:Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue

{{main|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}}

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance takes place after the events of the game Kingdom Hearts Re:coded. Dream Drop Distance focuses on the protagonists' Sora and Riku's "Mark of Mastery" exam. In order to pass, the pair must enter their dreams to free worlds trapped in the realm of sleep and hone their powers in preparation for the return of the powerful and evil Master Xehanort.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/28/18197797/kingdom-hearts-3-explained-lore-characters|publisher=Polygon|access-date=May 29, 2020|date=January 28, 2019|title=All the Kingdom Hearts backstory you need to fully understand Kingdom Hearts 3|author=Frank, Allegra and Gilliam, Ryan|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620205358/https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/28/18197797/kingdom-hearts-3-explained-lore-characters|url-status=live}}

This collection features a high definition remaster of Dream Drop Distance, which Nomura stated was a full remake of the game since the original utilized the two screens of the Nintendo 3DS.{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/09/kingdom-hearts-0-2-uses-kingdom-hearts-iii-technology|title=Kingdom Hearts 0.2 uses Kingdom Hearts III technology|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=September 20, 2015|access-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920183456/http://gematsu.com/2015/09/kingdom-hearts-0-2-uses-kingdom-hearts-iii-technology|archive-date=September 20, 2015|url-status=live}} Developers also reworked minigames from the 3DS version that utilized that console's dual touch screens into a card-based system. At the same time, the developers made enemies “less offensive than they originally were”, a complaint from players in the original. Additionally, they switched the 3DS's touchscreen-based controls to a more traditional game-controller scheme.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/15/11942998/kingdom-hearts-timeline-e3-2016|title=Kingdom Hearts' timeline continues to befuddle with 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue|last=Frank|first=Allegra|publisher=Polygon|date=June 15, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615130936/http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/15/11942998/kingdom-hearts-timeline-e3-2016|archive-date=June 15, 2016|url-status=live}}

Due to the workload of adapting the game, developers made no extras or new content for this release. The few additions made included PlayStation 4 trophies, the ability to play the game at 60 frames a second, and a much-requested addition by the Osaka development team to include the minor enemy, the Catanuki.

{{further|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep}}

File:Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Fragmentary Passage gameplay.png also used in Kingdom Hearts III.|alt=]]

Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage- is a new game told from the perspective of the protagonist Aqua. The story begins after Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance when King Mickey reveals that he has secrets to confess relating to Aqua and her time in the Realm of Darkness.{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/pdf/39c1e43a937a74f51a28285d86ad53f1.pdf|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue 発売決定のお知らせ|publisher=Square Enix|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=September 16, 2015|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222083702/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/pdf/39c1e43a937a74f51a28285d86ad53f1.pdf|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=live}} The story then picks up right after the secret ending of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix and details Aqua's journey through the Realm of Darkness during the following ten years, briefly intersecting with the events of the original Kingdom Hearts. Fragments of worlds previously found in Birth by Sleep make up the game's environments.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-kingdom-hearts-28-is-a-primer-for-kingdom-hearts-3|title=E3 2016: Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is a Primer for Kingdom Hearts 3|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|publisher=IGN|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615040015/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-kingdom-hearts-28-is-a-primer-for-kingdom-hearts-3|archive-date=June 15, 2016|url-status=live}}

Nomura felt he needed to create this story, but did not want to slow down Kingdom Hearts III with many backstories.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2016/06/tetsuya-nomura-discusses-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-iii-more|publisher=Gematsu|access-date=May 6, 2020|title=Tetsuya Nomura discusses Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8, III, and more|date=June 15, 2016|author=Mystic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216171406/https://gematsu.com/2016/06/tetsuya-nomura-discusses-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-iii-more|archive-date=December 16, 2019|url-status=live}} Consequently, he separated it from that game and included it in this collection. Developers designed the game to take several hours to play, or approximately one game world in a regular Kingdom Hearts title.{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2015/11/30/catching-you-up-and-giving-you-a-glimpse-into-kingdom-hearts-iii.aspx|publisher=Game Informer|access-date=May 7, 2020|title=Preview: Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue|author=Wallace, Kimberley|date=November 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824031859/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2015/11/30/catching-you-up-and-giving-you-a-glimpse-into-kingdom-hearts-iii.aspx|archive-date=August 24, 2019|url-status=live}} A Fragmentary Passage ties into the story of Kingdom Hearts III. In terms of gameplay, the “Doubleflight” ability returns, which allows Aqua to leap higher and do a mid-air double jump, while also gaining a burst of speed mid-jump.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2016/06/14/hands-on-with-kingdom-hearts-2.8-final-chapter-prologue-.aspx|title=Wonderfully Paving The Way For Kingdom Hearts III|last=Wallace|first=Kimberley|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617055130/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2016/06/14/hands-on-with-kingdom-hearts-2.8-final-chapter-prologue-.aspx|archive-date=June 17, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{further|Kingdom Hearts χ}}

Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover is a one-hour long cinematic film set during the events of the video game Kingdom Hearts χ.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/01/23/review-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue/244002/ |title=Review: Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue |last=Dunsmore |first=Kevin |date=23 January 2017 |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126220013/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/01/23/review-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue/244002/ |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/us/blog/kingdom-hearts-unchained-x-coming-north-america|title=Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ is coming to North America!|publisher=Square Enix|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160404233432/http://na.square-enix.com/us/blog/kingdom-hearts-unchained-x-coming-north-america|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live}} The film tells the game's story from the Foretellers’ perspectives, explaining their actions during the game's events.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/15/9329171/kingdom-hearts-2point8-final-chapter-prologue-hd-remakes|title=Square Enix announces Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue for PS4|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|publisher=Polygon|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916234646/http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/15/9329171/kingdom-hearts-2point8-final-chapter-prologue-hd-remakes|archive-date=September 16, 2015|url-status=live}} The film doesn't feature any of the established Disney or Square Enix characters, instead focusing solely on the series' original characters.

In January 2011, with the release of the game Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, a secret ending was discovered in the game, titled Birth by Sleep: Volume 2. This game content, which appeared to bridge the story gap between Birth by Sleep and the original Kingdom Hearts, was believed to be a potential future game in the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-teased-by-final-mix-sec/|title=Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: Volume 2 teased by Final Mix secret ending|last=Yoon|first=Andrew|publisher=Joystiq via Engaget|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001105702/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-teased-by-final-mix-sec/|archive-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=live}} In October 2014, when asked about the content seen in the secret ending, Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura stated, “It shows the existence of Aqua’s story in the Realm of Darkness. It means that she didn’t just wander about in the Darkness for ten years, but that she passed through many experiences. However, it is a 'Fragmentary Passage,' as the name suggests – that story was severed and wasn’t told. I hope I can tell it when given the opportunity”.{{cite web|url=http://kh13.com/news/nomura-hopes-to-tell-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-s-story-one-day|title=Nomura hopes to tell Birth by Sleep -Volume 2-'s story one day|publisher=KH13|date=October 1, 2014|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001054411/http://kh13.com/news/nomura-hopes-to-tell-birth-by-sleep-volume-2-s-story-one-day|archive-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=live}} The credits of the game compilation Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix include clips of the game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and a secret ending related to Dream Drop Distance, hinting at a possible new Kingdom Hearts game compilation.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/14/get-ready-to-play-a-new-kingdom-hearts-game-in-2015/128353/|title=Get Ready to Play a New Kingdom Hearts Game in 2015|last=Dunsmore|first=Kevin|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926050222/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/14/get-ready-to-play-a-new-kingdom-hearts-game-in-2015/128353/|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live}}

In September 2015, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, for release in 2016 on the PlayStation 4.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/kingdom-hearts-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-revealed-for-ps4.aspx|title=[Update] Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Revealed For PS4|last=Wallace|first=Kimberly|publisher=GameStop|magazine=Game Informer|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917222542/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/kingdom-hearts-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-revealed-for-ps4.aspx|archive-date=September 17, 2015|url-status=live}} Nomura stated that Square Enix developed the collection alongside the game Kingdom Hearts III. They made the collection so players could experience some of the new gameplay elements being developed for Kingdom Hearts III "sooner than later".{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/19/details-on-whats-new-in-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-and-aquas-story/|title=Details On What's New In Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 And Aqua's Story|author=Sata|publisher=Siloconera|date=September 19, 2015|access-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921232031/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/19/details-on-whats-new-in-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-and-aquas-story/|archive-date=September 21, 2015|url-status=live}} Nomura explained the game compilations title, stating that Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance is considered number 2.6 in the series since it follows the events in HD 2.5 Remix. The Kingdom Hearts χ games are considered 0 in Nomuras counting system because the series protagonist Sora does not appear. Birth by Sleep is 0.1, thus resulting in a 0.2 value for A Fragmentary Passage. When added together, the numbers total 2.8.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/explaining-kingdom-hearts-hd-ii-8s-bizarre-title-1732274464|title=Explaining Kingdom Hearts HD II.8's Bizarre Title|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|work=Kotaku|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924220020/http://kotaku.com/explaining-kingdom-hearts-hd-ii-8s-bizarre-title-1732274464|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}}

In December 2015, a trailer for the game debuted at the gaming festival Jump Festa, and critics praised the game collection for its aesthetic quality.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-and-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-get-a-new-trailer-327975.phtml|title=Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue get a new trailer|last=Whitaker|first=Jed|work=Destructoid|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222233203/http://www.destructoid.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-and-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-get-a-new-trailer-327975.phtml|archive-date=February 22, 2016|url-status=live}} Square Enix developers utilized the Unreal Engine 4 used to make Kingdom Hearts III in all three titles. This allowed for quick changes during game development, especially lighting effects. A trailer released in September 2016 at the Tokyo Game Show featured a new remix of Kingdom Hearts theme song "Simple and Clean", produced specifically for 2.8, and the games’ opening cinematics.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/13/12900466/kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-trailer-release-date|title=This Kingdom Hearts trailer is baffling, but it has nice music and a release date|last=Kollar|first=Phillip|work=Polygon|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914155949/http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/13/12900466/kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-trailer-release-date|archive-date=September 14, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|user=_KINGDOMHEARTS|number=775608140372987905|title=そういうわけで、ついに何らかが！『Kingdom Hearts2.8』の発売日が発表されました。本日の情報解禁に合わせて自分からコメントを添えさせて頂きます。是非こちらもご覧下さい。それではまた何らかで！@野村 #_KH|language=ja|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2016}} Translation via [http://kh13.com/news/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-confirmed-for-playstation-4-pro-release-hikari-music-produced-for-kh-02-opening-more KH13.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916101741/http://kh13.com/news/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-confirmed-for-playstation-4-pro-release-hikari-music-produced-for-kh-02-opening-more |date=2016-09-16 }} In July 2017, Nomura spoke on bringing the collection to the Xbox One console, saying he did not believe there was much demand for it outside of North America. However, he also said it could be a possibility after Square Enix completed development of Kingdom Hearts III.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-switch-version-maybe-possible-after-xbox-one-ps4-versions-are-released|title=Kingdom Hearts 3 Director: Switch Version 'Maybe' Possible After Xbox One, PS4 Versions Are Released|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|last2=Schwartz|first2=Terri|publisher=IGN|date=July 15, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716022334/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-switch-version-maybe-possible-after-xbox-one-ps4-versions-are-released|archive-date=July 16, 2017|url-status=live}} At the X019 gamer event in November 2019, Shinji Hashimoto and Ichiro Hazama announced that the 2.8 collection, along with 1.5 and 2.5, would be released on the Xbox One in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/11/14/x019-classic-kingdom-hearts-saga-xbox-one/|title=X019: Classic Games in Kingdom Hearts Saga Come to Xbox One|last=Heaney|first=Duncan|publisher=Xbox|date=November 14, 2019|access-date=November 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115004317/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/11/14/x019-classic-kingdom-hearts-saga-xbox-one/|archive-date=November 15, 2019|url-status=live}}

The game was released on Windows exclusively via Epic Games Store on March 30, 2021,{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/kingdom-hearts-series-coming-to-pc-on-march-30|title=Kingdom Hearts series coming to PC on March 30|website=Gematsu|date=February 11, 2021}} and later on Steam on June 13, 2024, following the expiration of the exclusivity.{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Square Enix will let Kingdom Hearts cook on Steam |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/21/24161661/kingdom-hearts-steam-release-date-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522171203/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/21/24161661/kingdom-hearts-steam-release-date-trailer |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=The Verge}} On October 5, 2021, it was announced that a cloud version of the game was in development for Nintendo Switch and was released on February 10, 2022.{{cite web|title=More Kingdom Hearts Games Are Coming To Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-kingdom-hearts-games-are-coming-to-nintendo-switch/1100-6496803/|website=GameSpot|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 5, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/kingdom-hearts-nintendo-switch-cloud-release|access-date=October 5, 2021|date=October 5, 2021|title=Kingdom Hearts Series Coming to Switch as Cloud Games|author=Purslow, Matt|publisher=IGN}}

Initially scheduled for release in December 2016, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue was released in Japan on January 12, 2017, and worldwide on January 24, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-gets-release-window-new-trail/1100-6440576/|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Gets Release Window, New Trailer|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|publisher=Game Spot|date=June 8, 2016|access-date=June 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611070105/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-gets-release-window-new-trail/1100-6440576/|archive-date=June 11, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/09/13/kingdom-hearts-2-8-to-miss-december-now-out-january-12-in-japan/|title=Kingdom Hearts 2.8 to miss December, now out January 24th|last=Donaldson|first=Alex|publisher=VG247|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914165601/http://www.vg247.com/2016/09/13/kingdom-hearts-2-8-to-miss-december-now-out-january-12-in-japan/|archive-date=September 14, 2016|url-status=live}} Preorders for the game included an official Disney Collector's Pin for the game.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/10/06/pre_2d00_order-kingdom-hearts-2_2e00_8-final-chapter-prologue-for-an-exclusive-mickey-and-sora-pin.aspx|title=Pre-Order Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue For An Exclusive Mickey/Sora Pin|last=Kato|first=Matthew|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=Game Stop|date=October 6, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009120934/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/10/06/pre_2d00_order-kingdom-hearts-2_2e00_8-final-chapter-prologue-for-an-exclusive-mickey-and-sora-pin.aspx|archive-date=October 9, 2016|url-status=dead}} Square Enix later bundled Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue with the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix collections as part of a new compilation, Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far, released in North America on October 30, 2018, for the PlayStation 4. The Xbox One and Xbox Game Pass versions released on February 18, 2020.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/10/05/kingdom-hearts-the-story-so-far-bundle-includes-every-game-you-need-to-get-caught-up|title=Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far Bundle Includes Every Game You Need To Get Caught Up|last=Khan|first=Imran|publisher=GameStop|magazine=Game Informer|date=October 5, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214555/https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/10/05/kingdom-hearts-the-story-so-far-bundle-includes-every-game-you-need-to-get-caught-up|archive-date=October 11, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21142140/kingdom-hearts-hd-remix-xbox-one-game-pass|publisher=Polygon|access-date=May 9, 2020|title=Classic Kingdom Hearts games come to Xbox One in two big collections|author=McWhertor, Michael|date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=February 19, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200219052459/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/18/21142140/kingdom-hearts-hd-remix-xbox-one-game-pass|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PS4: 76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=January 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126051712/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |url-status=live }}
XONE: 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue for Xbox One Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=December 19, 2020}}

| Destruct = 7.5/10{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=January 23, 2017 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-411019.phtml |title=Review: Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=January 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126074822/https://www.destructoid.com/review-kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-411019.phtml |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |url-status=live }}

| Fam = 34/40{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=December 27, 2016 |url=http://gematsu.com/2016/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1465 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1465 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227145802/http://gematsu.com/2016/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1465 |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |url-status=live }}

| GI = 8.5/10{{cite web |last=Wallace |first=Kimberly |date=January 23, 2017 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2017/01/23/kingdom-hearts-hd-2.8-final-chapter-prologue-review-game-informer.aspx |title=A Great Collection Leading Into What Comes Next - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue - PlayStation 4 |publisher=Game Informer |access-date=January 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125013742/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_28_final_chapter_prologue/b/playstation4/archive/2017/01/23/kingdom-hearts-hd-2.8-final-chapter-prologue-review-game-informer.aspx |archive-date=January 25, 2017 |url-status=live }}

| GSpot = 7/10{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Leif |date=January 24, 2017 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-review/1900-6416605/ |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Review |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=January 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202232810/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-review/1900-6416605/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Agnello |first=Anthony John |date=January 23, 2017 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-2-8-review/ |title=Kingdom Hearts 2.8 review |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=January 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124103050/http://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-2-8-review/ |archive-date=January 24, 2017 |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 7.5/10{{cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=January 25, 2017 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/26/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-review |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Review |publisher=IGN |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126052353/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/26/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-final-chapter-prologue-review |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |url-status=live }}

}}

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic. It sold 137,797 copies within its first week of release in Japan.{{cite web |author=Sato |date=January 18, 2017 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/01/18/week-sales-kingdom-hearts-runs-games-remix/ |title=This Week In Sales: Kingdom Hearts Runs Out Of Games To Remix |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120025646/http://www.siliconera.com/2017/01/18/week-sales-kingdom-hearts-runs-games-remix/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live }}

Reviewers universally praised the graphical re-creation of Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance on the PlayStation 4 from its origins on the Nintendo 3DS. USgamer referred to the game's conversion from one optimized for a two-screen portable game system to a console one as "lovely". Game Informer was also impressed by the visual improvements made from the game's rerelease. However, GameSpot criticized the lack of any other changes to the title, such as populating the game's "overly roomy, empty worlds". USgamer also praised the title A Fragmentary Passage for being a sort of tech demo of Kingdom Hearts III.{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-is-one-big-kingdom-hearts-3-teaser|publisher=USgamer|access-date=May 6, 2020|date=January 24, 2017|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is One Big Kingdom Hearts 3 Teaser|author=Bailey, Kat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929215402/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/kingdom-hearts-hd-28-is-one-big-kingdom-hearts-3-teaser|archive-date=September 29, 2019|url-status=live}}

Critics had mixed feelings about the value of the collection and its stories. Jonathan Dornbush of IGN said that the collection is "a great glimpse at what's to come, but the return to the past is an at-times unsatisfying appetizer". GamesRadar{{'}}s Anthony John Agnello concurred, said that "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue is essential for the faithful, flummoxing for newcomers, and a promising start to the series' life on PS4". Chris Carter from Destructoid called the title "a solid game that definitely has an audience. Might lack replay value, could be too short and there are some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun".

Some reviewers such as Push Square did find things to praise about the collection such as getting the chance to explore resolutions to the many cliffhangers left by the previous Kingdom Hearts games.{{cite web|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/kingdom_hearts_hd_2_8_final_chapter_prologue|publisher=Push Square|access-date=May 6, 2020|date=January 25, 2017|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Review (PS4)|author=Thurmond, Joey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305213148/http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/kingdom_hearts_hd_2_8_final_chapter_prologue|archive-date=March 5, 2019|url-status=live}} RPGamer stated that if anyone wished to understand what happened plot-wise between Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts III, the game collection was essential.{{cite web|url= http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Kingdom_Hearts_HD_28_Final_Chapter_Prologue/index.html|publisher= RPGamer|access-date= May 8, 2020|date= January 24, 2017|title= Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue|author= Ransbottom, Nicholas|archive-date= October 4, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191004015928/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Kingdom_Hearts_HD_28_Final_Chapter_Prologue/index.html|url-status= live}} The Independent praised the gameplay of An Fragmentary Passage as "gorgeous" and called Aqua's journey through the Hall of Magic Mirrors "devilishly fun".{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/kingdom-hearts-28-review-ps4-birth-by-sleep-a7554766.html|access-date=May 10, 2020|title=Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Review: A Sliver of What You've Been Waiting For|date=January 31, 2017|author=Withey, Josh|work=The Independent|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104143706/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/kingdom-hearts-28-review-ps4-birth-by-sleep-a7554766.html|url-status=live}} GameSpot also praised the compilation's inclusion of new stories, and Game Informer called the titles "good preparation for what's ahead".

Other reviewers, however, found the stories confusing and felt the game was merely a teaser for Kingdom Hearts III. Ars Technica called the three titles unconnected in any way to each other. They also cited their confusion with the story of Dream Drop Distance, calling it "hard-to-follow gibberish with flashbacks, flashbacks within flashbacks".{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologuereview-as-messy-as-its-title/|publisher=Ars Technica|access-date=May 6, 2020|date=January 23, 2017|author=Strom, Steven|title=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue review: As messy as its title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409085141/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/kingdom-hearts-hd-2-8-final-chapter-prologuereview-as-messy-as-its-title/|archive-date=April 9, 2020|url-status=live}} USgamer called the compilation "one big teaser" for Kingdom Hearts III. Game Informer also believed that the title was yet another game meant to kill time before the release of the at the time unreleased Kingdom Hearts III.

{{Clear}}

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• {{moby game|id=/kingdom-hearts-hd-ii8-final-chapter-prologue}}
• {{IMDb title|5034320}}
• {{official website|http://www.kingdomhearts.com/2_8/us/}}

{{Tetsuya Nomura}}

{{Kingdom Hearts series}}

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