This is a very entertaining game, and this series is one of the most original things I've ever seen. There's nothing negative worth mentioning; there's some mild fantasy violence and very infrequent use of the mildest language. It's appropriate for everyone, but ages under six probably wouldn't grasp the concept of the game or be able to read some of the words used in game text. I would argue that some aspects are educational, with the game requiring reading skills as well as effective strategy and problem-solving skills. The game values friendship and respect for life, as well as displaying many positive role models. The game is fairly easy to play, as well, granted that you are old enough to have developed some basic reasoning skills. The game is also one of the few E-rated games that I will actually still play.
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Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
(2004, Video Games - Role Playing Games, Rated E, Play it on: Game Boy Advance)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Unique GameBoy game (with a dose of Disney).
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was written by Jeremy Gieske
Parents need to know that this game encourages reading and strategizing, and it has a positive message. Parents should note that despite being blood-free, the game does contain some fantasy violence. Additionally, it uses well-known Disney and Final Fantasy characters, which creates some inherent commercialization concerns.
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More on Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
What’s the Story?
KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES mixes well-known Disney and Final Fantasy characters for another card-based adventure. Led by a mysterious stranger, Sora and his friends Donald Duck and Goofy enter into Castle Oblivion, and he discovers that Castle Oblivion is actually the memories of friends he met and places he visited during the adventures of the first Kingdom Hearts game. The stranger explains that Sora will need to use special cards to defeat enemies and gain access to other memories.
Enemies change depending on Sora's location -- for example, they turn into palace guards in Agrabah. Sora uses real-time action (moving and jumping) and special cards to attack and defend. Players need to select the right card or cards from Sora's deck throughout the battle. Special moves can be created by grouping cards and using the right combinations of cards at the right time.
CloseIs It Any Good?
Parents should know that battles are bloodless and free of gore. Enemies simply disappear when defeated. Also, the game's story is uplifting and positive, focusing on the importance of friendships, of being helpful and kind, and on being true to oneself and others. Finally, much of the story is told through text, which encourages reading and imagination.
This sequel to the successful PS2 game Kingdom Hearts proves to be fun and challenging to play, making it easy to see why it has become a hit in its own right. While there are Disney and Final Fantasy tie-ins that may warrant discussion, this is a creative and challenging title. Good readers ages 6 and up will get the most out of the game. Even for older players, the card-based fighting is a refreshing change from the simple mayhem of first-person shooters.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 12/07/2004, price $39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
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Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Perfectly appropriate for kids, but more people than kids will enjoy it.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Worst Kingdom Hearts, but still relatively good.
Please, for the love of god, don't base your understanding of kingdom hearts on this game. I didn't enjoy it that much other than the great story line. It really is not that fun, but I absolutely LOVE the kingdom hearts games. If you're going to play this game, make sure you play the first one before you do. I personally hope Kingdom Hearts is going to continue going in the direction it started going with Kingdom Hearts II. I liked the first one a little better, but I like the T elements that were introduced. The second one definitly should have been rated T, but this one is right in it's E rating. There is almost nothing bad in this game as far as violence, just little card battles. There is only one swear word. The story may be a little more mature, but there's not problem with allowing your 9 year olds play this game. Just make sure they play the first one before they do.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Excellent!
I love this game! I only got this to fill in some things from KH2 (and for pure enjoyment). Younger kids might not get the storyline, it's kind of confusing. You also have to use a card-based fighting style, which is confusing for me (I just mash the 'a' button and see how far I go). Some boss battles are difficult and make me change my deck so I could progress through the storyline. This game is not just one game, but two! When you beat the game as Sora, you could play as somebody else! That means you get to see the story in a whole new perspective. Ok, here's the basic review: 1. This game is complicated. Some younger kids might not understand the storyline and gameplay. 2. Language is mild and one character uses 'hell' once in the game. 3. Violence is not a big issue. You whack a heartless until it fades away. 4. The storyline is excellent if you are old enough to understand it. 5. *SPOILER* The main character (Sora) forgives a girl (Namine) for messing around with his memories (he couldn't remember very much, and Namine replaced a lot of his true memories with false ones). 6. *SPOILER* Sora keeps trying to help his friend ("Riku"), even though "Riku" says he doesn't want his help and attacks him. I would reccomend this game for anyone 10+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A dissappointment
I'm a huge fan of KH, so I was excited for this gamr. It was pretty good, but nowhere near as good as KH 1 and 2, mainly because of the card-battle system, which takes a long time to get used to. Buy it to understand the story, then play KH2 (the best PS2 game ever).
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
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