Blank Points

?[This may contain some slight spoilers of the previous titles as well as the title itself. However, this is a prequel, in which it is easier to avoid most spoilers. However, I give you a small warning just in case.]

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10 years ago, before the events of Kingdom Hearts 1, we follow three young warriors: Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. All follow their teachings of their mentor, Master Eraqus (pronounced AIR-UH-KISS) to become Keyblade Masters. Terra and Aqua take on the Mark of Mastery judged by Eraqus, as well as Master Xehanort (ZAY-UH-NORT). Suddenly, Eraqus learns that Master Xehanort disappears and was informed [by Master Yen Sid] of the rising manifestations of negativity called Unversed. Terra and Aqua were sent on a mission to investigate the mysteries of the Unversed and Master Xehanort's disappearance. Meanwhile, Ven is informed by a mysterious masked boy about Terra's upcoming fate and Ven goes after him before it's too late. All lead to a fate that effects the future events of this series. 
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Story time! I've mentioned before that for a long time I've always only played KH1 and KH2 since I did not own any other consoles to play the spread out series. I had to rely on the Internet. That is until I got myself a PS3 and getting the remixes for Christmas. From there, I FINALLY got a chance to play birth by sleep for the first time. Can I just say that it is becoming one of my absolute favorite KH games in the series. Because it was my first ever KH "side" game that I ever completed.

I find this title special for many reasons. Aside from the fact that it is the first side game I've ever finished, but I feel the most emotional of all the games I've played. Listen, i don't think I've ever cried as much for this series. Yes, it hurts me and it's emotional, but I could not genuinely shed a tear (with a slight exception for 358/2 days when playing in the DS....you know who I mean fans...). Birth by Sleep gave me the most emotional moments near the end. I feel like watching this scene is the most special because not only is it referred to an important character, it was like the game itself was talking to me and the players on our importance for our role in the series. 

?*THIS SECTION WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS OF THE ENDING AND BLANK POINTS SCENE*

Watching the young Sora accepting Ventus's heart into his own is such a sweet moment, it always brings me to tears (doesn't help that the music makes this more emotional). Don't know what else to say about it, it's just a pure scene. Another scene, simply called Blank Points, is one of my absolute favorite scenes in the entire series. Aqua meets a black hooded Ansem the Wise in the Dark Margin and talk to each other of their predicaments. During their conversation, Ansem brings up a boy that can mend hearts of those connected to him. When Aqua asked what the boy's name was, we get a montage of figures connected to this boy and speak of only his name: Sora. Seeing there is hope and the fact that Sora, me and the players, are the only ones to save them. That alone was so special that it brings me to tears. 

?*END OF SPOILER SECTION*

The gameplay is quite interesting simply because it is somewhat like chain of memories, but you are not using cards and you are not limited in hits (rather, you are not required to use card to combat). What I mean, is mostly the the choice of commands you can use in the format of the command deck. There are so many commands you can use and choose your gameplay from those commands. I find this a bit more fun than chain of memories simply because I am not limited. When I use the commands and attacks the right way, it is incredibly satisfying.

One feature I always use as a go-to leveling for my commands is the command board. The setup reminds me of Mario party in a way (wouldn't be surprised if that was an inspiration LOL). I find it either dreading or fun when coming back to it. I normally use 2 command boards to level up certain commands. That and they have the commands I want. I will not go into detail on how to play the game since it is in fact very subjective. But it is definitely a mix for me. 

?I also want to add that the secret bosses are interesting. I wouldn't consider them entirely spoilers, but I'll say there are about 3-4 major secret bosses. All are incredibly tricky, especially one name the Mysterious Figure. Many fans consider this boss the Lingering Will but not as fair. DO NOT USE TERRA. I mentioned in my Terra review that he is kinda heavy and slow, as such should NOT be used for secret bosses, unless you're doing the platinum trophy trip. Beside that, if anyone wants to know my favorite, it is No Heart. It is somewhat a tricky boss and not given you a breather, I personally love the design of the boss and the music makes it more elevating. ?

Overall, the verdict of the game is I do think is subjective, but I can easily recommend this over the DS games. Simply because of the impactful story and interesting gameplay using the command deck. This game is a must play and is one of the most important titles in the entire series. Out of all the side games, this is the one I played the most. I make this my second favorite KH game in the series.

This is 9/10

[ARTIST NOTE]
This drawing is EXACTLY how I wanted it. Mainly with the Sora in front of the crack of dawn. This was going to be the only poster for BbS. But, like chain of memories, each character had their own story and they deserve their own poster. 

What was tricky for me was the trio. Simply and mostly for the color. It was hard finding the right balance to blend with the color of the sky without making it too low or too high. That and I had to find the right transparency for it. The title placement was interesting too. I won't really say where I originally planned it, but it really worked out in the end. I was even able to change a few more little tweaks in this. Again, this is all secret LOL

Another thing to add is that I added about 5 of my art signatures. XD

This title was so fun to do as a project. So far, the only title with more than 2 posters of dedication. I hope you enjoy what I have so far. I got plenty more for the next couple of months. Next up, Re:Coded!