View source for Software:Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

{{Short description|2004 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Kingdom Hearts:<br>Chain of Memories
| image = KingdomHeartsCoMCover .jpg
| alt = A spike-haired boy wearing red clothes and yellow shoes, with a chain and a large key attached to his belt, holds a pack of cards. Said cards are mostly rectangular, with three spikes at the top. On the background are various cutouts shaped like the cards, featuring other characters of the game.
| caption = ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' North American packaging artwork
| developer = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]<br/>[[Company:Jupiter Corporation|Jupiter]]<ref name="IGNReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/03/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-4|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=October 3, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2013|archive-date=May 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505174511/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/03/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-4|url-status=live}}</ref>
| publisher = {{vgrelease|WW|[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|EU|[[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]}}
| director = Tetsuya Nomura<br/>Aguro Tanaka
| producer = Shinji Hashimoto<br />Yoshinori Kitase<br />Hatao Ogata
| artist = Tetsuya Nomura<br/>Takayuki Odachi<br />Tomohiro Hasegawa
| writer = Daisuke Watanabe
| composer = Yoko Shimomura
| series = ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts|Kingdom Hearts]]''
| platforms = {{ubl
               | Game Boy Advance
               | [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]]
               }}
| released = '''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 11, 2004<ref name="KH-COM-gameFAQs">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/919011.html |website=[[GameFAQs]] |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Info |access-date=2007-05-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519035726/http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/data/919011.html |archive-date=2007-05-19 }}</ref>|NA|December 7, 2004<ref name="KH-COM-gameFAQs"/>|AU|January 13, 2005<ref>{{cite web | author=van Leuveren, Luke | date=November 22, 2004 | url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1766 | title=Updated Australian Release List - 22/11/04 | website=PALGN | publisher=PAL Gaming Network | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041127075550/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1766 | archive-date=November 27, 2004 | url-status=dead | access-date=June 29, 2023}}</ref>|EU|May 6, 2005<ref name="KH-COM-gameFAQs"/>}}'''''Re:Chain of Memories'''''<br>'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 29, 2007|NA|December 2, 2008}}
| genre = [[Software:Action role-playing game|Action-role playing]]
| modes = [[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'''''|キングダム ハーツ チェイン オブ メモリーズ|Kingudamu Hātsu Chein Obu Memorīzu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an [[Software:Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[Engineering:Video game|video game]] co-developed by [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]] and [[Company:Jupiter Corporation|Jupiter]], and published by [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]] in collaboration with [[Company:Disney Interactive Studios|Disney Interactive]] in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance. The game serves as an intermediary between the two larger-scale [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation{{nbsp}}2]] games in the ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts|Kingdom Hearts]]'' series. It was one of the first GBA games to incorporate [[Software:Full motion video|full motion video]] (FMV).<ref name="G4TV">{{cite web| title = G4 - Feature - Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| publisher = G4| url = http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50874/Kingdom_Hearts_Chain_of_Memories_Review.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060104195700/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/50874/Kingdom_Hearts_Chain_of_Memories_Review.html| archive-date=2006-01-04| access-date = 2007-07-20}}</ref>

''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' is the second game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series. It is a direct [[Engineering:Sequel|sequel]] to ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts (video game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'', and its ending is set about a year before ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts II|Kingdom Hearts II]]''.<ref name="KH-COMgamespy">{{cite web| author = Raymond Padilla| date = 2004-12-08| url = http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/571890p1.html| publisher = GameSpy| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| access-date = 2007-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060221034542/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/571890p1.html|archive-date=2006-02-21}}</ref> The game follows Sora and friends as they explore the mysterious Castle Oblivion while battling the sinister Organization XIII, a group of antagonists new to the series. The game introduces new characters and plotlines that further expand the ''Kingdom Hearts'' universe and set up the premise of ''Kingdom Hearts II''. The game features a new card-based battle system, in a departure from its predecessor's real time combat system.

Though not as successful as the other ''Kingdom Hearts'' games, it received positive reviews and sold well. It was praised for its story, [[Computer graphics|graphics]], and FMVs, but the card-based battle system was criticized. When it debuted in Japan, it sold over 100,000 units in 48 hours. The game was [[Software:Video game remake|remade]] for the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 as ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'', released in Japan as a second disc packaged with ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts II#Final Mix|Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]'' in March 2007.<ref name ="fm+">{{cite web| url = http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2006/12/28/b347257ab8fed8b41cc749267ca81a6a.html| title = 『キングダム ハーツII ファイナル ミックス＋』が3月29日に発売！| publisher = Dengeki Online| access-date = 2008-09-24| language = ja| archive-date = 2012-02-29| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120229193801/http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2006/12/28/b347257ab8fed8b41cc749267ca81a6a.html| url-status = live}}</ref> The remake was later released in North America on December 2, 2008, and was remastered in HD and included in the ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix|Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix]]'' collection released in 2013 for the PS3 and later for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

==Gameplay==
[[File:COM battle.png|thumb|left|Sora battles Vexen. Player information, including cards and HP, is located on the left side of the screen while enemy information is located on the right.|alt=In the hallway of a palace, a spike-haired boy wearing red clothes and yellow shoes holds a large key, while a long-haired blonde man in black clothes holding a shield floats besides him. At the top of the image are two bars with the faces of the characters beside them. At the bottom of the image are three areas with cards shaped like rectangles with three spikes at the top, being respectively the decks of the player and the computer, and the card currently in use.]]
''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' is a combination between a [[Software:Role-playing video game|role-playing video game]] and collectible card game. The main role-playing aspect is an [[Software:Experience point|experience point]] system that is used to increase the character's maximum health or Card Points or to learn new skills.<ref name="GS-Handson2">{{cite web| author = Ricardo Torres| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6106055| date = 2004-08-30| website = GameSpot| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Updated Hands-On| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-02-12| archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/65P3Izun9?url=http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-updated-hands-on-6106055/| url-status = live}}</ref> The cards are utilized in the progression of the story as well as in combat. The game features both a field map and battle screen. The field map is an [[Isometric projection|isometric]] area where the player can traverse between rooms.<ref name="GS-Handson2"/><ref name="KH-GBA-IGN">{{cite web| author = IGN Staff| url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/25/kingdom-hearts-to-gba| website = IGN| title = Kingdom Hearts to GBA| date = 25 September 2003| access-date = 2021-11-12| archive-date = 2012-03-19| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195121/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/451/451555p1.html| url-status = live}}</ref> Enemies inhabit the field map and track the player to engage in combat, which can be initiated through contact between the player and an enemy. Once combat has been engaged, the game switches to the battle screen, which utilizes a card-based battle system.<ref name="KHCOM-Nintendo">{{cite web| url = https://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=9e6ba488-3cb7-4901-a5a8-e2255fe4dd83| publisher = Nintendo Power| title = Nintendo.com Games: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| access-date = 2007-05-24| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403043652/http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=9e6ba488-3cb7-4901-a5a8-e2255fe4dd83 |archive-date=2007-04-03}}</ref>

A unique aspect to this game is "room synthesis": to advance through the game, the player must utilize Map cards obtained after winning battles to synthesize rooms.<ref name="Instructions"/> The properties of each room―including quality of items and strength of enemies―are determined by the Map cards the player chooses.<ref name="KHCOM-Nintendo"/> Each card has a specific effect: red cards affect the number and type of enemies; green cards affect the power of the player's deck; and blue cards affect the properties of the room itself, such as allowing treasure chests or a [[Software:Saved game|save point]] to appear.<ref name="GS-Handson2"/><ref name="KH-StrategyGuide">{{cite book| last= Hollinger| first= Elizabeth| year = 2004| title = Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide| publisher = BradyGames Publishing| isbn= 0-7440-0473-X}}</ref>

The game features three modes of gameplay. The first two are story modes that feature either Sora or Riku, and the third is a two player battle mode. Initially, only Sora's story mode is available; once completed, "Reverse/Rebirth" mode becomes available.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/> Reverse/Rebirth allows the player to play a second story mode featuring Riku and a link mode where players can battle each other via a Game Link Cable.<ref name="Instructions"/>

===Combat===
Combat uses a card-based battle system executed in real time.<ref name="GS-Handson2"/><ref name="GS-COM-Preview">{{cite web| author = Ricardo Torres| date = 2004-10-22| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6111154&mode=top| website = GameSpot| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Feature Preview| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-02-12| archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/65P3OefQr?url=http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-feature-preview-6111154/| url-status = live}}</ref> The player can jump and maneuver around the battle screen as they would on the field map, but all physical attacks, magic, items and summons are activated by playing cards.<ref name="KH-COMgamespy"/> Cards are ranked from zero to nine, and are used for making attack combos or breaking enemy cards. With the exception of zero-ranked cards, which are more expensive in terms of Card Points (CP) compared to other cards of the same type and have other ranks, more CP is required to place higher-ranked cards in the player's deck. Card Points, which are increased through [[Software:Experience point#Level-based progression|level up]], limit the number of cards the player can use in a deck. Cards with rank "zero" can break any opposing card or combo if played after the opposing card or combo, but can be broken by any card or combo if played after the zero card is played.<ref>{{cite magazine| magazine = GamePro| date = 2004-11-26| url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/39811/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/| title = Hands-On: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| access-date = 2008-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206163925/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/39811/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/|archive-date=2008-12-06}}</ref> Breaking an opposing card will cancel that attack and stun the loser of a card break for a short time. Special enemy cards can be obtained by defeating enemies and bosses, and are used to give the player a temporary ability, ranging from enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities to modifying the attributes of certain cards.

Combining cards in sets of three will create combo attacks. These attacks are usually more difficult to break because the rank of the combo is the sum of the ranks of the three cards in the combo. Certain card combinations will create a "sleight", a special combination that will create a powerful physical attack, magical spell, or summon attack.<ref name="Instructions">{{cite book| author = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]| year = 2002| title = Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Instruction Booklet| publisher = Square Enix, Inc.}}</ref> When the player runs out of cards, the deck must be reloaded. Additionally, using a card combination will cause the first card in the combo to become unusable until the end of combat.<ref name="KHCOM-Nintendo"/>

Sora's and Riku's stories differ gameplay-wise in several ways. In Sora's story, Sora obtains cards by defeating enemies or through Moogle Shops.<ref name="Instructions"/> In some cases, Sora must earn the specific card through a plot event before it becomes available. Sora can create and store three different decks in the pause menu. Unlike Sora, Riku has a closed deck that cannot be customized, and the cards in his deck change depending on the world he is in. Riku is limited to mainly physical attacks, enemy cards, and Mickey Mouse ally cards. He has the ability to activate "dark mode" and unlock his sleight attacks if he accumulates enough "dark points". Dark points are earned by breaking enemy cards and combos, and the difference between Riku's card or combo and the enemy's card or combo is how many dark points he will accumulate for that card break.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/>

==Plot==
{{Kingdom Hearts chronology}}
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===Setting===
''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' takes place immediately after the events of the first game.<ref name="KH-COMgamespot">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/review.html| author = Bethany Massimilla| date = 2004-12-09| website = GameSpot| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| access-date = 2007-05-23| archive-date = 2012-09-18| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120918035059/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/reviews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-review-6114754/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="G4TV-NI">{{cite web| url = http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061203020540/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html| archive-date=2006-12-03| publisher = G4TV| access-date = 2007-06-15 | title = Tetsuya Nomura on the Kingdom Hearts Sequels}}</ref> It is set in Castle Oblivion, a mysterious castle kept by Lord Marluxia.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories| developer = Jupiter| publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive| date=2004-12-07| platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Zexion''': That was Marluxia, keeper of this castle.}}</ref> Sora and his teammates are told that the castle causes visitors to lose their memories upon entering.<ref name="forget">{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories| developer = Jupiter| publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive| date=2004-12-07| platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Donald''': Let's see how it handles my magic! THUNDER! Huh? That's odd. THUNDER! THUNDER! Umm{{nbsp}}... FIRE! Blizzard? I don't get it. Why isn't my magic working? / '''Marluxia''': I should think it's obvious. The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you knew{{nbsp}}... though the forgetting does not end there. In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way of things in Castle Oblivion.}}</ref> The lobby and areas between floors are white with flower-themed decorations, but each floor can be transformed into a different world from the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game using "world cards" created from Sora's memories.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/><ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| developer = Jupiter| publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive| date=2004-12-07| platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Marluxia''': It isn't reality that you see. This town is an illusion conceived by your memories ingrained in that card.}}</ref> Like before, many of the worlds of Disney and Square Enix reappear.

Unlike the previous game, the worlds are created from Sora's memories. As such, many of the events experienced in ''Kingdom Hearts'' are relived in this game, Sora encounters memory-based versions of Disney characters that he has met before, except for Deep Jungle in ''Tarzan''. The individual plotlines differ from those in the original game and revolve around the theme of memory. Just as ''Kingdom Hearts'' had several worlds created specifically for it, ''Chain of Memories'' introduces Twilight Town as a world created from memories on "the other side of [Sora's] heart",<ref>'''Vexen''': Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here{{nbsp}}... Look what I found. A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart. {{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix|date=2008-12-02 |platform=Playstation 2}}</ref> in addition to the original worlds of ''Kingdom Hearts''.

===Characters===
Sora returns as the game's protagonist.<ref name="IGNReview"/> Like the first game, ''Chain of Memories'' features numerous characters from both the ''[[Software:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'' series and the Disney animated features canon. Being a direct sequel, many of the characters from the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' reappear. As each world and the related characters are recreated from Sora's memories, they interact with Sora as if they had never met before. The game also introduces several new characters, several of which are members of the enigmatic Organization. Other new characters include Naminé, a young girl capable of manipulating memories, and DiZ, a mysterious man concealed by red robes and bandages. Riku appears as a playable character in the second story mode. After being sealed in the realm of darkness, he heads to the basement of Castle Oblivion, aided by King Mickey Mouse and DiZ.

Six members of the Organization serve as antagonists; four appear in Sora's story mode, and the other two in Riku's. The four Sora encounters are Marluxia, the lord of Castle Oblivion; Larxene, Marluxia's assistant; Axel, a double agent with hidden loyalty; and Vexen, Marluxia's unwilling collaborator. Riku battles Zexion and Lexaeus, Vexen's allies. Ansem also appears in Riku's story as an entity that attempts to control him. Many of the Disney villains return via memory-based recreations, like the rest of the Disney characters.

===Story===
As Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket are searching for Riku and King Mickey, a man dressed in a black, hooded coat appears and directs Sora towards a massive fortress called Castle Oblivion.<ref name="KH-StrategyGuide"/> Upon entering, he and his friends realize they have forgotten their abilities.<ref name="forget"/> The hooded man explains that as they go deeper into the castle, they will lose more memories, but will uncover new memories in the process.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Marluxia''': Go, Sora. To lose and claim anew, or to claim anew only to lose{{nbsp}}...}}</ref> He creates a deck of cards made from Sora's and his friends' memories, and tells them that everything they encounter in this castle will be based on their memories.<ref name="GS-Handson2"/>

Sora ascends the castle, and along the way faces off against other hooded figures who are part of a group called "the Organization". As Sora loses his memories, he gradually appears to remember a girl named Naminé as an old friend of his, and learns from Organization member Larxene that she is being held prisoner in the castle.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Sora''': What's{{nbsp}}... that? Is that mine? / '''Larxene''': Tsk, tsk. You've been wearing it all this time, and you forgot? No, you couldn't have. The memory is engraved in your heart. Now think, Sora. What oh what could it be? Who gave it to you? / '''Sora''': Na{{nbsp}}... Na{{nbsp}}... mi{{nbsp}}...? / '''Larxene''': That's right! Free the memory from your heart! / '''Sora''': Nami{{nbsp}}... Naminé.}}</ref> He also clashes with a replica of Riku created and controlled by another Organization member, Vexen, and is believed by both Sora and the replica himself to be the real Riku. Axel, an Organization double agent, kills Vexen for his "betrayal" to the Organization, but later releases Naminé and allows her to meet Sora in person. Sora discovers that Naminé was the one manipulating his memories, having been forced to do so by Marluxia. Marluxia is the lord of Castle Oblivion and the figure who lured Sora there as part of his and Larxene's plan to overthrow the Organization.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Marluxia''': Why did you let her go? You and your cursed meddling! He was ours! The Keyblade master could have been our slave! / '''Axel''': Right, your big plan. You use Naminé to rewrite Sora's memory piece by piece. He becomes her puppet. Then, using Naminé and Sora, you and Larxene overthrow the Organization. Did I get it right? 'Cause that would make YOU the traitor, Marluxia. Not me.}}</ref> Marluxia was also responsible for Vexen's death, as he ordered Axel to kill him for disobeying Marluxia. Sora climbs to the highest floor and defeats Larxene and Marluxia, after which Naminé puts Sora and his friends into pod-like machines to help them regain the memories they have lost. However, this process will cause them to forget the events that transpired in the castle.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''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{{nbsp}}...}}</ref> Before they are put to sleep, Sora and Naminé promise to meet again as real friends once he reawakens, Sora firmly believing that his memories of her and the castle will remain in his heart despite being forgotten.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Sora''': I'll find you again after I wake up. And we'll be friends for real. Promise me, Naminé. / '''Naminé''': You'll only forget. / '''Sora''': I won't. Even if you take apart the chain of memories in my heart, the links will stay there. This memory will always be inside me somewhere. / '''Naminé''': I guess you're right.}}</ref>

In ''Reverse/Rebirth'', which occurs congruently with the game's main story, Riku is transported from the realm of darkness to Castle Oblivion's deepest basement, and he fights figments of previous enemies to combat his inner darkness as he traverses the castle. Vexen fights Riku to obtain his data and creates his replica to counter Marluxia's plan. Ansem, still possessing Riku's body, tries to regain control of Riku, but Mickey's power keeps Ansem at bay.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Ansem''': You need the darkness. Submit! Bow to the darkness, and bow to me. / '''Riku''': Not a{{nbsp}}... chance{{nbsp}}... / '''Ansem''': Only darkness can help you now. / '''Mickey''': You're wrong! / '''Riku''': That voice{{nbsp}}...! Your Majesty, is that you?! / '''Mickey''': You betcha! Riku, you're not alone. Listen careful now, Riku. The light'll never give up on you. You'll always find it, even in the deepest darkness! But you have to believe!}}</ref> Along the way, Riku battles and defeats Lexaeus, a member of Vexen's circle, only to be dragged into the realm of darkness. However, he is saved by Mickey when Ansem nearly succeeds in taking Riku's body as his own. With Marluxia eliminated, another of Vexen's allies, Zexion, attempts to dispose of Riku by drowning him in light. Riku is saved by Naminé disguised as Kairi, who helps him to control his darkness, allowing him to defeat Zexion, who is later drained of his life force by Riku Replica under Axel's orders. Riku later meets DiZ, an enigmatic individual interested in him who sends him to find Naminé.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| developer = Jupiter| publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive| date=December 7, 2004| platform = Game Boy Advance|quote='''DiZ''': You are special. You exist between light and darkness. You stand in the twilight. I want you to meet Naminé, then choose.}}</ref> Riku's replica, who has learned of his altered memories, seeks to justify his existence by killing Riku, only to be destroyed by him. Riku chooses to face Ansem upon learning from Naminé that Ansem lives in his heart, and defeats him after DiZ summons him for Riku to fight. Riku then sets out on a journey to utilize both his darkness and light, with Mickey as his companion.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| developer = Jupiter| publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive| date=December 7, 2004| platform = Game Boy Advance|quote='''Mickey''': Your darkness belongs to you. Just like your light. Until now, I thought darkness was nothing but bad. But my time with you made me change my mind. You've chosen a road I never thought of. Light and darkness, back to back. With you, they mingle in a way no one's ever seen before. I want to see where that road leads. And if it's okay, I want to walk the road with you.}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:KH-COM-ConceptArt.jpg|thumb|Early concept art of the card-based battle system|alt=Sketch with a spike-haired boy holding a large key facing two black creatures with shiny eyes. One is humanoid, wears a body suit, clawed gloves, shoes that end in spiral toes and a helmet with a curled tip, which resembles the head of a monster. The other is a floating conical blob wearing a robe with a jagged collar and a conical hat with a curled tip. At the left are icons representing the player's deck.]]
The idea for an intermediary title was developed after director Tetsuya Nomura and his team had already begun to develop ideas for the second ''Kingdom Hearts'' game, which he had intended to be set a year after the original. Originally titled ''Kingdom Hearts: Lost Memories'', Nomura changed the name to match the overall outline of the story, while still reflecting the theme of memories.<ref name="KHCoM-NI1"/> ''Chain of Memories'' was developed to bridge the gap between ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref name="KHCoM-NI1">{{cite book| title = Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: Revised Edition| year = 2002| language = ja| publisher = Studio BentStuff| isbn = 4-7575-1349-6}}</ref><ref name="KHCoM-NI2">{{cite web|publisher=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania |url=http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-1 |title=1UP.com KHCOM Nomura Interview |access-date=2007-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211223135/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI%2F1UP-1 |archive-date=December 11, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Like most sequels, ''Kingdom Hearts II'' was planned to have the character start from the beginning, ability-wise. To explain the loss of abilities gained in the previous game, Nomura had the story revolve around Sora's memories getting corrupted and implemented the card battle system to symbolize Sora's various memories.<ref name="KHCoM-NI1"/>

Nomura was hesitant about releasing a ''Kingdom Hearts'' title on the Game Boy Advance, feeling that the 3D graphics of the original game would not translate well into 2D. Nomura changed his position after hearing that children wanted to play ''Kingdom Hearts'' on the GBA.<ref name="KHCoM-NI1"/><ref name="GS-KHII-NI">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646| website = GameSpot| title = Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2009-04-18| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090418181005/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646| url-status = live}}</ref> After exploring ideas for the gameplay, he felt that a 2D ''Kingdom Hearts'' game would be possible, and that it could still feel like and play like what gamers were used to in the original.<ref name="G4TV-NI"/><ref name="KHCoM-NI1"/> Meanwhile, Nomura wanted to give the game a "lighter tone" than the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 games.<ref name="1UP-KHDetails">{{cite web| url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3129579| website = 1UP.com| title = Tetsuya Nomura Drops Kingdom Hearts Details| access-date = 2007-06-07| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110805022635/http://www.1up.com/news/tetsuya-nomura-drops-kingdom-hearts| archive-date = 2011-08-05}}</ref>

''Chain of Memories'' was announced along with ''Kingdom Hearts II'' at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003.<ref name="KH-Sequels-GS">{{cite web| author = Justin Calvert| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893| website = GameSpot| date = 2003-09-26| title = TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2009-05-18| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090518081555/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893| url-status = live}}</ref> Initial details included the switch to 2D graphics, the use of cards to perform attacks, and that compressed movies would be utilized in some cut scenes.<ref name="KH-GBA-IGN"/> The cut scene animations were rendered using the graphical engine of the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 iteration and then encoded for the Game Boy Advance by using a technology developed by Japanese company, AM3.<ref name="KHCoM-NI2"/><ref name="GamingAge-Review">{{cite web| author = Chris Faylor| publisher = Gaming Age| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| url = http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=gameboyadvance&game=kingdomhearts| access-date = 2007-06-08| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605222421/http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=gameboyadvance&game=kingdomhearts| archive-date = 2011-06-05}}</ref> To help market the game, Disney and Square Enix launched official Japanese websites.<ref>{{cite web| script-title=ja:『キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン| author = Mr. Cube| publisher = Inside Games| date = 2003-10-02| language = ja| url = http://www.inside-games.jp//news/117/11771.html| access-date = 2007-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705212736/http://www.inside-games.jp/news/117/11771.html|archive-date=2009-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| script-title=ja:キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン| author = クリ坊| publisher = Inside Games| date = 2003-11-26| language = ja| url = http://www.inside-games.jp//news/122/12262.html| access-date = 2007-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705212742/http://www.inside-games.jp/news/122/12262.html|archive-date=2009-07-05}}</ref> A playable demo was first made available to the public at the 2003 Jump Festa in Japan;<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3115214| website = 1UP.com| title = Jump Festa 2003 Report| access-date = 2007-06-07| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120625162017/http://www.1up.com/features/jump-festa-2003-report| archive-date = 2012-06-25}}</ref> this demo and subsequent demos highlighted the card-based combat system. Aside from information gathered from the opening sequences, most details regarding the story were kept secret until the release.

The card-based gameplay of ''Chain of Memories'' would later serve to inspire the gameplay of Jupiter's next game, ''[[Software:The World Ends with You|The World Ends with You]]''; originally, the team envisioned a similar card game-based system taking place on the lower screen of the Nintendo DS, but eventually this morphed to a battle system taking place on both screens, with a card game controlled on the upper screen.<ref name="roundtable1">{{cite web | url = http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ | title = Creator's Roundtable, Episode 1 | publisher = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]] | year = 2007 | access-date= 2008-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224003352/http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/|archive-date=2012-02-24}}</ref><ref name="roundtable2">{{cite web | url = http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php | title = Creator's Roundtable, Episode 2 | publisher = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]] | year = 2007 | access-date= 2008-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224003406/http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php|archive-date=2012-02-24}}</ref>

===Audio===
Much of the music from the original ''Kingdom Hearts'' is present in ''Chain of Memories''; the main vocal theme for the Japanese release is {{nihongo|"Hikari"|光}}, while the English version of "Hikari", "Simple And Clean", is used in the Western releases.<ref>{{cite web| author = Stephen Coleman| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html| website = IGN| title = Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts| date=2002-08-22| access-date = 2007-08-02| url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206173254/http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html|archive-date=2012-02-06}}</ref> Additional and reworked tracks were created for its PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 rerelease, ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories''. Since the music is reused from the original, a ''Chain of Memories'' soundtrack was never released. The new reworked tracks, however, are included on two [[Engineering:CD|CD]]s in the ''Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete''.<ref name="KHOSC-Toshiba-Emi">{{cite web| url = http://www.emimusic.jp/release/detail/45375/| publisher = EMI Music Japan| title = Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete| access-date = 2008-09-24| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121003083339/http://www.emimusic.jp/release/detail/45375/| archive-date = 2012-10-03| url-status = dead}}</ref>

Due to the technological limitations of the Game Boy Advance cartridge size, voice acting was kept to a minimum. Though many characters from ''Kingdom Hearts'' were voiced by the cast from before, the Japanese version used the following voice actors: Keiji Fujiwara as Axel; Tatsuya Kando as Vexen, Marluxia, and Lexaeus; and Rieko Katayama as Larxene.<ref name="GS-TechInfo">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/tech_info.html| website = GameSpot| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance| access-date = 2007-08-02| archive-date = 2012-11-04| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104031342/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/techinfo/platform/gba/| url-status = live}}</ref> A limited amount of voice acting was added only for the battle sequences.<ref>{{cite web| author = Ashton Liu| date = 2005-02-02| title = Review - Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance)| publisher = GamesAreFun.com| url = http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=447| access-date = 2007-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612135237/http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=447|archive-date=2011-06-12}}</ref> Voice clips from the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' were inserted into ''Chain of Memories''.<ref>{{cite web| author = Cortney Stone| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - Review| url = http://www.rpgamer.com/games/kh/khcom/reviews/khcomstrev3.html| publisher = RPGamer| access-date = 2007-06-22| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927025733/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/kh/khcom/reviews/khcomstrev3.html| archive-date = 2012-09-27}}</ref> The English version is absent of dialogue; voices during Organization battles are replaced with simple grunts, laughter, and other battle cries.

==Versions and merchandise==
Like its predecessor, a great deal of merchandise was produced to help market the release of the game. Square Enix released two products to coincide with the release of the video game. The first was a limited edition ''Kingdom Hearts'' Game Boy Advance SP set released only in Japan. The set contained the game, a "Kingdom deep silver" GBA SP with the ''Kingdom Hearts'' logo, and a carrying strap.<ref>{{cite web| author = Chris Kohler| date = 2004-10-11| website = GameSpot| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110184| title = Kingdom Hearts GBA SP for Japan| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-02-12| archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/65P48fQwW?url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/kingdom-hearts-gba-sp-for-japan-6110184| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="KH-TCG-GS">{{cite web| author = GameSpot staff| website = GameSpot| date = 2004-10-13| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110452| title = Kingdom Hearts trading card game for Japan| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-11-02| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121102213224/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kingdom-hearts-trading-card-game-for-japan-6110452| url-status = live}}</ref> The second was a ''Kingdom Hearts'' trading card game produced by [[Company:Tomy|Tomy]].<ref name="GI-TGS2004">{{cite magazine| url = http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm| author = Chris Cook| date = 2004-09-24| title = TGS 2004: Square Enix Press Conference Wrap Up| magazine = Game Informer| access-date = 2007-06-22|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070609064657/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm |archive-date = June 9, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The TCG featured starter decks, playing mats, and booster packs.<ref name="KH-TCG-GS"/> [[Company:Fantasy Flight Games|Fantasy Flight Games]] later acquired the rights to market it to English-speaking countries.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdomhearts/index.html| title = Kingdom Hearts TCG| publisher = [[Company:Fantasy Flight Games|Fantasy Flight Games]]| access-date = 2007-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320083210/http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdomhearts/index.html|archive-date=2008-03-20}}</ref> In 2007, a remake for the PlayStation 2, titled ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'' was released along with ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' in a set, ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts II#Final Mix|Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+]]''.<ref name ="fm+"/> A manga series ran in Monthly Shōnen Gangan in Japan, and was later released in the United States.<ref name="KH:CoM-Manga">{{cite book | title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Volume 1 (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=1598166379|last1=Amano|first1=Shiro|date=10 October 2006|publisher=TokyoPop }}</ref> It is accompanied by three novels—two set during Sora's storyline and the third during ''Reverse/Rebirth'', Riku's story. Like with the ''Final Fantasy'' games and the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game, Square released an ''Ultimania'' book on ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' following the release of the game. In North America, BradyGames released a strategy guide with a comprehensive walkthrough.<ref name="CoM-Brady">{{cite web| url = http://www.bradygames.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=074400473X| title = Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide| publisher = Brady Games| access-date = 2007-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414074321/http://www.bradygames.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=074400473X|archive-date=2009-04-14}}</ref>

===''Re:Chain of Memories''===<!--This section is linked from redirects Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories-->
[[File:Comparison Chain of Memories.jpg|right|thumb|Comparison of a scene involving Sora, Donald, Goofy and Aerith on the GBA (top) and the PS2 (bottom)|alt=Two images of a game set in a room, the top one with 2D graphics, and the bottom one with 3D ones. Both feature a spike-haired boy wearing red clothes, a black jacket and yellow shoes; an anthropomorphic dog wearing an orange hat, a green turtleneck sweater, yellow pants, white gloves and brown shoes; an anthropomorphic duck wearing blue hat and robes; and a brown-haired girl in a pink dress.]]

''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' was remade for the PlayStation 2, titled ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories''. It was developed by Square Enix's fifth Product Development Division, based in {{wipe|Osaka}},<ref>{{cite web| title = Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/nomura-discusses-kingdom-hearts| author = Gantayat, Anoop| date = October 2, 2007| website = IGN| access-date = November 12, 2021| archive-date = March 22, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322002131/http://psp.ign.com/articles/824/824305p1.html| url-status = live}}</ref> and released as the second disc of ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+'' in Japan on March 29, 2007<ref name = "fm+"/> and as a standalone title in North America on December 2, 2008.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/| title = Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain Of Memories For North America| publisher = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]| date = 2008-09-19| access-date = 2008-09-19| archive-date = 2011-08-16| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110816040915/http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/tech_info.html| title = Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Tech Info| website = GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405112141/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/tech_info.html|archive-date=2009-04-05 |access-date = 2009-03-18}}</ref> It has not been released in Europe or Australia for the PlayStation 2, but has seen a worldwide release as part of ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix|Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix]]''. The remake includes polygonal 3D battles and worlds using the same graphics as ''Kingdom Hearts'',<ref name="1UP-ReCOM">{{cite web| url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3153901| website = 1UP.com| title = Previews: KH II: Final Mix| access-date = 2007-06-21| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110805022749/http://www.1up.com/previews/kingdom-hearts-2-final-mix| archive-date = 2011-08-05}}</ref> as well as voice acting and an improved soundtrack. While the card-based battle system and room synthesis aspects of the gameplay stayed mostly the same,<ref name="KHIIFM+site">{{cite web| language = ja| url = http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2fm/| title = Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ - Re:Chain of Memories| publisher = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]| access-date = 2007-06-12| archive-date = 2012-02-03| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120203074834/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2fm/| url-status = live}}</ref> there were additions, such as the "Reaction Command" function from ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts II|Kingdom Hearts II]]''.<ref name="1UP-ReCOM"/> Voice-acted scenes occur only in Castle Oblivion, as well as in the Destiny Islands and Twilight Town simulations. The remake also includes new cutscenes and battles that were not in the original game.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ign.com/games/kingdom-hearts-ii| title = Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix| website = IGN| access-date = 2021-11-12| archive-date = 2012-01-10| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120110123802/http://ps2.ign.com/objects/853/853598.html| url-status = live}}</ref> IGN ranked it as the 92nd best PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 game. The staff felt that it stood out among other card-based RPGs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kingdom Hearts RE:Chain of Memories - #92 |url=http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/92 |work=IGN |access-date=2013-12-06 |archive-date=2014-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108063935/http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/92 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Manga===<!-- This section is linked from Donald Duck -->
Like the first ''Kingdom Hearts'', ''Chain of Memories'' was adapted into a manga by Shiro Amano, following the same plot as the video game.<ref name="IGN-Manga">{{cite web| url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/25/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-vol-1-review| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Vol. 1 Review| author = A.E. Sparrow| date = 2006-09-25| website = IGN| access-date = 2021-11-12| archive-date = 2012-03-05| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120305230609/http://comics.ign.com/articles/735/735148p1.html| url-status = live}}</ref> It was serialized in Square's Monthly Shōnen Gangan in Japan, then released in two volumes in Japan and later in the United States by TOKYOPOP. The first volume was released in Japan on October 22, 2005. A year later, it was released in English on October 10, 2006, followed by the second volume on February 6, 2007.<ref name="KH:CoM-Manga"/><ref>{{cite book | title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 2 (Paperback)|isbn=978-1598166385|last1=Amano|first1=Shiro|date=13 February 2007|publisher=TokyoPop }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126050754/http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1682/|title=Manga + Comics : Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories|publisher=TOKYOPOP|archive-date=2009-01-26|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1682/|access-date=2011-09-14}}</ref>

The manga series has had moderate success. The first volume was ranked 112th on [[Software:USA Today|USA Today]]'s "Top 150 best sellers" during the week of its release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10/20/2006 |newspaper=[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]] |title=USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers |access-date=2007-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203115412/http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10%2F20%2F2006 |archive-date=2008-02-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> IGN praised Amano's renditions of the characters and the humor added into scenes. They also commented the weak elements of the game lessened the manga's overall quality.<ref name="IGN-Manga"/> The series was followed by a third manga series, ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts II|Kingdom Hearts II]]''. The ''Chain of Memories'' manga series was re-released in a boxed set in the United States on October 9, 2007.<ref>{{cite book | title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Boxed Set (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback)|isbn=978-1427806291|last1=Amano|first1=Shiro|date=9 October 2007|publisher=TokyoPop }}</ref>{{Clear}}

===''HD 1.5 Remix''===
{{Main|Software:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix}}
In September 2012, Square Enix announced ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix|Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix]]'' a compilation for the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation{{nbsp}}3]] to include both ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts (video game)#Final Mix|Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'' and ''Re:Chain of Memories'' in high definition and trophy support. Additionally, the collection includes HD cinematic scenes from ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''. It was released in Japan on March 14, 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2012/12/kingdom-hearts-1-5-hd-remix-japanese-release-date-set|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Japanese release date set|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=December 20, 2012|access-date=May 7, 2013|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004456/https://gematsu.com/2012/12/kingdom-hearts-1-5-hd-remix-japanese-release-date-set|url-status=live}}</ref> and in North America on September 10, 2013.<ref name = "KH HD NA">{{cite web| author = Robert Peeler| date = 2013-02-26| publisher = [[Company:Square Enix|Square Enix]]| url = http://na.square-enix.com/game-kingdomhearts/go/article/view/blog/261657/announcing_kingdom_hearts_hd_1.5_remix| title = Announcing KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX| access-date=2012-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105084536/http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe|archive-date=2015-11-05 }}</ref> Releases on September 12, 2013 for Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item585100/KINGDOM-HEARTS-HD-1-5-ReMIX,-releasing-exclusively-for-PS3/ |title=KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, releasing exclusively for PS3 |publisher=PS3 News |date=February 26, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614080630/http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item585100/KINGDOM-HEARTS-HD-1-5-ReMIX%2C-releasing-exclusively-for-PS3 |archive-date=June 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and September 13, 2013 for Europe<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX coming to Europe!|publisher=Square Enix|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=February 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105084536/http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe|archive-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> marked the first time ''Re:Chain of Memories'' was available in both of those territories. This version was later ported to the [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation{{nbsp}}4]] as part of ''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix'', released in March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/10/27/kingdom-hearts-hd-1-5-2-5-remix-announced-for-march-release-on-playstation-4/|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix announced for March release on PlayStation 4|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|publisher=VG 24/7|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2016|archive-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101170912/http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/27/kingdom-hearts-hd-1-5-2-5-remix-announced-for-march-release-on-playstation-4/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GBA = true
| PS2 = true
| MC_GBA = 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2007-05-13 |archive-date=2010-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112094600/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 68/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-rechain-of-memories/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories (ps2: 2008)|website=Metacritic|access-date=2009-05-24|archive-date=2018-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106001625/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1UP_GBA = C+<ref>{{cite web| author = David Smith| date = 2004-12-13| url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3137225&did=1| website = 1UP.com| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA)| access-date = 2007-06-06| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120723141652/http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-com| archive-date = 2012-07-23}}</ref>
| 1UP_PS2 = B−<ref>{{cite web| author = Michael Donahoe| date = 2008-11-29| url = http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171548&p=2&sec=REVIEWS| website = 1UP.com| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (PS2)| access-date = 2008-11-29| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120710142115/http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-chain-memories| archive-date = 2012-07-10}}</ref>
| Allgame_PS2 = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67059|title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Overview|publisher=[[Software:Allgame|Allgame]]|access-date=2009-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706010609/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67059|archive-date=2009-07-06}}</ref>
| EuroG_GBA = 8/10<ref name="KH-COM-EuroG">{{cite web| author = Rob Fahey| website = Eurogamer| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=58946| date = 2005-11-05| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| access-date = 2007-06-06| archive-date = 2011-09-08| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110908064943/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_kingdomhearts_gba| url-status = live}}</ref>
| Fam_GBA = 36/40<ref name="MB-Famitsu">{{cite web| url = http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070313190620/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml| archive-date=2007-03-13|publisher = The Magic Box| title = News: November 3, 2004| access-date = 2007-05-23}}</ref>
| GI_GBA = 7.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF2CBB52-70E9-4A61-A84B-5D856AD2B0A3.htm|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|date=January 2005|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=2009-05-30|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080503065311/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF2CBB52-70E9-4A61-A84B-5D856AD2B0A3.htm |archive-date = May 3, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 6.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/DE575807-3C05-4F64-9057-7757D14862E9.htm |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories |last=Vore |first=Bryan |date=January 2009 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420060602/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/DE575807-3C05-4F64-9057-7757D14862E9.htm |archive-date=2009-04-20}}</ref>
| GamePro_GBA = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="KH-COMgamepro"/>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208080/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/|title=Review: Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories|last=Noble|first=McKinley|date=2008-12-09|magazine=GamePro|access-date=2009-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205233153/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208080/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/|archive-date=2008-12-05}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/review.html| title=Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories Review for PlayStation 2|website=GameSpot|author=Kevin VanOrd|date=2008-12-09|access-date=2009-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013100929/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/review.html|archive-date=2011-10-13}}</ref>
| GameZone_GBA = 9.1/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22957.htm|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review|date=December 13, 2004|publisher=GameZone|access-date=2009-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417173140/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22957.htm <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=2009-04-17}}</ref>
| IGN_GBA = 8/10<ref name="IGNReview"/>
| IGN_PS2= 8.4/10<ref>{{cite web| author = Ryan Clements| date = 2008-12-01| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/01/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories-review| website = IGN| title = Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Review| access-date = 2021-11-12| archive-date = 2012-01-13| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120113221720/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/934/934330p1.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
}}

While the least successful in the series commercially, ''Chain of Memories'' received generally positive reviews and met with successful sales figures. In Japan, it sold 104,000 units in 48 hours, a record for a Game Boy Advance title at the time.<ref name="KH-48hrs">{{cite web| url = http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070313190631/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml| archive-date=2007-03-13|publisher = The Magic Box| title = News: November 13, 2004| access-date = 2007-05-23}}</ref> Its positive debut sales placed it in the top spot of sales charts in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine| author = GamePro Staff| url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/| magazine = GamePro| title = Kingdom Hearts for GBA Debuts Number One in Japan| access-date = 2008-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113171411/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/|archive-date=2009-01-13}}</ref> In the first month of its North American release, it was ranked 1st on ''GameSpot''{{'s}} ChartSpot for portable systems and 6th for all consoles.<ref>{{cite web| author = Tor Thorsen| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6116646| date = 2005-01-31| website = GameSpot| title = ChartSpot: December 2004| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-11-04| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104033200/http://www.gamespot.com/news/chartspot-december-2004-6116646| url-status = live}}</ref> By February 2005, it had sold over one million copies in Japan and North America.<ref>{{cite web| author = Anoop Gantayat| title = Kingdom Hearts Goes Platinum| website = IGN| url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/584/584260p1.html| date = 2005-02-01| access-date = 2007-06-06| archive-date = 2012-03-19| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195222/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/584/584260p1.html| url-status = live}}</ref> Worldwide sales of the game reached 1.50 million copies by the end of 2006.<ref name="KH10Million">{{cite web| author = IGN Staff| url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/08/kingdom-hearts-10-million-shipped| website = IGN| title = Kingdom Hearts Ships Over 10 Million Worldwide| date=2007-02-05| access-date = 2021-11-12| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519230314/http://games.ign.com/articles/761/761448p1.html|archive-date=2012-05-19}}</ref> In the United States alone, it sold 900,000 copies and earned $28 million by August 2006. During the period between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 24th highest-selling game launched for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS or [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]] in that country.<ref name=nextgensales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games| author=Keiser, Joe | date=August 2, 2006 |work=Next Generation |archive-date=October 10, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By late 2009, ''Chain of Memories'' had sold over 1.55 million copies worldwide, with 200,000 in [[PAL region]]s, 410,000 in Japan, and 940,000 in North America.<ref>{{cite web | author=Graft, Kris | date=August 10, 2009 | title=Square Enix Profits Drop On Eidos Acquisition | url= https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24779 |website=Game Developer| publisher=Informa | access-date=2022-02-25 | archive-date=2012-10-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017035602/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24779 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The game received mostly positive reviews from critics. The card-based battle system received mixed reviews. ''GameSpot'' called it "unwieldy", while GameSpy called it "engaging" and ''Game Watch'' called it original.<ref name="KH-COMgamespy"/><ref name="KH-COMgamespot"/><ref name="GameWatch">{{cite web| url = http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20050201/khcom.htm| language = ja| date = 2005-02-01| author = 石田 賀津男| title = スクウェア・エニックス、GBA「キングダム ハーツ チェイン オブ メモリーズ」| publisher = GameWatch| access-date = 2007-07-20| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120324225341/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20050201/khcom.htm| archive-date = 2012-03-24}}</ref> Reviews also cited that the card battle system was awkward and made it difficult to plan strategies.<ref name="KH-COMgamespot"/><ref name="KH-COMgamepro">{{cite magazine| url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/40110/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/| author = Rice Burner| date = 2004-12-07| magazine = GamePro| title = Review: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories| access-date = 2007-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924155152/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/40110/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/|archive-date=2008-09-24}}</ref> G4 commented that the gameplay was well suited for portable play and that it successfully combined card battles and random dungeons, "two much-maligned RPG" elements.<ref name="G4TV"/> Some critics found the Room Synthesis to be far too linear. The most frequent praise went towards the story. IGN called it an "engrossing storyline that actually changes up after the adventure comes to an end" and rated the presentation a 10 out of 10.<ref name="IGNReview"/>

The quality of the graphics was well received, particularly the cut scenes.<ref name="IGNReview"/><ref name="GameSpot-Handson">{{cite web| author = Greg Kasavin| date = 2004-05-12| title = Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Hands-On| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6097974| website = GameSpot| access-date = 2007-06-08| archive-date = 2012-02-12| archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/65P45jqhZ?url=http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-hands-on-6097974/| url-status = live}}</ref> IGN cited them as "wonderfully produced FMV sequences".<ref name="IGNReview"/> ''GameSpot'' stated that the movies were true to the art style of the original and were on par with [[Game Boy Advance Video|GBA video paks]]. They also commented on the detailed and well animated game sprites.<ref name="GS-Handson2"/> ''Game Watch'' described the event scenes as "high quality".<ref name="GameWatch"/> Many critics stated that though the graphics were not as good as the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 predecessor, they were very good for a GBA game.<ref name="KH-COMgamespy"/><ref name="GS-COM-Preview"/><ref name="PALGN-Review">{{cite web| author = Mark Marrow| title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review| date = 2005-01-13| website = PALGN| url = http://www.palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1882| access-date = 2007-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112165844/http://www.palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1882|archive-date=2009-01-12}}</ref> G4 complimented the graphics stating that ''Chain of Memories'' was "one of the best-looking GBA games out there."<ref name="G4TV"/> 

During the 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the GBA version received a nomination for "Handheld Game of the Year".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=228 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=25 October 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
* List of Disney video games

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/gba/khcom/ ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories'' Japan official website]
* {{imdb title|1300585}}

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