No, Kingdom Hearts 15 is absolutely not the first game in the series.
Is Kingdom Hearts 15 the first game you’re considering jumping into? Perhaps the name sounds like a beginning, but that’s a common misconception. The numbered titles don’t quite work like that in the Kingdom Hearts world.
This intricate series has a history, and many games contribute to its overall story. It’s best not to begin there if you want to understand the narrative. You’ll be totally lost if that is your starting point.
Is Kingdom Hearts 15 the First Game?
The idea of “Kingdom Hearts 15” being the first game is a really fun one! It’s easy to imagine a super advanced, super cool version of the game that introduces everyone to the story, right? But, here’s the thing: there isn’t a game called Kingdom Hearts 15. The Kingdom Hearts series is known for its complicated, winding storyline, and that can make it hard to know where to begin. The games have lots of titles and different numbers that aren’t always in order. Let’s get into why thinking Kingdom Hearts 15 is the first game might be confusing and what you should know about the series to begin playing.
Understanding the Kingdom Hearts Series
The Kingdom Hearts series, made by Square Enix and Disney, is a mix of action and role-playing games (RPGs). They’re known for their blend of Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with Final Fantasy characters like Cloud and Squall. It’s a unique recipe that has given the games a huge fanbase. But, because the titles don’t always follow a traditional number sequence, it can be hard to find the entry point.
The first game released was simply titled Kingdom Hearts. This initial adventure introduced Sora, Riku, and Kairi, the main characters in the series, and started the saga about hearts, light, darkness, and friendship. All the other games build upon this story, often explaining events that happened before, during, or after the original game. Thinking about a game called ‘Kingdom Hearts 15’ highlights the confusion about the order, but it helps us understand why so many players ask where to start.
Why the Confusion About the Order?
The Kingdom Hearts series is not like most video game series. Usually, if a series has a number in the title, the games are played in that order (like Final Fantasy I, II, III). Kingdom Hearts mixes things up. The games were not always released in the order the story happens. Some games fill in gaps, and others are sequels with smaller numbers than other games that came out first. Here are some reasons why the order seems tricky:
- Side Stories: Some games tell stories that happened before or between other main games. These stories are important, but they aren’t the next ‘number’ in the main series.
- Different Platforms: The games have come out on different game consoles like Playstation, Nintendo, Xbox, and even phones. This meant some games might be seen as side games when they were actually crucial to the plot.
- Remakes and Collections: The release of collections like “Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix” and “Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix” confused players even further with all the numbers. These collections often include multiple games, some that are remasters of older titles.
- Numbers Don’t Tell The Whole Story: Games like Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days have numbers, but they are not direct sequels in the sense that the story picks up directly after the previous game in the series. Instead, they fill story gaps.
Understanding Key Title Examples
Let’s look at some of the game titles that often confuse people trying to figure out the right order.
- Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories: This game was released after Kingdom Hearts 1, and it takes place right after that first game. It isn’t a Kingdom Hearts 2, even though it’s next in the timeline, that name came after another game released after this one.
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days: This game takes place during the events of Kingdom Hearts 2 but tells the story of a group called Organization XIII. It’s a crucial story, but not a main number entry.
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: This game is a prequel and tells the story of characters that are important to the larger plot, way before the main game and the story of Sora.
So, Where Should You Start?
So, if there’s no Kingdom Hearts 15, what is the first game? The best way to begin your journey into the Kingdom Hearts series is with the original Kingdom Hearts. This is where the whole story begins. After that you can continue with the other games, and it can be tricky to understand the timeline. But, here’s the best way to play through the series, in the best order:
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix – This is where everything starts. The best version to play is part of a collection that can be purchased on newer platforms.
- Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories – This game continues the story directly after Kingdom Hearts 1.
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix – This is the direct sequel to both the first game and Chain of Memories. It builds up many things started in the other two games.
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days – While you could technically play this after Kingdom Hearts II, the best way to understand the plot is to watch the cutscenes for this game as part of one of the HD collections. There is not a stand-alone version, just the cutscenes within another product.
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix – It is recommended to play this game after Kingdom Hearts II but before Kingdom Hearts 3, and it is in the HD collections. This game is a prequel, exploring key stories important to the main plot.
- Kingdom Hearts Re:coded – Like 358/2 Days, it’s recommended to watch the cutscenes for this game. This takes place after Kingdom Hearts II.
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance – This is the game that directly connects to Kingdom Hearts III.
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage- – This game sets the scene for Kingdom Hearts III.
- Kingdom Hearts III – This is the latest numbered entry in the main series.
- Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory – A rhythm-based game that recaps the story to that point and shows what happened after Kingdom Hearts III.
A Closer Look at Key Story Concepts
Kingdom Hearts isn’t just about the pretty Disney worlds. The story is built upon core concepts, that are important to grasp for the most enjoyment of the series:
- The Heart: The concept of a ‘heart’ is central to the series. It’s not just about emotions. A heart is the essence of a person, and it has a source of light and darkness.
- Keyblades: These special weapons choose their wielders, and the weapons represent a strong heart. Keyblades are not just for fighting, but also play a big role in the lore.
- Darkness and Light: This battle between good and evil is a common theme. In the Kingdom Hearts universe, darkness can corrupt hearts, and light helps to keep them safe.
- The Heartless and Nobodies: These are the enemies you will fight. Heartless are born from the darkness in peoples’ hearts, and Nobodies are what remains when a strong-hearted person loses their heart.
Why Start at the Beginning?
Starting with the first Kingdom Hearts game is important for a few reasons:
- Character Introductions: You’ll meet Sora, Riku, and Kairi in the order the story intended. You’ll understand their relationships and motivations better.
- Plot Clarity: The story is already complicated, so it will make the most sense if you start with the first game and progress in the intended timeline.
- Emotional Impact: The games build on emotional connections. Starting from the start allows you to truly feel the events as they happen, and understand the stakes as the characters move through the story.
- Familiarity: The first game gives you all the necessary world-building and context needed to appreciate the stories in all the other games.
Don’t Worry About Kingdom Hearts 15
The fact that you may have thought there was a ‘Kingdom Hearts 15’ shows the confusing nature of the series’ titles. But, by starting at the very beginning, with the first Kingdom Hearts, you’ll avoid confusion and experience the wonderful journey as it was meant to be played. Enjoy the adventure, the characters, and the mixing of Disney and Final Fantasy worlds. It’s an adventure worth taking!
So, although ‘Kingdom Hearts 15’ isn’t a real game, that idea has helped us look at the proper order of a confusing video game series! The best approach is to start with the very first game, and follow the timeline. You’ll gain a much better appreciation for the series and enjoy your journey.
Kingdom Hearts: What Order to Play?
Final Thoughts
Kingdom Hearts’ numbering can be confusing. Many speculate about future titles. A potential Kingdom Hearts 15 might surface eventually.
But, currently, no such game exists. The latest mainline entry is Kingdom Hearts III. “is kingdom hearts 15 the first game” is factually incorrect. You must always double check the official game releases.
