A Song and Two Questions

[Oblivion 15]

1. Riku Gets a New Theme Song

    I mean honestly, I feel as though while Sora's theme is still fitting (he's still adventurous and happy-go-lucky) and Kairi's theme is still servicable (seeing as she's undergone very little character development), Riku's theme is in need of a serious update. The moody broody piano theme we're all used to doesn't seem to define him anymore. Having just yesterday beat DDD, I can say I'm honestly proud of what he's become: no longer confused or doubtful about his place in the ranks of light or his ability to fight his own darkness, but a Keyblade Master who can wield light with the best of them and who is faithful to his friends. In accepting his role on the sidelines, he made himself a place on the front lines. So, I would like to see his theme develop into something more, with undertones of loyalty and inner strength, and maybe a small part of it the same as old, so we won't forget what he's gone through.

 

2. Here's a question: does Xehanort or any of his incarnations know about Ven's heart within Sora? I suppose the closest we've gotten is Braig's comment that "he used to give that exact same look", but is anyone aware that Ven's heart is actually present?

 

3.Should actual death be addressed in the third title? We had a brush with it in Kingdom Hearts II when it seemed Goofy had been killed, but is the serious ready to actually have a character die in a permanent way? Lots of fans of the series have grown up with the title and are perhaps emotionally mature enough for such a development, but newer and younger fans may be turned off by death in a Disney game. 

[Dracozombie 4,554]

Even when Riku was going through his broody phase, I didn't think his theme song fit him.  He had fight in him even at his lowest point, and I don't think his theme reflects that.  It's especially unfitting now that he's gone through all this development, so I'm with you in thinking it needs an update.

 

I'm not sure anyone knows about Ventus's heart inside Sora, not even Sora himself.  He may have accepted Ventus's heart (when he was, what, four?  It was a long time ago), but that doesn't mean Sora really knows who Ventus is.  It's never brought up, and I don't recall anyone ever saying anything about it.  Until someone does say something, I'll just assume no.

 

I'm adverse to showing death in Kingdom Hearts just from how most of the people who want it, want it for its own sake--more for the principle of being able to take KH seriously (as if creatures obliterating peoples' hearts and entire worlds isn't serious enough) rather than because someone dying would be meaningful.  However, that doesn't mean it can't be pulled off, if they handle it properly.  Also keep in mind that Disney is no stranger to death (poor, poor Mufasa...), so I think Disney has a little more faith in younger players' emotional resilience than you think.

[khoathkeeper13 429]

Maybe they can pep up his theme?  Same theme, less broody feel to it?

 

I feel that Xehanort probably pieces it together in DDD.  Xehanort is smart enough that if he knows what Roxas looks like, he can piece it all together.  Plus there was that line Xemnas had in Days about Roxas ("so sleep has taken you yet again") and Xemnas's general interest in the Chamber of Waking kinda hints that he knows.  So I'd say that the answer to this is yes.

 

And me no like death.  Me like happy endings.  That is all.

[The Transcendent Key 12,109]

Well, a new theme for Riku is definitely in order, and I'm sure that we'll have a new theme for Riku in Kingdom Hearts III.  He's my favorite character for everything he's been through and for the courage he's gained by facing his own darkness.  And well, yes, I think he needs a new theme song.  And when it comes to Xehanort knowing about Ven's heart inside Sora, I don't think he had that knowledge, or if he did, he didn't say anything about it.  Last but not least, concerning death in Kingdom Hearts III, I'm pretty sure something will happen that'll resonate and impact us in a big way.  And if you've seen a lot of Disney movies, they are no strangers to showing death scenes. Cases in point: Roark dies by being broken to smithereens after having transformed into a crystal monster. (Atlantis: The Lost Empire.), Clayton died hanging. They didn't show it exactly, but they showed the silhouette to clearly tell the audience that Clayton died hanging. (Tarzan.)  And yeah, Mufasa's death is also another case in point.  So what I'm saying here is that Disney is no stranger to displaying death. So I'm sure Nomura will implement death somehow.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Golden Fighter

[LeYenrz 276]

Like Dracozombie, i never thought his theme fit him in even when he was the dark character he was.

 

i agree with you. it needs and update