While we must suffer for a few more months, Japanese gamers were given a glorious gift recently when Square Enix released Kingdom Hearts II, a follow-up to the well-received Disney action-RPG released in 2002. GameBrink got its hands on an import copy of the game, and what did they think of the sequel? The reviewer, Bebpo, gives Kingdom Hearts II a score of 94%, deeming it better than the original in nearly every way.

The review gushes over the improved battle system and gummi ship minigame, a more expansive world, an improved (but not perfect) camera, and "unforgettable, intense, and spectacular looking" boss fights. While not giving away any story, the reviewer does comment that the title "wraps up the trilogy and concludes the tale of Sora, Kairi, and Riku."

Siliconera have also given title a glowing review: "Kingdom Hearts II expands on the first game in almost everyway." If you are looking to import the game, the website advises that you have some decent knowledge of kana. Be sure to check out their review (caution: a few spoilers lie ahead) and screenshots here.

This review has us very excited. Kingdom Hearts II is expected to arrive stateside in early March, with a European launch window of Spring 2006.

[Thanks, Timmeh]

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