Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory details gameplay, modes, stage variations, more
Kingdom Hearts rhythm game due out in November.
Square Enix has released new information and screenshots for Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, introducing gameplay, modes, stage variations, versus modes, and the 35 of the over 140 songs featured in the game.
Get the details below.
■ Melody of Memory
A world of memories guided by the power of music. The player visits each world by Gummi Ship and melody. Collect the “Rhythm” in each world while looking back at memories. The mysterious power woven by the melody creates memories, and memories become the world and bring back to life the adventures that have occurred thus far.
A large number of characters from the Kingdom Hearts series are playable in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory. Outside of the “Original” cast, you can switch between parties at any time once unlocked.
■ Party: Original
Sora
Donald
Goofy
■ Party: Days
Roxas
Xion
Axel
■ How to Play
Press the buttons to match the timing of incoming enemies and musical notes. You will be scored “Excellent,” “Good,” or “Miss” for each button input based on your timing. If you get a “Miss,” your HP in the lower-right corner of the screen will decrease, and result in a “Game Over” if depleted fully. Try to avoid missing while aiming for the high score.
“Music Select,” which is one of the game’s main modes, has three control play styles to choose from:
Normal Style – The most basic play style. Play with the standard controls that uses several buttons.
One-Button Style – A one-button play style where every action can be performed the same button. Recommended for players who want to focus on the rhythm without being distracted by button inputs.
Performer Style – A challenging play style with complicated button inputs that use more buttons than Normal Style. Recommended for players who prefer more technical button inputs and pressing the assigned buttons.
■ World Tour
In this mode, you can visit the various worlds of Kingdom Hearts memories to obtain new songs and story movies. Each song offers three difficulties to choose from: Beginner, Standard, and Proud. Unlocked songs can be played at any time from Music Select, and story movie can be viewed at any time in the “Museum.”
■ Music Select
Choose and play your favorite songs from unlocked songs. Practice your favorite song and then challenge it at the highest difficulty.
■ Museum
A gallery where you can view Collection cards and story movies, listen to music via the Jukebox, and more.
■ Stage Variations
Field Battle
Match the rhythm to defeat enemies while running atop the staff line of the music staff notation. Utilize various actions such as abilities and aerial attacks to defeat enemies in a backdrop formed by memories.
Memory Dive
Dive into memory videos and enjoy a sense of immersion as if linked to the video by inputting buttons to match the incoming targets.
Boss Battle
Defeat the boss while inputting targets. By successfully inputting targets covered in dark auras, you can avoid the boss’ special attacks.
■ Versus Modes
Online Versus and Friend Versus
“Online Versus” is a competitive mode that you can play online with faraway friends. This mode includes an exclusive element called “Tricks” that allow you to obstruct your opponent, creating heated battles for the high score.
The Switch version of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory also offers “Friend Versus,” a local correspondence that you can play with nearby friends. The content is the same as Online Versus.
—Trick: Hide Guide
Hides the timing guide on targets.
—Trick: HP Change
Switches the player and opponent’s HP.
COM Versus
Compete for the highest rank against the computer in this offline mode. Win three times while competing against five parties to increase your rank. Aim for the highest rank: Platinum Rank 1.
A Switch-exclusive local correspondence mode where up to eight players can play Field Battle together. Players who “Miss” a pre-set number of times will be forced to drop out, and the player with the highest score in the end will win.
Play cooperatively with a friend on one screen using two controllers. One player controls Sora, while the other player controls Riku. Cooperate with each other and keep in sync while aiming for the high score.
■ Music
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory features over 140 songs, which will be gradually announced in the lead up to launch.
The following can be confirmed thus far:
Kingdom Hearts
“A Day in Agrabah”
“Arabian Dream”
“Destiny Islands”
“Go for It!”
“Hand in Hand”
“Hikari”
“Olympus Coliseum”
“To Our Surprise”
“Traverse Town”
“Under the Sea”
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
“Castle Oblivion”
“The Force in You”
Kingdom Hearts II
“Darkness of the Unknown”
“Roxas”
“Savannah Pride”
“Schezo Di Notte”
“Sinister Shadows”
“The 13th Struggle”
“Vim and Vigor”
“Working Together”
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
“The Other Promise”
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
“Another Side -Battle Ver.-“
“Secret of Neverland”
“Vector to the Heavens”
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
“Wonder of Electron”
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
“Dismiss”
“Enter the Darkness”
“Hau’oli, Hau’oli”
“Rage Awakened -The OriginThe Encounter -Birth by Sleep Version”
