Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories#Re:Chain of Memories

File:COM battle.png . Player information, including cards and HP, is located on the left side of the screen while enemy information is located on the right.|alt=In the hallway of a palace, a spike-haired boy wearing red clothes and yellow shoes holds a large key, while a long-haired blonde man in black clothes holding a shield floats besides him. At the top of the image are two bars with the faces of the characters beside them. At the bottom of the image are three areas with cards shaped like rectangles with three spikes at the top, being respectively the decks of the player and the computer, and the card currently in use.]]

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is a combination of a role-playing video game and a collectible card game. There is an experience point system that can be used to increase the character's maximum health and Card Points, or to learn new skills.{{cite web |author=Ricardo Torres |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6106055 |date=2004-08-30 |website=GameSpot |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Updated Hands-On |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2013-01-03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103072658/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-updated-hands-on-6106055/ |url-status=live}} The cards are used in the progression of the story and in combat. The game features a world map and a battle screen. The world map is an isometric area where the player traverses rooms.{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/25/kingdom-hearts-to-gba |website=IGN |title=Kingdom Hearts to GBA |date=25 September 2003 |access-date=2021-11-12 |archive-date=2012-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195121/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/451/451555p1.html |url-status=live}} Enemies inhabit the world and track the player to engage in combat, which is initiated when the player and an enemy come into contact. Once in combat, the game switches to the battle screen, which uses the card-based battle system.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=9e6ba488-3cb7-4901-a5a8-e2255fe4dd83 |publisher=Nintendo Power |title=Nintendo.com Games: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |access-date=2007-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403043652/http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=9e6ba488-3cb7-4901-a5a8-e2255fe4dd83 |archive-date=2007-04-03}}

To advance through the game, the player uses map cards they obtain after winning battles to create rooms through "room synthesis". The map card the player chooses determines the properties of each room―including the quality of items and the strength of enemies. The color of each card has a specific effect: red cards affect the number and type of enemies; green cards affect the power of the player's deck; and blue cards affect the properties of the room, such as the allowance of treasure chests or the appearance of save points.{{cite book |last=Hollinger |first=Elizabeth |year=2004 |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide |publisher=BradyGames Publishing |isbn= 0-7440-0473-X}}

The game has three modes; two are story modes featuring Sora and Riku, and the third is a two-player battle mode. Initially, only Sora's story mode is available; once that story is completed, the "Reverse/Rebirth" mode becomes available. Reverse/Rebirth allows the player to play the second story mode featuring Riku and the battle mode in which two players using a Game Link Cable can battle each other.

Chain of Memories uses a real-time card-based battle system.{{cite web |author=Ricardo Torres |date=2004-10-22 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6111154&mode=top |website=GameSpot |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Feature Preview |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2013-01-24 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124021114/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-feature-preview-6111154/ |url-status=live}} The player can jump and maneuver around the battle screen as they do on the world map, but playing cards activate all attacks and other actions. Cards are ranked from zero to nine, and can be used to make attack combinations (combos) or to break enemy cards. Card points (CP) are required to place cards in the player's deck; except for zero-ranked cards, high-ranking cards cost more CP than low-ranking cards. The player's CP, which is increased by leveling up, limits the number of cards the player can use in a deck. Breaking an opponent's card will cancel that attack and briefly stun the character. Zero-ranked cards can break any opposing card or combo if they are played after the opposing card or combo, but can be broken by any card or combo.{{cite magazine |magazine=GamePro |date=2004-11-26 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/39811/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/ |title=Hands-On: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |access-date=2008-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206163925/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/39811/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/ |archive-date=2008-12-06}} Special enemy cards can be obtained by defeating enemies and bosses; these give the player temporary abilities such as enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities, or the ability to modify the attributes of certain cards.

Combo attacks are created by combining cards in sets of three. These attacks are usually more difficult to break because the rank of the combo is the sum of the three cards in the combo. Some card combinations create a "sleight", a special combination that creates either a powerful physical attack, a magical spell, or a summon attack.{{cite book |author=Square Enix |year=2002 |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Instruction Booklet |publisher=Square Enix, Inc.}} After a card combo is played, the first card in the combo becomes unusable until the end of combat. The deck must be reloaded when the player runs out of cards.

Sora's and Riku's stories have some differences in gameplay. In Sora's story, Sora obtains cards by defeating enemies or by purchasing them at Moogle shops. In some cases, Sora must unlock specific cards through plot events before they become available. Sora can create and store three decks in the pause menu. Riku has a closed deck that cannot be customized and the cards in his deck change depending on the world he occupies. Riku is limited to mainly physical attacks, enemy cards, and Mickey Mouse ally cards. Riku can activate "dark mode" and unlock his sleight attacks if he accumulates enough "dark points", which are earned by breaking enemy cards and combos. The difference between Riku's card or combo and the enemy's card or combo is the number of dark points Riku will accumulate for that card break.

{{Kingdom Hearts chronology}}

{{Further |Universe of Kingdom Hearts}}

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories takes place immediately after the events of Kingdom Hearts, the first game in the eponymous series.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/review.html |author=Bethany Massimilla |date=2004-12-09 |website=GameSpot |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review |access-date=2007-05-23 |archive-date=2012-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918035059/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/reviews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-review-6114754/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061203020540/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45555/Tetsuya_Nomura_on_the_Kingdom_Hearts_Sequels.html |archive-date=2006-12-03 |publisher=G4TV |access-date=2007-06-15 |title=Tetsuya Nomura on the Kingdom Hearts Sequels}} It takes place in Castle Oblivion, a mysterious castle Lord Marluxia keeps.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories |developer=Jupiter |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive |date=2004-12-07 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Zexion: That was Marluxia, keeper of this castle.}} Sora and his teammates are told the castle causes visitors to lose their memories upon entering.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories |developer=Jupiter |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive |date=2004-12-07 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Donald: Let's see how it handles my magic! THUNDER! Huh? That's odd. THUNDER! THUNDER! Umm{{nbsp}}... FIRE! Blizzard? I don't get it. Why isn't my magic working? / Marluxia: I should think it's obvious. The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you knew{{nbsp}}... though the forgetting does not end there. In this place, to find is to lose and to lose is to find. That is the way of things in Castle Oblivion.}} The lobby and areas between floors have a flower theme while each floor is changed into a different world from the first Kingdom Hearts game using "world cards", which are created from Sora's memories.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Jupiter |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive |date=2004-12-07 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Marluxia: It isn't reality that you see. This town is an illusion conceived by your memories ingrained in that card.}}

Unlike those in previous game, the worlds in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories are created from Sora's memories and many of the events of Kingdom Hearts are relived in this game. Sora encounters memory-based versions of Disney characters he meets in Kingdom Hearts, except for Deep Jungle in Tarzan (1999). The plot lines differ from those of the first game and involve memory. Chain of Memories introduces Twilight Town, a world that is created from memories on "the other side of [Sora's] heart",Vexen: Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here{{nbsp}}... Look what I found. A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart. {{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2008-12-02 |platform=Playstation 2}} in addition to the original worlds of Kingdom Hearts.

{{Further |Characters of Kingdom Hearts}}

Sora returns as the game's protagonist and many of the other characters from Kingdom Hearts also reappear. Chain of Memories includes characters from the Final Fantasy series and the Disney animated canon. Because each world and its characters are recreated from Sora's memories, the characters interact with Sora in a manner suggesting they have never met. The game also introduces several new characters, several of whom are members of Organization XIII. The game's new characters include Naminé, a young woman who is capable of manipulating memories, and DiZ, a mysterious man who is concealed with red robes and bandages. Riku appears as a playable character in the second story mode; after being sealed in the realm of darkness, Mickey Mouse and DiZ help him move to the basement of Castle Oblivion.

Six members of the Organization serve as antagonists; four appear in Sora's story mode, and the other two in Riku's. Sora encounters Marluxia, the lord of Castle Oblivion; Larxene, Marluxia's assistant; Axel, a double agent with hidden loyalty; and Vexen, Marluxia's unwilling collaborator while Riku battles Zexion and Lexaeus, Vexen's allies. Ansem also appears in Riku's story as an entity who attempts to control him. Many of the Disney villains return via memory-based recreations.

As Sora, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket are searching for Riku and King Mickey, a man dressed in a black, hooded coat appears and directs Sora toward a massive fortress called Castle Oblivion. Upon entering, the friends realize they have forgotten their abilities. The hooded man says they proceed deep into the castle, they will lose more memories but will uncover new ones.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Marluxia: Go, Sora. To lose and claim anew, or to claim anew only to lose{{nbsp}}...}} He creates a deck of cards from their memories and tells them everything they encounter in this castle will be based on their memories.

Sora ascends the castle and fights other hooded figures who are part of a group called "Organization". As Sora loses his memories, he gradually appears to remember a woman named Naminé, an old friend of his. Organization member Larxene tells Sora Naminé is being held prisoner in the castle.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Sora: What's{{nbsp}}... that? Is that mine? / Larxene: Tsk, tsk. You've been wearing it all this time, and you forgot? No, you couldn't have. The memory is engraved in your heart. Now think, Sora. What oh what could it be? Who gave it to you? / Sora: Na{{nbsp}}... Na{{nbsp}}... mi{{nbsp}}...? / Larxene: That's right! Free the memory from your heart! / Sora: Nami{{nbsp}}... Naminé.}} Sora clashes with a replica of Riku that was created and is controlled by another Organization member, Vexen. Both Sora and the replica believe the replica is the real Riku. Axel, an Organization double agent, kills Vexen for his "betrayal" to the Organization but later releases Naminé and allows her to meet Sora. Sora discovers Naminé has been manipulating his memories under the orders of Marluxia—the lord of Castle Oblivion who lured Sora to the castle—as part of his and Larxene's plan to overthrow the Organization.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Marluxia: Why did you let her go? You and your cursed meddling! He was ours! The Keyblade master could have been our slave! / Axel: Right, your big plan. You use Naminé to rewrite Sora's memory piece by piece. He becomes her puppet. Then, using Naminé and Sora, you and Larxene overthrow the Organization. Did I get it right? 'Cause that would make YOU the traitor, Marluxia. Not me.}} Sora climbs to the highest floor, and defeats Larxene and Marluxia, after which Naminé puts Sora and his friends into pod-like machines to help them regain their lost memories. This process will cause them to forget the events that occurred in the castle.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Donald: We have to sleep in these to get our memories back? / Naminé: You'll be fine. It might take a little time, but I'll take care of you. / Goofy: But when we wake up, we won't remember you anymore{{nbsp}}...}} Before they are put to sleep, Sora and Naminé promise to meet again as real friends after he reawakens.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Sora: I'll find you again after I wake up. And we'll be friends for real. Promise me, Naminé. / Naminé: You'll only forget. / Sora: I won't. Even if you take apart the chain of memories in my heart, the links will stay there. This memory will always be inside me somewhere. / Naminé: I guess you're right.}}

In Reverse/Rebirth, which occurs concurrently with the game's main story, Riku is transported from the realm of darkness to Castle Oblivion's deepest basement. As he traverses the castle, Riku fights figments of previous enemies to combat his inner darkness. Vexen fights Riku to obtain his data and creates Riku's replica to counter Marluxia's plan. Ansem, who still possesses Riku's body, tries to regain control of Riku but Mickey's power keeps Ansem at bay.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A. |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Ansem: You need the darkness. Submit! Bow to the darkness, and bow to me. / Riku: Not a{{nbsp}}... chance{{nbsp}}... / Ansem: Only darkness can help you now. / Mickey: You're wrong! / Riku: That voice{{nbsp}}...! Your Majesty, is that you?! / Mickey: You betcha! Riku, you're not alone. Listen careful now, Riku. The light'll never give up on you. You'll always find it, even in the deepest darkness! But you have to believe!}} Along the way, Riku battles and defeats Lexaeus, a member of Vexen's circle, but is dragged into the realm of darkness. Mickey saves Riku before Ansem nearly succeeds in taking Riku's body as his own. With Marluxia eliminated, another of Vexen's allies Zexion attempts to dispose of Riku by drowning him in light. Riku is saved by Naminé disguised as Kairi, who helps him to control his darkness, allowing Riku to defeat Zexion. Riku later meets DiZ, an enigmatic individual who sends him to find Naminé.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Jupiter |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=DiZ: You are special. You exist between light and darkness. You stand in the twilight. I want you to meet Naminé, then choose.}} Riku's replica, who has learned of his altered memories, seeks to justify his existence by killing Riku, but Riku destroys the replica. Naminé tells Riku Ansem lives in his heart and Riku chooses to fight Ansem. DiZ summons Ansem for Riku to fight and Riku defeats Ansem. Riku then sets out with Mickey on a journey to use both his darkness and light.{{cite video game |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |developer=Jupiter |publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive |date=December 7, 2004 |platform=Game Boy Advance |quote=Mickey: Your darkness belongs to you. Just like your light. Until now, I thought darkness was nothing but bad. But my time with you made me change my mind. You've chosen a road I never thought of. Light and darkness, back to back. With you, they mingle in a way no one's ever seen before. I want to see where that road leads. And if it's okay, I want to walk the road with you.}}

File:KH-COM-ConceptArt.jpg

The idea for an intermediary title in the Kingdom Hearts series was developed after the director Tetsuya Nomura and his team had begun to develop ideas for the second game, which he had intended to be set a year after the original. The new game's original title was Kingdom Hearts: Lost Memories, which Nomura changed to match the story's outline while still reflecting the theme of memories. Chain of Memories was developed to bridge the gap between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: Revised Edition |year=2002 |language=ja |publisher=Studio BentStuff |isbn=4-7575-1349-6}}{{cite web |publisher=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania |url=http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-1 |title=1UP.com KHCOM Nomura Interview |access-date=2007-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211223135/http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI%2F1UP-1 |archive-date=December 11, 2006 |url-status=dead }} Like most sequels, Kingdom Hearts II was planned to have the character start ability-wise from the beginning. To explain the loss of abilities gained in the previous game, Nomura centered the story around Sora's memories becoming corrupted and implemented the card-battle system to symbolize Sora's memories.

Nomura was hesitant about releasing a Kingdom Hearts title on the Game Boy Advance (GBA), feeling the three-dimensional (3D) graphics of the original game would not translate well into two dimensions (2D). Nomura changed his position after hearing children wanted to play Kingdom Hearts on the GBA.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646 |website=GameSpot |title=Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2009-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418181005/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6076646 |url-status=live}} After exploring ideas for the gameplay, he felt a 2D Kingdom Hearts game would be possible, and that it could still feel like and play like the original. Nomura wanted to give the game a "lighter tone" than the series' PlayStation 2 (PS2) games.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3129579 |website=1UP.com |title=Tetsuya Nomura Drops Kingdom Hearts Details |access-date=2007-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805022635/http://www.1up.com/news/tetsuya-nomura-drops-kingdom-hearts |archive-date=2011-08-05}}

Chain of Memories was announced along with Kingdom Hearts II at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003.{{cite web |author=Justin Calvert |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893 |website=GameSpot |date=2003-09-26 |title=TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2009-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518081555/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893 |url-status=live}} Initial details included the switch to 2D graphics, the use of cards to perform attacks, and the use of compressed movies in some cut scenes. The cut-scene animations were rendered using the graphical engine of the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 iteration and then encoded for the GBA using a technology developed by the Japanese company AM3.{{cite web |author=Chris Faylor |publisher=Gaming Age |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |url=http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=gameboyadvance&game=kingdomhearts |access-date=2007-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605222421/http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=gameboyadvance&game=kingdomhearts |archive-date=2011-06-05}} To help market the game, Disney and Square Enix launched official Japanese websites.{{cite web |script-title=ja:『キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン |author=Mr. Cube |publisher=Inside Games |date=2003-10-02 |language=ja |url=http://www.inside-games.jp//news/117/11771.html |access-date=2007-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705212736/http://www.inside-games.jp/news/117/11771.html |archive-date=2009-07-05}}{{cite web |script-title=ja:キングダムハーツ チェインオブメモリーズ』公式サイトオープン |author=クリ坊 |publisher=Inside Games |date=2003-11-26 |language=ja |url=http://www.inside-games.jp//news/122/12262.html |access-date=2007-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705212742/http://www.inside-games.jp/news/122/12262.html |archive-date=2009-07-05}} A playable demo was released to the public at the 2003 Jump Festa in Japan;{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3115214 |website=1UP.com |title=Jump Festa 2003 Report |access-date=2007-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625162017/http://www.1up.com/features/jump-festa-2003-report |archive-date=2012-06-25}} this demo and later ones highlighted the card-based combat system. Aside from information gathered from the opening sequences, most details about the story were kept secret until the release.

The card-based gameplay of Chain of Memories would later inspire the gameplay of Jupiter's next game The World Ends with You; originally, the developers envisioned a similar card game-based system taking place on the lower screen of the Nintendo DS, but this later developed into a battle system that occurs on both screens with a card-game controlled on the upper screen.{{cite web |url=http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ |title=Creator's Roundtable, Episode 1 |publisher=Square Enix |year=2007 |access-date= 2008-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224003352/http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ |archive-date=2012-02-24}}{{cite web |url=http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php |title=Creator's Roundtable, Episode 2 |publisher=Square Enix |year=2007 |access-date= 2008-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224003406/http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php |archive-date=2012-02-24}}

{{Further |Music of Kingdom Hearts}}

Music from Kingdom Hearts, including the main vocal theme {{nihongo |"Hikari" |光}}, was reused in the Japanese release of Chain of Memories. An English version titled "Simple And Clean" is used in Western releases.{{cite web |author=Stephen Coleman |url=http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html |website=IGN |title=Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Kingdom Hearts |date=2002-08-22 |access-date=2007-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206173254/http://games.ign.com/articles/368/368583p1.html |archive-date=2012-02-06}} Additional and reworked tracks were created for the PlayStation{{nbsp}}2 re-release Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. Because the first game's music was reused, a standalone Chain of Memories soundtrack was never released. The new reworked tracks, however, are included on two Compact Discs (CD)s in the release Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete.{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/release/detail/45375/ |publisher=EMI Music Japan |title=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete |access-date=2008-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003083339/http://www.emimusic.jp/release/detail/45375/ |archive-date=2012-10-03 |url-status=dead}}

Due to the technical limitations of the GBA's cartridge size, voice acting was kept to a minimum, and was mostly used for battle sequences.{{cite web |author=Ashton Liu |date=2005-02-02 |title=Review - Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance) |url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=447 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612135237/http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=447 |archive-date=2011-06-12 |access-date=2007-06-22 |publisher=GamesAreFun.com}} Many characters from Kingdom Hearts were voiced by the same cast; in the Japanese version, new characters are voiced by Keiji Fujiwara (Axel), Tatsuya Kando (Vexen, Marluxia, and Lexaeus), and Rieko Katayama (Larxene).{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/tech_info.html |website=GameSpot |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance |access-date=2007-08-02 |archive-date=2012-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104031342/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/techinfo/platform/gba/ |url-status=live}} Voice clips from Kingdom Hearts were inserted into Chain of Memories.{{cite web |author=Cortney Stone |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories - Review |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/kh/khcom/reviews/khcomstrev3.html |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2007-06-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927025733/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/kh/khcom/reviews/khcomstrev3.html |archive-date=2012-09-27}} The English version has no dialogue; the voices during Organization battles are replaced with simple grunts, laughter, and other battle cries.

{{Further |List of Kingdom Hearts media}}

As with Kingdom Hearts, a great deal of merchandise was produced to help market the release of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. To coincide with the video game's release, Square Enix first released, exclusively in Japan, a limited-edition Kingdom Hearts Game Boy Advance SP set that contained the game, a "Kingdom deep silver" GBA SP bearing the Kingdom Hearts logo, and a carrying strap.{{cite web |author=Chris Kohler |date=2004-10-11 |website=GameSpot |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110184 |title=Kingdom Hearts GBA SP for Japan |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2012-07-31 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731053642/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kingdom-hearts-gba-sp-for-japan-6110184 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |website=GameSpot |date=2004-10-13 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6110452 |title=Kingdom Hearts trading card game for Japan |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2012-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102213224/http://www.gamespot.com/news/kingdom-hearts-trading-card-game-for-japan-6110452 |url-status=live}} The second release was a Kingdom Hearts trading card game (TCG) produced by Tomy.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm |author=Chris Cook |date=2004-09-24 |title=TGS 2004: Square Enix Press Conference Wrap Up |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=2007-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609064657/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200409/N04.0924.1614.42907.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2007 |url-status=dead}} The TCG includes starter decks, playing mats, and booster packs. Fantasy Flight Games later acquired the rights to market the TCG in English-speaking countries.{{cite web |url=http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdomhearts/index.html |title=Kingdom Hearts TCG |publisher=Fantasy Flight Games |access-date=2007-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320083210/http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/kingdomhearts/index.html |archive-date=2008-03-20}}

In 2007, a remake for the PS2 titled Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories was released with Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix in a set called Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+. A manga series ran in Monthly Shōnen Gangan in Japan, and was later released in the United States.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Volume 1 (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback) |isbn=1598166379 |last1=Amano |first1=Shiro |date=10 October 2006 |publisher=Tokyopop }} The PS2 edition was accompanied by three novels, two of which are set in Sora's storyline and the third occurs in Riku's story. As with the Final Fantasy games and the first Kingdom Hearts game, Square released an Ultimania book on Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories following the game's release. In North America, BradyGames released a strategy guide with a comprehensive walk-through.{{cite web |url=http://www.bradygames.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=074400473X |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide |publisher=Brady Games |access-date=2007-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414074321/http://www.bradygames.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=074400473X |archive-date=2009-04-14}}

===Re:Chain of Memories===

File:Comparison Chain of Memories.jpg on the GBA (top) and the PS2 (bottom) |alt=Two images of a game set in a room, the top one with 2D graphics, and the bottom one with 3D ones. Both feature a spike-haired boy wearing red clothes, a black jacket and yellow shoes; an anthropomorphic dog wearing an orange hat, a green turtleneck sweater, yellow pants, white gloves and brown shoes; an anthropomorphic duck wearing blue hat and robes; and a brown-haired girl in a pink dress.]]

The PS2 remake Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories was developed by Square Enix's Osaka-based fifth Product Development Division,{{cite web |title=Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/nomura-discusses-kingdom-hearts |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=October 2, 2007 |website=IGN |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322002131/http://psp.ign.com/articles/824/824305p1.html |url-status=live}} and was released as the second disc of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ in Japan on March 29, 2007, and as a stand-alone title in North America on December 2, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/ |title=Square Enix Announces Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain Of Memories For North America |publisher=Square Enix |date=2008-09-19 |access-date=2008-09-19 |archive-date=2011-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816040915/http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2008/0919/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/tech_info.html |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Tech Info |website=GameSpot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405112141/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/tech_info.html |archive-date=2009-04-05 |access-date=2009-03-18}} It has not been released for the PS2 in Europe or Australia, but saw a worldwide release as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix. The remake includes polygonal, 3D battles and worlds that use the same graphics as those of Kingdom Hearts,{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3153901 |website=1UP.com |title=Previews: KH II: Final Mix |access-date=2007-06-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805022749/http://www.1up.com/previews/kingdom-hearts-2-final-mix |archive-date=2011-08-05}} and voice acting and an improved soundtrack. While the card-based battle system and room synthesis aspects of the gameplay stayed mostly the same,{{cite web |language=ja |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2fm/ |title=Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ - Re:Chain of Memories |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=2007-06-12 |archive-date=2012-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203074834/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom2fm/ |url-status=live}} there were additions, such as a "Reaction Command" function from Kingdom Hearts II. Voice-acted scenes occur in Castle Oblivion, the Destiny Islands, and the Twilight Town simulations. The remake also includes new cutscenes and battles that were not part of the original game.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/games/kingdom-hearts-ii |title=Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix |website=IGN |access-date=2021-11-12 |archive-date=2012-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110123802/http://ps2.ign.com/objects/853/853598.html |url-status=live}} IGN ranked it as the 92nd-best PS2 game. The staff felt it stood out from other card-based RPGs.{{cite web |title=Kingdom Hearts RE:Chain of Memories - #92 |url=http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/92 |work=IGN |access-date=2013-12-06 |archive-date=2014-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108063935/http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/92 |url-status=live }}

===Manga===

Like the first game in the series, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was adapted into a manga by Shiro Amano, following the same plot as the video game.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/25/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-vol-1-review |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Vol. 1 Review |author=A.E. Sparrow |date=2006-09-25 |website=IGN |access-date=2021-11-12 |archive-date=2012-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305230609/http://comics.ign.com/articles/735/735148p1.html |url-status=live}} It was serialized in Japan in Square's magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan, then released there in two volumes, and later in the United States by Tokyopop. The first volume was released in Japan on October 22, 2005, and in English on October 10, 2006, and the second volume was released on February 6, 2007.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories 2 (Paperback) |isbn=978-1598166385 |last1=Amano |first1=Shiro |date=13 February 2007 |publisher=Tokyopop }}{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126050754/http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1682/ |title=Manga + Comics : Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories |publisher=Tokyopop |archive-date=2009-01-26 |url=http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1682/ |access-date=2011-09-14}}

The manga series had moderate success. The first volume was ranked 112th on USA Today{{'s}} "Top 150 best sellers" during the week of its release.{{cite news |url=http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10/20/2006 |newspaper=USA Today |title=USA Today Best-Selling Books Database - Top 150 best sellers |access-date=2007-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203115412/http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx?sortBy=&lastValue=105&date=10%2F20%2F2006 |archive-date=2008-02-03 |url-status=dead }} IGN's reviewer praised Amano's renditions of the characters and the humor in the scenes. They also commented the game's weak elements lessens the manga's overall quality. The series was followed by a third manga series, Kingdom Hearts II. The Chain of Memories manga series was re-released in a boxed set in the U.S. on October 9, 2007.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Boxed Set (Kingdom Hearts (Graphic Novels)) (Paperback) |isbn=978-1427806291 |last1=Amano |first1=Shiro |date=9 October 2007 |publisher=Tokyopop }}

{{Main |Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix}}

In September 2012, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix, a compilation for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) that includes both Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Re:Chain of Memories in high definition and with trophy support. The collection also includes HD cinematic scenes from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It was released in Japan on March 14, 2013,{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2012/12/kingdom-hearts-1-5-hd-remix-japanese-release-date-set |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix Japanese release date set |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=December 20, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2013 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004456/https://gematsu.com/2012/12/kingdom-hearts-1-5-hd-remix-japanese-release-date-set |url-status=live}} and in North America on September 10, 2013.{{cite web |author=Robert Peeler |date=2013-02-26 |publisher=Square Enix |url=http://na.square-enix.com/game-kingdomhearts/go/article/view/blog/261657/announcing_kingdom_hearts_hd_1.5_remix |title=Announcing KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX |access-date=2012-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105084536/http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe |archive-date=2015-11-05 }} Releases on September 12, 2013, in Australia{{cite web |url=http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item585100/KINGDOM-HEARTS-HD-1-5-ReMIX,-releasing-exclusively-for-PS3/ |title=KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, releasing exclusively for PS3 |publisher=PS3 News |date=February 26, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614080630/http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item585100/KINGDOM-HEARTS-HD-1-5-ReMIX%2C-releasing-exclusively-for-PS3 |archive-date=June 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }} and September 13, 2013, for Europe{{cite web |url=http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX coming to Europe! |publisher=Square Enix |date=February 25, 2013 |access-date=February 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105084536/http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/kingdom-hearts-hd-15-remix-coming-europe |archive-date=November 5, 2015}} marked the first time Re:Chain of Memories was available those territories. This version was later ported to the PlayStation 4 (PS4) as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix, which was released in March 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/10/27/kingdom-hearts-hd-1-5-2-5-remix-announced-for-march-release-on-playstation-4/ |title=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix announced for March release on PlayStation 4 |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=VG 24/7 |date=October 27, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2016 |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101170912/http://www.vg247.com/2016/10/27/kingdom-hearts-hd-1-5-2-5-remix-announced-for-march-release-on-playstation-4/ |url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

|GBA=true

|PS2=true

|MC_GBA=76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2007-05-13 |archive-date=2010-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112094600/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories |url-status=live }}

|MC_PS2=68/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-rechain-of-memories/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories (ps2: 2008) |website=Metacritic |access-date=2009-05-24 |archive-date=2018-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106001625/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories |url-status=live}}

|1UP_GBA=C+{{cite web |author=David Smith |date=2004-12-13 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3137225&did=1 |website=1UP.com |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA) |access-date=2007-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723141652/http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-com |archive-date=2012-07-23}}

|1UP_PS2=B−{{cite web |author=Michael Donahoe |date=2008-11-29 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171548&p=2&sec=REVIEWS |website=1UP.com |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (PS2) |access-date=2008-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710142115/http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-chain-memories |archive-date=2012-07-10}}

|Allgame_PS2={{Rating |3 |5}}{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67059 |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Overview |publisher=Allgame |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706010609/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=67059 |archive-date=2009-07-06}}

|EuroG_GBA=8/10{{cite web |author=Rob Fahey |website=Eurogamer |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=58946 |date=2005-11-05 |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review |access-date=2007-06-06 |archive-date=2011-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908064943/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_kingdomhearts_gba |url-status=live}}

|Fam_GBA=36/40{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313190620/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041103.shtml |archive-date=2007-03-13 |publisher=The Magic Box |title=News: November 3, 2004 |access-date=2007-05-23}}

|GI_GBA=7.75/10{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF2CBB52-70E9-4A61-A84B-5D856AD2B0A3.htm |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=January 2005 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503065311/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF2CBB52-70E9-4A61-A84B-5D856AD2B0A3.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

|GI_PS2=6.75/10{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/DE575807-3C05-4F64-9057-7757D14862E9.htm |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories |last=Vore |first=Bryan |date=January 2009 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=2009-05-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420060602/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/DE575807-3C05-4F64-9057-7757D14862E9.htm |archive-date=2009-04-20}}

|GamePro_GBA={{Rating |3.5 |5}}

|GamePro_PS2={{Rating |4 |5}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208080/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/ |title=Review: Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories |last=Noble |first=McKinley |date=2008-12-09 |magazine=GamePro |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205233153/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208080/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/ |archive-date=2008-12-05}}

|GSpot_PS2=6.5/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/review.html |title=Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories Review for PlayStation 2 |website=GameSpot |author=Kevin VanOrd |date=2008-12-09 |access-date=2009-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013100929/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomheartsrechainofmemories/review.html |archive-date=2011-10-13}}

|GameZone_GBA=9.1/10{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22957.htm |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review |date=December 13, 2004 |publisher=GameZone |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417173140/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22957.htm |archive-date=2009-04-17}}

|IGN_GBA=8/10

|IGN_PS2= 8.4/10{{cite web |author=Ryan Clements |date=2008-12-01 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/01/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories-review |website=IGN |title=Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Review |access-date=2021-11-12 |archive-date=2012-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113221720/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/934/934330p1.html |url-status=live}}

}}

While it was the least commercially successful game in the series, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories received generally positive reviews and sold well. In Japan, it sold 104,000 units in 48 hours, a record for a Game Boy Advance title at the time.{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313190631/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20041113.shtml |archive-date=2007-03-13 |publisher=The Magic Box |title=News: November 13, 2004 |access-date=2007-05-23}} Its positive debut sales placed it at number one on sales charts in Japan.{{cite magazine |author=GamePro Staff |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/ |magazine=GamePro |title=Kingdom Hearts for GBA Debuts Number One in Japan |access-date=2008-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113171411/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/39648/kingdom-hearts-for-gba-debuts-number-one-in-japan/ |archive-date=2009-01-13}} In the first month of its North American release, it was ranked first on GameSpot{{'s}} ChartSpot for portable systems and sixth for all consoles.{{cite web |author=Tor Thorsen |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6116646 |date=2005-01-31 |website=GameSpot |title=ChartSpot: December 2004 |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2012-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104033200/http://www.gamespot.com/news/chartspot-december-2004-6116646 |url-status=live}} By February 2005, it had sold over one million copies in Japan and North America.{{cite web |author=Anoop Gantayat |title=Kingdom Hearts Goes Platinum |website=IGN |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/584/584260p1.html |date=2005-02-01 |access-date=2007-06-06 |archive-date=2012-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195222/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/584/584260p1.html |url-status=live}} Worldwide sales of the game reached 1.50 million copies by the end of 2006.{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/08/kingdom-hearts-10-million-shipped |website=IGN |title=Kingdom Hearts Ships Over 10 Million Worldwide |date=2007-02-05 |access-date=2021-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519230314/http://games.ign.com/articles/761/761448p1.html |archive-date=2012-05-19}} In the U.S., alone, it sold 900,000 copies and earned $28 million by August 2006. Between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 24th-highest-selling game launched for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable in the U.S.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games |author=Keiser, Joe |date=August 2, 2006 |work=Next Generation |archive-date=October 10, 2007 |url-status=dead }} By late 2009, Chain of Memories had sold over 1.55 million copies worldwide, with 200,000 in PAL regions, 410,000 in Japan, and 940,000 in North America.{{cite web |author=Graft, Kris |date=August 10, 2009 |title=Square Enix Profits Drop On Eidos Acquisition |url= https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24779 |website=Game Developer |publisher=Informa |access-date=2022-02-25 |archive-date=2012-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017035602/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24779 |url-status=live }}

The game received mostly positive reviews from critics. The card-based battle system received mixed reviews. GameSpot called it unwieldy while GameSpy called it engaging and Game Watch called it original.{{cite web |url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20050201/khcom.htm |language=ja |date=2005-02-01 |author=石田 賀津男 |title=スクウェア・エニックス、GBA「キングダム ハーツ チェイン オブ メモリーズ」 |publisher=GameWatch |access-date=2007-07-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324225341/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20050201/khcom.htm |archive-date=2012-03-24}} Reviews also called the card-battle system awkward and said it made the planning of strategies difficult.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/40110/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/ |author=Rice Burner |date=2004-12-07 |magazine=GamePro |title=Review: Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |access-date=2007-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924155152/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/40110/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/ |archive-date=2008-09-24}} The U.S. television channel G4 commented the gameplay is well-suited for portable play and that it successfully combines card battles and random dungeons, calling these "two much-maligned RPG" elements. Some critics found the game's room synthesis to be too linear. The most-frequent praise went to the story; IGN called it an "engrossing storyline that actually changes up after the adventure comes to an end" and rated the presentation 10 out of 10.

The quality of the graphics, particularly those in the cut scenes, was well received.{{cite web |author=Greg Kasavin |date=2004-05-12 |title=Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Hands-On |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6097974 |website=GameSpot |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-date=2013-01-23 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123175204/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories/previews/kingdom-hearts-chain-of-memories-hands-on-6097974/ |url-status=live}} IGN praised the game's "wonderfully produced FMV sequences". GameSpot stated the movies are true to the art style of the original game and are on par with GBA video paks. They also commented on the detailed and well-animated game sprites. Game Watch described the event scenes as "high quality". Many critics stated though the graphics are not as good as those of the PS2 predecessor, they are very good for a GBA game.{{cite web |author=Mark Marrow |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review |date=2005-01-13 |website=PALGN |url=http://www.palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1882 |access-date=2007-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112165844/http://www.palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1882 |archive-date=2009-01-12}} G4 complimented the graphics, stating Chain of Memories is "one of the best-looking GBA games out there".

During the 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the GBA version of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories received a nomination for "Handheld Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=228 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531152011/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=228 |url-status=live }}

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• [http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/gba/khcom/ Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Japan official website]
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