Unraveling the Kingdom Hearts Saga: Is Kingdom Hearts 3 Included in The Story So Far?

The answer, plain and simple, is no. Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far does not include Kingdom Hearts III. It’s a compilation specifically designed to bring players up to speed on the intricate and often convoluted narrative leading up to the events of Kingdom Hearts III. Think of it as the ultimate pre-game briefing!

What is Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far?

Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far is a compilation of nine essential Kingdom Hearts experiences. Its primary function is to provide a cohesive narrative foundation for players eager to dive into Kingdom Hearts III without being utterly lost in the lore. It bridges the gap, consolidating the often-scattered storylines across multiple platforms into one convenient package. It includes both playable games and HD remastered cinematics of other games in the series.

The Contents of the Package

Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far includes the following titles:

• KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
• KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories
• KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics)
• KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX
• KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX
• KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
• KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD
• KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-
• KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)

As you can see, it’s a substantial collection, encompassing a significant portion of the Kingdom Hearts timeline.

The All-in-One Alternative

If you’re looking for a single package including Kingdom Hearts III, you’ll want to consider Kingdom Hearts: All-in-One Package. This digital-only bundle includes everything in The Story So Far, plus the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts III. However, it’s worth noting that the All-in-One Package doesn’t include the Re Mind DLC for Kingdom Hearts III.

Why Choose The Story So Far?

Despite not containing the latest installment, The Story So Far still holds considerable value. For one, it’s often available at a lower price point than the All-in-One Package. Secondly, it offers a physical copy option, appealing to collectors and those who prefer owning their games outright. And most importantly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the Kingdom Hearts universe, making Kingdom Hearts III that much more impactful. This makes it an exceptional purchase to gain a complete understanding of the storyline prior to playing other Kingdom Hearts games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far and the broader Kingdom Hearts series:

1. Is Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far worth buying if I eventually plan to play Kingdom Hearts III? Absolutely. The Story So Far provides crucial context and character development that enhances the Kingdom Hearts III experience. Many of the games are pivotal in the broader Kingdom Hearts story arc, making them a great entry point to understand the many events in Kingdom Hearts.

2. What’s the difference between Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far and Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX? Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is a collection of the first four titles listed above (KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics), KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX. Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far includes this collection, plus Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (which contains the remaining titles).

3. What order should I play the Kingdom Hearts games in? While there isn’t a single “correct” order, a common recommendation is to follow the release order: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories, 358/2 Days (watch the cinematics), Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Re:Coded (watch the cinematics), Dream Drop Distance HD, 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-, KH χ Back Cover (movie), Kingdom Hearts III.

4. Are all Kingdom Hearts games essential to understanding the story? While some entries are more crucial than others, each game contributes to the overall narrative tapestry. Even the mobile game, Kingdom Hearts Union χ, contains important lore.

5. How long does it take to beat all the Kingdom Hearts games? A completionist playthrough can take upwards of 560 hours, while focusing solely on the main stories can take around 219 hours.

6. Is Kingdom Hearts III canon? Yes, Kingdom Hearts III is officially part of the Kingdom Hearts canon, with even its Pixar-themed world receiving approval from Pixar themselves.

7. Will there be a Kingdom Hearts IV? Yes, Kingdom Hearts IV is currently in development and will begin a new story arc titled the “Lost Master” saga.

8. Will Sora return in Kingdom Hearts IV? Yes, Sora will return as the protagonist in Kingdom Hearts IV.

9. What is the longest Kingdom Hearts game? Kingdom Hearts Union X is considered to be the longest Kingdom Hearts game, due to it’s continual updates to the main story and plot.

10. Why did it take so long to develop Kingdom Hearts III? Several factors contributed to the extended development time, including a change in game engine.

11. Should I play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 before playing The Story So Far? No, Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far includes all the content found in Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5. Purchasing both would be redundant.

12. Is Kingdom Hearts: All-in-One Package the same as The Story So Far? No. All-in-One is digital-only and includes Kingdom Hearts III, but excludes the Re Mind DLC. The Story So Far is physical-only and excludes Kingdom Hearts III.

13. Where does Kingdom Hearts Dark Road fit into the timeline? Kingdom Hearts Dark Road explores the backstory of Xehanort and takes place before the events of the main series.

14. Are there any educational benefits to playing Kingdom Hearts games? Absolutely! Games like Kingdom Hearts can foster problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and even improve literacy through engaging narratives. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

15. What makes Kingdom Hearts II so highly regarded? Many players praise Kingdom Hearts II for its refined combat system, compelling story, and overall polished experience.

Embracing the Kingdom Hearts Journey

While Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far may not include the latest chapter, it remains an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of the Kingdom Hearts universe. By delving into the interconnected stories and character arcs contained within this compilation, players can embark on a truly unforgettable adventure, fully prepared to confront the challenges and mysteries that await in Kingdom Hearts III and beyond. With such a compelling and charming adventure awaiting players, Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far is a perfect addition to any gamer’s collection.