Kingdom Hearts is one of the most popular franchises to come out of the Square Enix camp and with so many "game detours” it has become a property with a rich back story unlike anything we have seen. In Kingdom Hearts Re:coded for the Nintendo DS, gamers can expect to delve even deeper into the game with some unique twists on the combat.

Set after the events of the first Kingdom Hearts, Re:coded again explores the events of the first game as documented in the journal of Disney icon Jiminy Cricket:

“Jiminy Cricket is looking over the journal he used to document his first adventure with Sora when he discovers a mysterious message. He didn’t write it — so how on earth did it get there? King Mickey is determined to find out, so he and his friends decide to digitize the journal and delve into its deepest secrets. Inside this “datascape” dwells a second Sora who is about to embark on a grand adventure of his very own.”

Building upon the gameplay system of the first game, Re:coded puts in place a new character growth system that adds even more depth to the role-playing elements of the series. As Sora takes on the many bosses of the game, expect to see side-scrolling, classic shooting, and Final Fantasy inspired levels and of course don’t forget the incredible cast of Disney and Final Fantasy characters the series is known for.

Using the tag mode of the Nintendo DS, gamers will be able to trade their all new customizable avatars with anyone they like. With over 800 customization options available, no one avatar should be the same. As well as avatar trading, gamers can create playable maps to show off their stage creation talents.

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Re:coded certainly is a more traditional Kingdom Hearts offering than we have been receiving in the past. Placing characters back in the role of Sora with his keyblade combat has been something fans have requested for some time now. While it isn’t Kingdom Hearts 3 (why Square Enix why) it should be a sufficient experience to tide gamers over.

Any Ranters out there heading to NYCC (we’ll be there) should look for Square Enix's booth #1823, and check out the next experience in the Kingdom Hearts Universe.

What do you think of Kingdom Hearts Re:coded? Are you looking forward to jumping back into the universe so soon after Birth by Sleep or are you waiting for number three?

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded is set for a January 11, 2011 release on the Nintendo DS.