Heroes from the Final Fantasy universe reunite with familiar faces from the Magical Kingdoms of Walt Disney in this first handheld edition of Kingdom Hearts. When development of the original PlayStation 2 version of Kingdom Hearts was announced at 2001's E3, some balked at the idea of lighthearted characters, such as Goofy or Donald Duck, entering battles alongside video game idols like the brooding, highly stylized Cloud Strife, but the final release's surreal story line and solid, traditional, RPG-style gameplay won praise from critics and fans alike.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is designed to maintain that successful (and unorthodox) mix, as it continues the story told in the original. Beginning just after the events of the first PS2 game, GBA players resume the role of Sora, who is given some cryptic words of advice and sent to a strange, dark place that unravels his memories and converts them into cards that are scattered throughout the game world. Unlike its predecessor, Chain of Memories is viewed from an isometric perspective and features a combat system that's based on these memory cards. Developers promise the inclusion of over 100 characters from the Disney and Final Fantasy franchises. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
MENUS
Control Pad = move cursor
A Button = confirm
B Button = cancel
Start Button = return to the field
IN THE FIELD
Control Pad = move character
A Button = swing keyblade, examine, talk, usa a card, advance messages
B Button = jump, cancel card use, exit map, exit menu screens
Start Button = open menu screen, skip certain story events
Select Button = open world map
DURING BATTLE
Control Pad = move character, dodge roll, escape
A Button = use a card, reload cards
B Button = jump
L Button = cycle cards
R Button = cycle cards
L + R Button = stock a card, use stocked cards
Start Button = pause
Select Button = switch card categories ~ Keith Adams, All Game Guide
