While Kingdom Hearts 2 added whole new levels of depth to the fairly basic combat of the series, there are often times when the game feels like it can be mostly breezed through by endlessly mashing the attack button. However, one Nobody really shuts down the "Mash X" mentality faster than the rest, both in the original run of the game, as well as in Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix available on modern platforms.
In this way, the Sorcerer stands out as a strong opposition to the majority of the enemies within Kingdom Hearts 2 that can sometimes reward more careful play, but rarely hinder rushing so strikingly. The tactics necessary for these Nobodies can make these enemies a giant pain when first facing off against them, and a deadly final trial in one specific section of the game.
The Magic Cubes
Sorcerers attack with a collection of magical cubes that can be used in a few different ways, either creating a shield that will repel Sora when trying to attack, projectiles that fire from a distance, or stacked into rods to strike hard. These cubes are immune to all damage and any attacks with Sora's Keyblade will quickly be deflected, often opening the player up to take a devastating counterattack. Most magic is also unable to break through the defenses, and later iterations of the enemies are completely immune to these types of attacks.
One thing that these cubes do well, however, is force the player to stop and prepare to react to the different ways the Sorcerer can attack before jumping in for a counterattack themselves. In most cases, these Nobodies can't be powered through by spamming the attack button in a way that so many enemies can, and can't even be effectively dispatched with a reaction command either. There are some easier methods for players more well versed in the game's magic, specifically with the Reflect spell, but they will likely give new players trouble on their first introduction to the ending moments of Kingdom Hearts 2.
Controlled by Xemnas
Many of the higher ranking Nobodies have some sort of connection to the named members of Organization 13, with the Sorcerer's answering directly to the big boss behind it all. In this case, it makes sense that this specific enemy would be so difficult, often appearing as only one at a time that takes a commanding stance over other Nobodies in the area. Interestingly, the tactics on display can even prepare players for the Xemnas fight, or retroactively train them for Kingdom Hearts Final Mix's Unknown, as many of the same abilities are used between the higher and lower ranking enemies.
The shield, projectiles, and duel wielding rods make a similar appearance in the first phase of the fight against Xemnas at the end of Kingdom Hearts 2. These same attacks are then enhanced upon again in the final encounter, with a few extra wrinkles thrown into the chaos to make this one of the most exhilarating experiences from the PS2 era. Of course, when the game eventually moved onto other systems, worldwide audiences were given a chance to duke it out with the most terrifying versions of the Sorcerer in Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix.
Cavern of Remembrance
First introduced as a regional exclusive to Japan, Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix added an entirely new level to the game, filled with challenging platforming and some of the toughest fights in the series. While most players remember the Cavern of Remembrance for its over the top name and the Organization 13 Data Battles, the trip to the end is a gauntlet in itself. Then, at the end of this gauntlet, there are is a long, white hallway filled with Nobodies that acts as the final barrier between the player and the collection of superbosses.
The Sorcerer's naturally make an appearance during this gauntlet, and are likely the most common reason for players making their first trip into the Cavern of Remembrance to be shut out right at the end. Even at higher levels, the increased damage and number of these enemies the game throws out can catch veteran Kingdom Hearts players off guard. These enemies make for a frustrating and satisfying ending of the hardest area in the game, right before prepping players to face off against one of the best boss rushes in the series.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix is available now for PS4 and Xbox One, with a PC release set for March 30th, 2021.