After three years in purgatory, also known as the Epic Game Store, Square Enix will finally release the PC versions of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind on Steam on June 13.
Such a dramatic change of events is undoubtedly linked to the company’s dire financial results, leading to a massive stock plunge after a 70% decline in net sale profits.
This decline can be attributed to abysmal sales of Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, both of which were limited timed exclusives on Sony’s PlayStation 5 console. Furthermore, the PlayStation 5 itself is selling below Sony’s own sales targets, adding to the financial strain.
Square Enix has opted for a multiplatform release strategy in a desperate attempt to stem their financial losses. This means their upcoming releases, including censored and progressive Final Fantasy installments, may also be released on alternative platforms such as PC, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Nintendo Switch systems as disclosed alternatives.
Square Enix released their collection of Kingdom Hearts games on PC on March 30th, 2021. However, their release was somewhat overshadowed by Square Enix’s urgent need for capital funding. To address this, they entered into an exclusivity contract with Epic Games to release the games exclusively on their storefront.
This situation understandably gives consumers every reason to consider pirating the games instead, especially since Epic Games effectively footed the bill on their behalf. Now, after three years of PC storefront exclusivity, Square Enix has decided to sell the collection on Steam starting June 13th. Undoubtedly, the game will generate more sales on its first day of listing than it would have on the Epic Game Store.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise began in 2002 as a collaborative effort between SquareSoft and Disney, with SquareSoft merging with Enix the following year to form Square Enix.
This action RPG series combines characters, settings, and elements from various Disney properties and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series into a single universe.
It might sound childish, an action role-playing game featuring the likes of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy alongside characters from Final Fantasy. But I assure you, the games themselves are more mature and enjoyable than much of the modern slop being produced today.
This enduring appeal is why Square Enix has continued to develop various sequels and have milked countless re-releases of the franchise over the past two decades.
And now PC players for the first time will be able to purchase the game on their preferred monopolized storefront, one that doesn’t feel the need to bribe developers with easy finance to lock their games exclusively on their platform. With Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX being a compilation of remastered versions of multiple games, if you couldn’t tell from its unusual title.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX offers players a comprehensive experience of the Kingdom Hearts saga.
It includes the original Kingdom Hearts game, along with a full 3D remake of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, a title originally released for the Game Boy Advance.
This remake bridges the story between the first and second installments of the series. Additionally, the compilation features the second game in the series, as well as Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, originally released for the PlayStation Portable. Birth by Sleep serves as a prequel to the entire series.
The remixed collection enhances the gaming experience with improved textures, graphics, and updated gameplay mechanics. Moreover, it includes additional content that enriches the overall narrative and gameplay experience for players.
Additionally, you’ll have the option to purchase “KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue,” another remastered collection featuring several key titles.
This compilation includes “Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD,” a remastered version of the Nintendo 3DS title. It also features “Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage,” serving as a direct sequel to “Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.” Additionally, the collection includes “Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover,” a cinematic experience that provides backstory and lore to the Kingdom Hearts χ series.
“KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue” was designed to fill in crucial story gaps and prepare players for the events of Kingdom Hearts III.
The third and final bundle you’ll soon find available on Steam is Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind. In simple terms, this bundle combines the base Kingdom Hearts III game with the Re Mind DLC expansion.
While these games may seem childish, they come from an era when game developers focused on creating entertainment rather than conforming to Western ESG standards and appeasing ethics departments, as is often seen with today’s Square Enix.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise offers countless hours of fun and entertainment, harkening back to a time when games were primarily about enjoyment rather than pushing an agenda.
Despite its confusing array of spin-offs, sequels, and prequels with perplexing names, the franchise boasts a rich and intricate lore that captivates players. Even the bundled remastered editions fail to fully clarify the complex narrative, but they still promise an immersive and rewarding gaming experience.
Honestly, I am quite conflicted. While games like Kingdom Hearts deserve support for their quality and entertainment value, Square Enix’s recent actions, particularly with the Final Fantasy VII remakes and retroactive censorship means I won’t be paying.
Square Enix has been prioritizing cheap financial gains, selling games under exclusivity deals. It’s a tough decision, but ultimately, where you choose to spend your money is a personal choice that reflects your values and priorities.
If this is your first time hearing about Kingdom Hearts coming to PC, I completely understand. Square Enix has struck exclusivity deals with Epic Games, leading to the limited releases of titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.
Unfortunately, the company’s decision to censor aspects of these games, evident in post-release patches like the one just a week before the release of its sequel, Rebirth, has ultimately destroyed the company’s reputation in my eyes. Exclusive releases on the worst PC storefront is a pattern likely to continue with their eventual PC release of Final Fantasy XVI.
Since they’ve been available on the Epic Game Store for three whole years at this point, you can easily procure pirated versions of each game, they aught to be enjoyed and crucially, Square Enix does not deserve your money for playing them.
