Characters of Kingdom Hearts: Difference between revisions

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A piece of promotional artwork for *Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+* that showcases the main characters of the series; Sora appears twice in the center in two different outfits. He is flanked by Roxas (left) and Riku with the members of Organization XIII at the bottom of the image.

Kingdom Hearts is a series of action role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix (formerly Square). It is the result of a collaboration between Square and Disney Interactive Studios. Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The series features a mixture of familiar Disney and Final Fantasy characters, as well as several new characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura.^[1] In addition, it has an all-star voice cast which includes many of the Disney characters' official voice actors.

The series centers around the main character Sora's search for his friends and his encounters with various Disney and Final Fantasy characters along the way. Players primarily control Sora, though there are numerous characters who join Sora's party as computer controlled members. The majority of the characters were introduced in the first game, Kingdom Hearts. Several new original, Disney, and Final Fantasy characters were introduced in subsequent installments of the series, with the games Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts coded featuring alternative versions of characters featured in the first game, created from Sora's memories and the digitized contents of the journal kept by Jiminy Cricket, respectively. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance introduces several characters from Square Enix's The World Ends With You.

Various types of merchandise modeled after the characters' likeness have been produced, including figurines and jewelry. The characters have garnered praise from several video game websites and magazines for the quality of their voice acting and visual style. Comments focused on the accurate presentation of Disney characters, the unique visual style of Square Enix characters, how well all the characters blended together, and the consistent quality performances from voice actors.

Creation and influences

Early concept art of Riku, Kairi, and Sora, original characters created for the series

The Kingdom Hearts series is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also works as the character designer of the games. Nomura has stated that unlike working with Final Fantasy characters, keeping the main character Sora alive and interesting over multiple games is a challenge.^[2] He also stated that though many of the Disney characters are not normally dark and serious, there were not many challenges making them so for the story, and despite this, their personalities shine because they maintain their own characteristics.^[3] Though Disney gave Nomura freedom in the characters and worlds used for the games, he and his staff tried to stay within the established roles of characters and boundaries of the worlds.^[2] When deciding which worlds to include in the game, the development staff tried to take into account worlds with Disney characters that would be interesting.^[4]

The inclusion of specific Final Fantasy characters was based on the opinions of fans and the development staff.^[5] Another criterion for inclusion was whether the staff felt the characters would fit into the storyline and in the Kingdom Hearts universe.^[6] Initially, Nomura was hesitant to use characters he did not design, because he was unfamiliar with the background work of such characters.^[7] For Kingdom Hearts II, he changed his mind after receiving pressure from his staff.^[5] Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of future games. Nomura did this because he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, even though a game may get old, people can still be happy with it.^[8]

Voice cast

The Kingdom Hearts games feature well-known voice actors for the Japanese and English versions of the characters. The Japanese version featured Miyu Irino as Sora, Mamoru Miyano as Riku, and Risa Uchida as Kairi.^[9]^[10] Kingdom Hearts II introduced Kōki Uchiyama as Roxas, Iku Nakahara as Naminé, and Genzō Wakayama as DiZ.^[11] The English release of the Kingdom Hearts games featured many of the Disney characters' official voice actors. Wayne Allwine (later Bret Iwan after Allwine's death), Tony Anselmo, and Bill Farmer voiced Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, respectively.^[10]^[12] Several high profile actors provided the voice acting of the main characters. The first game featured Haley Joel Osment as Sora, David Gallagher as Riku, Hayden Panettiere as Kairi, and David Boreanaz as Leon.^[13] Kingdom Hearts II saw the return of the main character voice actors and added Jesse McCartney as Roxas, Brittany Snow as Naminé and Christopher Lee as DiZ,^[14] with Alyson Stoner as Xion in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep also introduced several new actors to the cast, such as Jason Dohring as Terra, Willa Holland as Aqua, Leonard Nimoy as Master Xehanort and Mark Hamill as Master Eraqus.^[15]

Main protagonists

Sora

Sora (ソラ) is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura. He is the protagonist of the series and the character that the player directly controls through a majority of the games.^[1] Sora's weapon is the Kingdom Key Keyblade.^[16] Though not the original one chosen to wield the Keyblade, Sora was ultimately chosen over Riku because Sora's heart was stronger, while Riku's heart became vulnerable and temporarily weak. In Birth by Sleep, it is revealed that Sora obtained the power to weild the Keyblade by allowing Ventus's heart to rest within his own, beginning the chain of events that would connect his heart to many others. ^[17] Nomura has stated that Sora's name can be interpreted as "sky";^[18] the Japanese word for sky is sora (空).^[19] He is voiced by Miyu Irino in the Japanese version and by Haley Joel Osment in the English version. As a child, he is voiced by Takuto Yoshinaga in the Japanese version and by Luke Manriquez in the English version.

Riku

Riku (リク) is Sora and Kairi's best friend and the deuteragonist of the series. He is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura.^[1] Nomura has stated that Riku's name can be interpreted as "land";^[18] the Japanese on'yomi pronunciation of land is riku (陸).^[17]^[19] He is playable in the second story mode of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and is a world-specific partner in the World That Never Was in Kingdom Hearts II. He is also a playable character for a short time during the final battle in Kingdom Hearts II. In Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Riku is playable in the multiplayer mode and also serves as the final boss in the game's story mode. He will be one of the two playable characters besides Sora in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. He is voiced by Mamoru Miyano in the Japanese version and by David Gallagher in the English version. As a child, he is voiced by Eiji Shima in the Japanese version and Ty Panitz in the English version.

As a young boy in Birth by Sleep, Riku becomes curious about going to other worlds and gaining the strength needed to protect his friends, which leads him to being chosen by Terra to inherit the power of the Keyblade. By the beginning of the main series, Riku, now fifteen years old, goes with the darkness as their world is attacked by the Heartless. He is separated from his friends and ends up at Hollow Bastion where he is found by Maleficent and receives his weapon, a sword called the Soul Eater (ソウルイーター), from her. Under her influence, Riku turns on Sora and searches for a way to help Kairi.^[17] Riku eventually becomes possessed by Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, with his heart sent to the realm of darkness where he meets King Mickey and helps him and Sora seal the door to the realm of darkness.

In Chain of Memories, Riku awakens in the basement levels of Castle Oblivion and begins climbing to the ground floor. Along the way, Riku confronts the remaining darkness in his heart and a replica of himself that is created by Vexen; he also encounters Ansem the Wise in his DiZ guise, who has been overseeing his progress. After being reunited with Mickey, Riku finds Naminé as she attends to a sleeping Sora. Riku chooses to find a balance between his light and darkness, allowing him to defeat what remains of the Heartless Ansem within him. Soon after, Riku joins DiZ to ensure Sora is restored in peace. While capturing Roxas in order to make Sora complete again, Riku uses the power of darkness to capture him at the cost of becoming a physical manifestation of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness.^[20] Trapped in this form and ashamed of his appearance, Riku helps Sora in secret, eventually gaining the Way to the Dawn (ウェイトゥザドーン) Keyblade. Riku returns to his original form when Ansem the Wise's machine used to digitally seal away Kingdom Hearts malfunctions and self-destructs. Joining Sora, they battle and defeat Xemnas, and returns to Destiny Islands. A year later, Sora, Riku, and Kairi receive a letter from Mickey explaining the fates of Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. Together with Sora, Riku is summoned by Yen Sid to take the Mark of Mastery exam and become a Keyblade Master in preparation for the eventual battle against Master Xehanort.

Kairi

Kairi (カイリ) is a best friend of Sora and Riku and one of the seven Princesses of Heart. She is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura for the Kingdom Hearts series.^[1] Nomura has stated that Kairi's name can be interpreted as "sea";^[18] the Japanese on'yomi pronunciation of sea is kai (海).^[17] She is voiced by Risa Uchida in the Japanese version of the series. In English, she is voiced by Hayden Panettiere, with Alyson Stoner playing her during her appearances in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. She is voiced as a child by Sumire Morohoshi in Japanese and by Ariel Winter in English.

Kairi is originally a resident of Radiant Garden as one of the seven Princesses of Heart. She has an encounter with Aqua in Birth by Sleep and is given a protective charm to keep her safe from darkness, which leads to her being sent to Destiny Islands when Xehanort performs an experiment where all six apprentices of Ansem the Wise cause the invasion of darkness.^[21]

She is fourteen years old at the beginning of the main series.^[22] When Destiny Islands is destroyed by the Heartless, Kairi's heart enters Sora's while her body falls into a deep sleep. Upon learning her identity as a Princess of Heart and the location of her heart, Sora gives up his heart in order to release hers and restore it back into her body. Soon after, Kairi finds Sora's Heartless and restores him back to human form. Kairi later gives Sora her lucky charm, which Sora promises to return. After Sora seals the door to Kingdom Hearts, Kairi is separated from him and left behind on the reforming Destiny Islands where she awaits his return.

During Chain of Memories, Naminé's memory-altering powers break the memories in Sora's heart as well as those of all his friends, leading Kairi to lose her memories of him. In Kingdom Hearts II, Kairi gradually remembers Sora as his own memories are restored, and writes him a letter which she sends out to sea in the hopes that it will find its way to him. Later, Kairi is kidnapped by Axel, who hopes to use Kairi to lure Sora to him. However, Saïx takes Kairi from Axel and imprisons her with Pluto in a jail cell in the World That Never Was. She escapes her cell with the help of Naminé, and they are saved from Saïx by Riku, who she recognizes despite his guise as Xehanort's Heartless, Ansem. Riku gives her the Destiny's Embrace (デスティニープレイス, lit. "Destiny Place") Keyblade, which she uses to fight off the Heartless that Saïx summons. Kairi reunites with Sora, and along with Donald, Goofy and King Mickey, they face and defeat Xemnas. Kairi then returns with Sora and Riku to Destiny Islands where they receive a letter from King Mickey. Soon afterward, Sora resolves to go on another journey to find Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, to which Kairi again loans him her lucky charm. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, however, Yen Sid has her summoned by Riku to train her in the use of her Keyblade in response to Master Xehanort's plans to recreate the χ-blade using the hearts of seven Keyblade wielders and the thirteen members of Xehanort's newly formed Organization.

King Mickey

King Mickey is the ruler of Disney Castle and, by extension, Disney Town.^[23] His inclusion in the series was initially restricted to a small cameo for only one scene.^[4] The larger role he played in the sequels first required the approval of Disney.^[8] He is voiced by Takashi Aoyagi in the Japanese version of the series. In English, he is voiced by Wayne Allwine in all games from Kingdom Hearts to 358/2 Days, and by Bret Iwan in all subsequent games starting with Birth by Sleep.

During the time of Birth by Sleep, Mickey is a student under Yen Sid and meets Ansem the Wise while helping out Terra, Aqua, and Ventus with the Star Seeker (スターシーカー) Keyblade. By the time Kingdom Hearts begins and the Heartless begin to invade other worlds, Mickey leaves his world to discover the cause, leaving a message to Donald and Goofy telling them to find and protect the Keyblade wielder. His journey ultimately leads him to obtaining a new Keyblade, the Kingdom Key D (キングダムチェーンD, lit. "Kingdom Chain D"), from within the realm of darkness, using it to seal Kingdom Hearts with Sora. In Chain of Memories, he helps Riku in spirit at first, but then returns from the dark realm thanks to DiZ to help directly. Donning a cloak of darkness together with Riku, Mickey helps uncover Organization XIII's plan in secret before helping Sora directly. He is playable in certain boss battles in Kingdom Hearts II; if Sora and his friends are defeated, King Mickey will step in to fight in Sora's place until he is able to revive Sora, as the game forbids King Mickey from defeating a boss on his own. He is also a playable character in the multiplayer mode of 358/2 Days. In the aftermath of Xemnas's defeat, Mickey returns to his world, only to go on another adventure in the events of Kingdom Hearts coded, where he learns the fates of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, and contacts Sora to help them.

Donald Duck

Donald Duck is the court wizard of Disney Castle, King Mickey's majordomo, and one of Sora's two partners throughout the series.^[16] Donald is a short-tempered, powerful magician on a quest to find King Mickey Mouse. In Kingdom Hearts, he and Goofy embark on a journey to carry out the missing king's orders to follow the Keyblade wielder. Initially, he only seems to care for Sora as an asset to track down King Mickey, telling a white lie to him about being able to locate his missing friends in order to convince him to accompany them.^[24] However, he eventually grows to deeply care for him as a friend. At the end of Chain of Memories, he, Sora, and Goofy are put to sleep for a year while their memories are fixed by Naminé.^[25] In Kingdom Hearts II, he awakens with his friends and continues to fight the Heartless along with the Nobodies and Organization XIII. One of Sora's Drive Forms in this game, "Wisdom Form", uses Donald in order to activate it. Donald is playable in the multiplayer mode of 358/2 Days. He is voiced by Kōichi Yamadera in the Japanese version and by Tony Anselmo in the English version.

Goofy

Goofy is the captain of the Royal Knights of Disney Castle and the second of Sora's two partners throughout the series. Despite his position as a knight, Goofy dislikes using weapons, instead wielding a simple shield, and prefers to avoid fighting whenever possible. Goofy retains his trademark clumsiness and simple-mindedness in this series, but is an eternal optimist who takes life in stride. He has surprisingly accurate intuitive skills, often noticing things that others miss. Under King Mickey's orders, he accompanies Donald on the quest to accompany the Keyblade wielder, Sora.^[16] At the end of Chain of Memories, he, Sora, and Donald are put to sleep for a year while their memories are fixed by Naminé.^[25] In Kingdom Hearts II, he awakens with his friends and continues to fight the Heartless along with the Nobodies and Organization XIII. Goofy is used to activate another of Sora's Drive Forms in the game, "Valor Form". He is a playable character in the multiplayer mode of 358/2 Days. He is voiced by Yū Shimaka in the Japanese version and by Bill Farmer in the English version.

Roxas

Roxas (ロクサス, Rokusasu) is Sora's Nobody who is created when Sora becomes a Heartless to save Kairi in Kingdom Hearts.^[19] "Roxas" is an anagram of "Sora" with an X.^[26] He was first featured in the secret trailer "Another Side, Another Story" while wearing the Organization's cloak, though he was unnamed and his face was hidden under a hood. He is playable in the beginning portion of Kingdom Hearts II, and the entire game of Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days. He is voiced by Kōki Uchiyama in the Japanese version and by Jesse McCartney in the English version.

Ventus

File:BBSArtwork.jpg

Promotional artwork for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep depicting (from left to right) Master Xehanort, Vanitas, Aqua, Ventus, and Terra.

Ventus (ヴェントゥス, Ventusu), also known as Ven (ヴェン), is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura who first appears as one of the main protagonists of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, and the character that the player directly controls in one of the scenarios of the game which also involves him exploring his true identity.^[27] His name means "wind" in Latin; both it and his Wayward Wind (フレッシュブリーズ, lit. "Fresh Breeze") Keyblade, which he wields in a reverse grip, have a "sky" theme similar to that of Sora.^[18] He bears a striking resemblance to Roxas, both of whom are voiced by Kōki Uchiyama in Japanese and Jesse McCartney in English.

Aqua

Aqua (アクア, Akua) is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura who first appears as one of the main protagonists of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. Her name means "water" in Latin which carries a water theme similar to that of Kairi, whose name means "sea".^[18] Aqua is a level-headed and serious person, but often worries about her friends. She is also a very creative and outgoing girl as well. Her Keyblade is called Rainfell (レインフォール, lit "Rainfall"). She is voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi in the Japanese version and Willa Holland in the English version.

Terra

Terra (テラ, Tera) is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura who first appears as one of the main protagonists of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. Terra's Keyblade is called Earthshaker (アースシェイカー). His name is the Latin word for "earth", both it and his Keyblade following the "land" theme he represents alongside Riku.^[18] Terra was raised and trained by Master Eraqus alongside Aqua and Ventus, developing a strong sibling-like bond and sharing his dream of becoming a Keyblade Master with them. He becomes troubled upon learning that the darkness in his heart is too strong, for which he is denied the Mark of Mastery.^[28] He is thus easily manipulated by Xehanort, who encourages him to embrace and channel his darkness into power. He is voiced by Ryōtarō Okiayu in the Japanese version of the game and Jason Dohring in English.

Main antagonists

Xehanort

Xehanort (ゼアノート, Zeanōto) is an original character and the primary antagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series. His name is an anagram of "No Heart" and "Another" with an additional letter "X".^[8]^[29] A student of Ansem the Wise, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the study of hearts so he can regain some of his lost memories. To that end, he sacrifices his body in the process,^[30] creating a Heartless and Nobody. His Heartless assumes the identity of his teacher, Ansem,^[31] with the title of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (闇の探求者アンセム, Yami no Tankyūsha Ansemu) while his Nobody takes the name Xemnas.^[32] Xehanort and "Ansem" are voiced by Akio Ōtsuka in the Japanese version of the series. In the English version, the character is voiced by Billy Zane in Kingdom Hearts, and by Richard Epcar in all English versions after Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, which uses archived audio from Zane's performance.

"Ansem" is featured in Kingdom Hearts as the game's main antagonist. He commandeers the Heartless to do his bidding and steals the hearts of many worlds. Late in the game, he possesses Riku's body to regain a physical presence.^[33] Although his goal of reaching Kingdom Hearts is realized, the light behind the door to Kingdom Hearts destroys him, causing all of the worlds he destroyed to be restored.^[34] However, in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Ansem is revealed to still exist and fights to take over Riku's body again, who continuously fights back.^[35] Xehanort's Nobody, Xemnas, first appears in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix as an optional boss, Unknown (謎の男, Nazo no Otoko, lit. "Enigmatic Man"), who tests Sora for his own agenda. He later appears as the main antagonist of Kingdom Hearts II. As the leader of Organization XIII and master of the power of nothingness, Xemnas controls the Nobodies.^[29] He is defeated by Sora and Riku in the World That Never Was.

In the prequel, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, it is revealed that Xehanort was originally Master Xehanort (マスター・ゼアノート, Masutā Zeanōto), an elderly Keyblade Master obsessed with the mysteries behind the Keyblade War. He pits his former apprentice Ventus against Vanitas to forge the χ-blade in order to open the door to Kingdom Hearts and begin another war, hoping to uncover the secrets of the first. He also manipulates Terra into becoming a warrior of darkness with the intention of merging his own heart with a suitable, younger body that will allow him to survive long enough to see his plan come to fruition. Though he succeeds in possessing Terra, creating the current incarnation of Xehanort, the unforeseen creation of the Lingering Will—made from Terra's mind inhabiting his armor—leads to his defeat. He is later defeated again by Aqua, which leaves him in his amnesic state while found by Ansem the Wise, forgetting everything about himself except for his name. Master Xehanort in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is voiced by Chikao Ōtsuka in the Japanese version and Leonard Nimoy in English.

The events of Kingdom Hearts Re:coded reveal that the destruction of both "Ansem" and Xemnas brings about the revival of Master Xehanort. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Sora and Riku encounter by a young man in a black coat resembling Master Xehanort in his youth, along with "Ansem" and Xemnas themselves. The young man is, in fact, Master Xehanort from an alternate timeline who travels through time to gather twelve other incarnations of Xehanort besides himself, including "Ansem" and Xemnas, and form a new Organization XIII led by the elderly Master Xehanort, furthering his plans to recreate the χ-blade using the hearts of these members. The young Xehanort succeeds in capturing Sora and damaging his heart for Master Xehanort to use as a vessel, but is defeated by Riku and flees together with the new Organization before they can add Sora to their ranks. The young Xehanort in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is voiced by Takanori Okuda in the Japanese version and will be voiced by David Gallagher in the English version.

Maleficent

Maleficent is an evil fairy from Sleeping Beauty. She is originally from the world Enchanted Dominion, encountering Terra, Aqua, and Ventus after Master Xehanort reveals the existence of the Princesses of Heart to her in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. She manipulates Terra into taking princess Aurora's heart, which is later freed by Ventus, and fights Aqua and Prince Phillip as a dragon when they try reaching Aurora to break her spell. Defeated, she flees and later comes across an exiled Pete, freeing him in return for servitude.

Many years later, she serves as the primary antagonist of Kingdom Hearts, having formed a group of Disney villains to take control of all worlds through the power of Kingdom Hearts, using the ruins of Hollow Bastion as a base of operations. Unfortunately, all her allies are defeated by Sora, leaving her alone. Defeated once by Sora, Maleficent was left vulnerable to Xehanort's Heartless "Ansem" when he unlocked her heart, which allowed the darkness to transform her into a dragon once again. Despite the increase of power, Maleficent is slain in the end, earning a mocking comment from "Ansem" about failing to notice the Heartless were using her.

Using the last of her power, Maleficent was able to ressurect herself in Kingdom Hearts II thanks to Flora, Fauna and Merryweather's memories of her. Resuming her plans for univeral domination with her lackey Pete, Maleficent also seeks vengence against Sora as well as seeking a new base of operations. However, Organization XIII hinders her plots, forcing her to assist Sora twice in getting rid of them in return for the Organzation's castle.

She later appears in Kingdom Hearts Coded, having been summoned into the Datascape by Pete. Though not knowing of technology, she figured they could use the information inside the journal to further their original plans for universal domination. She toke Data-Riku hostage and corrupted him with Bug Blox, a plan that failed. Maleficent later faced Data-Sora in dragon from, being defeated once again. She later faces Data-Sora's Heartless when it began erasing the Datascape to free itself. Despite seemingly being deleted, she is later revealed to have been saved by Data-Riku, who escorts her and Pete out of the Datascape. She is voiced by Toshiko Sawada in the Japanese version and by Susanne Blakeslee in the English version.

Pete

Pete is part of the main group of Disney villains led by Maleficent. He is originally a steamboat captain from Disney Castle prior to the events of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, where he tried winning the Disney Town Million Dreams Award by posing as two seperate people: a hero called Captain Justice and a rouge racer called Captain Dark. When it's announced he didn't win, Pete causes such an uproar, that Queen Minnie banishes him to another dimension. However, he is granted his freedom by Maleficent, vowing to help her conquer the worlds in return.^[36]

As such, he plays an unseen role until Kingdom Hearts II in order to build a Heartless army for Maleficent, and spends much of his appearances in the series following Sora throughout the worlds he and his group visit, mainly to recruit local villains, old and new, to either join Maleficent's fold or turn them into Heartless for his own purposes. He later assists Maleficent in attacking Hollow Bastion to reclaim the castle, but flees when the Nobodies begin taking out their Heartless. At the end of the game, he arrives in the Castle That Never Was with Maleficent, planning on taking the casle for themselves, and keeping the Heartless at bay while Sora dealt with Xemnas.

He later reappeared in Kingdom Hearts Coded, spying on King Mickey and the others to see what they were up to, on Maleficent's orders. Pete got sucked into the core of the Datascape when everyone else was taken in by Data-Riku. Seeing his new enviroment could be of assistance, Pete called in Maleficent, who decided to make use of the data for their original plans. Though he attempted to corrupt Data-Riku with Bug Blox, Pete failed and fled. He ended up almost getting deleted by Data-Sora's Heartless, but was saved and escorte out of the Datascape by Data-Riku. He is voiced by Tōru Ōhira in the Japanese version and by Jim Cummings in the English version.^[10]

Organization XIII

Organization XIII (XIII機関, Jūsan Kikan) is a group of thirteen Nobodies based in the World That Never Was who seek to discover the mysteries that lie within the heart and use the power of Kingdom Hearts to become complete humans once again. The Organization is first formed when Ansem the Wise's six apprentices—Xehanort, Braig, Dilan, Even, Aeleus, and Ienzo—discard their hearts, their Nobodies becoming the first members of the Organization.^[8] Members are numbered in the order in which they joined, with Xemnas, the Nobody of Xehanort, numbered first as their leader. Each member also has the letter "X" placed in his or her name, the remaining letters being an anagram of their name prior to becoming a Nobody.^[37] As Nobodies, acting based on the memories of their original selves, they lack true emotion and morality, and are unable to feel guilt or remorse for their actions.^[38]

They were originally introduced in the secret ending video of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, "Another Side, Another Story [deep dive]". More members were introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, divided into two parties that are eventually destroyed by Sora and Riku. In Kingdom Hearts II, the Organization's plan is fully revealed as they use Sora to eliminate the Heartless, taking the hearts that emerge and using them to create Kingdom Hearts, which they believe will allow them to regain their own hearts and existences.^[39]

In Dream Drop Distance, it's revealed that the Organization was truly created as part of Master Xehanort's plan to split his heart between thirteen different vessels in order to recreate the x-blade. The Organization was reformed with Master Xehanort, "Ansem", Xemnas, Braig, Isa, a younger Xehanort (from an alternate timeline) and six others. They tried adding Sora to their ranks as the thirteenth vessel, but failed thanks to the arrival of Sora's freinds.

Vanitas

Vanitas (ヴァニタス, Vanitasu) is the embodiment of the darkness in Ventus's heart, created by Master Xehanort and debuting in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. He is also the source of the Unversed, which are spawned from his emotions to carry out his will. He wields a Keyblade called Void Gear (ヴォイドギア) in a stance similar to Riku's, and wears a full-body suit resembling Riku's "dark mode" costume, concealing his face behind a black, rounded mask. Despite his similarities to Riku, his physical appearance is identical to that of Sora with black hair and yellow eyes. Tetsuya Nomura says this is because Sora connected his heart to Ventus's to supplement his missing darkness, and adds that Vanitas's appearance would have been identical to any other character who would do the same. His name is derived from the Latin word for "emptiness", which sounds similar to Ventus's name. In addition, the kanji for "emptiness" (空) is shared with the word "sky," which further connects Vanitas to Sora. Vanitas shares Sora's Japanese and English voice actors, Miyu Irino and Haley Joel Osment, respectively.^[40]

Vanitas exists for the purpose of fighting with Ventus so that their respective hearts of pure darkness and light can merge and forge the χ-blade. Noting Ventus's weakness, Vanitas goads him into following his friend Terra and pits him against the Unversed to strengthen him, all while monitoring his strength and progress. He also makes several attempts on Aqua's life, deeming her to be an obstacle to Master Xehanort's plans. He merges with Ventus during the final battle at the Keyblade Graveyard, though Ventus's consciousness prevents the χ-blade's completion. Vanitas fights Ventus in a metaphysical battle within Ventus's mind while simultaneously possessing his body and fighting Aqua and Mickey, wielding the χ-blade during both fights. Ventus and Aqua both defeat Vanitas and destroy the χ-blade, vanquishing him and the Unversed. A secret boss in the game known as the Vanitas Remnant (ヴァニタスの思念, Vanitasu no Shinen, lit. "Vanitas Sentiment") appears upon completion of the game's scenarios; he is identical to Vanitas with a grayscale Void Gear and armor, and bearing the Unversed emblem on his helmet. He was added to the game due to positive fan response to the secret boss battle of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+.^[40] Vanitas makes a brief reappearance during a single scene in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

Other characters

A wide variety of Disney and Final Fantasy characters appear throughout the various Kingdom Hearts games. Some help the protagonists across multiple worlds, including Merlin. Merlin is an eccentric wizard whom King Mickey asked to teach Sora magic. He lives in Radiant Garden during Birth by Sleep, and in Traverse Town with the Fairy Godmother during Kingdom Hearts. In Kingdom Hearts II, he goes to Hollow Bastion along with Leon and his group to help restore their old home. Dumbo, Bambi and Chicken Little all serve as summons. Other characters that provide assistance to both Sora and the Organization are the Moogles, well known for their roles in the Final Fantasy series.

Naminé

Naminé (ナミネ, Namine) is an original character created for the Kingdom Hearts series. She is Kairi's Nobody, created after her heart leaves her body and enters Sora's body during the events of Kingdom Hearts. She has the ability to change or erase the memories of Sora and those close to him by rearranging and creating new links between them, for which she is referred to as a witch.^[41]^[42] She is voiced by Iku Nakahara in the Japanese version of the series. In English, she is voiced by Brittany Snow in Kingdom Hearts II and by Meaghan Jette Martin in all subsequent appearances.

Naminé first appears in Chain of Memories, where she alters Sora's memories under the orders of Organization XIII to remember her as a close friend from Destiny Islands. She is later released by Axel under his own agenda and reveals herself, and the truth, to Sora. After Marluxia is defeated, Naminé puts Sora, Donald, and Goofy to sleep for a year in order to restore their memories to their original state.^[25] Naminé also saves Riku in "Reverse/Rebirth" from Zexion by teaching him to not fear the darkness.^[8] In Kingdom Hearts II, Naminé is revealed to be a "special Nobody" born from Kairi's heart when Sora unlocked his own heart, an act which also created Roxas. Against DiZ's orders, Naminé visits Roxas in the virtual Twilight Town to help him discover his true identity. Though she outlives her purpose in Sora's restoration, Riku entrusts Naminè to the now rogue Axel after DiZ gives him orders to destroy her. While Kairi is trapped in the Organization's dungeon, Naminé appears and helps her escape. She meets with Roxas once more through Sora after Xemnas's apparent defeat, and opens a portal to lead Sora and his friends go home, after which she fuses with Kairi to complete her. During the events of Kingdom Hearts coded, it is revealed that Naminé had created a copy of herself within Jiminy's journal during the restoration of Sora's memories to contact Mickey and reveal to him Sora's ties to Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.

Ansem the Wise

Ansem the Wise (賢者アンセム, Kenja Ansemu) is an original character created for the Kingdom Hearts series. He first appears in the "Reverse/Rebirth" mode of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories under the disguise of a mysterious man named DiZ (ディズ, Dizu), while his true identity as Ansem the Wise is revealed late in Kingdom Hearts II. The name "DiZ" is an acronym for "Darkness in Zero". He is voiced by Genzō Wakayama in the Japanese version of the series. In English, he is voiced by Christopher Lee in Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, and by Corey Burton in Kingdom Heats Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.

Ansem was formerly a respected sage and ruler of the Radiant Garden. As a researcher, Ansem studied the heart and delved into the many secrets of the worlds. He and his apprentice Xehanort believed that darkness could spread into and take control of the heart. After meeting with King Mickey and learning his research may be connected with a current crisis happening in other worlds, Ansem ceased the experiments. He later found his report on the experiments was given new entries by Xehanort, now using Ansem's name as his own. Ansem's apprentices then betrayed him and banished him to a world of nothingness before he wound up in the realm of darkness, losing his memory in the process. In time, however, Ansem regained his memories and took on the name DiZ. From that point on, until he cleared his name and had his revenge, DiZ wore concealing red robes and covered most of his face with red bandages.

DiZ guides Riku through his encounters in Castle Oblivion during the events of Chain of Memories. Soon after Riku joins him in his campaign, DiZ convinces Naminé to move Sora, Donald, and Goofy to Twilight Town for safekeeping as they regain their lost memories, which DiZ oversees throughout 358/2 Days. When the restoration process comes to a standstill, DiZ orders Riku to forcefully retrieve Roxas, Sora's Nobody, who he then places inside a virtual Twilight Town, allowing the process to continue. In Kingdom Hearts II, Naminé begins to act on her own and Riku declines to help him in his revenge. As he observes the lengths that Riku is willing to go to in order to help Sora, including taking on the physical form of Xehanort's Heartless, DiZ loses his lust for revenge and grows regretful of his actions. Once Sora awakens and embarks on his new quest, he does not function as DiZ wants, and all of his plans fall apart.^[43] He reveals himself to Mickey in the World That Never Was while attempting to digitally seal away Kingdom Hearts inside a machine. However, the hearts prove unpredictable and begin to overload the machine, and Ansem chooses to sacrifice himself in order to help defeat the Organization. The machine self-destructs after Ansem apologizes for his mistakes,^[44] causing an explosion that consumes Ansem, disrupts the power contained in Kingdom Hearts, and restores Riku to his true form. As revealed in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, the explosion sends Ansem to the realm of darkness once more with only his memories of Sora and his relation to him intact. There he meets Aqua at the shores of a dark ocean and tells her about Sora and how he may be the means for Ansem to redeem himself for his actions.

Yen Sid

Yen Sid is a sorcerer who lives in the Mysterious Tower, and is King Mickey's old mentor.^[45] He shows considerable knowledge about Keyblades and their abilities, and is shown to be an acquaintance and friend of both Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort. Though he is retired, his wisdom still serves as a source of information for Mickey, Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Sora, Donald and Goofy, demonstrated when he informs Eraqus of the threat of the Unversed during Birth by Sleep, and Sora of the dangers of the Heartless, the Nobodies and Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts II. Upon discovering that due to the destruction of "Ansem" and Xemnas, Xehanort has returned and will pave way for the return of Master Xehanort, Yen Sid intends to put Sora and Riku through a Mark of Mastery Exam in order to make them into full-fledged Keyblade Masters to defeat Master Xehanort once and for all. He is voiced by Takashi Inagaki in the Japanese version and by Corey Burton in the English version.

Master Eraqus

Master Eraqus (マスター・エラクゥス, Masutā Erakūsu)^[46] is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura. His name is an anagram of "Square", the first name of the developer, Square Enix. Early speculation of his name showed it as being "Master Erauqs", which is Square, only reversed.^[28]^[47] He also bears a striking resemblance to Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi.^[48] He appears in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep as one of the few remaining Keyblade Masters who trained alongside Master Xehanort, who he considers to be a friend in a relationship similar to that of old classmates.^[46] He oversees the power of light in all worlds from the Land of Departure, and acts as both a teacher and caring father figure of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. He is voiced by Makio Inoue in the Japanese version of the game, and by Mark Hamill in the English version.

Eraqus is strongly biased in the existence of darkness in favor of light, believing darkness to be a malevolent force that needs to be destroyed, which leads him to deny Terra the Mark of Mastery upon sensing darkness in his heart. He also strictly forbids Ventus from leaving the Land of Departure, fearing Xehanort will use him to create the χ-blade. He sends Terra and Aqua to deal with the appearance of the Unversed and the disappearance of Master Xehanort; he also requests Aqua to watch over Terra to ensure he doesn't succumb to darkness, as well as to retrieve Ventus after he chases Terra to other worlds. When Ventus confronts him over this and confirms his fears, Eraqus attempts to foil Xehanort's plan by destroying Ventus. He is stopped by Terra and, after battling and losing to his student, is struck down by Xehanort and fades away, leaving behind his Keyblade, the Master Keeper (マスターキーパー), which Aqua later uses to replace her own Keyblade. However, the game's secret ending reveals that Eraqus had hidden his own heart within Terra, allowing Terra to resist Xehanort's influence after being possessed by him. An additional boss modeled after Eraqus's armor, called the Armor of the Master (アーマー・オブ・ザ・マスター, Āmā obu za Masutā), appears in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix in the Mirage Arena.

Princesses of Heart

The Seven Princesses of Heart are maidens whose hearts are made of pure light, devoid of darkness. The first five are generally made up of Disney Princesses, with the sixth being Alice, and the seventh being Kairi. They are noted for possessing the power to summon the Door to Darkness when all seven of them are brought together. The term "princess" is merely a formality; while several Princesses are indeed such, official Disney Princesses such as Ariel are not counted among them, while Alice is.

During the events of Birth by Sleep, Master Xehanort seeks out the Princesses of Heart, though his reasons for doing so are unexplained. Prior to and during the events of the original Kingdom Hearts, the princesses are kidnapped by Maleficent so that she may open the pathway to Kingdom Hearts; their hearts are later used to forge a Keyblade with the power to unlock people's hearts, which is wielded by Xehanort's Heartless "Ansem" while he possesses Riku. Sora restores their hearts by unlocking his own heart to release Kairi's using Ansem's Keyblade, which is then destroyed. The princesses (excluding Kairi) remain at Hollow Bastion to hold the darkness at bay until the door to Kingdom Hearts is sealed, returning to their homeworlds soon after.^[16]

Snow White: A beautiful, kindhearted princess from Dwarf Woodlands. She is the most beautiful maiden in her world, much to the jealousy of her evil stepmother, the Queen, who tricks her into eating a poisoned apple during the events of Birth by Sleep. However, she is revived with a kiss from her true love, the Prince. She is voiced by Kurumi Kobato in the Japanese version and by Carolyn Gardner in the English version.
Cinderella: A hardworking young woman from the Castle of Dreams. She is forced by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters to work as a scullery maid until the events of Birth by Sleep result in her marrying Prince Charming. She is voiced by Yoriko Suzuki in the Japanese version and by Jennifer Hale in the English version.
Aurora: A romantic princess-to-be who comes from the same world as Maleficent, Enchanted Dominion. She was cursed by Maleficent at birth, causing her to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. During the events of Birth by Sleep, Maleficent forces Terra to remove Aurora's heart from her body for her own use. Ventus restores her heart, and the curse is lifted when she is kissed by her true love, Prince Phillip. She is voiced by Mayumi Suzuki in the Japanese version and by Jennifer Hale in the English version.
Belle: A strong-willed young woman who resides in Beast's Castle, caring for the Beast and healing the loneliness he endured. When Maleficent captures Belle, the Beast makes his way to Hollow Bastion to save her. She is nearly forced to leave the Beast during Kingdom Hearts II after Xaldin manipulates the Beast into becoming emotionally distant. She is voiced by Eri Itō in the Japanese version and by Paige O'Hara in the English version.
Alice: A precocious young girl who had stumbled into Wonderland,^[49] where she is unjustly put on trial by the Queen of Hearts under the charge of attempting to steal the Queen's heart. She is the first of only two princesses (excluding Kairi) who Sora and company meet before she is captured by Maleficent. She is voiced by Mika Doi in the Japanese version and by Kathryn Beaumont in the English version.
Jasmine: A headstrong, beautiful, and smart princess living in Agrabah, and the second of only two princesses that Sora encounters before she is taken to Hollow Bastion by Riku. She is voiced by Kaori Asō in the Japanese version and by Linda Larkin in the English version.

Destiny Islands

The characters on Destiny Islands are introduced in Kingdom Hearts and include some of the main characters (Sora, Riku, and Kairi) and their parents. The island's village also has a mayor, who is briefly mentioned by Sora to have looked after Kairi shortly after her arrival on Destiny Islands. Other characters include youthful versions of Final Fantasy X's Tidus and Wakka and Final Fantasy VIII's Selphie, all of whom are friends of Sora, Riku, and Kairi, and gather on the island where they like to play.

Disney Castle/Disney Town

The characters of Disney Town, along with the occupants of Disney Castle, includes many classic Disney characters.^[50] It is also the world where Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pete originate from. During the events of Kingdom Hearts II, when Disney Castle's Cornerstone of Light is endangered, Merlin conjures a door that takes Sora's group into the past incarnation of Disney Town, the Timeless River.

Queen Minnie: The queen of Disney Castle, taking charge during her husband Mickey's absence while waiting for his return. She is the one responsible for banishing Pete when he acts out of hand during Birth by Sleep. She is voiced by Yūko Mizutani in the Japanese version and by Russi Taylor in the English version.
Daisy Duck: Queen Minnie's lady-in-waiting and Donald's girlfriend. She is voiced by Mika Doi in the Japanese version and by Tress MacNeille in the English version.
Chip 'n' Dale: Two chipmunks who are Gummi Ship engineers who help Sora's group out. They also host the "Rumble Racing" mini-game during the Dream Festival in Birth by Sleep, and create a machine that helps King Mickey analyze Jiminy Cricket's journal in coded. Chip is voiced by Roko Takizawa in the Japanese version and by Tress MacNeille in the English version, while Dale is voiced by Minoru Inaba in Japanese and by Corey Burton in English.
Huey, Dewey, and Louie: Donald's nephews who run an ice cream shop in Disney Town during the Dream Festival in Birth by Sleep. During Sora's adventures, the nephews set up an item shop in Traverse Town and later at Radiant Garden in hopes of saving up money for their own adventures. They are voiced by Chika Sakamoto in the Japanese version and by Russi Taylor in the English version.
Pluto: Mickey's pet dog who comes with Donald and Goofy to Traverse Town before mysteriously disappearing. After Xehanort's Heartless is defeated, Pluto returns with a letter from Mickey to Sora and company. During Kingdom Hearts II, Pluto remains by Kairi's side when she is abducted by Axel and then again by the Organization. He is voiced by Bill Farmer in both versions of the series.
Scrooge McDuck: Donald's uncle and a wealthy entrepreneur in charge in charge of creating an inter-world transit system. He appears in Radiant Garden during Birth by Sleep, giving Ventus three lifetime passes to Disney Town. He returns there in Kingdom Hearts II where he tries to recreate his favorite ice cream flavor, sea-salt ice cream. He is voiced by Atsushi Ii in the Japanese version and by Alan Young in the English version.
Horace Horsecollar: A friend of Mickey and Minnie, introduced as a past incarnation of himself in Kingdom Hearts II. He appears in Disney Town during the events of Birth by Sleep to host the "Fruitball" mini-game. He is voiced by Atsushi Ii in the Japanese version and Bill Farmer in the English version.
Clarabelle Cow: A friend of Mickey and Minnie, introduced as a past incarnation of herself in Kingdom Hearts II.
Clara Cluck: A friend of Mickey and Minnie, introduced as a past incarnation of herself in Kingdom Hearts II.

Traverse Town

Traverse Town is an original world created for Kingdom Hearts; where many who lost their worlds, such as Radiant Garden, end up. In the first game, among its Disney character occupants are Pongo and Perdita, with their 99 puppies scattered across the worlds after their world was consumed. In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, the main cast of The World Ends with You are to appear in the story line. This will mark the first time that non-Final Fantasy Square Enix characters appear in the series.^[51]

Wonderland

Wonderland features characters from the 1951 animated film, Alice in Wonderland,^[50] and the world where Sora and his friends first meet Alice.

The Queen of Hearts: She is the ruler of Wonderland, she is a haughty sadist who enjoys decapitating anyone who merely annoys her. Holding trial on Alice for the attempted theft on her heart, the Queen has her Card soldiers attck Sora's group when they attempt to clear Alice's name by revealing the Heartless to be the true criminals. But when Alice is abducted by Maleficent's group, the Queen temporarily pardons Sora, Donald and Goofy to have them find her to resume the trial. She is voiced by Tomie Kataoka in the Japanese version and by Tress MacNeille in the English version.
The White Rabbit: The Queen of Hearts's personal assistant, seeming to have the most logic out of all the Wonderland residents. He is voiced by Shigeru Ushiyama in the Japanese version and by Corey Burton in the English version.
The Cheshire Cat: The Cheshire Cat is a mysterious, grinning cat who is an intelligent yet mischievous as he enjoys giving cryptic clues to Sora and Roxas during their respective visits to Wonderland.
The Doorknob: The Doorknob guards both the door to the Queen's castle and the Keyhole of the world, located in his mouth. He is voiced by Takehiro Koyama in the Japanese version and by Corey Burton in the English version.
The Mad Hatter and March Hare: They make a cameo appearance in a painting in the Tea Party Garden.
The Caterpillar: The Caterpillar makes an appearance in Kingdom Hearts V Cast.
The Card Soldiers: The Card Soldiers serve the Queen as her personal guard.

Olympus Coliseum

Olympus Coliseum features characters from the 1997 animated film, Hercules,^[50] as well as the Final Fantasy characters Zack Fair and Auron. Both Cloud and Sephiroth appeared in that world during the first game's events, with the former appearing in facsimiles of the world based on Sora's memories in later games. In Kingdom Hearts II, the Underworld is introduced along with its counterpart to the Olympus Coliseum, called the Underdrome.

Hercules: A legendary hero, a demigod, and the son of Zeus.^[49] He usually uses his friend Pegasus as transportation. In Birth by Sleep, Hercules appears as a strong but clumsy teenage boy who comes to Phil in order to become a hero. By Kingdom Hearts, Hercules played a supporting role in overseeing Sora's own rise to heroism. But due to the appearance of Heartless plaguing the colleseum, Hercules is at wits end keeping up with both them and the usual monsters he goes up against. By Kingdom Hearts II, Hercules suffers a brief crisis and relearns what it takes to be a hero. He is voiced by Yasunori Matsumoto in the Japanese version of the series; he is voiced by Sean Astin in the English version of the first game and by Tate Donovan in the English version of the second game. He is voiced by Masakazu Suzuki in the Japanese version and by Josh Keaton in the English version of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Hades: The smooth-talking Lord of the Underworld who is out to destroy Hercules, manipulating hero trainee Zack Fair to fight for him. Allying with Maleficent when the Heartless begin their attack, Hades manipulates Cloud to his advantage, but Sora's interference results with Hades and Maleficent going their separate ways. Hades planned to use the Heartless to eliminate Hercules during the Hades Games, only to lose against Sora's team. During Kingdom Hearts II, Hades revives Auron and later reopens the Underdrome to finish off Hercules, though Sora once again interferes. He is voiced by Kyūsaku Shimada in the Japanese version and by James Woods in the English version.
Megara: Hercules' girlfriend. She is a serious and cynical young woman who has some reluctant ties to Hades. She is introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. Voiced by Susan Egan.
Philoctetes: Philoctetes (or "Phil" for short) is a satyr who is veteran trainer of heroes, and Hercules' mentor. He runs the Coliseum and chooses suitable competitors, refusing to see Sora and company as true heroes. Phil also trained Ven, believing him to be the new rookie Hercules found for him. He is voiced by Ichirō Nagai in the Japanese version and by Robert Costanzo in the English version.
Pain and Panic: Hades' two imp minions who run the Underdrome for him.
Cerberus: The three-headed dog that guards the Underworld for Hades, used by his owner to attack Sora both in and outside Tournaments.
Hydra: A giant monster can grow multiple heads, used by Hades in his attempt to kill the tired Hercules during the events of Kingdom Hearts II. Though Hercules defeated the Hydra, he left the Coliseum to help Sora's group with the monster regaining consciousness and tearing the Coliseum to pieces before Sora finishes the monster off.
Rock Titan: A two-headed Rock Titan that Hades used in the Hades Tournament during the events of Kingdom Hearts.
Ice Titan: A Titan that Sora battles as a Tournament during Kingdom Hearts, he is revealed to have a weaker replica in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep called the Ice Colossus.

Deep Jungle

The Deep Jungle features characters from the 1999 animated film, Tarzan.^[50] Due to Square Enix's failure to keeping the rights to Tarzan, Deep Jungle has not made another appearance in any other games in the series.

Tarzan: A young man raised from infancy by gorillas in Deep Jungle.^[16] He spoke only the language of the apes until he met Jane. He is voiced by Jūrōta Kosugi in the Japanese version and by Tony Goldwyn in the English version.
Jane Porter: A naturalist who studied gorillas. She is voiced by Mayumi Suzuki in the Japanese version and by Naia Kelly in the English version.
Clayton: A veteran hunter who acts as Jane’s guide on her expedition. He thinks of animals only as prey and dreams of the money to be made selling gorillas. His black heart attracted the Heartless which he used to capture Gorillas. However, he ends up being crushed to death by a Stealth Sneak he summoned to deal with Sora's group. He is voiced by Banjō Ginga in the Japanese version and by Brian Blessed in the English version.
Kerchak: Kerchak is the leader of the gorillas, initially not trusting Sora and the humans that Tarzan befriends.
Kala: Kala is a gorilla who is Tarzan's adoptive mother.
Terk: Terk is a gorilla one of Tarzan's friends. Voiced by Yūko Doi in the Japanese version and by Audrey Wasilewski in the English version.
Sabor: A leopard that Sora first encounters upon arriving. Tarzan saves Sora from Sabor, but the leopard continues to attack Sora on other occasions until she is killed near the end of the chapter.

Agrabah

The city of Agrabah features characters from the 1992 animated film Aladdin. Jasmine originated from this world.

Aladdin: Aladdin is a poor but kind-hearted Agrabah thief. Aladdin fell in love with Princess Jasmine, but was afraid to tell her about his humble background.^[16] During 358/2 Days, Aladdin led the people of Agrabah in fortifying their city in response to the sandstorms caused by the Heartless. But by Kingdom Hearts II, Aladdin starts longing for adventure as the city got peaceful soon after.^[52] He is voiced by Shinichirō Miki in the Japanese version and by Scott Weinger in the English version.
Abu: Aladdin's cheeky kleptomaniac, but loyal pet monkey and friend. He is voiced by Frank Welker in both versions of the series.
Genie: A comedic genie with nigh omnipotent power that can only be exercised when his master wishes it. Found in the Cave of Wonders, Genie was in Aladdin's possession until Jafar stole it for his own use. But after Jafar's defeat, Aladdin frees Genie from the lamp to allow him to accompany Sora on his journey.^[53] Soon after, Genie returns to Agrabah after a world tour during 358/2 Days, deciding to resume it after seeing everyone there is doing well without him. Genie later returns in Kingdom Hearts II prior to Jafar's return. However, as his magic isn't needed much, Genie wishes to be of some use and tries to restrain himself. Sora can call on Genie as a summonable ally in the first three Kingdom Hearts games. He is voiced by Kōichi Yamadera in the Japanese version and by Dan Castellaneta in the English version.
The Magic Carpet: He is a sentient carpet who is able to fly and expresses himself through pantomime, accompanying his friend Genie before returning to Agrabah.
Jafar: Jafar is the power-hungry Royal Vizier of Agrabah who allied himself with Maleficent to rule the city with the Heartless while he captures Jasmine. He steals the lamp from Aladdin to try to take over Agrabah.^[49] He uses his final wish from Genie to become "an all-powerful genie", but he gets sealed into his lamp. In Kingdom Hearts II, he tricks the Peddler into releasing him, but is defeated again by Sora, violently imploding as his lamp disintegrates. He is voiced by Akira Takarada in the Japanese version and by Jonathan Freeman in the English version.
Iago: Iago is Jafar's sarcastic, foul-mouthed pet parrot sidekick. He initially aids Jafar in taking over Agrabah, but in Kingdom Hearts II, he joins forces with Sora after ending up saving him and his friends from a Heartless attack. However, Jafar appears and convinces Iago to take Aladdin and Sora's group on a wild goose chase. Feeling guilty at betraying Aladdin, Iago risks his life to save Aladdin from Jafar's attack. He is voiced by Akira Kamiya in the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts and by Tōru Ōkawa in the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts II. He is voiced by Gilbert Gottfried in the English version of the series.
The Peddler: The Peddler is a mysterious small merchant who runs a shop in Agrabah, interested in money above all else. He appears in the first game as a cameo. In Kingdom Hearts II, the Peddler plays a bigger part in finding Jafar's lamp and later releasing him.^[54] He is voiced by Takashi Matsuo in the Japanese version and by Corey Burton in the English version.

Halloween Town

The characters featured in Halloween Town are from Tim Burton's 1993 stop motion Disney film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. In Kingdom Hearts II, Christmas Town is introduced.

Jack Skellington: Jack Skellington is "The Pumpkin King" who is the organizer of each year's Halloween festival, intending to use the Search Ghosts for it until the heart he and Finklestien created caused them to go amok.^[16] Between the events of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, while attempting to think up new ideas, Jack became fascinated by Christmas. His pet Zero is a ghost dog whose Heartless-sniffing nose doubles as a bright light. Voiced by Chris Sarandon.
Oogie Boogie: A large insect-containing sack who loves to gamble unfairly. He allied himself with Maleficent to bring his brand terror and chaos to Halloween Town in an attempt to run Jack's Halloween plans. He tried controlling the Heartless with the artifical heart, but its faulty nature attracted few Heartless, leading to him succumbing to darkness. Though defeated in the first game, Oogie was later revived by Maleficent in Kingdom Hearts II before being defeated for good as Donald smushed his "bug brain" . Voiced by Ken Page.
Sally: Sally is a ragdoll originally patched together by Doctor Finkelstein, Jack's love-interest and his voice of reason. Despite her makeshift appearance, Sally is a determined individual with a good feel for what is right. Voiced by Rita Rudner in the first game and by Kath Soucie in the second game.
Doctor Finklestein: Doctor Finklestein is a wheelchair-bound mad scientist who created Sally, helping Jack during his "Heartless Halloween" plan and then his second attempt to run Christmas while working on his Experiment.^[49] Voiced by Jess Harnell
The Mayor of Halloween Town: He is a literally two-faced politician, one for a joyous mood and the other when he freaks out, that has trouble doing anything without Jack's help. Voiced by Jeff Bennett in the first game and by Glenn Shadix in the second game.
Lock, Shock, and Barrel: They are a group of young, mischievous trick-or-treaters (a devil, a witch, and a skeleton, respectively), wearing masks that resemble their actual faces. They usually work as Oogie Boogie's henchmen but don't often directly follow his orders. While Oogie was gone, they worked as assistants to Dr. Finklestein though still cause trouble and harassed Roxas during his visits to Halloween Town while taking a Leechgrave as a pet before it goes out of control. During Kingdom Hearts II, the tricksters help Maleficent and later use a Prison Cage Heartless to hold off Sora and company for her and the revived Oogie to escape. The trio later cause mischief in Christmas Town. Lock is voiced by Jess Harnell, Shock by Kath Soucie, and Barrel by Jeff Bennett.
Santa Claus: Santa Claus (or "Sandy Claws" as Jack calls him) is the leader of Christmas Town, featured in Kingdom Hearts II. When Sora meets Santa Claus, he encourages Sora to believe while trying to reason Jack to stick with his holiday. Santa also makes a reference to Jack's attempt to improvise Christmas. Voiced by Corey Burton.
The Experiment: The Experiment was created by Dr. Finklestein by using components scavenged around town to provide Lock, Shock, and Barrel with a playmate. However, the robot was not equipped with a heart, which prompted it to steal Christmas gifts in hopes of gaining one.

Atlantica

The characters featured in Atlantica are from the 1989 animated film, The Little Mermaid.

Ariel: Ariel is the youngest daughter of King Triton and princess of Atlantica. She meets Sora and company soon after his descent into Atlantica and serves as a member of his party. She was tricked by Ursula into bringing her into the palace on the promise that she would take her to other worlds where she steals the trident. Upon entry into the castle, Ursula promptly takes King Triton's trident and attacks him. Ariel then goes with Sora to defeat Ursula and retrieve the Trident. Voiced by Jodi Benson.
Ursula: A Sea Witch who allied herself with Maleficent for the aid of the Heartless in gaining control of Atlantica. She used Ariel to get inside the palace and steal the trident. When her two eel minions, Flotsam and Jetsam are slain during her initial fight with Sora, she vows revenge and grows into a giant. However, she is defeated and fades into darkness. She later revives in Kindom Hearts II, where she tries to take the trident through Ariel's love for Eric. However, he scheming once again ended with her demise. Voiced by Pat Carroll.
King Triton: King Triton is Ariel's father and the ruler of Atlantica. Though strict his is not unkind, caring for his daughter's safety above else. Oddly, he knows of the Keyblade prior to his metting with Sora. Voiced by Kenneth Mars.
Sebastian: Sebastian is the royal advisor and personally takes care of Ariel on behalf of the King and keeps a watchful eye out for her. During the events of Kingdom Hearts II, Sebastian is given the task of preparing a musical under Triton's wishes to keep Ariel preoccupied. Voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
Flounder: Flounder is Ariel's best friend and helps her out in any possible way. Voiced by Eli Russell Linetz in the first game and by Parker Goris in the second game.
Flotsam and Jetsam: Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's pet minion eels. Voiced by Corey Burton.
Eric: Prince Eric is a human that Ariel fell in love with, appearing in Kingdom Hearts II. Voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes.
Glut: Glut is a shark that serves as a boss. It stalks the suken ship until Ursula is slain; the Heartless take his place.
Attina and Andrina: Two of Ariel's six sisters, appear in Kingdom Hearts II during the final music number.

Neverland

The characters in Neverland are from the 1953 animated film Peter Pan. In the original Kingdom Hearts, most of the game's setting takes place on Captain Hook's ship but never on the actual world itself but in Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days the player can now set on foot on a specific part of the island, and various parts of the island itself are featured in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.

Peter Pan: Peter Pan is a the boy who never grows up. Though he acts insensitive, he is caring towards those dear to him. He infiltrates Hook’s ship to save his friend Wendy, teaming up with Sora to save her before he returns to help him out.^[16] Peter Pan later appears as a summonable ally in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II with Tinker Bell by his side. Voiced by Christopher Steele.
Tinker Bell: A hot-headed pixie and Peter Pan's closest friend, being very envious when Peter started to have a relationship to Wendy. As a result, Tink goes with Sora as a summonable ally in Kingdom Hearts. She also appears in the game prequel Birth by Sleep.
Wendy Darling: Wendy is a girl that Peter has brought to Neverland, mature despite her age. She is kidnapped by Hook under the assumption that she's the seventh Princess of Heart. She returns to London after Peter saved her. Voiced by Kathryn Beaumont.
Captain Hook: Captain Hook is a pirate captain who seeks revenge on Pan for taking his left hand, that was fed to the crocodile, with the aid of his personal assistant Mr. Smee. He allied himself with Maleficent, helping her until his humiliating defeat as he knocked over board and flees for his life with the crocodile in hot pursuit. Hook and Smee return in 358/2 Days, looking for treasure which Pete placed Heartless in that response to the darkness in Hook's heart. Eventually, Hook ends up waking up the Ruler of the Skies Heartless whose demise heavily damaged his ship. Voiced by Corey Burton.
The Lost Boys: Peter's ragtag friends in Neverland who are dressed in animal fur. Among its members are Slightly and Cubby, who are dressed in fox and bear fur respectively. Voiced by Mason Vale Cotton and Wally Wingert, respectively.

Radiant Garden

Radiant Garden is an original world created for Kingdom Hearts; it came to be known as Hollow Bastion after the Heartless infested it until the city was restored to its former glory. The majority of the inhabitants are alternative versions of Final Fantasy characters, with original characters like Ansem the Wise. Sora originally met many of the residents from here in Traverse Town.

Most of them help the Sora's group in his journey and help to protect Hollow Bastion and then become known as the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee. Some of these members include Leon, a soldier who discarded his previous name and serves as the group's leader; Cid, an expert on Gummi Ships; Aerith, a woman with a good heart; and Yuffie, a young female ninja.^[16] While not being official members of the group, Cloud, a silent swordsman, and Tifa], a woman expert in hand-to-hand combat, support them during Kingdom Hearts II, while dealing with the former hero Sephiroth who embodies the darkness in Cloud's heart.^[16] Yuna, Rikku, and Paine are three fairies who secretly work for Maleficent, who had them spy on the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee,^[55] until Maleficent left during the massive battle at Hollow Bastion. Nomura changed them into pixies because he wanted to have some Final Fantasy characters appear in a non-human form that still looked human and felt that the Kingdom Hearts universe was the best scenario. He chose a fairy appearance because he felt it would make them more interesting and was also worried that the screen would be too crowded if the three showed up as normal sized characters.^[37]

Kairi's Grandmother, who told Kairi a story about light and darkness based on the events of the Keyblade War. Though appearing as a memory of Kairi's that Sora looked into, her grandmother actually appears in Birth by Sleep. Voiced by Kathryn Beaumont.

100 Acre Wood

The characters featured in the 100 Acre Wood are from A. A. Milne's series of Winnie-the-Pooh books that have been adapted into animated featurettes and films by Disney.^[50]

Winnie the Pooh: A bear whose favorite food is honey. He is absent-minded and often forgets what he was trying to remember. He is voiced by Jim Cummings in the English version.
Tigger: A tiger with bright orange fur and black stripes. He is often seen bouncing around on his springy tail and is usually very optimistic. He is voiced by Jim Cummings in the English version.
Piglet: A baby pig who often stutters when speaking and has a timid disposition. He is usually caught in situations which require him to receive help from Sora or any of his friends to get out of. He is voiced by John Fiedler in the first game and by Travis Oates in the second game in the English version.
Rabbit: A practical and responsible rabbit who always tries to protect his honey supplies from Pooh. He has his own garden where he keeps crops which are always destroyed by Tigger's bouncing. He is voiced by Ken Sansom in the English version.
Eeyore: A donkey who always drops his tail which is pinned on to his back. He usually has a very pessimistic attitude, but is capable of great compassion. He is voiced by Peter Cullen in the English version.
Owl: An owl who is supposedly very wise though rather questionable. He loves to tell stories to his friends about his numerous famous relatives which causes him to seem rather long-winded. He is voiced by Andre Stojka in the English version.
Kanga: A kangaroo who is Roo's mother. She is voiced by Kath Soucie in the English version.
Roo: A baby kangaroo who is Kanga's son. He is usually rather playful and always hangs out around Tigger. He is voiced by Jimmy Bennett in the English Version.
Gopher: A gopher who constantly digs tunnels underground. He is very hard-working when it comes to digging his tunnels which he always falls into from time to time. He is voiced by Michael Gough in the English version.

Twilight Town

Twilight Town was introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories,^[49] but characters were not introduced until Kingdom Hearts II. Many of the characters were first introduced as alternative versions of themselves in DiZ's virtual Twilight Town, though they still exhibited the same personalities. A regular gang seen is one composed of three children named, Hayner, Pence, and Olette whose virtual replicas befriended Roxas.

Another gang, is the self-proclaimed Twilight Town Disciplinary Committee consists of Seifer, Rai, Fuu and Vivi. The committee is based on Final Fantasy VIII of which the first three belongs to in Final Fantasy VIII counterpart. Being very prideful, Seifer has a thing against outsiders and more so on those who disturb the town's peace. Picking fights with Hayner, Seifer and him sometimes settle their disputes in contests like "Struggle Battle" and "Grandstand Ball". Another inhabitant of Twilight Town is Setzer from Final Fantasy VI. He is a flamboyant gambler that participates in the Struggle Battle.

The Land of Dragons

The Land of Dragons features characters from the 1998 animated film, Mulan. This world and most of the characters were introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. The Land of Dragons is in the middle of a war between Shan Yu and the forces of China, ruled by the Emperor.^[56]

Mulan: A woman who disguises herself as a man named Ping to replace her ailing father in the Chinese army. Though exposed, Mulan manages to save the Emperor with Sora's help and maintained her family's honor. Later, while investigating the sightings of a figure in black, Mulan joins Sora and company in once more saving the Emperor from a Heartless attack. Though her extact request for her deed is denined, Mulan accepts the Emperor's offer to serve as his protector with Shang whom she developed feelings for.^[57] Voiced by Ming-Na.
Captain Li Shang: A Chinese army captain who is the highly capable leader of the unit Mulan sneaked into. Though a "by-the-book" and putting his duty above his feelings, Shang developed feelings for Mulan in the long run after learning of her identity. Voiced by B.D. Wong.
Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po: They are a trio newly recruited soldiers, lacking military skills before they were trained. Yao is the self-appointed leader of the trio with a temper, Ling the friendly funnyman, and Chien-Po the calmest of them. Yao is voiced by Harvey Fierstein. Ling is voiced by Gedde Watanabe. Chien-Po is voiced by Jerry Tondo.
The Emperor of China: The Emperor of China is among the wisest of his people. Kidnapped by Shan Yu, the Emperor is saved by Sora and Mulan as Shan Yu quickly dispatched the Hun. Soon after, the Emperor steps and criticizes Mulan for impersonating a soldier, but thanks her for saving their beloved country, giving her Shan Yu's sword as a token for her effort. He later meets Riku when he warns him of a dragon being turned into the StormBringer Heartless and its arrival to the Imperial City. Voiced by Pat Morita.
Mushu: A small dragon who is Fa Mulan's closest companion and originally a guardian spirit in her family until being demoted to the humiliating position for failing his mission. As a result, Mushu helps Mulan in her plan in order to regain his former title upon her success. Using his time with Sora from Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, as a summon, Mushu recruits him and his friends to help Mulan out while portraying himself as a family guardian to them until they learn the truth.^[16]^[49] Voiced by Mark Moseley.
Shan Yu: The cruel leader of the Huns who is bent on conquering China, gaining control of the Heartless and using his falcon Hayabusa as his eyes. While Sora and Mulan investigate a cave, Shan Yu sets the nearby village on fire in an attempt to deal with the imperial army stationed there. Later, Shan Yu uses his Heartless army to finish them off until Mulan uses a cannon to cause an avalanche that wipes out the army. However, Shan Yu survives and heads to the Imperial City with a new batch of Heartless, using them as a distraction while he kidnaps the Emperor and threatens him to submit. But Sora and company manage to free the Emperor with Shang's help as they battle Shan Yu when he attempts to break down the palace doors after his quarry. In the end, Shan Yu collapses after Sora defeats him. Voiced by Corey Burton.

Beast's Castle

Beast's Castle features characters from the 1991 animated film, Beauty and the Beast. Belle originated from this world.

Beast: The Beast is a prince who was transformed into a hideous monster by an enchantress because of his selfish heart.^[16] But Belle's arrival healed the loneliness he endured. When Maleficent captures Belle, the Beast's iron will carries him through a corridor of darkness to Hollow Bastion where he teams up with Sora to defeat Maleficent.^[58] In 358/2 Days, Beast and Belle have returned to their world though their relationship starts to get friction because of the Heartless appearing with Beast fighting them alone and Xaldin studying his weaknessess. By the time of Kingdom Hearts II, Beast is plagued by his inner darkness brought forth through Xaldin's attempt to acquire his Nobody.^[59] Eventually, long after Xaldin's defeat, Beast is transformed back into a handsome prince. Voiced by Robby Benson.
Lumiere: Lumier is the kind-hearted but rebellious maître d' of the Beast's castle, he has been transformed into a candelabra. Voiced by Jeff Bennett.
Mrs. Potts: Mrs. Potts is the head of the castle kitchens, turned into a teapot. She takes on a motherly attitude towards Belle. Mrs. Potts is accompanied by her son Chip who was turned into a teacup. Voiced by Angela Lansbury.
Cogsworth: The castle's majordomo who was transformed into a clock. While he is as good-natured as Lumiere, he is extremely loyal to the Beast so as to save himself and anyone else any trouble. Voiced by David Ogden Stiers.
The Wardrobe: A former opera singer turned into a wardrobe. She is Belle's confidant during her stay in the Castle. Voiced by Jo Anne Worley.

Port Royal

Port Royal features characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. It was introduced in Kingdom Hearts II and is occupied by pirates and local residents from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, following primarily the storyline of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Though the characters of Port Royal were visually more realistic than the other Kingdom Hearts characters, the development team had experience creating realistic character models from earlier Final Fantasy titles. The characters models were created using technology that generated them from live-action pictures.^[7] Port Royal has not made another appearance in any other games in the series.

Captain Jack Sparrow: An eccentric pirate noted for a slightly drunken swagger, accompanied by slurred speech and awkwardly flailing hand gestures. He is bent on regaining the Black Pearl, which he captained ten years before, and settle things with Barbossa.^[60] Though he succeeds, Jack helps Sora again when Luxord uses the cursed Aztec gold for his own schemes. But during the incident, Sparrow is cursed by the Grim Reaper Heartless. Voiced by James Arnold Taylor.
William Turner: A blacksmith's apprentice working in Port Royal, he is in love with Elizabeth Swann. Will struggles with the fact his father, "Bootstrap" Bill, was a pirate, unable to reconcile that he was a good man too. Voiced by Crispin Freeman.
Elizabeth Swann: The daughter of Governor Weatherby Swann, she gives her name as Turner to Barbossa when he and his men attacked Port Royal, mistaken for "Bootstrap" Bill's child. Voiced by Eliza Schneider.
Captain Barbossa: The captain of the Black Pearl, he was Sparrow's first mate before he led a mutiny ten years before. He and his crew stole cursed Aztec gold, for which they walk the Earth forever with un-life. As a result, they seek the gold and blood payment needed to break the curse.^[61] Barbossa is shot by Sparrow before the curse is broken, with the wounded Barbossa falling dead. Voiced by Brian George.
Bo'sun: One of Barbossa's pirates, his burly second in command who uses a hatchet as his weapon. Voiced by John DiMaggio.
Twigg: One of Barbossa's pirates, armed with a rifle that he uses to attack from long distances.
Jacoby: One of Barbossa's pirates, a man with a long black beard and uses hand grenades. Voiced by Beau Billingslea.

Pride Lands

The Pride Lands features characters from the 1994 animated film, The Lion King. The Pride Land and most of the characters were introduced in Kingdom Hearts II.

Simba: Simba is a lion and the son of Mufasa, a former king of the Pride Land who died in wildebeest stampede. After the Heartless consumed his world, the summon stone Simba became ended up in Leon's possession before he gave it to Sora, gaining Simba as a summonable ally in the Kingdom Hearts and then again in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. During Kingdom Hearts II, though still blaming himself for Mufasa's death, learns the truth that his uncle Scar was responsible.^[62] Though he became the new king of Pride Land, Simba suffered self-doubt until Sora and friends help him out of it. Voiced by Cam Clarke
Timon and Pumbaa: A meerkat and warthog duo that Simba met during his time away from Pride Rock. They are his best freinds who acted as surrogate parents during his childhood. Voiced by Bruce Lanoil and Ernie Sabella respectively.
Nala: Nala is a lioness and a childhood friend of Simba's. Later on, the two are reunited in the jungle after Sora revealed to her that Simba was still alive.^[63] Voiced by Vanessa Marshall
Rafiki: Rafiki is a wise old mandrill and advisor to the king of the Pride Land. Voiced by Robert Guillaume.
Scar: A ruthless black-maned lion and Mufasa's brother. Wanting to rule the Pride Land, Scar set up Mufasa's death and turned the land into a barren wasteland. He made an alliance with Pete to further his rule as Sora attempts to help Simba regain his birthright. Though defeated, Scar succumbed to the darkness and prey on Simba's hesitance in the form of spirits. Voiced by James Horan.
Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed: Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed are the three most prominent hyenas who work for Scar, in the hope that they will get plenty of food while he is king of the Pride Land. Shenzi is voiced by Tress MacNeille. Banzai is voiced by Cheech Marin. Ed is voiced by Jim Cummings.

Space Paranoids

Space Paranoids features characters from Tron, the 1982 science-fiction film. It was introduced in Kingdom Hearts II as a digital world located in Ansem the Wise's computer within Hollow Bastion.

Tron: Tron is a security program who had most of his functions removed by the MCP due to his rebellious attitude towards the MCP and Sark. Thanks to his meeting with Sora, Tron regained his functions and learned about freindship, taking over the MCP's functions to ensure Users can acces Ansem the Wise's computer.^[64] Voiced by Bruce Boxleitner.
The Master Control Program: The Master Control Program or MCP for short, he is the ruler of the world, he issues functions to other programs in order to grow more powerful. The MCP seeks to extend its reach into the real world with the help of the Heartless. However, arresting Sora's group by trapping them in the computer proved to be its downfall as they helped Tron erase it peremenantly. Voiced by Corey Burton.
Commander Sark: Commander Sark is the apprentice of the MCP and deals directly with dissident programs who disobey the MCP's orders. He controls the virtual Heartless and was the one to imprison Sora's group. Though he puts up a good fight when it comes to delete the MCP, Sark proved no match for them until being given the MCP's functions to power up. However, he is deleted along with the MCP in their final confrontation. Voiced by Corey Burton.

Enchanted Dominion

Enchanted Dominion features characters from the 1959 animated film, Sleeping Beauty, introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Both Maleficent and Aurora originate from this world.

Prince Phillip: Prince Phillip is a prince who was betrothed to Aurora at birth. In order to lift Aurora's curse he teams up with Aqua to battle Maleficent.^[65] To be voiced by Josh Robert Thompson.
The Three Fairies: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather attempt to save Aurora from Maleficent's curse. They later appeared in Yen Sid's tower during the events of Kingdom Hearts II, giving Sora his new attire and the ability to transform into Drive Forms.^[66] They are respectively voiced by Barbara Dirikson, Russi Taylor, and Tress MacNeille.
Diablo: Maleficent's pet raven who carries his mistress cloak to Yen Sid's tower just before her return to power.
Maleficent's Goons: They are a group of monsters that defend their lair.

Castle of Dreams

Castle of Dreams features characters from the 1950 animated film, Cinderella, introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Cinderella originated from this world. Terra appears in normal size the whole time in that world, Aqua is reduced to 3 inches by the Fairy Godmother, and Ven appears three inches high the whole time in the Castle of Dreams. In the secret episode segment in the Final Mix version of Birth by Sleep, this world is one of the first world to be attacked by the Heartless and end up in the Realm of Darkness.

The Fairy Godmother: She is a benefactor who helps Cinderella get to the ball. She appears in Kingdom Hearts at Traverse Town, providing Sora with summons to help him in his fights. Fairy Godmother is voiced by Russi Taylor.
Jaq: Jaq is the mouse friend of Cinderella who helps her with favors in return for her saving him from mouse traps and from the cat Lucifer. Voiced by Rob Paulsen.
Lady Tremaine: Lady Tremaine is the wicked stepmother of Cinderella and treats Cinderella very badly forcing her to do chore after chore. Voiced by Susan Blakeslee.
Prince Charming: Prince Charming is a prince who falls in love at first sight with Cinderella after meeting her at the ball. He chases after her when she attempts to leave the ball, though he does not catch up to her but retrieves the slipper that she leaves behind. Voiced by Matt Nolan.
Anastasia and Drizella: They are the ugly stepsisters of Cinderella who try their best to stop her from attending the ball. Anastasia is voiced by Tress MacNeille and Drizella is voiced by Russi Taylor.
Lucifer: Lucifer is the cat owned by Lady Tremaine, he constantly tries to make Cindrella's chores tougher by dirtying the floor and always tries to catch Jaq before attempting of going after Ven. Voiced by Jon Olson in both versions.
Grand Duke: The Grand Duke attempts to help Prince Charming locate Cinderella so that he can marry her by going through every house in the kingdom and letting each lady try out the glass slipper until he finds the perfect fit.^[65] Voiced by Rob Paulsen.

Dwarf Woodlands

Dwarf Woodlands features characters from the 1937 animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and takes place in the woods of the Dwarves. Snow White originated from this world.

The Seven Dwarfs: They are a group of dwarves living in a cottage deep in the woods working in mines. They were leaving alone until one day Snow White arrived at their cottage fleeing from the Queen. Soon after they become extremely good friends with each other and treat her like a sister. They are composed of Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. With the exception of Dopey, they are respectively voiced by David Ogden Stiers, Corey Burton, James Arnold Taylor, Bill Farmer, Jeff Bennett, and Bob Joles in the English version.
The Queen: Also known as Evil Queen, Wicked Queen, Old Hag, or Queen Grimhilde, she is the vain and proud queen of the kingdom who became queen after marrying the widowed king who died shortly after the marriage. She attempts to kill Snow White after the Magic Mirror tells her that the latter is the fairest in the land instead of her due to her jealousy and hatred towards Snow White. The Queen is voiced by Susan Blakeslee in the English version.
The Magic Mirror: It is a magical mirror hung up on the wall of the castle which answers truthfully to any question asks. He always appears as a floating green mask who appears from puff of green smoke whenever called upon. In Birth by Sleep, the Queen allows Terra to ask the mirror the whereabouts of Master Xehanort if he does a favor for her. Aqua also gets into a battle with the mirror in a special world within the mirror.^[65] The Magic Mirror was voiced by Corey Burton (after the death of Tony Jay) in the English version.
The Prince: The unnamed prince is Snow White's love interest who arrives to Snow White's aid after she has been poisoned by the Queen. He was voiced by James Arnold Taylor in the English version.

Deep Space

Deep Space features characters from the Lilo & Stitch series. It was introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and takes place in outer space in the galaxy of Lilo & Stitch.

Stitch: Stitch is the 626th genetic alien experiment created by "evil genius" Dr. Jumba Jookiba for the motive of causing chaos and destruction throughout the galaxy. He is the most successful experiment created by Jumba and has the most abilities like retractable claws and super-strength. However, due to the presences of Terra's group, Stitch escapes while becoming more self-conscious from befriending each of the three Keyblade users. Stitch later ended up at Hollow Bastion during the events of Kingdom Hearts II. Voiced by Chris Sanders.
Dr. Jumba Jookiba: Dr. Jumba Jookiba is an "evil genius" and in a way a father to Experiment 626. He created numerous genetic experiments each with unique abilities and characteristics. Voiced by David Ogden Stiers.
Gantu: Gantu is a captain of the Galactic Federation. He was the one who originally captured and arrested Jumba for his genetic experiments. He ended up demoted when he attempted to kill Aqua, who was trying to protect Stitch from him. Voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
The Grand Councilwoman: The Grand Gouncilwoman is the leader of the Galactic Federation, leading the trial against Jumba Jookiba before sentencing him and the newly created Stitch to their respective prisons. Voiced by Zoe Caldwell.
Sparky: Sparky is the 221st genetic alien experiment created by Jumba. His primary motive is to cause chaos and destruction using his electrical powers and abilities, attacking Terra.^[67] Voiced by Frank Welker.

La Cité des Cloches

La Cité des Cloches (fr: The City of Bells) features characters from the 1996 Disney film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was the first Disney world to be announced for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. La Cité des Cloches resembles Paris in the 15th century.

Quasimodo: The bellringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral who feels that he can not be accepted due to Frollo pointing out his physical deformities.
Esméralda: A gypsy girl who befriends Quasimodo and helps him realize his inner beauty.
Claude Frollo: The ruthless and self-righteous justice minister who is Quasimodo's reluctant guardian, seeing the evil he commits to be for the greater good. To be voiced by Jim Cummings^[68]
Phoebus: Frollo's Captain of the Guard, who falls in love with Esmeralda.
Victor, Hugo, and Laverne: A trio of gargoyle statues who are Quasimodo's close friends as they encourage him not to believe Frollo and see the world. Victor will be voiced by Charles Kimbrough while Hugo will be voiced by Jason Alexander^[69]

Prankster's Paradise

The characters in Prankster's Paradise are from the 1940 animated film Pinocchio.

Pinocchio: A happy wooden puppet made by Geppetto and turned into a living puppet by the Blue Fairy. He ended up in Traverse Town after the Heartless ravaged his world before stowing away to be reunited with Geppetto. Voiced by Seth Adkins in Kingdom Hearts.
Jiminy Cricket: Pinocchio's official conscience. Before the events of Kingdom Hearts, Jiminy Cricket landed in Disney Castle after the destruction of his home world, being hired by Queen Minnie to accompany Donald and Goofy on their journey to find their king and the keybearer. He eventually reunited with Pinocchio at Traverse Town, and Pinocchio later reunited with Geppetto inside the belly of Monstro the Whale. Afterwards, Pinocchio and Geppetto were helped to find a house in Traverse Town by a young man named Leon. After Sora defeated "Ansem" and closed the door to darkness, Jiminy Cricket returned to his home world with Pinocchio and Geppetto, although an illusion of him accompanies Sora at Castle Oblivion, having apparently lost all entries in his journal. After Sora defeats Marluxia, Jiminy Cricket intends to write "Thank Naminé" in his journal so he would notice it after his memories are restored. Jiminy Cricket plays a major role in Kingdom Hearts coded and a minor role in Prankster's Paradise during Kingdom Hearts 3D. Jiminy Cricket is voiced in English by Eddie Carroll from Kingdom Hearts until his death in 2010, being succeeded by Phil Snyder as the new voie of Jiminy Cricket beginning with Kingdom Hearts Re: coded.
Geppetto: A kind and gentle woodcarver who created Pinocchio, treating him like a son. He owns a goldfish named Cleo. Voiced by Tony Pope in his initial appearance.
The Blue Fairy: The beautiful fairy who brought Pinocchio to life.
Monstro: A whale that has been traveling through space, known as the Lanes Between, after his world was ravaged by the Heartless. He swallowed Geppetto during his search for Pinocchio, with the latter swallowed as well when Sora's Gummi Ship was also swallowed. Eventually, due to Sora and friends fighting the Heartless, Monstro sneezes everyone out. Monstro also makes an appearance in Birth By Sleep: Final Mix as a boss in the Mirage Arena.

Country of the Musketeers

The Country of the Musketeers features characters from the Disney film Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. Like Timeless River, it is set in the past, and focuses on King Mickey's earlier adventures as a Musketeer with Donald and Goofy. Notably, this is the first world in the series originating from a Disney direct-to-video feature instead of a film from the Disney animated features canon.

The Beagle Boys: A trio of bandits who work for Pete.

Symphony of Sorcery

Symphony of Sorcery features characters from the 1940 film Fantasia. Like Timeless River and Country of the Musketeers, it is set in the past, during King Mickey's quest to become a Keyblade Master.

Chernabog: A massive nocturnal devil who holds power over various restless souls. Ending up in the End of the World during Kingdom Hearts, Chernabog battled Sora before being defeated by the boy.
Magic Brooms: These broomsticks have become sentient from Mickey's sorcerer magic, and help around in the Mysterious Tower (and eventually, Disney Castle).

The Grid

The second world to be based on the Tron series, this one based on Tron: Legacy. It will be an entirely different world to Space Paranoids in Kingdom Hearts II.

Tron is set to return, albeit in his Rinzler persona.
Kevin Flynn: A User and the creator of the Grid and CLU 2. Voiced by Tsutomu Isobe.
Sam Flynn: Kevin Flynn's son who ventures into the Grid to find his missing father. He is voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa in the Japanese version.
Quorra: An ISO and confidante to Kevin Flynn during his years in exile.
CLU 2: An acronym for Codified Likeness Utility 2.0, CLU 2 is a program created by Kevin in his likeness to oversee the development of the Grid. However, following his programming to create a "perfect system", CLU betrayed Flynn and took the Grid under his undisputed control, while also issuing the complete anihilation of the ISOs, leaving Quorra as the sole survivor. He is voiced by Tsutomu Isobe in the Japanese version.
Black Guards: Corrupted or repurposed programs who work for CLU 2.

Merchandise

*Kingdom Hearts* character figurines; a Play Arts figure of Roxas appears in the center and Formation Arts Volume 1 & 2 figures are arrayed around him.

The characters of the Kingdom Hearts series have had various types of merchandise modeled after their likeness. Square Enix has released a collection of Formation Arts figurines that feature several of the main characters from the first game.^[70]^[71] A series of Play Arts action figures has also been released.^[72] Other merchandise includes jewelry and key chains modeled after character apparel and accessories.^[73] The characters are also featured on posters,^[73] desktop wallpapers,^[74] and trading cards that are part of the Kingdom Hearts Trading Card Game.^[75]

Reception

Overall, the characters within the Kingdom Hearts series have been well received and have garnered praise for the quality of their voice acting as well as their visual style. IGN, GameSpy, and Game Informer all praised the animation quality of the characters.^[76]^[77]^[78] IGN's David Smith's impressions of the characters were very positive, referring to them as an "engaging cast", and stating the "characters' acting is helped immensely by the facial expressions and body". The design of the characters created specifically for Kingdom Hearts was seen as the highlight of the first game, stating "the majority of its best visual moments are based on original designs". One complaint he expressed was "the odd bit of cheating with the lip-synching, where textured facial features are substituted for full 3D animation".^[76] GameSpy stated the Disney characters "slide perfectly into Square's visual style", and complemented the realistic characters from Pirates of the Caribbean, describing them as "remarkably accurate".^[77]

GameSpot commented the first game created a "fascinating world" using the Disney and Final Fantasy characters.^[79] Gaming Age commented the combination of Final Fantasy and Disney characters worked very well and outweighed any design problems in the game. For the third game, they stated Square Enix "captured the look and mannerisms of the various Disney characters" very well.^[80] GameSpy stated the inclusion of the Disney and Square Enix characters was handled well.^[77] The main character Sora has also received press comments. In January 2007, Sora was listed the 4th biggest dork of 2006 by Game Informer, citing the Atlantica singing portions of the game.^[81] IGN listed him as a possible character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl;^[82] though he was not chosen as the "reader's choice".^[83]

GameSpy praised the voice cast and voice acting in the first and third games.^[77]^[84] G4TV awarded Kingdom Hearts II "Best Voice Over" in their 2006 G-phoria Awards.^[85] Game Informer praised the voice acting of the third game, particularly performances by Haley Joel Osment, Christopher Lee, and James Woods. They also stated the voice talent "shines across the board."^[86] Gaming Age praised the voice work in the first and third game and the localization of the dialogue.^[80]^[87] They commented the voice acting in the first game was one of its best features.^[87] For the third, they stated the voice actors did an "admirable job" and given the amount of characters, the small number of complaints was impressive.^[80] Reception towards the voice acting in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, however, was decidedly mixed, with praise aimed at the performances of Jesse McCartney, Mark Hamill and Leonard Nimoy, while Willa Holland and Jason Dohring's performances received a more mixed reaction, with Gamespot referring to Dohring's performance as "abysmal".

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Gerstmann, Jeff (2001-05-17). "E3 2001: Square announces Disney RPG for PS2". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
^ ^a ^b "Nomura Interview TechTv". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
^ "Playstation.com Europe - E3 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-04-18. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
^ ^a ^b "KHU Interview w/Tetsuya Nomura". Kingdom Hearts Insider. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
^ ^a ^b Boulette, Bryan (2005-11-27). "Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details". RPGamer. Retrieved 2007-07-23.
^ "Tetsuya Nomura 1st 1UP Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-10. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
^ ^a ^b "Dengeki - Kingdom Hearts 2 Progress Report". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-08. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
^ "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts (2002)(VG)". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
^ "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts II (2005)(VG)". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
^ "Kingdom Hearts Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
^ GamePro Staff (2003-04-30). "Kingdom Hearts Voice Talent Announced". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2009-01-13. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
^ Coleman, Stephen (2006-02-08). "Kingdom Hearts II Gets All-Star Cast". IGN. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
^ Mike Fahey (May 17, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Dated, Detailed, And PSP Bundled". Kotaku. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l Birlew, Dan (2003). Kingdom Hearts Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0198-6.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Riku Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Scenario Mysteries Interview". KingdomHearts3.net. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-08-25.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Sora Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
^ Square Enix, h.a.n.d. (2009-09-29). Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Riku: All right. You've left me with no other choice. / Roxas: What? / Riku: I have to release the power in my heart—the dark power that I've been holding back. Even...if it changes me forever.
^ Square (2002-12-16). Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (PlayStation 2) (in Japanese). Square, Disney Interactive. Ansem Report 10: "However, as for one possibility, an experiment. She can lead me to the place where the person who possesses the "Key" is... I will try sending her to the sea of the strange sky. (アンセムレポート10: しかし、これは一つの可能性であり、実験である。彼女が鍵を持つ者のいる場所へ私を導いてくれるのか… 異空の海に送り出してみよう。)
^ Square Co. (2002). Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet. Square Co., Limited.
^ Square Enix (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet. Square Enix.
^ Square (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts. Goofy: Hey, why don't ya come with us? We can go to other worlds on our vessel. / Sora: I wonder if I could find Riku and Kairi... / Donald: Of course. / Goofy: Are you sure? / Donald: Who knows? But we need him to come with us to help us find the king.
^ ^a ^b ^c Jupiter (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive. Naminé: I'm sorry. It's the only way. You have to choose, Sora. You can lose your memories of this castle and reclaim your old memories... or keep your memories here and give up the memories that you've lost. / Sora: I have to choose? / Naminé: Yes. / Sora: Put me back the way I was. / ... / Donald: We have to sleep in these to get our memories back? / Naminé: You'll be fine. It might take a little time, but I'll take care of you. / Goofy: But when we wake up, we won't remember you anymore...
^ Boyes, Emma (2007-09-20). "TGS '07: Three new Kingdom Hearts games coming". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
^ Gantayat, Anoop (October 2, 2007). "Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
^ ^a ^b Famitsu Staff (2009-11-05). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 266–267. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
^ ^a ^b Studio BentStuff, ed. (2005). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5.
^ Square Co. (2002-09-17). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square, Disney Interactive. Ansem Report 10: My path is set. I shall seek out the wielder of the Keyblade, and the princesses. My body is too frail for such a journey, but I must do this. I will cast it off and plunge into the depths of darkness.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Mickey: But, what you actually fought was his Heartless. Ya see, he wasn't really Ansem. He just went around telling everybody that he was.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Ansem the Wise: Xemnas, the Organization's Superior, is the Nobody of Xehanort, my foremost apprentice.
^ Jupiter (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Square Enix, Disney Interactive. D Report: Pursuer of darkness. To open the door to darkness, Ansem used the Heartless to steal countless hearts. He enslaved Riku, but met his demise at Sora's hand. Nonetheless, Ansem's shadow lives on in the depths of Riku's heart.
^ Square Co. (2002-09-17). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square, Disney Interactive. Aerith: Don't worry. If we defeat Ansem, all should be restored. Including your island.
^ Jupiter (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Square Enix, Disney Interactive. Ansem: You have been thinking about me... You're afraid of the darkness I command. Good... The more you think of me, the closer my return draws. And when I have awoken, I will take hold...Your heart will be mine!
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Goofy: Pete's been causin' trouble for ages! His Majesty banished him to another dimension a long time ago. I wonder how he escaped. / Pete: You wanna know how, eh? Well, Maleficent busted me out, that's how! And now your world—no, no, no, all the worlds—are gonna belong to yours truly. Cause Maleficent's gonna help me conquer 'em!
^ ^a ^b "Kingdom Hearts II Tetsuya Nomura interview". Video Game Blogger. Retrieved 2007-06-19.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Yen Sid: Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse—they only pretend to have hearts.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Saïx: Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. And yet they know not the true power of what they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free...until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist.
^ ^a ^b キングダムハーツバースバイスリープアルティマニア (in Japanese). Square-Enix. 2010. ISBN 978-4757527881. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
^ Larxene: The girl you've been trying to protect all this time...is really a manipulative witch who shackles peoples' hearts! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Naminé: I'm a witch with power over Sora's memories and those around him. / Roxas: A witch? / Naminé: That's what DiZ called me.
^ Ansem the Wise: I made so many plans. But when Sora became an acting force, they all fell apart. All my research amounted to nothing, compared to that one boy's heart. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Ansem the Wise: Sora, it's all up to you now. And Roxas—I doubt you can hear me—but... I am sorry.
^ Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Goofy: Yen Sid is the King's teacher!
^ ^a ^b Famitsu Staff (2009-11-05). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 262–263. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
^ Famitsu (September 28, 2009). "野村哲也氏独占インタビュー！ TGSサプライズ映像の内容に迫る - ファミ通.com" (in Japanese). Famitsu. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
^ Brian Ashcraft (October 15, 2009). "Who Does This New Kingdom Hearts Character Look Like?". Kotaku. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Hollinger, Elizabeth (2004). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0473-X.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Zdyrko, Dave (2002-02-06). "Kingdom Hearts Preview". IGN. Retrieved 2007-09-05.
^ Valay (September 15, 2011). "Neku Is In Kingdom Hearts 3DS". NintendoEverything. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
^ Aladdin: Genie and Carpet took off to see the world. It's what Genie always wanted, so I wished him the best and all, but... / Goofy: You miss him. / Sora: Man, things must be REALLY quiet with Genie gone. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Aladdin: I...I wish... ...for your freedom, Genie. A deal’s a deal, Genie. Now, you can go anywhere you want. You’re your own master. But if you can, it’d be great if you could go along with them and help Sora find Jasmine. Square Co. (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts.
^ Aladdin: Can't believe it... That stupid peddler let Jafar out of the lamp! Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Yuna: Excuse me, are you with the Restoration Committee? / ... / Paine: Let's report. / Donald: To who? / Yuna: Our leader, of course! / Rikku: Yeah, you know, Malefi--- Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Shang: You've done a passable job. But stay alert! This is just the beginning. Shan-Yu has invaded our country. We must stop him at all costs. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Hollinger, Elizabeth (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0526-4.
^ Beast: Why... Why did you...you come here? I came to fight for Belle. And though I am on my own, I will fight. I won’t leave without her. That’s why I’m here. / Sora: Me too. I’m not gonna give up now. I came here to find someone very important to me. Square Co. (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts.
^ Xaldin: It's time you dealt with Belle. She's scheming to take everything you have. This castle, your precious rose. And then---your life. Trust no one. Feed your anger! Only anger will keep you strong. / Beast: I've had enough of strength. There's only one thing I want--- / Xaldin: What? To love, and be loved in return? Who could ever love a beast? Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Jack Sparrow: Treasure's already his. So's the curse upon it. I've no desire for such treacherous spoils. But I will have back what's mine---the Black Pearl.Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Barbossa: This is no trinket, missy. This is cursed Aztec gold. One of eight hundred and eighty-two identical pieces they delivered in a stone chest to Cortez himself. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Scar: And here's my little secret... I killed Mufasa. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Nala: There was... but he died... when he was just a cub. He was the son of our last king, Mufasa. If only Simba were here... / Sora: Simba!? But Simba's just fine! He was fighting right beside us not that long ago. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Tron: A number of my functions were appropriated when I last took on the MCP. That's why I need the password. If I can get inside the DTD, I can access my original backup program and restore all my functions. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ ^a ^b ^c "KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep". Square Enix. Retrieved November 3, 2009.
^ Flora: Now, those aren't ordinary garments. / Fauna: They have very special powers. / ... / Flora: Your garments also have other powers---but you will have to discover what they are as you continue on your journey. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
^ Famitsu (2009-08-28). "3人の主人公が紡ぐ『キングダムハーツ』シリーズ最新作『キングダムハーツバースバイスリープ』". Famitsu. Retrieved 2009-09-02.
^ Jim Cummings to voice Frollo in Kingdom Hearts
^ [1]
^ "Kingdom Hearts Formation Arts Vol.1". Play-Asia.com. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
^ "Kingdom Hearts Formation Arts Vol.2". Play-Asia.com. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
^ "Square Enix Official Online Merchandise Store". Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-10-05. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
^ ^a ^b "Square Enix Official Goods - Kingdom Hearts" (in Japanese). Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-09-19. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
^ Klepek, Patrick (2003-10-02). "Kingdom Hearts teaser wallpaper". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
^ "トミー　キングダムハーツトレーディングカードゲーム" (in Japanese). Takara Tomy Group. Archived from the original on 2007-08-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
^ ^a ^b "IGN: Kingdom Hearts Review". IGN. 2002-09-16. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Villoria, Gerald (2006-03-28). "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
^ Reiner, Andrew. "Kingdom Hearts Review". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
^ Massimilla, Bethany (2004-12-09). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-05-23.
^ ^a ^b ^c Faylor, Chris. "Review - Kingdom Hearts II". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
^ "Top 10 Dorks of 2006". Game Informer. No. 165. Cathy Preston. January 2007. p. 58.
^ Thomas, Lucas M. (2007-11-09). "Smash It Up! - It's Hip to be Square". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
^ Thomas, Lucas M. (2007-11-16). "Smash It Up! - Veterans Day". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
^ Turner, Benjamin (2002-09-03). "Kingdom Hearts Review (PS2)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
^ Thorsen, Tor (2006-08-10). "G4 announces G-phoria winners, books Jack Thompson". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
^ Vore, Bryan (2006-03-17). "Kingdom Hearts 2 Hands-On Preview And Movies". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
^ ^a ^b Cordeira, Jim. "Review - Kingdom Hearts". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

External links

[GS-CompanyLine-1] Gerstmann, Jeff (2001-05-17). "E3 2001: Square announces Disney RPG for PS2". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-05-13.

[NI-TechTV-2] "Nomura Interview TechTv". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. Retrieved 2007-07-18.

[NI-PS.comEur-3] "Playstation.com Europe - E3 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-04-18. Retrieved 2007-09-20.

[Insider-KHU-NI-4] "KHU Interview w/Tetsuya Nomura". Kingdom Hearts Insider. Retrieved 2007-08-10.

[RPGamer-NI-5] Boulette, Bryan (2005-11-27). "Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details". RPGamer. Retrieved 2007-07-23.

[NI-1UP-1-6] "Tetsuya Nomura 1st 1UP Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-10. Retrieved 2007-09-20.

[KH-NI-Dengeki2-7] "Dengeki - Kingdom Hearts 2 Progress Report". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-06-08. Retrieved 2007-07-27.

[KH-NI-KHIIU-8] "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Archived from the original on 2007-07-10. Retrieved 2007-08-10.

[KH-IMDB-9] "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts (2002)(VG)". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-14.

[KHII-GSTechInfo-10] "Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-04.

[KHII-IMDB-11] "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts II (2005)(VG)". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-14.

[KH-GSTechInfo-12] "Kingdom Hearts Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-04.

[GP-VoiceCast-13] GamePro Staff (2003-04-30). "Kingdom Hearts Voice Talent Announced". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2009-01-13. Retrieved 2008-09-30.

[IGN-KHII-VoiceCast-14] Coleman, Stephen (2006-02-08). "Kingdom Hearts II Gets All-Star Cast". IGN. Retrieved 2007-06-14.

[15] Mike Fahey (May 17, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Dated, Detailed, And PSP Bundled". Kotaku. Retrieved May 17, 2010.

[KH-StrategyGuide-16] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l Birlew, Dan (2003). Kingdom Hearts Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0198-6.

[IGN-Riku-17] "Riku Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.

[ScenarioMysteries-18] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Scenario Mysteries Interview". KingdomHearts3.net. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-08-25.

[IGN-Sora-19] "Sora Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.

[20] Square Enix, h.a.n.d. (2009-09-29). Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS). Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios. Riku: All right. You've left me with no other choice. / Roxas: What? / Riku: I have to release the power in my heart—the dark power that I've been holding back. Even...if it changes me forever.

[21] Square (2002-12-16). Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (PlayStation 2) (in Japanese). Square, Disney Interactive. Ansem Report 10: "However, as for one possibility, an experiment. She can lead me to the place where the person who possesses the "Key" is... I will try sending her to the sea of the strange sky. (アンセムレポート10: しかし、これは一つの可能性であり、実験である。彼女が鍵を持つ者のいる場所へ私を導いてくれるのか… 異空の海に送り出してみよう。)

[KH-Instructions-22] Square Co. (2002). Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet. Square Co., Limited.

[KHII-Instructions-23] Square Enix (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet. Square Enix.

[24] Square (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts. Goofy: Hey, why don't ya come with us? We can go to other worlds on our vessel. / Sora: I wonder if I could find Riku and Kairi... / Donald: Of course. / Goofy: Are you sure? / Donald: Who knows? But we need him to come with us to help us find the king.

[CoM-Sleep-25] Jupiter (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive. Naminé: I'm sorry. It's the only way. You have to choose, Sora. You can lose your memories of this castle and reclaim your old memories... or keep your memories here and give up the memories that you've lost. / Sora: I have to choose? / Naminé: Yes. / Sora: Put me back the way I was. / ... / Donald: We have to sleep in these to get our memories back? / Naminé: You'll be fine. It might take a little time, but I'll take care of you. / Goofy: But when we wake up, we won't remember you anymore...

[GS-TGS07-26] Boyes, Emma (2007-09-20). "TGS '07: Three new Kingdom Hearts games coming". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-20.

[27] Gantayat, Anoop (October 2, 2007). "Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts". IGN. Retrieved January 25, 2010.

[WF-Nov5-I-28] Famitsu Staff (2009-11-05). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 266–267. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

[ultimania-29] Studio BentStuff, ed. (2005). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5.

[30] Square Co. (2002-09-17). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square, Disney Interactive. Ansem Report 10: My path is set. I shall seek out the wielder of the Keyblade, and the princesses. My body is too frail for such a journey, but I must do this. I will cast it off and plunge into the depths of darkness.

[fakeansem-31] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Mickey: But, what you actually fought was his Heartless. Ya see, he wasn't really Ansem. He just went around telling everybody that he was.

[xehanort-32] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Ansem the Wise: Xemnas, the Organization's Superior, is the Nobody of Xehanort, my foremost apprentice.

[33] Jupiter (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Square Enix, Disney Interactive. D Report: Pursuer of darkness. To open the door to darkness, Ansem used the Heartless to steal countless hearts. He enslaved Riku, but met his demise at Sora's hand. Nonetheless, Ansem's shadow lives on in the depths of Riku's heart.

[34] Square Co. (2002-09-17). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square, Disney Interactive. Aerith: Don't worry. If we defeat Ansem, all should be restored. Including your island.

[35] Jupiter (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Square Enix, Disney Interactive. Ansem: You have been thinking about me... You're afraid of the darkness I command. Good... The more you think of me, the closer my return draws. And when I have awoken, I will take hold...Your heart will be mine!

[36] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Goofy: Pete's been causin' trouble for ages! His Majesty banished him to another dimension a long time ago. I wonder how he escaped. / Pete: You wanna know how, eh? Well, Maleficent busted me out, that's how! And now your world—no, no, no, all the worlds—are gonna belong to yours truly. Cause Maleficent's gonna help me conquer 'em!

[KHII-TN-interview-37] "Kingdom Hearts II Tetsuya Nomura interview". Video Game Blogger. Retrieved 2007-06-19.

[emotion-38] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Yen Sid: Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse—they only pretend to have hearts.

[HeartlessKH-39] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Saïx: Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. And yet they know not the true power of what they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free...until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist.

[bbs-40] キングダムハーツバースバイスリープアルティマニア (in Japanese). Square-Enix. 2010. ISBN 978-4757527881. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)

[41] Larxene: The girl you've been trying to protect all this time...is really a manipulative witch who shackles peoples' hearts! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[42] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Naminé: I'm a witch with power over Sora's memories and those around him. / Roxas: A witch? / Naminé: That's what DiZ called me.

[43] Ansem the Wise: I made so many plans. But when Sora became an acting force, they all fell apart. All my research amounted to nothing, compared to that one boy's heart. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[44] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Ansem the Wise: Sora, it's all up to you now. And Roxas—I doubt you can hear me—but... I am sorry.

[45] Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games. Goofy: Yen Sid is the King's teacher!

[WF-Nov5-46] Famitsu Staff (2009-11-05). Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain: 262–263. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

[47] Famitsu (September 28, 2009). "野村哲也氏独占インタビュー！ TGSサプライズ映像の内容に迫る - ファミ通.com" (in Japanese). Famitsu. Retrieved June 18, 2011.

[48] Brian Ashcraft (October 15, 2009). "Who Does This New Kingdom Hearts Character Look Like?". Kotaku. Retrieved June 18, 2011.

[CoM-StrategyGuide-49] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Hollinger, Elizabeth (2004). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0473-X.

[IGN-KHPreview-50] Zdyrko, Dave (2002-02-06). "Kingdom Hearts Preview". IGN. Retrieved 2007-09-05.

[51] Valay (September 15, 2011). "Neku Is In Kingdom Hearts 3DS". NintendoEverything. Retrieved September 15, 2011.

[52] Aladdin: Genie and Carpet took off to see the world. It's what Genie always wanted, so I wished him the best and all, but... / Goofy: You miss him. / Sora: Man, things must be REALLY quiet with Genie gone. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[53] Aladdin: I...I wish... ...for your freedom, Genie. A deal’s a deal, Genie. Now, you can go anywhere you want. You’re your own master. But if you can, it’d be great if you could go along with them and help Sora find Jasmine. Square Co. (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts.

[54] Aladdin: Can't believe it... That stupid peddler let Jafar out of the lamp! Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[55] Yuna: Excuse me, are you with the Restoration Committee? / ... / Paine: Let's report. / Donald: To who? / Yuna: Our leader, of course! / Rikku: Yeah, you know, Malefi--- Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[56] Shang: You've done a passable job. But stay alert! This is just the beginning. Shan-Yu has invaded our country. We must stop him at all costs. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[KHII-StrategyGuide-57] Hollinger, Elizabeth (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames Publishing. ISBN 0-7440-0526-4.

[58] Beast: Why... Why did you...you come here? I came to fight for Belle. And though I am on my own, I will fight. I won’t leave without her. That’s why I’m here. / Sora: Me too. I’m not gonna give up now. I came here to find someone very important to me. Square Co. (2002-11-15). Kingdom Hearts (PlayStation 2). Square Electronic Arts.

[59] Xaldin: It's time you dealt with Belle. She's scheming to take everything you have. This castle, your precious rose. And then---your life. Trust no one. Feed your anger! Only anger will keep you strong. / Beast: I've had enough of strength. There's only one thing I want--- / Xaldin: What? To love, and be loved in return? Who could ever love a beast? Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[60] Jack Sparrow: Treasure's already his. So's the curse upon it. I've no desire for such treacherous spoils. But I will have back what's mine---the Black Pearl.Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[61] Barbossa: This is no trinket, missy. This is cursed Aztec gold. One of eight hundred and eighty-two identical pieces they delivered in a stone chest to Cortez himself. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[62] Scar: And here's my little secret... I killed Mufasa. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[63] Nala: There was... but he died... when he was just a cub. He was the son of our last king, Mufasa. If only Simba were here... / Sora: Simba!? But Simba's just fine! He was fighting right beside us not that long ago. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[64] Tron: A number of my functions were appropriated when I last took on the MCP. That's why I need the password. If I can get inside the DTD, I can access my original backup program and restore all my functions. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[BBS_Site-65] "KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep". Square Enix. Retrieved November 3, 2009.

[DriveClothes-66] Flora: Now, those aren't ordinary garments. / Fauna: They have very special powers. / ... / Flora: Your garments also have other powers---but you will have to discover what they are as you continue on your journey. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.

[BBSFR-67] Famitsu (2009-08-28). "3人の主人公が紡ぐ『キングダムハーツ』シリーズ最新作『キングダムハーツバースバイスリープ』". Famitsu. Retrieved 2009-09-02.

[68] Jim Cummings to voice Frollo in Kingdom Hearts

[69] [1]

[70] "Kingdom Hearts Formation Arts Vol.1". Play-Asia.com. Retrieved 2007-09-19.

[71] "Kingdom Hearts Formation Arts Vol.2". Play-Asia.com. Retrieved 2008-09-30.

[72] "Square Enix Official Online Merchandise Store". Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-10-05. Retrieved 2007-09-24.

[SEGoods-73] "Square Enix Official Goods - Kingdom Hearts" (in Japanese). Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-09-19. Retrieved 2007-09-19.

[74] Klepek, Patrick (2003-10-02). "Kingdom Hearts teaser wallpaper". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

[75] "トミー　キングダムハーツトレーディングカードゲーム" (in Japanese). Takara Tomy Group. Archived from the original on 2007-08-10. Retrieved 2007-09-19.

[IGN-Review-76] "IGN: Kingdom Hearts Review". IGN. 2002-09-16. Retrieved 2007-09-03.

[KH2gamespy-77] Villoria, Gerald (2006-03-28). "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-09-06.

[78] Reiner, Andrew. "Kingdom Hearts Review". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

[KH-COMgamespot-79] Massimilla, Bethany (2004-12-09). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-05-23.

[GA-KHII-80] Faylor, Chris. "Review - Kingdom Hearts II". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

[GI#165-81] "Top 10 Dorks of 2006". Game Informer. No. 165. Cathy Preston. January 2007. p. 58.

[82] Thomas, Lucas M. (2007-11-09). "Smash It Up! - It's Hip to be Square". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.

[83] Thomas, Lucas M. (2007-11-16). "Smash It Up! - Veterans Day". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.

[KHgamespy-84] Turner, Benjamin (2002-09-03). "Kingdom Hearts Review (PS2)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-09-06.

[85] Thorsen, Tor (2006-08-10). "G4 announces G-phoria winners, books Jack Thompson". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-06-15.

[86] Vore, Bryan (2006-03-17). "Kingdom Hearts 2 Hands-On Preview And Movies". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

[GA-KH-87] Cordeira, Jim. "Review - Kingdom Hearts". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2007-09-25.

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@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 In ''Chain of Memories'', Riku awakens in the basement levels of Castle Oblivion and begins climbing to the ground floor. Along the way, Riku confronts the remaining darkness in his heart and a replica of himself that is created by [[#Organization XIII#Vexen|Vexen]]; he also encounters [[#Ansem the Wise|Ansem the Wise]] in his DiZ guise, who has been overseeing his progress. After being reunited with Mickey, Riku finds Naminé as she attends to a sleeping Sora. Riku chooses to find a balance between his light and darkness, allowing him to defeat what remains of the Heartless Ansem within him. Soon after, Riku joins DiZ to ensure Sora is restored in peace. While capturing [[Roxas (Kingdom Hearts)|Roxas]] in order to make Sora complete again, Riku uses the power of darkness to capture him at the cost of becoming a physical manifestation of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=2009-09-29 |platform=Nintendo DS|quote='''Riku:''' All right. You've left me with no other choice. / '''Roxas:''' What? / '''Riku:''' I have to release the power in my heart—the dark power that I've been holding back. Even...if it changes me forever.}}</ref> Trapped in this form and ashamed of his appearance, Riku helps Sora in secret, eventually gaining the {{Nihongo|Way to the Dawn|ウェイトゥザドーン}} Keyblade. Riku returns to his original form when Ansem the Wise's machine used to digitally seal away Kingdom Hearts malfunctions and self-destructs. Joining Sora, they battle and defeat Xemnas, and returns to Destiny Islands. A year later, Sora, Riku, and Kairi receive a letter from Mickey explaining the fates of Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. Together with Sora, Riku is summoned by Yen Sid to take the Mark of Mastery exam and become a Keyblade Master in preparation for the eventual battle against Master Xehanort.
+===Kairi===
+{{Nihongo|Kairi|カイリ}} is a best friend of Sora and Riku and one of the seven [[#Princesses of Heart|Princesses of Heart]]. She is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura for the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/> Nomura has stated that Kairi's name can be interpreted as "sea";<ref name="ScenarioMysteries"/> the Japanese [[on'yomi]] pronunciation of sea is {{Nihongo|''kai''|海}}.<ref name="IGN-Riku"/> She is voiced by [[Risa Uchida]] in the Japanese version of the series. In English, she is voiced by [[Hayden Panettiere]], with [[Alyson Stoner]] playing her during her appearances in ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. She is voiced as a child by Sumire Morohoshi in Japanese and by [[Ariel Winter]] in English.
+Kairi is originally a resident of Radiant Garden as one of the seven Princesses of Heart. She has an encounter with [[#Aqua|Aqua]] in ''Birth by Sleep'' and is given a protective charm to keep her safe from darkness, which leads to her being sent to Destiny Islands when [[#Xehanort|Xehanort]] performs an experiment where all six apprentices of Ansem the Wise cause the invasion of darkness.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Final Mix|developer=Square|publisher=Square, Disney Interactive|date=2002-12-16|platform=PlayStation 2|language=Japanese|quote={{Nihongo|'''Ansem Report 10:''' "However, as for one possibility, an experiment. She can lead me to the place where the person who possesses the "Key" is... I will try sending her to the sea of the strange sky.|'''アンセムレポート10:''' しかし、これは一つの可能性であり、実験である。彼女が鍵を持つ者のいる場所へ私を導いてくれるのか… 異空の海に送り出してみよう。}}}}</ref>
+She is fourteen years old at the beginning of the main series.<ref name="KH-Instructions">{{Cite book|author=[[Square Co.]] |year=2002 |title=Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet |publisher=Square Co., Limited}}</ref> When Destiny Islands is destroyed by the Heartless, Kairi's heart enters Sora's while her body falls into a deep sleep. Upon learning her identity as a Princess of Heart and the location of her heart, Sora gives up his heart in order to release hers and restore it back into her body. Soon after, Kairi finds Sora's Heartless and restores him back to human form. Kairi later gives Sora her lucky charm, which Sora promises to return. After Sora seals the door to Kingdom Hearts, Kairi is separated from him and left behind on the reforming Destiny Islands where she awaits his return.
+During ''Chain of Memories'', Naminé's memory-altering powers break the memories in Sora's heart as well as those of all his friends, leading Kairi to lose her memories of him. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Kairi gradually remembers Sora as his own memories are restored, and writes him a letter which she sends out to sea in the hopes that it will find its way to him. Later, Kairi is kidnapped by [[Organization XIII#Axel|Axel]], who hopes to use Kairi to lure Sora to him. However, [[Organization XIII#Saïx|Saïx]] takes Kairi from Axel and imprisons her with Pluto in a jail cell in the World That Never Was. She escapes her cell with the help of Naminé, and they are saved from Saïx by Riku, who she recognizes despite his guise as Xehanort's Heartless, Ansem. Riku gives her the {{Nihongo|Destiny's Embrace|デスティニープレイス||lit. "Destiny Place"}} Keyblade, which she uses to fight off the Heartless that Saïx summons. Kairi reunites with Sora, and along with Donald, Goofy and King Mickey, they face and defeat Xemnas. Kairi then returns with Sora and Riku to Destiny Islands where they receive a letter from King Mickey. Soon afterward, Sora resolves to go on another journey to find Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, to which Kairi again loans him her lucky charm. In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', however, [[#Yen Sid|Yen Sid]] has her summoned by Riku to train her in the use of her Keyblade in response to Master Xehanort's plans to recreate the χ-blade using the hearts of seven Keyblade wielders and the thirteen members of Xehanort's newly formed Organization.
+===King Mickey===
+{{Main|Mickey Mouse}}
+King Mickey is the ruler of [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Disney Castle|Disney Castle]] and, by extension, Disney Town.<ref name="KHII-Instructions">{{Cite book|author = [[Square Enix]]|year = 2006|title = Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet|publisher = Square Enix}}</ref> His inclusion in the series was initially restricted to a small cameo for only one scene.<ref name="Insider-KHU-NI"/> The larger role he played in the sequels first required the approval of Disney.<ref name="KH-NI-KHIIU"/> He is voiced by [[Takashi Aoyagi]] in the Japanese version of the series. In English, he is voiced by [[Wayne Allwine]] in all games from ''Kingdom Hearts'' to ''358/2 Days'', and by [[Bret Iwan]] in all subsequent games starting with ''Birth by Sleep''.
+During the time of ''Birth by Sleep'', Mickey is a student under [[#Yen Sid|Yen Sid]] and meets Ansem the Wise while helping out Terra, Aqua, and Ventus with the {{Nihongo|Star Seeker|スターシーカー}} Keyblade. By the time ''Kingdom Hearts'' begins and the Heartless begin to invade other worlds, Mickey leaves his world to discover the cause, leaving a message to Donald and Goofy telling them to find and protect the Keyblade wielder. His journey ultimately leads him to obtaining a new Keyblade, the {{Nihongo|Kingdom Key D|キングダムチェーンD||lit. "Kingdom Chain D"}}, from within the realm of darkness, using it to seal Kingdom Hearts with Sora. In ''Chain of Memories'', he helps Riku in spirit at first, but then returns from the dark realm thanks to DiZ to help directly. Donning a cloak of darkness together with Riku, Mickey helps uncover [[Organization XIII]]'s plan in secret before helping Sora directly. He is playable in certain boss battles in ''Kingdom Hearts II''; if Sora and his friends are defeated, King Mickey will step in to fight in Sora's place until he is able to revive Sora, as the game forbids King Mickey from defeating a boss on his own. He is also a playable character in the multiplayer mode of ''358/2 Days''. In the aftermath of Xemnas's defeat, Mickey returns to his world, only to go on another adventure in the events of ''Kingdom Hearts coded'', where he learns the fates of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, and contacts Sora to help them.
 ===Donald Duck===
@@ Line 98: / Line 113: @@
 ==Other characters==
 A wide variety of Disney and ''Final Fantasy'' characters appear throughout the various ''Kingdom Hearts'' games. Some help the protagonists across multiple worlds, including [[Merlin (Disney)|Merlin]]. Merlin is an eccentric wizard whom King Mickey asked to teach Sora magic. He lives in Radiant Garden during ''Birth by Sleep'', and in Traverse Town with the Fairy Godmother during ''Kingdom Hearts''. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', he goes to Hollow Bastion along with Leon and his group to help restore their old home. [[Dumbo#Cast|Dumbo]], [[Bambi (character)|Bambi]] and [[Chicken Little (2005 film)#Cast|Chicken Little]] all serve as summons. Other characters that provide assistance to both Sora and the Organization are the [[Moogle]]s, well known for their roles in the ''Final Fantasy'' series.
-===Kairi===
-{{Nihongo|Kairi|カイリ}} is a best friend of Sora and Riku and one of the seven [[#Princesses of Heart|Princesses of Heart]]. She is an original character created by Tetsuya Nomura for the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/> Nomura has stated that Kairi's name can be interpreted as "sea";<ref name="ScenarioMysteries"/> the Japanese [[on'yomi]] pronunciation of sea is {{Nihongo|''kai''|海}}.<ref name="IGN-Riku"/> She is voiced by [[Risa Uchida]] in the Japanese version of the series. In English, she is voiced by [[Hayden Panettiere]], with [[Alyson Stoner]] playing her during her appearances in ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'' and ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. She is voiced as a child by Sumire Morohoshi in Japanese and by [[Ariel Winter]] in English.
-Kairi is originally a resident of Radiant Garden as one of the seven Princesses of Heart. She has an encounter with [[#Aqua|Aqua]] in ''Birth by Sleep'' and is given a protective charm to keep her safe from darkness, which leads to her being sent to Destiny Islands when [[#Xehanort|Xehanort]] performs an experiment where all six apprentices of Ansem the Wise cause the invasion of darkness.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Final Mix|developer=Square|publisher=Square, Disney Interactive|date=2002-12-16|platform=PlayStation 2|language=Japanese|quote={{Nihongo|'''Ansem Report 10:''' "However, as for one possibility, an experiment. She can lead me to the place where the person who possesses the "Key" is... I will try sending her to the sea of the strange sky.|'''アンセムレポート10:''' しかし、これは一つの可能性であり、実験である。彼女が鍵を持つ者のいる場所へ私を導いてくれるのか… 異空の海に送り出してみよう。}}}}</ref>
-She is fourteen years old at the beginning of the main series.<ref name="KH-Instructions">{{Cite book|author=[[Square Co.]] |year=2002 |title=Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet |publisher=Square Co., Limited}}</ref> When Destiny Islands is destroyed by the Heartless, Kairi's heart enters Sora's while her body falls into a deep sleep. Upon learning her identity as a Princess of Heart and the location of her heart, Sora gives up his heart in order to release hers and restore it back into her body. Soon after, Kairi finds Sora's Heartless and restores him back to human form. Kairi later gives Sora her lucky charm, which Sora promises to return. After Sora seals the door to Kingdom Hearts, Kairi is separated from him and left behind on the reforming Destiny Islands where she awaits his return.
-During ''Chain of Memories'', Naminé's memory-altering powers break the memories in Sora's heart as well as those of all his friends, leading Kairi to lose her memories of him. In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Kairi gradually remembers Sora as his own memories are restored, and writes him a letter which she sends out to sea in the hopes that it will find its way to him. Later, Kairi is kidnapped by [[Organization XIII#Axel|Axel]], who hopes to use Kairi to lure Sora to him. However, [[Organization XIII#Saïx|Saïx]] takes Kairi from Axel and imprisons her with Pluto in a jail cell in the World That Never Was. She escapes her cell with the help of Naminé, and they are saved from Saïx by Riku, who she recognizes despite his guise as Xehanort's Heartless, Ansem. Riku gives her the {{Nihongo|Destiny's Embrace|デスティニープレイス||lit. "Destiny Place"}} Keyblade, which she uses to fight off the Heartless that Saïx summons. Kairi reunites with Sora, and along with Donald, Goofy and King Mickey, they face and defeat Xemnas. Kairi then returns with Sora and Riku to Destiny Islands where they receive a letter from King Mickey. Soon afterward, Sora resolves to go on another journey to find Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, to which Kairi again loans him her lucky charm. In ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', however, [[#Yen Sid|Yen Sid]] has her summoned by Riku to train her in the use of her Keyblade in response to Master Xehanort's plans to recreate the χ-blade using the hearts of seven Keyblade wielders and the thirteen members of Xehanort's newly formed Organization.
-===King Mickey===
-{{Main|Mickey Mouse}}
-King Mickey is the ruler of [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Disney Castle|Disney Castle]] and, by extension, Disney Town.<ref name="KHII-Instructions">{{Cite book|author = [[Square Enix]]|year = 2006|title = Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet|publisher = Square Enix}}</ref> His inclusion in the series was initially restricted to a small cameo for only one scene.<ref name="Insider-KHU-NI"/> The larger role he played in the sequels first required the approval of Disney.<ref name="KH-NI-KHIIU"/> He is voiced by [[Takashi Aoyagi]] in the Japanese version of the series. In English, he is voiced by [[Wayne Allwine]] in all games from ''Kingdom Hearts'' to ''358/2 Days'', and by [[Bret Iwan]] in all subsequent games starting with ''Birth by Sleep''.
-During the time of ''Birth by Sleep'', Mickey is a student under [[#Yen Sid|Yen Sid]] and meets Ansem the Wise while helping out Terra, Aqua, and Ventus with the {{Nihongo|Star Seeker|スターシーカー}} Keyblade. By the time ''Kingdom Hearts'' begins and the Heartless begin to invade other worlds, Mickey leaves his world to discover the cause, leaving a message to Donald and Goofy telling them to find and protect the Keyblade wielder. His journey ultimately leads him to obtaining a new Keyblade, the {{Nihongo|Kingdom Key D|キングダムチェーンD||lit. "Kingdom Chain D"}}, from within the realm of darkness, using it to seal Kingdom Hearts with Sora. In ''Chain of Memories'', he helps Riku in spirit at first, but then returns from the dark realm thanks to DiZ to help directly. Donning a cloak of darkness together with Riku, Mickey helps uncover [[Organization XIII]]'s plan in secret before helping Sora directly. He is playable in certain boss battles in ''Kingdom Hearts II''; if Sora and his friends are defeated, King Mickey will step in to fight in Sora's place until he is able to revive Sora, as the game forbids King Mickey from defeating a boss on his own. He is also a playable character in the multiplayer mode of ''358/2 Days''. In the aftermath of Xemnas's defeat, Mickey returns to his world, only to go on another adventure in the events of ''Kingdom Hearts coded'', where he learns the fates of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, and contacts Sora to help them.
 ===Naminé===