Clair Obscur’s Director Declares Kingdom Hearts II as the Top Entry in the Series

Kingdom Hearts is back in the spotlight, especially with the recent trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, and it’s the perfect moment to remind everyone that Kingdom Hearts II is the pinnacle of the series. Two decades later, this PS2 classic still perfectly encapsulates the best elements of Square Enix’s blend of Disney magic and Final Fantasy flair. If you need a second opinion, look no further than Guillaume Broche, the creative director behind the acclaimed game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

In a recent episode of a French YouTube show, Broche shared his thoughts while exploring a video game store, reminiscing about the titles that shaped his gaming journey. He expressed his admiration for Kingdom Hearts II, placing it among his all-time favorites.

“I think [Kingdom Hearts II] is in my top 5 games of all time,” he stated, as translated from the show. “Truly exceptional. […] There’s really something about that gameplay that I’ve been searching for ever since Kingdom Hearts II. Kingdom Hearts III is pretty good, but it didn’t quite capture everything [II] achieved in terms of gameplay, which was remarkable. There’s real depth to it. You could easily spend 150 hours in that game. Seriously, if you enjoy action RPGs with engaging systems, you need to play this game.”

While Broche encourages anyone who loves action RPGs to dive into the game, it’s important to note that jumping straight into the series with the second installment isn’t the best approach. The intricate web of stories spanning 20 years means that Kingdom Hearts IV will feature characters from titles that may no longer be accessible. So yes, Kingdom Hearts II is indeed the best, but make sure to start with the first game and Chain of Memories to fully appreciate the journey.