Kingdom Hearts: the story so far

We simplify the epic battles, tragic betrayals and dramatic plot twists into one easily understood article

Words: AJ_Glasser on September 22, 2009

But Wait…

…Who the hell is that guy?
Ventus is a Keyblade warrior who existed ten years before any of the stuff in the previous section went down, along with two other Keyblade warriors named Aqua and Terra. The three of them set out on a quest to find the venerable Keyblade master Xehanort, who’s probably the same Xehanort that causes all the drama in the previous section. (Hey, it’s Kingdom Hearts – you never know). Ventus is identical to Roxas, somehow connected to Sora and apparently familiar to at least one Organization XIII member.

…Why isn’t Aerith dead?
You might have to turn elsewhere for the full explanation on this – but it’s easiest just to say that Disney is the Lifestream, so don’t act surprised when dead Final Fantasy characters show up in Kingdom Hearts.

…What’s the deal with 358/2 Days?
That’s the duration of time that Roxas spends with Organization XIII before winding up in fake Twilight Town. Halfway through the last day, Riku kicks his ass.

…Just what IS Kingdom Hearts?
You know what, we have no idea. Let’s let the series try and explain it to us…

Additional reporting by Teresa Whinery and Michelle Ma.

Sep 22, 2009

Platforms:

PS2, DS, PSP

47 comments

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antp1212 - February 7, 2013 1:26 a.m.

The guy who wrote this article is FUCKING hilarious. Keep it up man.
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Viron - April 6, 2012 5:27 p.m.

I'm confused
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Leonard - May 2, 2011 7:32 a.m.

kingdomhearts a very interesting story ...!! continues the story of KH, KH chains of memories, KH 358 / 2 Days, and KH2. then return to the past storylines, 10 years before the story Kingdomhearts.. KH3 in the game on playstation 3. and it turns out Sora is the incarnation of the previous keyblade masters Ventius, and Riku is the incarnation of the keyblade master Terra..
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Chaoscoolperson - October 20, 2010 8:27 p.m.

Thanks for explaining the game again I already knew it but you reinforced what I thought. To everyone out there wondering what kingdom hearts is it's a gianormous planetoid made out of hearts and in the kingdom hearts universe hearts are the most powerful objects. Nobodies have no hearts and they think kingdom hearts will give them one. Also kingdom hearts is supposed to hold a HUGE unknown power or something and thats the confusing part about it. the heartless want it for some reason that isn't thoroghly explained. Also Riku is the most confusing character. But then again I haven't finished chain of memories I just got enough to understand 358/2 and the bridge of the first game and the second. stuck on vexus the ice shield guy boss then sold the last console that could play the GBA version. Haven't beaten Ansem yet in the first game farthest I've gotten is fifth form. Roxas in KH2 was confusing as well with the 2 twilight towns.
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Spartan11794 - June 14, 2010 6:37 p.m.

@cyberninja, I can explain how it fits, but it spoils the story, and it actually makes the story a little more understandable, plus there are some details left out in this
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Spartan11794 - June 14, 2010 6:35 p.m.

Birth by sleep is already out, and it explains quite a bit, like why Roxas and Ven look alike
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dabomb52295 - January 31, 2010 7:35 p.m.

the 1st time i read this i had a migarine for an hr no joke
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Superdude576 - January 28, 2010 10:43 p.m.

I love this series, and laugh at those who can't follow the plot, which I somehow can. These games are amazing, and I hope SE makes more, because kick stereotypical ass of JRPGs and RPGs. Here is what I believe: KH is the wonderful ultra good power. Sora and all do quest to basically seal it because with good there is evil, and KH got major infection problems. Sora supposedly will open a door, which Riku thinks he does in KH2 when they return to Destiny Islands. Message comes that says come help! Somehow this should be explained by BBS, which has Aqua, Terra, and Ventus (Water, Earth, and probably Fire or Air. Riku and Sora mean Earth and Sky, it's common for Disney and SE), the three keyblader pioneers. They'll get together, destroy Xehanort's heart (who will be fake Ansem and Xemnas), probably give KH the infection in the process, and reproduce Sora (because Ventus dies it from what the trailer shows, or at least is frozen). recaptcha: on redford! I guess they found out my secret identity! XD lol jk
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GameManiac - October 24, 2009 5:47 a.m.

Oh, before I forget... If what FALLINGFIRE said is true, and if whoever that guy is saw that joke from Robot Chicken (the joke goes "That's no moon, that's YO MOMMA!), does that mean that Xemnas is being a part of his mother? Also, has ANYBODY noticed that Xemnas's name can have its letters rearraigned to become the name "Mansex"? ......... ...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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GameManiac - October 24, 2009 5:39 a.m.

Ahh...complex plots. You just can't get enough of them, can't you.
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optimisticcynic - October 7, 2009 4:21 p.m.

So can any one tell me what would be bad about the nobodys all getting hearts. it would get rid of both heartless and nobodys.
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lovinmyps3 - September 24, 2009 9:55 p.m.

Wow! What?! I've only played Kingdom Hearts for like 5 minutes, damn is this confusing!
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noofer7 - September 24, 2009 9:07 p.m.

Never played Kingdom Hearts before (I don't have a PS2 and the Disney characters never really appealed to me) but I'm still lookin' forward to 358/2 days of what is shapin' up to be pure kickassery. Although 358/2 would actually mean 176 days. They should just write it as 358 1/2 Days. It would be easier to figure out/say out loud, although it doesn't have the same flair. Anyway, is 358/2 Days even out yet?
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fireman9iner - September 24, 2009 3:10 a.m.

I always Found this story rather easy to follow loved 1 and 2.
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mgkyo666 - September 24, 2009 2:43 a.m.

i friggin love kingdome hearts! KH2 was the first game i ever pre-ordered PLEASE LET THERE BE A KINGDOM HEARTS 3!!!
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Doctalen - September 24, 2009 1:50 a.m.

Wow I have only played the two for the ps2 and I thought those were confusing.The total story is more confusing then people in my biology class thinking that Jimmy Hendrix is a race car driver.
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netlatnu - September 23, 2009 3:06 p.m.

"Eight Disney-themed worlds later..." Four pages of story, but the charm of the game summed up in a only a few words.
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crimson_soulreaper305 - September 23, 2009 2:58 p.m.

so the order to play this to figure out the story is KH:BBS, KH:I, KH:CoM, KH:358/2days, KH:II,and finally KH:III(hopefully)
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mertor3190 - September 23, 2009 7:38 a.m.

THIS IS THE BEST ARTICLE GAMESRADAR HAS EVER WRITTEN IN THEIR EXCISTENCE. May just be a "story so far" but i still love it. Probably because its for my favorite game of all time.
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Cloud1Fair3 - September 23, 2009 1:40 a.m.

WHY MUST ALL GAMESRADAR PEOPLE BASH CLOUD STRIFE? BTW "that's no moon"... brilliant.
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