Kingdom Hearts: Unchained X
Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ is a free-to-play RPG and an adaptation of the
browser game Kingdom Hearts χ, for mobile devices. It is a prequel to the
series as a whole, set 100 years before the events of the original Kingdom
Hearts. It takes place during the Keyblade War and the player’s character is a
Keyblade wielder who joins one of five unions who fight for the remaining
light in the world after darkness has swallowed almost everything. Typical for
the series, Square characters are mixed with licensed characters from many
Disney franchises.
After creating a custom character and joining one of the unions, various small
quests can be completed, each time in a small, separate area, to grow more
powerful. Between quests and also during gameplay there are often cut-scenes
where the story is furthered. Areas can be explored freely and usually have a
target enemy that needs to be defeated to complete the quest, but there are
also many other enemies (called Heartless) that can be engaged. The character
can be moved around freely by pointing where to go using touch and tapping is
used to initiate a fight. The fights are turn-based. It is possible to attack
a single enemy, or all at once or only specific ones, dividing damage, using
swipes.
The main Keyblade weapon can be upgraded with items and various types of
blades can eventually be chosen prior to a quest based on the type of enemy.
Medals are another important way to attack. These are Disney and Square
characters rotated from a selection of five, also assigned before starting a
quest. Each character represents a specific type of attack. These are tied to
a simple colour systems (red, green, blue) with a rock-paper-scissors system
for strengths and weaknesses. The special attacks with medals consume a
special meter and cannot be used all the time. Additional medals are earned by
completing quests and secondary objectives. Medals can be fused to create
stronger ones, supporting both leveling and evolution. There is also a social
aspect where medals of friends can be used. Medals have their own leveling
system and statistics such as experience reward, strength, defense, damage,
cost, and gauge consumption.
Next to items and medals as loot, Lux is the main currency to level up the
character. There is another currency called Munny and the premium currency
Jewels to get powerful medals, upgrade equipment and get more inventory space.
Another currency called Avatar Coins is used to unlock nodes on boards, also
earned during quests, providing perks and new customization options. This is
similar to the Sphere Grid system of Final Fantasy X. Battles consume action
points needed to start quests. In this energy/stamina system these are
replenished over time by waiting, reach a new character level, or by spending
Jewels. Next to the regular quests there are special, temporary events and
raid battles against giant bosses.
