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Montel Williams

2007-06-26T01:45:19Z

Ravanacker: Reverted edits by 74.99.107.207 (talk) using MWT

[[Image:MontelWilliams.jpg|thumb|Montel Williams in December of 2006]]
'''Montel Brian Anthony Williams''' (born [[July 3]], [[1956]]) is an American [[television]] [[talk show]] host.

== Military career==

Williams enlisted in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in 1974 and completed his [[recruit training]] at [[MCRD Parris Island|MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina]]. While training at [[Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms|Twentynine Palms]], he was selected for training at the Naval Preparatory School and a year later, he was accepted into the [[United States Naval Academy]].<ref name="Military.com">{{cite web|accessdate=2007-03-12
|url=http://www.military.com/Careers/Content1?file=trans_montel_williams.htm&area=Content
|title=Montel Williams - Talk show host, motivational speaker
|publisher=military.com}}</ref> In 1980, he graduated with a degree in engineering (and a minor in International Security Affairs). Upon graduation, Williams was commissioned as an [[Ensign_%28rank%29#United_States|ensign]] in the [[United States Navy]].

He served on board the [[USS Sampson|USS ''Sampson'']] during the U.S. invasion of [[Grenada]]. His awards include the [[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]], two [[Navy Expeditionary Medal]]s, two [[Humanitarian Service Medal]]s, a [[Navy Achievement Medal]], two [[Commendation Medal|Navy Commendation Medals]] and two [[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medals]]. He retired after 22 years' service.

== Television career==

In 1991, he began hosting his own TV show, ''[[The Montel Williams Show]]''. Williams has portrayed a Navy Seal Lieutenant in several episodes of the TV series ''[[JAG]]''. Williams also produced a short-lived TV series called ''[[Matt Waters]]'', which appeared on CBS in 1996. In this series, Williams played an ex-Navy SEAL turned inner-city high school teacher. He also played the Judge presiding over Erica Kane's (Susan Lucci) murder trial on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] [[soap opera]] ''[[All My Children]]'' in 2002. In 2003 he made a guest appearance on the soap, as himself, to promote an episode of his show where several of AMC's stars were scheduled to appear.

During an episode of his show that aired in [[May 2004]], Williams revealed that he had considered committing [[suicide]], due to the pain he was in and the stress of finding out he had [[multiple sclerosis|multiple sclerosis (MS)]]. He has used [[marijuana]] as an alternative to legal medicines. He has been suffering physical [[Pain and nociception|pain]] for a very long time due to MS, which was diagnosed in 1999. He supports the [[Legal issues of cannabis|legalization]] of [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] for people who suffer from painful terminal or incurable illnesses.

He has been nominated for three [[Daytime Emmy]] Awards: ''Outstanding Talk Show'' in [[2001]] and [[2002]], and ''Outstanding Talk Show Host'' in [[2002]].

Williams made a quick cameo at the [[2006 MTV Video Music Awards]] on [[August 31]], 2006 as Plan B after [[Jack Black]]'s canon was a dud, he was introduced as the godfather of daytime television.

==Family==
Williams has four children: Ashley and Maressa from his first marriage to Rochele See, and Montel and Wyntergrace from his second marriage to actress Grace Morley (from whom he is also divorced). Williams also has two sisters and an identical twin brother.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

==External links==

* [http://www.montelwilliams.com Montel Official Personal Website]
* [http://www.montelshow.com Montel Show Website]
* [http://imdb.com/name/nm0931354/ Montel Williams] at the [[Internet Movie Database]]
* [http://www.nndb.com/people/458/000025383/ NNDB Profile: Montel Williams]
* [http://www.keithboykin.com/arch/001862.html Montel Speaks Out]
*[http://americanindian.net/kusi/montel.html Montel Williams on Officer Phil's KUSI-TV page]

[[Category:1956 births|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:Living people|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:African-American journalists|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:American television personalities|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:American television talk show hosts|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:People from Baltimore|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:United States Marines|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy graduates|Williams, Montel]]
[[Category:United States Navy officers|Williams, Montel]]

[[fr:Montel Williams]]

Gunnedah

2007-06-25T03:45:05Z

Ravanacker: Reverted edits by 203.36.230.202 (talk) using MWT

{{Infobox Australian Place | type = town
| name = Gunnedah
| state = nsw
| image = Gunnedah-NSW-Australia 2005-12-01 IMG 0814.JPG
| caption = Gunnedah viewed from Mt Porcupine.
| lga = Gunnedah Shire Council
| postcode = 2380
| est = 1833
| pop = 7,885
| elevation= 264
| maxtemp =
| mintemp =
| rainfall =
| stategov =
| fedgov =
| dist1 = 70
| location1= Tamworth
| dist2 = 440
| location2= Sydney
}}
'''Gunnedah''' is a town and [[Local Government Areas of Australia|Local government area]] (see [[Gunnedah Shire Council]]) in north-western [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. 7,855 people lived in the town of Gunnedah in 2001, including 859 indigenous persons (10.9%).<ref name="abs"> {{cite web
| publisher = [[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]
| title=Gunnedah (A) (Local Government Area)
| work=2001 Census QuickStats
| url = http://www8.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ProductSelect?newproducttype=QuickStats&btnSelectProduct=View+QuickStats+%3E&areacode=UCL136800&geography=&method=&productlabel=&producttype=&navmapdisplayed=true&javascript=true&breadcrumb=LP&topholder=0&leftholder=0&currentaction=201&action=401&textversion=false
|accessdate = 2006-11-10 }}</ref>

Gunnedah is located on the [[Oxley Highway|Oxley]] and [[Kamilaroi Highway|Kamilaroi]] Highways providing road links to the state capital [[Sydney]] (440 km) and the nearest regional centre [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]] (70 km). It is also linked to Sydney by rail. The town is served by the daily [[Countrylink]] Xplorer service between [[Sydney]] and [[Moree, New South Wales|Moree]].

The major industry is agriculture, with 80% of the shire area devoted to farming. Gunnedah's primary exports are cotton, coal, beef, lamb and pork, and cereal and oilseed grains.
Gunnedah is also home to [[AgQuip]], Australia's largest annual exhibition of agricultural equipment.

==History==
Gunnedah and the surrounding areas were originally inhabited by Aborigines who spoke the [[Kamilaroi]] (Gamilaraay) language. The area now occupied by the town was settled by Europeans in [[1833]] or [[1834]].

[[Dorothea Mackellar]] wrote her famous poem ''[[My Country]]'' (popularly known as ''I Love a Sunburnt Country'') about her family's farm near Gunnedah. This is remembered by the annual Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards for school students held in Gunnedah.

==Geography==
[[Image:Gunnedah_location_map_in_New_South_Wales.PNG|thumb|200px|Location of Gunnedah in New South Wales (red)]]
Gunnedah Shire is situated 264 metres above sea level on the [[Liverpool Plains]] in the [[Namoi River]] valley. It is very flat; the tallest hills are 400 to 500 metres above sea level. The climate is hot in summer, mild in winter and dry, although rainstorms in catchment areas occasionally cause flooding of the Namoi River. Major floods cut transport links to the town, briefly isolating it from the outside world.

The Gunnedah area is noted for its abundance of native wildlife, including [[kangaroo]]s, [[echidna]]s and [[koala]]s. Koalas can often be found in trees within the town, as well as in the surrounding countryside with the help of signs placed by the local tourist centre.

== Media ==
Local media include the Namoi Valley Independent newspaper and the radio stations 2MO and 2GGG. 2MO claims to be the first station established in Australia outside the capital cities.

== Notable Gunnedahians ==
* [[Erica Packer]] - mogulette and aspiring pop chanteuse [http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/girl-from-gunnedah-to-leave-others-in-her-wake/2007/06/18/1182019036450.html]
* [[Miranda Kerr]] - model

==See also==
*[[Cumbo Gunnerah]]

==External links==
*[http://www.infogunnedah.com.au/ Info Gunnedah]
*[http://www.agquip.com.au/ AgQuip]
*[http://www.infogunnedah.com.au/shire_profile/main.html Gunnedah Shire Profile]
*[http://www.gunnedahspeedway.com.au/ Gunnedah Speedway]
*[http://www.kamilaroihighway.com.au/ Kamilaroi Highway]

{| cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 align=center id=toc
!align=center colspan=5 style=background:#D16D16|[[Countrylink|Countrylink North Western]]
|-
|align=center|[[Werris Creek, New South Wales|Werris Creek]]
|align=center|↔
|align=center|'''Gunnedah'''
|align=center|↔
|align=center|[[Boggabri, New South Wales|Boggabri]]
|-
|}

== References ==
{{FootnotesSmall|resize=92%}}

{{coor title dm|30|58|S|150|15|E|type:city(8000)_region:AU-NSW}}
[[Category:Towns in New South Wales]]

Kingdom Hearts (Computerspiel)

2007-06-25T01:31:33Z

Ravanacker: Reverted edits by 24.12.172.26 (talk) using MWT

{{dablink|This article contains information on the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' video game. For the series, see [[Kingdom Hearts (series)]].}}
{{Infobox CVG
|title = Kingdom Hearts
|image = [[Image:Kingdom Hearts.jpg|256px]]
|developer = [[Square Co.|Square]]
|publisher = '''[[Japan|JPN]]''' [[Square Co.|Square]] '''[[North America|NA]]''' [[Square Electronic Arts]]/[[Disney Interactive Studios|Disney Interactive]] '''[[PAL region|PAL]]''' [[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCE Europe]]
|designer = Shinji Hashimoto ([[game producer]]) [[Hironobu Sakaguchi]] ([[executive producer]]) [[Tetsuya Nomura]] ([[game director]], [[character design]]er, concept) Jun Akiyama ([[scenario]] writer) [[Daisuke Watanabe]] ([[scenario]] writer) [[Kazushige Nojima]] ([[scenario]] writer) [[Yoko Shimomura]] ([[video game music|music composer]])<ref name="Instructions">{{cite book | author = [[Square Co.]] | year = 2002 | title = Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet | publisher = Square Co., Limited | language = English}}</ref>
|series = [[Kingdom Hearts (series)|''Kingdom Hearts'' series]]
|engine =
|released = {{vgrelease|Japan|JPN|[[March 28]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]}} {{vgrelease|North America|NA|[[September 17]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]}} {{vgrelease|Europe|EUR|[[November 15]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]}} {{vgrelease|Australia|AUS|[[November 22]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]}} {{vgrelease|International version|INT|[[December 26]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]}}<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/data/516587.html| publisher = [[GameFAQs]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Info| accessmonthday = May 12| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|genre = [[Action role-playing game]]
|modes = [[Single player]]
|ratings = [[Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: All Ages [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Everyone [[Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 7+ [[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]: 6+ [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: G8+ [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association|ELSPA]]: 11+
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
|media = 1 [[DVD|DVD-ROM]]
|requirements =
|input = [[DualShock|DualShock 2]]
|picture format = [[480i]] (SDTV)
}}
{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts'''''|キングダムハーツ|Kingudamu Hātsu}} is an [[action role-playing game]] developed and published by [[Square Co.|Square]] (now [[Square Enix]]) in [[2002 in video gaming|2002]] for the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation 2]] [[video game console]].<ref name="KH-PSUnderground">{{cite web| url = http://www.us.playstation.com/PS2/Games/Kingdom_Hearts| publisher = PlayStation Underground| title = PlayStation 2 - Kingdom Hearts| accessdate=2007-05-15}}</ref> It is the result of a collaboration between Square and [[The Walt Disney Company]]. The game combines characters and settings from Disney's [[animation|animated]] [[List of Disney theatrical animated features|features]] with those from the ''[[Final Fantasy (series)|Final Fantasy]]'' video game series, developed by Square. The story follows [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]], a young boy, as he is thrown into an epic battle against the darkness. He is joined by [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]], classic Disney characters, who help him on his quest.

''Kingdom Hearts'' was a departure from Square's standard role-playing games by introducing a substantial [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] element. In addition, it had an [[all-star]] voice cast which included many of the Disney characters' original voice actors.<ref name="voicecast">{{cite web| author = IGN Staff | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/359/359415p1.html | publisher = [[IGN]] | title = Kingdom Hearts Voice Cast | accessdate=2007-05-21 | date=2002-05-14}}</ref> ''Kingdom Hearts'' was also longtime Square character designer [[Tetsuya Nomura]]'s first time in a directorial position.<ref name="debut">{{cite web | author = Dengeki PlayStation staff | url = http://www.kingdomhearts3.net/small-new-nomura-interview/ | publisher = [[Dengeki PlayStation]] | title = Small New Nomura Interview | accessdate=2007-05-21 | date=2007-04-27}}</ref>

''Kingdom Hearts'' garnered praise for its unusual combination of action and role-playing, as well as its unexpectedly harmonious mix of Square and Disney.<ref name="BWGS">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general13.html| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002| accessdate=2007-05-13 | date=2002}}</ref> It received numerous year-end "Best" video game awards and was a dominating presence in the 2002 holiday season and went on to achieve [[List of Sony Greatest Hits games|Sony "Greatest Hits"]] status.<ref name="greatesthits">{{cite web| author = GamePro Staff| url = http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=27584| publisher = [[GamePro]]| title = Kingdom Hearts sold how many?!| accessdate=2007-05-15 | date=2003-04-30}}</ref> Since its release, ''Kingdom Hearts'' has sold over 5.6 million copies worldwide.<ref name="10mil">{{cite web| author = [[SquareSoft]]| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6165399&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Series Ships over 10 Million Worldwide| accessdate=2007-05-13 | date=2007-02-05}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Kingdom Hearts Battle Screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|A battle in the [[Monstro]] world.]]
''Kingdom Hearts'' is influenced by its parent franchise, ''[[Final Fantasy (series)|Final Fantasy]]'', and carries gameplay elements over into its own action-based, [[Hack and slash|hack-and-slash]] system. The main battle party consists of three characters: [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]], [[Donald Duck]], and [[Goofy]].<ref name="K-H.com">{{cite web| url = http://www.kingdom-hearts.com/uk/index.html| publisher = [[SquareSoft]]| title = Official International Kingdom Hearts Website| accessmonthday = May 14| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Sora, the [[protagonist|main character]], is directly controlled by the player from a [[Grammatical person#Use of grammatical person in creative media|third person]] camera angle.<ref name="KH-MobyGames">{{cite web| url = http://www.mobygames.com/game/kingdom-hearts/| publisher = [[MobyGames]]| title = Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation2| accessmonthday = May 18| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> All other party members are computer-controlled,<ref name="KHgamespy">{{cite web| url = http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/kingdom-hearts/540394p1.html| title = Kingdom Hearts Review (PS2)| publisher = [[GameSpy]]| accessmonthday = December 15|accessyear = 2006}}</ref> though the player can assign the other characters specific attacks to use or spells to cast automatically in certain situations.<ref name="KHgamespot">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/review.html| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts for PlayStation 2 Review| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Donald and Goofy are the only computer-controlled characters that are usable in every world; almost every world in the game features its own party member who can be chosen to replace Goofy or Donald in the party while the party is in that world. For instance, [[Jack Skellington]] can join the player's party in Halloween Town, but can not accompany the player elsewhere.

Like many traditional role-playing games, ''Kingdom Hearts'' features an [[experience point]] system which determines character development. As enemies are defeated, the player gains experience which culminate in a "level-up", where the characters grow stronger and gain access to new [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Skill|abilities]].<ref name="Instructions"/> Unlike other games of its type, ''Kingdom Hearts'' allows a certain degree of character development customization through a short tutorial found at the beginning of the game. The tutorial makes the player select from one of three main attributes―strength, defense, and magic―for Sora to excel in and one for him to be lacking in.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide">{{cite book| last= Birlew| first= Dan| year = 2003| title = Kingdom Hearts Official Strategy Guide| publisher = [[BradyGames]] Publishing| language = English| isbn= 0-7440-0198-6}}</ref> By choosing certain options, the player is able to manipulate how Sora learns abilities, [[Statistic (role-playing games)#Attributes|grows statistically]], and even gains levels.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/> Donald, Goofy, and any other additional party member are assigned specific areas of strength from the outset. Donald excels in magic and Goofy excels in defense and special attacks.<ref>{{cite web| author = Giancarlo Varanini| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2859681| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Preview| accessmonthday = May 18| accessyear = 2007| date = 2002-04-03}}</ref> Each party member's statistics can also be altered by using special boost items or equipping weapons or accessories with stat-boosting effects.

The game is driven in a primarily linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a [[cut scene]], though there are numerous [[Quest (gaming)#Side-quest|side quests]] available that provide bonus benefits to the characters.<ref name="KHgamespot"/> Most of the gameplay occurs on interconnected field maps where battles take place. Combat in ''Kingdom Hearts'' is in real time<ref name="GS-CompanyLine">{{cite web| author = | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2761861&mode=all| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = E3 2001: Square announces Disney RPG for PS2| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and involves pressing buttons to initiate attacks by the on-screen character. An RPG menu found at the bottom left of the screen provides other combat options such as using magic and items. There is also a context-sensitive option at the bottom of the menu, usually used for interaction with the environment or for performing special attacks. This menu is manipulated by using the right analog stick or digital pad, while movement is controlled by the left analog stick, allowing the player to navigate the menu while avoiding or approaching enemies.<ref name="Instructions"/>

===Gummi Ship===
The Gummi Ship is the mode of travel between the various worlds in ''Kingdom Hearts''. The gameplay is very different from the rest of the game in that when piloting the Gummi Ship, the gameplay switches to a [[rail shooter]] format. The player controls the vessel from a rear, third person perspective as it travels in an outer space setting. At the beginning of the game, there are few options available to customize the ship, but as the game progresses, new weapons, engines, and armor become available. In addition, many different pre-designed blueprints can be found throughout the game which can be used to quickly construct ships.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/>

==Plot==
===Setting===
{{main|Universe of Kingdom Hearts}}
The world of ''Kingdom Hearts'' is a collection of various [[Level (computer and video games)|levels]] that the player progresses through. Each level in Kingdom Hearts is referred to as a "world". Thirteen can be accessed throughout the game and one, the Disney Castle, is shown in [[cut scenes]]. Additional worlds are mentioned by various characters, but are not accessible because the world was destroyed by the [[Heartless]]. A total of ten of the worlds are based on Disney fiction<ref name="GP-KH">{{cite web| author = GamePro Staff| url = http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26235.shtml| publisher = [[GamePro]]| title = Review: Kingdom Hearts for PS2 at Gamepro.com| accessmonthday = May 15| accessyear = 2007| date = 2002-09-30}}</ref>, primarily from the [[List of Disney animated features|Disney animated features canon]]. The other four worlds were created by Square specifically for the game.

Each world varies differently in appearance and setting, depending on the Disney world that it is based on. The graphics of the world and characters were meant to resemble the artwork style of the environments and characters from their respective Disney film. Each Disney world is inhabited by characters from their respective Disney film; [[Hercules (Disney character)|Hercules]] and [[Philoctetes]] inhabit Olympus Coliseum, and [[Aladdin (Disney character)|Aladdin]], [[Princess Jasmine]], and the Magic Carpet inhabit Agrabah. Each world is also disconnected from the others and exists separately. Most characters in the worlds are unaware of the existence of the other worlds, but some notable characters are aware. Players travel from one world to another via a gummi ship.<ref name="Instructions"/>

The worlds created specifically for the game mirror the overall appearance of the other worlds and feature either new characters or characters from several ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' games. The new worlds include: Destiny Islands, which is where the story initially begins<ref name="IGN-KH">{{cite web| url = http://ps2.ign.com/objects/016/016467.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = IGN: Kingdom Hearts| accessmonthday = May 12| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>; Traverse Town, which serves as a launching point into the majority of gameplay; Hollow Bastion, where many of the Final Fantasy characters resided prior to the start of the game; and End of the World, a large, dark world created from the assimilation of various worlds consumed in darkness.<ref name="Goofy-EndOfWorld">'''Goofy:''' Gawrsh, is that all that's left of the worlds taken by the Heartless? {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref>

The main characters travel from world to world to seal the "Keyholes"; this protects them from the Heartless and ultimately from destruction. They also try to minimize their interaction with characters from other worlds in order to maintain a balance of separation. To blend in with the inhabitants of a world, Sora, Donald and Goofy sometimes would change their physical appearance.<ref>'''Goofy:''' This sure is a spooky place. I’ll bet the people here are scary-lookin’ too. / '''Donald:''' Don’t worry. We look spooky, too. If they scare us, we’ll scare them right back! {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref>

===Characters===
{{see|Characters of Kingdom Hearts}}
Because ''Kingdom Hearts'' was a collaboration between Disney and Square, it features a mixture of familiar Disney and Square characters, as well as several new characters designed and created by [[Tetsuya Nomura]].<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/> The main protagonist of the game is [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]], who is chosen to wield the Keyblade, a weapon for battling darkness. The game also features two of his friends, Kairi and Riku. For most of the game, Sora is joined by [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]]. Donald, the court wizard, and Goofy, captain of the royal guards<ref name="KH-OfficialWebsiteInfo">{{cite web| url = http://na.square-enix.com/games/kingdomhearts/index1.html| publisher = [[Square Enix]]| title = Official Kingdom Hearts Website: Characters| accessmonthday = May 21| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>, were sent from Disney Castle to find the Keyblade.<ref name="MickeyNote">'''King Mickey's Note:''' Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin’ goodbye, but there’s big trouble brewin’. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin’ out, one by one. And that means disaster can’t be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I’ve gotta go check into it. There’s someone with a “key”—the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we’re doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He’ll point you in the right direction. P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal. {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref> The three join forces to search for King [[Mickey Mouse]], Kairi, and Riku. The main antagonist is [[Xehanort|Ansem]], who is seeking to find power and knowledge by using dark beings called the [[Heartless]]. The Heartless, hearts corrupted by darkness, serve as most of the battles in the game and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

As a game meant to explore the fictional universes of various Disney films, there are over 100 Disney characters.<ref name="Square-KHsite">{{Cite web| publisher = [[Square Enix]]| url = http://na.square-enix.com/games/kingdomhearts/KH_newsframe.html| title = Official Kingdom Hearts Website: News| accessmonthday = May 14| accessyear = 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=280415| title = Kingdom Hearts - PS2| publisher = [[GameStop]]| accessmonthday = June 15| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> While many serve as major characters in the story, others are in cameo roles, such as the ''[[One Hundred and One Dalmatians]]'' puppies playing part in a side-quest to collect all ninety-nine. Most worlds also feature a Disney villain that the player must defeat. The player can also summon various Disney characters to fight alongside Sora in battle, which causes Donald and Goofy to withdraw from the battlefield for the duration of the summon. Available summoned characters include the [[Genie (Aladdin)|Genie]] from ''[[Aladdin (film)|Aladdin]]'', [[Tinkerbell]] from ''[[Peter Pan (1953 movie)|Peter Pan]]'', and [[Simba]] from ''[[The Lion King]]''.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/>

====''Final Fantasy'' cameos====
SquareSoft also incorporated several of its famous characters from the ''Final Fantasy'' series into the game, though the characters have been tweaked slightly for novelty and to fit the game's back-story. On Destiny Islands, the player meets younger versions of [[Tidus]], [[Wakka]] (both from ''Final Fantasy X''), and [[Characters of Final Fantasy VIII#Selphie Tilmitt|Selphie]] (from ''Final Fantasy VIII''). In Traverse Town, the player encounters [[Squall Leonhart]] (known in this game as "Leon") from ''Final Fantasy VIII'', as well as [[Aerith Gainsborough]], [[Cid Highwind]], and [[Yuffie Kisaragi]] from ''Final Fantasy VII''.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/> [[Rikku]] from ''Final Fantasy X'' and [[Irvine Kinneas]] from ''Final Fantasy VIII'' were both originally set to make cameo appearances, but were replaced by Yuffie and Wakka respectively.<ref>{{cite web| author = [[Square Co.]]| url = http://kh2.co.uk/?kh=Artwork| publisher = [http://kh2.co.uk Kingdom Hearts Ultimania.com]|title = Early Kingdom Hearts Concept Art|accessmonthday = May 24| accessyear = 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322968/trivia| publisher = [[IMDB]]| title = Trivia for Kingdom Hearts |accessmonthday = May 24| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> [[Cloud Strife]] and [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)|Sephiroth]] (both from ''Final Fantasy VII'') make appearances in Olympus Coliseum, where the player can fight them in the tournaments.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/> The emphasis on characters from later ''Final Fantasy'' installments stems from Tetsuya Nomura's hesitation to use characters he did not design.<ref>{{cite web| author = Bryan Boulette| url = http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/112705b.html| publisher = RPGamer| title = Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details| accessmonthday = May 21| accessyear = 2007| date = 2005-11-27}}</ref>

The game also uses other ''Final Fantasy'' icons. [[Moogle]]s make an appearance and provide item synthesis.<ref name="Instructions"/> Several weapons, such as ''Lionheart'' and ''Save the Queen'', share names with other weapons from previous entries in the ''Final Fantasy'' series. The name of the raft Riku had suggested was Highwind, a reference to the airship of ''Final Fantasy VII''. The magic-naming system in ''Kingdom Hearts'' (i.e. Cure, Cura, Curaga, etc.) is reminiscent of ''Final Fantasy'' magic. The names of various spells are the names of Gummi blocks, and various summons, weapons, bosses, and monsters are the names of Gummi ships blueprints.

===Story===
''Kingdom Hearts'' begins on Destiny Islands, where [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]], [[Riku (Kingdom Hearts)|Riku]] and [[Kairi (Kingdom Hearts)|Kairi]] live. The three friends seek to leave the islands to explore new worlds and have prepared a raft for this purpose.<ref name="Instructions"/> One night, the islands are attacked by darkness and shadow creatures.<ref name="KHgamespy"/> Sora seeks out his friends, finding Riku. Riku disappears, and Sora somehow gains a key-shaped weapon, known as the Keyblade. Despite Sora's efforts at battling the shadow creatures, the islands are destroyed, and Sora is left adrift. Meanwhile, King [[Mickey Mouse]] has left his world to deal with the increasing power of darkness, instructing mage [[Donald Duck]] and knight [[Goofy]] to find the "key".<ref name="MickeyNote"/>

Donald and Goofy use the Gummi Ship to travel to a different world, Traverse Town, to where Sora has drifted. Sora encounters the shadow creatures again, and meets [[Squall Leonhart|Leon]], who explains the shadow creatures are [[Heartless]], creatures that consume hearts, and that the Keyblade is the only weapon capable of defeating them.<ref>'''Sora:''' The Heartless? / '''Yuffie:''' The ones who attacked you, you remember? / '''Leon:''' Those without hearts. The darkness in people’s hearts—that’s what attracts them. And there is darkness within every heart. / ... / '''Leon:''' The Heartless have great fear of the Keyblade. That’s why they’ll keep coming after you no matter what. {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref> A man named [[Ansem]], the leader of Leon's home world, is said to have studied the Heartless. Sora meets Donald and Goofy and the three decide to travel together: Donald and Goofy to find Mickey, and Sora to find Kairi and Riku. The three travel to various worlds based on Disney films, finding that the Keyblade also locks "Keyholes", passages that the Heartless use to take the heart of the world.

A group of Disney villains, led by [[Maleficent]], seek out the seven Princesses of Heart to unlock the Keyhole that leads to Kingdom Hearts<ref name="KH-MobyGames"/>, a repository of knowledge and power and the source of hearts. This group includes Riku, who Maleficent promises will help find Kairi. Maleficent sows distrust in Riku, telling him that Sora has abandoned him and Kairi for new friends and the Keyblade.<ref>'''Maleficent:''' You see? It’s just as I told you. While you toiled away trying to find your dear friend, he quite simply replaced you with some new companions. Evidently, now he values them for more than he does you. You’re better off without that wretched boy. Now, think no more of him, and come with me. I’ll help you find what you’re searching for... {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref> An increasingly antagonistic Riku finds Kairi's body, but cannot find her heart.

Sora and his friends eventually arrive at Hollow Bastion, the home world of Ansem, and the headquarters of Maleficent. Riku takes the Keyblade from Sora, claiming that he was the "delivery boy".<ref>'''Sora:''' But that’s impossible. How did this happen? I’m the one who fought my way here with the Keyblade! / '''Riku:''' You were just the delivery boy. Sorry, your part’s over now. Here, go play hero with this. {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref> Donald and Goofy, taking their order to follow the "key" seriously, leave with Riku. Sora challenges Riku again, stating that his heart derives strength from his friends; his friends return to him, as does the Keyblade. Shamed, Riku meets a cloaked man who implores him to give into the darkness. Sora, Donald and Goofy encounter Maleficent, defeating her and encountering a strangely-behaved Riku with a Keyblade that unlocks hearts. Sora finds Kairi's body, and Riku, who reveals himself to be [[Xehanort|Ansem]], possessing Riku.<ref>'''Sora:''' What? You... You're not Riku. / ... / '''Sora:''' Tell me. Who are you? / '''Ansem:''' It is I, Ansem, the seeker of darkness. {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref> Ansem explains that Kairi is a Princess of Heart, and that her heart was trapped within Sora's body since Destiny Islands was destroyed. After defeating Ansem, Sora uses Ansem's Keyblade to unlock his heart, releasing both his and Kairi's heart. Kairi's heart returns to her body, completing the final Keyhole, while Sora's heart becomes a Heartless. Sora is returned to human form by Kairi's heart, and Sora resolves to follow Ansem.

Ansem is found in End of the World, the combined remnants of worlds taken by the Heartless.<ref name="Goofy-EndOfWorld"/> Ansem explains his belief that darkness is the heart's true essence, and he seeks Kingdom Hearts, as that would be the ultimate darkness. However, upon opening the door to Kingdom Hearts, it reveals its light, destroying Ansem. Beyond the door are Mickey and Riku, and they help Sora and the others close the door, as there are many Heartless beyond the door. Mickey and Sora use their Keyblades to lock the door. The worlds reconstruct themselves, separating Sora and Kairi. The game ends with Sora, Donald, and Goofy resolving to find Riku and the King.<ref>'''Donald:''' Well, now what do we do? / '''Sora:''' We’ve gotta find Riku and King Mickey. {{cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square Co., Limited| publisher = Square Co., Limited| date= |platform= PlayStation 2| language = English}}</ref>

==Audio==
[[Image:KingdomHeartsAlbumCover.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Cover of the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack]]
===Musical score===
{{see|Music of Kingdom Hearts}}
The music is composed by [[Yoko Shimomura]].<ref name="KH-OST">[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack]] CD insert. Toshiba-Emi Limited. 2002.</ref> While there are some melodies derived from prior Disney films, most of the soundtrack consists of original themes written specifically for the game by Shimomura. The opening orchestration and ending credits theme were arranged and orchestrated by [[Kaoru Wada]] and performed by the [[New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra]].<ref name="KH-OST"/> The main vocal theme for the original Japanese release was {{nihongo|"[[Hikari (song)|Hikari]]"|光}}. The English version of "Hikari", "[[Simple And Clean]]", was used in the Western releases and the Japanese re-release, ''Final Mix''. Both versions of the song were composed and performed by [[Utada Hikaru]]. Her involvement, along with the Japanese song title, was announced in January of 2002.<ref>{{cite web| author = IGN Staff| url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/100/100803p1.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = Hikaru Utada Sings Kingdom Hearts Theme| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007| date = 2002-01-10}}</ref> Utada was the only singer Nomura had in mind for the Kingdom Hearts theme song.<ref name="IGN-KH-Utada">{{cite web| author = Stephen Coleman| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007| date = 2002-08-22}}</ref> This marked the first time Utada had produced a song for a video game. The single, ''Hikari'', was released in Japan on March 20, 2002<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.toshiba-emi.co.jp/domestic/release/200203/toct4361.htm| publisher = [[Toshiba-Emi]]| title = RELEASE - Single 光| accessmonthday = May 16| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and proved to be very popular. By August of 2002, it had sold over 860,000 copies in Japan.<ref name="IGN-KH-Utada"/> The Kingdom Hearts soundtrack was released on a two CD set on March 27, 2002 in Japan and a year later in the United States. The soundtrack also was later included in the [[Music of Kingdom Hearts#Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete|Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]], which was released in Japan on the March 28, 2007.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-na-49-en-70-1tsc.html| publisher = PlayAsia| title = Video Game Soundtrack - Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Box| accessmonthday = May 16| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>

===Voice cast===
A special effort was made to preserve the original voice actors from the Disney movies used in ''Kingdom Hearts''. Some of the voice actors from the related television series or direct-to-video sequels were chosen over original voice actors, where applicable (e.g. [[Dan Castellaneta]] as Genie, rather than [[Robin Williams]]). It also has famous names including [[Haley Joel Osment]] as the voice of Sora, [[David Gallagher]] as the voice of Riku, and [[Hayden Panettiere]] as the voice of Kairi.<ref name="GP-VoiceCast">{{cite web| author = GamePro Staff| url = http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=23475| publisher = [[GamePro]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Voice Talent Announced| accessmonthday = May 15| accessyear = 2007| date = 2003-04-30}}</ref><ref name="ffnet">{{cite web | author=Alex Sains | title=Kingdom Hearts voice actors | url=http://www.ffnet.org/square-enix/kingdom-hearts/ | work=[http://www.ffnet.org/ Final Fantasy Net] | accessdate=December 23 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> Other notable voice actors included [[Sean Astin]], [[Lance Bass]], [[David Boreanaz]], [[Mandy Moore]], and [[Christy Romano]].<ref name="GP-VoiceCast"/>

==Development==
The idea for ''Kingdom Hearts'' came about when producer Shinji Hashimoto met with a Disney executive in an elevator; Square and Disney had previously worked in the same building in Japan.<ref name="IGN-TGS04-NI">{{cite web| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = TGS 2004: Tetsuya Nomura Q&A| url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/550/550462p1.html| author = Anoop Gantayat| date = 2004-09-23| accessmonthday = June 12| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> The game began development in February of 2000<ref>{{cite web| url = http://ffx.sakura.ne.jp/kh.htm| title = KINGDOM HEARTS キングダム　ハーツ| publisher = Final Fantasy 2000| language = Japanese| accessmonthday = May 30| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and was announced at E3 in May of 2001.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/> Initial details were that it would be a collaboration between Square and Disney Interactive and would feature worlds developed by both companies and Disney characters. New characters were designed by Tetsuya Nomura and include Sora, Riku, Kairi, and the heartless. The production team was comprised of over 100 members from both Square and Disney.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6089696&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;6| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Company Line| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> A playable demo featuring Riku was made available at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] in the autumn of 2001. The gameplay of the demo showcased many action-RPG elements that would be included in the final product.<ref>{{cite web| author = Jeff Gerstmann| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2817757| publisher = GameSpot| title = TGS 2001 FallKingdom Hearts hands-on| accessmonthday = May 18| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> When chosing the Disney worlds to include in the game, Nomura and his team tried to pick worlds that had distinctively different looks.<ref name="KH-NI-PSE">{{cite web| url = http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Playstation| title = Playstation.com Europe - E3 Interview| publisher = Kingdom Hearts Ultimania| accessmonthday = June 15| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Though they had few restrictions on which worlds they could use from the Disney franchises, they tried to remain within each character's boundaries set by their respective Disney films.<ref name="G4TV-NI">{{cite web| url = http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html| publisher = [[G4 (TV channel)|G4TV]]| accessmonthday = June 15| title = Tetsuya Nomura on the Kingdom Hearts Sequels| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Some content that did not make it into ''Kingdom Hearts'', was later added into ''Kingdom Hearts II''. The "Pride Land" from ''[[The Lion King]]'', for instance, was removed because having Sora turn into a lion and walking on four legs required a different program.<ref name="KH-NI-Dengeki3">{{cite web| title = Nomura Dengeki Interview #3| url = http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Dengeki-3| publisher = Kingdom Hearts Ultimania| accessmonthday = June 15| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> [[Tifa Lockheart]] was considered to be included along with Sephiroth, but was left out due to time constrainst.<ref name="KHII-TN-interview">{{cite web| url = http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2006/08/11/kingdom-hearts-ii-tetsuya-nomura-interview.htm| title = Kingdom Hearts II Tetsuya Nomura interview| publisher = Video Game Blogger| accessmonthday = June 19| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>

To help market the English release of the game, Square launched the official website in April of 2002, which featured trailers, a "Name-In-Game" sweepstakes, and other internet content.<ref>{{cite web| author = IGN Staff| url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/356/356526p1.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = Square Opens Kingdom Hearts Page| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007| date = 2002-05-14}}</ref> On May 14, 2002, a press release announced a list of the English voice actors. The listed included Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, and Hayden Panettiere as the three new characters introduced in the game. It was also announced that many of the Disney characters would be voiced by their original voice actors from their respective Disney films.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"/><ref>{{cite web| url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/359/359415p1.html| author = IGN Staff| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = IGN: Kingdom Hearts Voice Cast| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Additional content was added to the North American release that was not included in the initial Japanese release.<ref name="Square-KHsite"/> The new content included new optional bosses, one of which was named after the winner of the official website's "Name-In-Game" sweepstakes,<ref name="Square-KHsite"/> an additional difficulty level,<ref>{{cite web| author = GamePro Staff| date = 2003-04-30| publisher = [[GamePro]]| url = http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=25541| title = Square Confirms Kingdom Hearts Date| accessmonthday = May 15| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and an unlockable teaser of Kingdom Hearts II.<ref name="G4TV-NI"/> The new content was later added to the Japanese re-release titled ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix''. ''Final Mix'' also included additional content such as new items, cut scenes, and enemies. The new content served as a [[Canon (fiction)|canonical]] update to the original release and further hinted at plotlines that would be explained in sequels.

==Reception==
<div style="font-size: 90%;float:right;border-left:1em solid white">
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Review scores'''
!Publication
!Score
|-
|<center>[[IGN]]
|<center>9 out of 10<ref name="IGN-KH"/>
|-
|<center>[[1UP.com]]
|<center>8.8 out of 10<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=2006486| publisher = 1UP.com| title = Kingdom Hearts PS2 Game| accessmonthday = May 20| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|-
|<center>[[Game Informer]]
|<center>9.5 out of 10<ref name="GI-KH-Review">{{cite web| author = Andrew Reiner| url = http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200210/R03.0731.1541.35640.htm?CS_pid=280415| title = Kingdom Hearts Review| publisher = [[Game Informer]]| accessmonthday = June 22| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|-
|<center>[[GameSpot]]
|<center>8.2 out of 10<ref name="KHgamespot"/>
|-
|<center>[[GameSpy]]
|<center>4 out of 5<ref name="KHgamespy"/>
|-
|<center>[[Eurogamer]]
|<center>8 out of 10<ref name="KH-EuroG">{{cite web| author = Tom Bramwell| publisher = [[Eurogamer]]| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=4051| date = 2002-12-11| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| accessmonthday = June 7| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|-
|<center>[[X-Play]]
|<center>4 out of 5<ref name=">{{cite web| author = Miguel Concepcion| date = 2002-12-25| title = Kingdom Hearts (PS2) Review| publisher = [[G4 (TV channel)|G4TV]]| url = http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/39625/Kingdom_Hearts_PS2_Review.html| accessmonthday = June 22| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|-
!colspan=2|Compilations of multiple reviews
|-
|<center>[[Game Rankings]]
|<center>86%<ref name="KHgamerankings">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/516587.asp| title = Kingdom Hearts (PS2)| publisher = [[GameRankings]]| accessmonthday = December 15| accessyear = 2006}}</ref>
|-
|<center>[[Metacritic]]
|<center>85 out of 100<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomhearts?q=kingdom%20hearts| publisher = [[Metacritic]]| title = Kingdom Hearts PS2 Reviews| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
|}
</div>
''Kingdom Hearts'' received overall positive reviews and met with positive sales figures. During the first two months of its North American release it was one of the top 3 selling video games<ref>{{cite web| author = Justin Calvert| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=2897836| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = October video game sales| accessmonthday = May 18| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and was one of the top selling titles during the 2002 holiday season. At the end of April of 2003, Square announced that ''Kingdom Hearts'' had sold its millionth copy in the United States, which made it eligible for PlayStation's "Greatest Hits" status, and over 3 million worldwide.<ref name="greatesthits"/> Sales reached 1.2 million in Japan in the first quarter of 2004, and broke 4 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web| author = GameSpot Staff| url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6091627| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts tips scales at 4 million| accessmonthday = May 18| accessyear = 2007| date = 2004-03-17}}</ref> In December of 2005, the [[NPD Group]] listed it as "one of the top ten best-selling PlayStation 2 titles of all time in North America".<ref>{{cite web| title = Kingdom Hearts II Gets All-Star Cast| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/686/686944p1.html| author = Stephen Coleman| publisher = [[IGN]]| date = 2006-02-08| accessmonthday = June 14| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> As of December of 2006, ''Kingdom Hearts'' had shipped 5.6 million copies worldwide with 3 million in North America.<ref name="10mil"/>

The game received high ratings among reviews. In 2007, IGN listed ''Kingdom Hearts'' as the 22nd best PlayStation 2 game of all time.<ref name="22nd">{{cite web| author = IGN PlayStation Team| date=2007-03-16| url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/772/772296p1.html| title = The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time| publisher = [[IGN]]| accessmonthday = March 18| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> Critics commended the visuals, orchestral score, voice acting, and action-adventure RPG feel to the game. IGN named it "Best Art Style/Direction", Runner-up for "Best CG Graphics", and honorable mention for "Best Animation" in IGN's 2003 list of "Best Looking Games on PS2".<ref>{{cite web| author = Douglass C. Perry| url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/390/390226p1.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = IGN: The Best Looking Games on PS2| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007| date = 2003-03-20}}</ref> GamePro stated the graphics were "gorgeous" and rated them a 4.5 out of 5.<ref name="GP-KH"/> The audio was also praised, particularly the quality of the voice-overs<ref name="KHgamespy"/><ref name="KHgamespot"/> and a well received musical score. GamePro had positive comments on the overall audio and rated it a 5 out of 5.<ref name="GP-KH"/>

Criticism about the gameplay was mixed. Many reviews complained that the camera was at times frustrating and the Gummi Ship portions were out of place. GameSpot cited "tedious" gameplay and Gummi Ship sections as "pale imitations of the [[Star Fox (series)|Star Fox series]]", but stated that the combat was fun, particularly the boss fights.<ref name="KHgamespot"/> They also commented that the concept of mixing the serious elements of Final Fantasy with the lighter elements of Disney seemed impossible, but was pulled off quite well. Because of that they awarded ''Kingdom Hearts'' "Best Crossover Since Capcom vs. SNK" in their 2002 Best and Worst of the Year awards.<ref name="BWGS"/> GameSpy cited that the periodic departure from the main plot into the Disney side stories was disappointing, and when the original plot builds to a climax, "...the story fails to gel thanks to a confusing mish-mash of vague terms and symbolism that probably made more sense in the director's head than in this final product." Aside from the plot, they stated the overall package was worth playing through to the end.<ref name="KHgamespy"/> Fan response was also positive. ''Kingdom Hearts'' was voted as the 19th best game of all-time by readers of the Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'',<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite web| title=Famitsu Reveals Top 100 Reader-Voted Games Of All-Time| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8378| publisher = [http://www.gamasutra.com/ Gamasutra]| accessdate=29 May| accessyear=2007| date = 2006-03-03}}</ref> 16th by the users of website [[GameFAQs]],<ref>{{cite web | author=GameFAQs Site Staff| year=2005| url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10| title=Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest - The 10 Best Games Ever| publisher = [[GameFAQs]]| accessdate = May 29| accessyear = 2006}}</ref> and 92nd by [[IGN]] users.<ref>{{cite web| author = IGN Site Staff | year = 2006 | title = Readers' Picks Top 100 Games: 91-100 | url = http://top100.ign.com/2006/091-100.html | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = May 29 | accessyear = 2007}}</ref>

==Versions and merchandise==
There were a multiple versions of ''Kingdom Hearts'' released. The first was the original Japanese release which was followed by the North American and PAL releases, which included additional content. The game was later re-released in Japan as ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'', which featured the content of the North American/PAL release, as well as new content. Both Square and Disney also released numerous types of merchandise before and after the release of the game. Merchandise ranged from toys and figurines<ref name="Square-KHsite"/> to clothing items and books. Like the Final Fantasy games, Square released an ''[[Ultimania]]'' book on ''Kingdom Hearts'' in Japan following the release of the game and a revised edition following the release of ''Final Mix''. A manga series based on the game was also released in both Japan and the United States.

===Final Mix===
[[Image:Neo Shadow.jpg|200px|thumb|bottom|right|Neoshadows, one of the new enemies, in ''Final Mix'', along with the One-Winged Angel Keyblade.]]
''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' has several events and a number of gameplay tweaks that are not in previous releases. Spoken dialogue is in English,<ref name="IGN-FinalMix">{{cite web| url = http://ps2.ign.com/objects/665/665093.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = IGN: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> with Japanese subtitles. New scenes, clarifying certain plot points, such as [[Riku (Kingdom Hearts)|Riku]]'s journey and foreshadowing of ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', were included. A gameplay tweak allows the player to skip cut scenes after seeing them once.<ref name="IGN-FinalMix"/> The optional bosses first included in the English version were introduced to Japanese players for the first time, along with the "[[Organization XIII#I. Xemnas|Unknown]]", in an attempt to raise interest for the sequel. In another attempt at foreshadowing, a video called "Another Side, Another Story [deep dive]" plays at the ending if the player accomplishes certain tasks.<ref name="KHInsider-FinalMix">{{cite web| url = http://www.khinsider.com/kingdom-hearts/final-mix.html| publisher = Kindgom Hearts Insider| title = Kingdom Hearts Insider - Final Mix| accessmonthday = May 29| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> New music tracks incorporated were "Disappeared" and "Another Side". The "Night on Bald Mountain" and "One-Winged Angel" tracks from the English version were included as well. Other changes include new abilities, new weapons, new items, additional and recolored enemies,<ref name="KHS-UltimaniaAlpha>{{cite book| year = 2005| title = Kingdom Hearts Series Ultimania α ~Introduction of Kingdom Hearts II~| publisher = [[Square Enix]]| language = Japanese| isbn= 4-7575-1597-9}}</ref> and gameplay tweaks to make the game easier for the player, along with two new difficulty levels.<ref name="KHInsider-FinalMix"/><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.neoseeker.com/Games/Products/PS2/kingdomhearts_final/| publisher = [[Neoseeker]]| title = Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix (Import)| accessmonthday = May 29| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>

On the first day of the re-release, the game also included either a deck of Kingdom Hearts cards or a special music CD. A limited "Platinum Edition" version of ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' was also released. The platinum version included an action figure of Sora, a sticker set, sketches of some of the main characters, and the game itself.<ref name="IGN-FinalMix">{{cite web| url = http://ps2.ign.com/objects/665/665093.html| publisher = [[IGN]]| title = IGN: Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix| accessmonthday = May 13| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>

===Manga===
{{see|Kingdom Hearts (manga series)}}
[[Image:KingdomHeartsMangaVol1Cover.jpg|thumb|left|118px|Cover of Kingdom Hearts manga volume 1]]
The game was adapted into a [[Kingdom Hearts (manga series)|manga]] by [[Shiro Amano]]. The story follows the events that took place in the game with a few minor differences to account for the loss of interactivity a video game provides. Some events that took place in the ''Final Mix'' version were also included. The manga was originally serialized in Japan by Square's [[Monthly Shonen Gangan]], but has since been released worldwide. All four volumes have been published in English in the [[United States]] by [[Tokyopop]]. The first volume was released on October 11, 2005<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tokyopop.com/S-1525/1.html| title = Kingdom Hearts Volume 1 Product Info| publisher = [[Tokyopop]]| accessmonthday = May 10| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and was ranked 95th in [[USA Today|USA Today's]] "Top 150 best sellers" during the week of its release.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=90&date=10/20/2005| publisher = [[USA Today]]| title = USA Today Best-Selling Books Databse - Top 150 best sellers| accessmonthday = May 17| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> The fourth volume was released on July 10, 2006<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tokyopop.com/S-1525/4.html| title = Kingdom Hearts Volume 4 Product Info| publisher = [[Tokyopop]]| accessmonthday = May 10| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> and was followed by a boxed set containing all four volumes on October 10, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tokyopop.com/S-1751/1.html| title = Kingdom Hearts Box Set Product Info| publisher = [[Tokyopop]]| accessmonthday = May 10| accessyear = 2007}}</ref> The series was followed by a second manga series, "[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]". A noteworthy feature of the manga is that even in its original, Japanese language edition, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' comic adaptation was designed to be read from left to right, contrary to the Japanese norm, although the later ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' comic adaptations are read from right to left.
{{-}}

==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}

*[http://na.square-enix.com/games/kingdomhearts/ Official ''Kingdom Hearts'' site]
*[http://www.kingdom-hearts.com/ Official international ''Kingdom Hearts ''site]
*{{imdb title|id=0322968}}
*{{moby game|id=/kingdom-hearts}}

{{Kingdom Hearts series}}
[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2-only games]]

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[[hr:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[id:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[it:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[he:Kingdom hearts]]
[[nl:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[ja:キングダムハーツ]]
[[pl:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[pt:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[ru:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[fi:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[sv:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[th:คิงดอมฮารตส์]]
[[zh:王國之心]]