'''キングダムハーツシリーズ'''（''KINGDOM HEARTS series''）は、スクウェア）が発売しているシリーズである。

== 概要 ==
ディズニーとスクウェア・エニックスのドラゴンクエスト』『ファイナルファンタジー』と合わせ、「三本の柱」と位置づけている<ref>[http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20050804/sqex.htm スクウェア・エニックス、和田洋一CEO記者懇親会を開催]</ref>。

ディレクターは野村哲也で、それまで主にキャラクターデザインを担当していた野村にとっては本シリーズの1作目が初めてのディレクション作品となった。野村はそれ以外にも企画立案、シナリオ原案、コンセプトデザイン、キャラクターデザイン等を手がけており、彼が中心となって形成されているゲームといっても過言ではない。

字面での略称は「'''KH'''」だが、「ドラクエ」や「エフエフ」のような口頭での略称は定まっておらず、略さず「キングダムハーツ」と呼ばれる場合も多いようである。一部のユーザー間では「キンハ」「キンハー」などの略称も存在しているが、いずれも定着しているとまでは言い難い。

=== 開発の経緯 ===
事の発端は『FFVIII』の開発中で、当時スクウェアはウォルト・ディズニー・ジャパンと同じビル（アルコタワー）に入っており、橋本真司がエレベーターの中でディズニーの幹部からゲームの共同制作を持ちかけられたことから始まった<ref>[http://ps2.ign.com/articles/550/550462p1.html IGN: TGS 2004: Tetsuya Nomura Q&A]</ref>。話を受けた橋本が坂口博信とゲームの方向性についての話し合いをしている時、その席にたまたま野村も居合わせていた<ref name="ultimania">キングダムハーツ アルティマニア 野村哲也インタビューより</ref>。もともと野村がデフォルメキャラでのアクションゲームを考案していた中で舞い込んだ話であり、またディズニーのキャラクターは世界中で有名なのにも関わらず、ゲームにおけるディズニーオリジナルの作品はまだ誰も開拓できていないという思いが野村にはあった<ref>電撃PlayStation Vol.335 野村哲也インタビューより</ref>。そこで自分の持つゲームの構想とディズニーを合わせれば今までになかったものが出来ると考え、野村が自ら手を上げたことからプロジェクトが始まった。それから一年間、一人でこつこつと企画やゲームデザインを進めていったという<ref name="ultimania"/>。

「キングダム」には“ディズニーらしいイメージ”と“自分たちが一から王国を作る気持ち”という意味合いが込められており、この名称での発売が予定されていたが、「キングダム」はすでに商標に登録されていたためそのまま使用することはできなかった。そこで作品中でも重要な「心（ハート）」を語呂を良く複数形の「ハーツ」にした上で付け足し、現在の名称に決定した<ref name="ultimania"/>。

== シリーズ作品一覧 ==
* PS2）
** キングダムハーツ FINAL MIX* （2002年12月26日発売、PS2）<small> - ここまでスクウェア発売</small>
* GBA）<small> - ここからスクウェア・エニックス発売</small>
** キングダムハーツ Re:チェインオブメモリーズ （キングダムハーツII FINAL MIX+に同梱。PS2）
* キングダムハーツII* （2005年12月22日発売、PS2）
** キングダムハーツII FINAL MIX+* （2007年3月29日発売、PS2）
* DS）
* PSP）
* キングダムハーツ コーデッド （配信日未定、携帯電話）

「*」印のついているものは廉価版「アルティメットヒッツ」が発売している。

== シリーズの特徴 ==
シリーズのどの作品においても、主人公が様々な世界を訪れ、敵を倒して事件を解決することで物語が進んでゆく形式は共通している。この「世界」とは基本的にはディズニー作品をモチーフにしたマップであり、各作品がそれぞれ異なる世界に分かれている。このように本シリーズはいわゆるクロスオーバーの要素を大きく含んでいるが、他のクロスオーバー作品で多く見られるように登場人物が一同に集結するといったことはないという特徴がある（これはディズニー側からの要請の一つであったという<ref>Official Playstation Magazine 2002年10月号スタッフインタビューより</ref>）。また作品ごとに世界観と主人公が変わることがほとんどのFFシリーズとは違い、本シリーズは全て短い期間で繋がった同一の世界観であるのも特徴の一つである。

ディズニーの世界では各作品に沿ったストーリーが進んでいくが、シリーズオリジナルのストーリーはダークさも含むシリアスな世界観で展開されてゆく。開発当初のストーリーはシンプルなものが予定されていたが、「これは『FF』を遊ぶ層を狙わないと失敗する」という坂口の一声でシナリオの路線を変えることとなった<ref name="ultimania"/>。

『FF』の魔法やアイテム、キャラクターが登場することから本シリーズが『FF』のスピンオフと捉えられることもあるが、誤りである。FFシリーズのキャラクターはあくまでゲストとしての出演であり、設定はそのほとんどが元の作品から変更されている。第1作でのFFキャラは、作中でどうしてもディズニーキャラを当てはめられない役が出てきた場合に登場させるという位置づけだったが<ref name="ultimania"/>、『KH2』からは役割に関わらずユーザーからの要望が多かったキャラが登場するようになった<ref>キングダムハーツII アルティマニア 野村哲也インタビューより</ref>。

== 音楽 ==
主題歌にはシリーズで一貫して宇多田ヒカルが起用されている。この楽曲提供については、野村の「『KH』には宇多田ヒカルしか考えられない」という強い思いからのオファーがあったことが関係している。無理を承知で送ったオファーだったが、宇多田本人がディズニーやゲームを好きであったこともあり、野村の意に反して交渉はスムーズに進んだという<ref name="ultimania"/>。楽曲は国内版では日本語歌詞のものが、海外版とファイナルミックスでは英語歌詞のものが使用されている。

ゲーム中のBGMの作曲は下村陽子が担当している。作品の性質上、ディズニー作品で使用された楽曲をゲームのBGMに用いているケースもいくつかあり、また『KH』『KH2』では主題歌のオーケストラアレンジも存在するが、それらの編曲も下村が行っている。

;主題歌
* 『光』：KH、COM、Re:COM
** 『Simple And Clean』：KHFM
* 『Passion』：KH2
** 『Sanctuary』：KH2FM

;サウンドトラック
* 『キングダムハーツ オリジナルサウンドトラック』
* 『キングダムハーツII オリジナルサウンドトラック』
* 『キングダムハーツ オリジナルサウンドトラック コンプリート』

== これまで登場したディズニー・FF作品 ==
ディズニー作品は第1作の『KH』、それを追う形となる『COM』では長編ストップモーション・アニメだった。しかし、『KH2』からはモノクロ作品の『蒸気船ウィリー』、キャラクターだけだがCGアニメの『チキン・リトル』など、様々なジャンルの作品が登場するようになった。

FF作品は『KH』『COM』では野村がキャラクターデザインを務めた作品のキャラのみの出演だったが、『KH2』には野村がデザインをしていない『FFVI』や『FFIX』のキャラが出演した。それまではファンの間で「権利関係上で野村がデザインしたキャラしか使えないのでは?」という憶測が立っていたが、野村はこれを明確に否定し「自分がデザインをしていないとそのキャラを熟知できていないから出し辛かっただけで、『KH2』では少し冒険してみた」と語った<ref>電撃PlayStation Vol.312 野村哲也インタビューより</ref>。

以下の並びは基本的に年号順とする。ディズニー作品はワールドとして登場したものには'''W'''、キャラクターのみが登場したものには'''C'''、未登場には'''×'''を付記する。FF作品は全てキャラクターのみの登場のため、登場したものに'''○'''、未登場のものに'''×'''を付記する。
<!--358/2Days、バースバイスリープ、コーデッドに登場する作品については発売まで追加を控えるようお願いします。-->

right|250px|thumb|The [[logo of ''Kingdom Hearts'', the first game in the series.]] 
 is a series of developed and published by Square). It is the result of a collaboration between Square and crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. In addition, it has an all-star voice cast which includes many of the Disney characters' official voice actors. Characters from Square Enix's ''Final Fantasy'' series make appearances and interact with the player and Disney characters. The series centers around the main character Sora's search for his friends and his encounters with Disney and ''Final Fantasy'' characters on their worlds.

The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series currently consists of four games across different video game platforms, and future titles are planned. Most of the games in the series have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though each installment has seen varying levels of success. As of September 2007, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series has shipped over eleven million copies worldwide,<ref name="11milA"></ref><ref name="11milB"></ref> with 2.0 million copies in PAL regions, 3.0 million copies in Japan, and 5.6 million copies in North America.<ref name="10mil"></ref><ref name="khsales"></ref> There have been several types of merchandise released along with the games, such as soundtracks, figurines, and companion books. In addition, the games have been adapted into a manga series and novels.

==Overview==
===Common gameplay elements===
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' series games contain elements from both action and role-playing games. The games are driven by a linear progression to the next story event, usually told in the form of a side quests available that provide bonus benefits to the characters. The player is primarily in control of the principal protagonist of the series, Sora. Sora is usually accompanied by non-playable characters that aid Sora in battle. In the first and third game, their behavior could be altered to fit the player's needs. The games featured real-time combat that incorporates physical attacks, magic, and summonings; though each game handled battles differently.

Gummi Ships are another common theme in the series, though they are only featured in the first and third installment. The Gummi Ships serve as the main mode of transportation between worlds in the games. The gameplay for the Gummi Ships sections is more akin to a Queen Minnie as the royal chronicler.<ref>'''Minnie:''' Oh, and to chronicle your travels, he will accompany you. / '''Jiminy:''' Over here! Cricket’s the name. Jiminy Cricket, at your service. </ref>

thumb|left|200px|A battle in the first ''Kingdom Hearts''
The games are influenced by their parent franchise, ''hack-and-slash system. Like many traditional role-playing games, ''Kingdom Hearts'' features an abilities.<ref name="Instructions"></ref> The amount of experience is shared with all party members and each character grows stronger as experience is gained.<ref name="KHgamespot"></ref>

===Disney and ''Final Fantasy'' characters===

''Kingdom Hearts'' features a mixture of familiar Disney and ''Final Fantasy'' characters, as well as several new characters designed and created by Nomura.<ref name="GS-CompanyLine"></ref> Though the series features locations unique to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' franchise, worlds from Disney films are heavily explored. Sora must visit these worlds and interact with popular Disney characters to protect them from enemies. Often, Sora's actions in these worlds follow closely to the storylines featured in their accompanying Disney films. In dialogue, Donald Duck tells Sora not to interfere with the worlds too much, since it would cause problems.<ref>'''Donald:''' But we can’t. If we take him to another world, we would be... / '''Goofy:''' Muh... Mudd-- / '''Donald:''' Meddling! </ref><ref>Kingdom Hearts manga, Volume 1. Page 99. Tokyopop.</ref> Moogles, small creatures from ''Final Fantasy'', are another common element in the games. They provide the player with a synthesis shop in order to create items for use in the game.

===Story===
The three main games in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series focus on the adventures of Sora and his search for his friends, Kairi and Riku. The first game shows how Sora is separated from his friends when their world is invaded by an army of corrupted hearts known as the Heartless. During the invasion, he obtains a special weapon known as a Keyblade. Soon after, Sora meets Donald Duck, the Disney Castle court magician, and Goofy, the Disney Castle captain of the royal guard.<ref name="KHgamespy"></ref> Donald and Goofy are searching for the "key" per instructions from King Mickey.<ref name="MickeyNote">'''King Mickey's Note:''' Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin’ goodbye, but there’s big trouble brewin’. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin’ out, one by one. And that means disaster can’t be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I’ve gotta go check into it. There’s someone with a “key”—the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we’re doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He’ll point you in the right direction. P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal. </ref> The three band together and travel to different Disney themed worlds, sealing the hearts of the worlds to prevent more Heartless invasions. Along the way they encounter a group of Disney villains, led by Maleficent, that are controlling the Heartless.<ref></ref><ref name="KH-MobyGames"></ref> The three eventually discover that a man named Ansem is the true antagonist. Ansem's plan is to open the door to Kingdom Hearts. Sora, Donald, and Goofy defeat Ansem, and seal the door with the help of Riku and King Mickey on the other side of the door.

After sealing the door to Kingdom Hearts, the three begin searching for Riku and King Mickey.<ref>'''Donald:''' Well, now what do we do? / '''Sora:''' We’ve gotta find Riku and King Mickey. </ref> They encounter a mysterious fortress called Castle Oblivion.<ref name="COM-StrategyGuide"></ref> Upon entering the fortress, they begin to lose their memories.<ref name="forget">'''Unknown:''' The moment you set foot in this castle, you forgot every spell and ability you knew...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. </ref> The three encounter a group of dark hooded villains referred to as the Organization. After defeating the Organization members in the castle, Sora learns his memories have been manipulated by a girl named Naminé who is controlled by the Organization. To allow them to regain their memories, Naminé puts Sora, Donald, and Goofy to sleep for a year.<ref>'''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... </ref> While the three are ascending to the top floor of the castle, Riku and King Mickey arrive in the basement and began traveling to the top as well. Riku fights the darkness in his heart and learns to accept his dual nature between light and dark.<ref>'''Ansem:''' You need the darkness. Submit! Bow to the darkness, and bow to me. / '''Riku:''' Not a...chance... / '''Ansem:''' Only darkness can help you now. </ref>

A year later, Sora, Donald, and Goofy awaken and continue their search for Riku and King Mickey. They learn of the Nobodies and their leaders, Organization XIII. Afterwards, Maleficent is resurrected and joins with Pete, another Disney villain, to continue her quest for power. Sora once again travels to many Disney-themed worlds and resolves the troubles caused by Organization XIII, the Destiny Islands, their home.<ref>'''Sora:''' W-We're back. / '''Kairi:''' You're home. </ref>

==Games==
The series consists of four games; three main games developed by Square Enix and a V CAST mobile game developed by Superscape. The three main games were released in chronological order, with each new installment following the events of the previous installment, while the V CAST game was developed independently from the main series. Three more titles are currently being developed by Square Enix.

===Main games===
thumb|right|125px|Cover of the ''Final Mix'' version of ''Kingdom Hearts''
''Kingdom Hearts'' is the first game in the series, and was released in Japan on March 28, 2002 for the PlayStation 2.<ref name="KH-IGNProfile"></ref><ref name="KH-GameFAQS"></ref> ''Kingdom Hearts'' introduced most of the main characters for the series and established the plot's framework involving hearts and the Heartless. This was Nomura's first time in a directorial position. It also established the presence of previous Disney fiction, with character cameos from the ''Final Fantasy'' series. ''Kingdom Hearts'' was released in North America on September 17 2002,<ref name="KH-IGNProfile"/><ref name="KH-GameFAQS"/> and featured additional content that was not in the original Japanese version. It was later re-released exclusively in Japan  as ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' on December 26 2002.<ref name="KH-IGNProfile"/><ref name="KH-GameFAQS"/> ''Final Mix'' included the content from the North America version and additional enemies, cut scenes, and weapons.<ref name="finalmix"></ref>

The second game in the series is ''Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories''. It was released on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance in Japan on November 11 2004 and in North America on December 7 2004.<ref name="CoM-IGNProfile"></ref><ref name="KH-COM-gameFAQs"></ref> ''Chain of Memories'' was touted as a bridge between the two PlayStation 2 installments, introducing and previewing plot elements that would be played out in the next game.<ref></ref> The gameplay was based on a card system; player composed decks of cards, each card allowing the player to perform an action in battle, such as attacking or using magic. It was remade into a PlayStation 2 game titled ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'', which was released in Japan as a second disc packaged with ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' on March 29 2007.

''Nobodies and "bodies". The gameplay is based on the first ''Kingdom Hearts''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s, with the addition of more options to attack enemies and the Reaction Command, which utilized the triangle button to perform preset actions in battle and interaction with characters and the surroundings. ''Kingdom Hearts II'' was revised into ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'', which contained more material than the original release, such as additional cut scenes and bosses. ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix'' was released with ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories'', a remake of ''Chain of Memories'' for the PlayStation 2, containing polygon graphics instead of the sprites used in the original Game Boy Advance game. This collection is titled ''Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+'' and was released in Japan on March 29 2007.<ref name="khfmii"></ref>

thumb|125px|left|Menu for the ''Kingdom Hearts'' V Cast game featuring the main protagonist, [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts#Sora|Sora.]]
===V CAST===
A ''Kingdom Hearts'' game was developed exclusively for V CAST, Verizon Wireless's broadband service, and was released on October 1 2004 in Japan and on February 4, 2005 in the United States.<ref></ref> It was one of the launch games for the V CAST services.<ref>}</ref> The game, developed by Superscape and published  by Disney Mobile with no involvement from Square Enix, features the original ''Kingdom Hearts''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gameplay, modified for the input method of mobile phones.<ref name="khmobile"></ref>

The first section begins with the protagonist of the original Sora, shipwrecked on a seemingly uninhabited island, his friends Donald missing. Sora must  find a way to escape the island, as well as reuniting with Donald and Goofy. Reception of the first playable mission pack was mixed. The game was criticized for its awkward controls and limited availability. The visual appeal was praised; GameSpot stated Sora "is very detailed and well animated" and complimented the 3D environments.<ref></ref>

===Future of the series===
At the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, three new installments in the series were announced. ''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days'', focusing on Roxas, will be released for the Nintendo DS, while ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', focusing on new characters Terra, Ven, and Aqua, will be released on the PlayStation Portable. Another game, ''Kingdom Hearts coded'', will be released to mobile phones.<ref></ref> Currently the titles are only confirmed for a Japanese release, though Square Enix has plans for releases in other territories.<ref></ref> Nomura has stated that the three new titles are not the final titles in the series and they will have a connection to a future game.<ref name="NI-FamCoded"></ref>

==Audio==
===Musical score===

thumb|right|Cover of the ''Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete''
The music for the video game series was primarily composed by Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack CD insert. Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack CD insert. Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack CD insert. Toshiba-Emi Limited. 2002.</ref> Soundtracks were released for the first and third installments following the release of their respective games. A compilation soundtrack was later released that included soundtracks for the entire series, including reworked tracks for the re-released ''Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories''.<ref name = "KHOSC-CDJapan"/><ref name="OST-Box"></ref>

While the themes for some of the Disney-based worlds are taken directly from their Disney film counterparts,<ref name="KHII-OST"/> most of them are given entirely original musical scores. In addition to each world having unique background music, each is given its own battle theme rather than having a common theme to cover all fights. Several of the Disney villains get themes based on the film from which they originated, and the final boss of each game has several themes played in the various phases of those fights. The fights with Sephiroth feature Nobuo Uematsu's One-Winged Angel from ''Final Fantasy VII''.<ref name="OST-Box"/>

The main Hikari, from ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Chain of Memories'',<ref></ref><ref></ref> and Passion, from ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref></ref> Each song had an English counterpart, Sanctuary respectively, for the North American and European releases. Utada was the only singer Tetsuya Nomura had in mind for the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' theme song.<ref name="IGN-KH-Utada"></ref> This marked the first time Utada had produced a song for a video game. Both theme songs reached notable popularity in Japan. On weekly Oricon charts, Hikari hit #1 in 2002 and Passion hit #4 in 2005.<ref name="TBS-Hikari"></ref><ref name="TBS-Passion"></ref>

===Voice cast===
<!-- Please see the talk page ("Regarding the Voice acting section") before any actor names are added -->
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' games featured well-known voice actors for both the Japanese and English versions. The Japanese version featured Miyu Irino as Sora, Risa Uchida as Kairi, and Mamoru Miyano as Riku.<ref name="KH-IMDB"></ref><ref name="KHII-GSTechInfo"></ref> The third game introduced Kōki Uchiyama as Roxas, Iku Nakahara as Naminé, and Genzō Wakayama as DiZ.<ref name="KHII-IMDB"></ref> Other notable voice actors included Kōichi Yamadera, Hideo Ishikawa, Maaya Sakamoto, Takashi Aoyagi, Yū Shimaka and Shinichirō Miki.<ref name="KH-IMDB"/><ref name="KHII-GSTechInfo"/>