits, but, even then...
I think we can all agree that most of us will be playing the game more than once. The problem for me is that I will want to complete everything both times I'll be playing so that means I have 3 choices.
1) rush the proud playthrough and be a completionist later
2) completionist on proud, rush on critical
3) completionist on both
I'm very excited for this! I really don't mind Critical mode not being available on the first play through. It doesn't bother me. I plan on doing at least 15 or so play-throughs of 0.2 before 1.5+2.5 comes out anyway.
I've got it all planned out. I've already notified my boss that I will be taking the 24th and 25th off from work. At midnight when it releases on the PSN, the first thing I'm going to play is 0.2 on proud mode. Then I'm going to go immediately into KHX Back Cover. Then I'm going to play through 0.2 again on critical mode, followed by another time watching Back Cover. Then I will likely go back to DDD.
I'm very excited for this! I really don't mind Critical mode not being available on the first play through. It doesn't bother me. I plan on doing at least 15 or so play-throughs of 0.2 before 1.5+2.5 comes out anyway.
I've got it all planned out. I've already notified my boss that I will be taking the 24th and 25th off from work. At midnight when it releases on the PSN, the first thing I'm going to play is 0.2 on proud mode. Then I'm going to go immediately into KHX Back Cover. Then I'm going to play through 0.2 again on critical mode, followed by another time watching Back Cover. Then I will likely go back to DDD.
That's great, man! I wonder though, why will you watch XBC two times?
That's great, man! I wonder though, why will you watch XBC two times?
Well, I doubt I'll pick up all of the details in just one viewing. I think I'll need at least 2 viewings to get a good understanding of it. And I'm sure in the months to comes I'll watch it several more times.
Now I'm more hyped for 0.2's ending.
8.5 is pretty darn great.:D I start getting skeptical when something gets 9 an' above, so I actually get more excited for eights. Eights just feel more honest.
8.5 is pretty darn great.:D I start getting skeptical when something gets 9 an' above, so I actually get more excited for eights. Eights just feel more honest.
Oh geeze, I just glanced at this in the New Posts feed and thought "8.5? I'm not ready for Kingdom Hearts 8.5 HD Remix! Can't we just go in order?"
I forget, did Nomura say we should play 3DS first because of an extra ending cutscene or something?
I forget, did Nomura say we should play 3DS first because of an extra ending cutscene or something?
Yeah he said the order was 3Ds, then 0.2
GI usually gives good reviews, I trust them tbh. Bbs and ddd both got 8.25s, as did 1.5. 2.5 got a 9, which makes 2.8 the highest rated original KH game since kh2 (which got a 9.25).
I don't care about recommended order, I'm definitely playing 0.2 first :D I want to take my time with DDD and avoid spoilers so yeeah, sorry Nomura.
Also not happy about unlockable critical mode. It is what it is but it means I'll have to do a rushed first run, because I don't want to 100% it twice. I don't see any benefit to making it unavailable from the start, I would play it many times anyway.
whereas Dream Drop Distance runs smoother than it's original version and the touchpad on the PlayStation 4 controlers works similarly to how the touchscreen was used on 3DS.
Now this is some interesting news for me, was thinking how they would adapt the two screens of DDD to the PS4, it surely will be exciting to adapt to these 'reinvented' mechanics for me, as one who ate DDD as breakfast and knew it inside and outside back then
Yeah he said the order was 3Ds, then 0.2
I LOVE these kinds of things ; w ; Makes me glad to have the original, it becomes more valuable like this somehow. (Anyway to me it is, my DDD copy is a treasure for me <3 )
Also not happy about unlockable critical mode. It is what it is but it means I'll have to do a rushed first run, because I don't want to 100% it twice. I don't see any benefit to making it unavailable from the start, I would play it many times anyway.
I'd say it's wise enough to put Critical Mode unlockable only after a first run, I 100%'d my Proud mode DDD run and am like halfway on my Critical level 1 run. I stopped it because of the HD DDD news long ago. But in my opinion, DDD Critical level 1 is insane at least in the first worlds and you gotta know your Dream Eaters and gameplay very well to stay alive and also not Drop. A Critical run may be harder, but takes enjoyment away when you face repetitive things you can't get past of because of difficulty.
As much as I am a masochistic "Highest difficulty if possible" player, I can totally see why they put Critical only unlockable like this
Considering I already beat 3D back when it came out, I am jumping straight into 0.2 and then BC. Gonna need some popcorn and a drink for that last part! Still really excited to play the remaster though, and I am someone who was disappointed in 3D back when it first came out.
But I am glad to see it getting such a good review. I don't actively search for reviews on KH games as I am going to get them regardless (usually I look them up after I have beaten the specific game once), but its nice to see it getting such a good score! The critical mode thing isn't a big deal to me because it just adds incentive to play it again, which I probably will do where it is only a few hours long.
SO close guys! Only a few more weeks!
I'd say it's wise enough to put Critical Mode unlockable only after a first run, I 100%'d my Proud mode DDD run and am like halfway on my Critical level 1 run. I stopped it because of the HD DDD news long ago. But in my opinion, DDD Critical level 1 is insane at least in the first worlds and you gotta know your Dream Eaters and gameplay very well to stay alive and also not Drop. A Critical run may be harder, but takes enjoyment away when you face repetitive things you can't get past of because of difficulty.
As much as I am a masochistic "Highest difficulty if possible" player, I can totally see why they put Critical only unlockable like this
Critical is only hard if you don't grind, though. And for someone who always grinds so much on the first run through any new game that it just makes everything too easy, critical mode is perfect. It says in the desctiption that it's a difficult challenge or something, I think anyone who would pick it would know to expect a high difficulty. So I don't really see why stop people from choosing that, it should be our own decision, not locked out by the game. I remembered nothing about DDD when I did my restricted critical run, and I felt the difficulty was still fair. It wasn't frustrating, just challenging. Let people have that! I wouldn't mind dying a lot on the first run through 0.2, if someone doesn't like that, they just won't choose critical.
Will 0.2 even have the Lvl 1 Critical, come to think of it?
Are there even levels? I guess...
Wonder what the level cap is. Can one go 100?
Critical is only hard if you don't grind, though. And for someone who always grinds so much on the first run through any new game that it just makes everything too easy, critical mode is perfect. It says in the desctiption that it's a difficult challenge or something, I think anyone who would pick it would know to expect a high difficulty. So I don't really see why stop people from choosing that, it should be our own decision, not locked out by the game. I remembered nothing about DDD when I did my restricted critical run, and I felt the difficulty was still fair. It wasn't frustrating, just challenging. Let people have that! I wouldn't mind dying a lot on the first run through 0.2, if someone doesn't like that, they just won't choose critical.
This exactly. If one doesnt want that challenge ok, but why take it from those who do?
Will 0.2 even have the Lvl 1 Critical, come to think of it?
Are there even levels? I guess...
Wonder what the level cap is. Can one go 100?
Yes there are levels and probably 99 like in any KH game. :)
i may skit the critical mode for 2.8 since i want to enjoy 0.2 and enjoy the lenghty cutscene but i might do the critical mode for kh3 since i know how nomura like to put in secret video and critical mode is the shortcut to them
And what makes you think 0.2 won't have a SE? Lol
And what makes you think 0.2 won't have a SE? Lol
you honestly think nomura would put a secret ending for a short game?
You honestly think that Nomura would canonize some footage from a live orchestra concert?
That dude is crazy. I'm just saiyan.
You honestly think that Nomura would canonize some footage from a live orchestra concert?
That dude is crazy. I'm just saiyan.
i know lol that why he the right director for kingdom hearts
dude are you playing
or did you seriously not get what Os did there
Uugh, whatever. Yeah, I do think so. Lol?
Tbh I'm a bit at a loss as to why a difficulty level has to be made unlockable?
If DDD is starting a trend here it's not a particularily well thought out trend, it reminds me of the non-stackable difficulty trophies of Re: CoM, forcing one to do six playthroughs. <__<
So Critical Mode for 0.2 interesting
Yes there are levels and probably 99 like in any KH game. :)
A lvl 99 cap in a 3-4 hour story..."the long grind" catchphrase just got really literal.
A lvl 99 cap in a 3-4 hour story..."the long grind" catchphrase just got really literal.
Along with starting the game with -ga level spells, I expect Aqua to start at a later level, possibly around 40. I recall one of the trailers showing her at LV52 or so.
Well, it would be a bit weird to have her start at Level 1 for sure, except if one wants to play the card of "the RoD saps one's power and experience". ^__^
Making Critical mode an unlockable is just a simple way to extend the time a player may play the game. I'm just hoping there are some exciting challenges for levels around 80+
Tbh I'm a bit at a loss as to why a difficulty level has to be made unlockable?
If DDD is starting a trend here it's not a particularily well thought out trend, it reminds me of the non-stackable difficulty trophies of Re: CoM, forcing one to do six playthroughs. <__<
I agree. Unless the unlockable difficulty makes some kinda drastic change to the gameplay (like Ocarina of Time: Master Quest, for example), it just seems like a lazy way to artificially extend playtime. In my opinion, the worst offender I've encountered is Mario & Luigi Dream Team. Beating the game once unlocks Hard Mode. All that changes is the enemies have significantly higher stats and you don't get to retry fights.
I'm not against having multiple difficulties in this way, but don't make them out to be something they're not. Arbitrarily tougher versions of the same game is not a reward; it's an accommodation for players of different skill levels. It's sorta like choosing salsa for your taco. It won't make it an entirely different meal, but it can be used to appeal to different tastes. Do you like your games mild, medium, or spicy?
Making Critical mode an unlockable is just a simple way to extend the time a player may play the game. I'm just hoping there are some exciting challenges for levels around 80+
Ashton, I disagree with you!! All difficulties should be available from the start-- what if someone is picking the game back up years later, and they're unable to start on Critical even though they've played it before? KH2 let's you start on critical! Sad!
Tbh I'm a bit at a loss as to why a difficulty level has to be made unlockable?
If DDD is starting a trend here it's not a particularily well thought out trend, it reminds me of the non-stackable difficulty trophies of Re: CoM, forcing one to do six playthroughs. <__<
PPPPPSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHT, WE DON'T MENTION THIS EVER AGAIN. I dare them to do this in any other game.
OathkeeperRoxas XIII
January 5, 2017 @ 01:42 amOffline