Kingdom Hearts - 358-2 Days (USA) (En,Fr)

What Defines Kingdom Hearts - 358-2 Days (USA)

A touching action-RPG spin-off from the Kingdom Hearts series focusing on Roxas during his time in Organization XIII on Nintendo DS. The game combines real-time combat with heartwarming story elements as Roxas and his friends Axel and Xion undertake missions. It bridges the gap between the events of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II with a unique chapter focusing entirely on 'the days' Roxas spent with the enigmatic Organization.

Explore a unique Kingdom Hearts adventure as Roxas in 358/2 Days. This US release for NDS delves into Organization XIII missions, offers classic RPG battles, friendship dramas, a multiplayer mode, and an unforgettable melancholic story in English and French.

Memorable Details

This game offers a deeply emotional experience that explores friendship and purpose through Roxas's innocent eyes within the complex world of the Heartless and Nobodies. It provides essential narrative context that enhances the overarching series storyline, making subsequent games in the series more impactful. With portable DS action-RPG mechanics and multiplayer components, it remains a uniquely satisfying entry in the franchise.

• Prologue-Focused Narrative: Play as Roxas before the events of Kingdom Hearts II, experiencing a previously-unseen storyline detailing his daily life as the 13th member of Organization XIII.
• Panel-Based Mission System: Customize your character's abilities and stats through a unique 'Mission Panel' system that allows for in-depth skill and equipment management between missions.
• Multiplayer Co-Op Missions: Battle alongside friends in cooperative wireless play, selecting from a roster of Organization XIII members to tackle specialized multiplayer-only missions.
• Essential Character Storytelling: Witness Roxas's full character arc and his complex relationships with Axel and Xion, providing crucial context for his appearances in other Kingdom Hearts titles.
• Tactical Character Customization: Master the Panel System to strategically allocate gear, magic, and special abilities, forcing you to make meaningful choices about your battle approach.

Play Flow Notes

Navigate missions as Roxas using your Keyblade and magical commands through a blend of real-time action and thoughtful character progression.

• 1. Navigate and Investigate: As an action-RPG, use the Arrow Keys or WASD to walk in mission fields and approach objectives. Press the 'Z' key (mapped to A on NDS emulator) to interact with objects, open menu commands, or confirm selections.
• 2. Fight & Act in Battle: The 'X' key is your primary attack button for the Keyblade. Perform combos and utilize actions assigned to your action pad with additional quick commands via the 'Z' key. Press 'Z' and 'X' to select action commands depending on the action grid layout.
• 3. Master Advanced Techniques: Use Panel Management between missions to slot new weapons, spells, and special abilities linked to D-Pad Shortcuts, assigning items and magic, e.g., Fire/Cure. Master Limit Breaks by using specific Action Gauges filled during combat with assigned keypresses.

Catalog Details

Kingdom Hearts - 358-2 Days (USA) is cataloged as an NDS entry. Title markers such as USA, En,Fr help separate this NDS entry from nearby regional or build variants. The current tags are RPG, Nintendo DS, USA Release, Handheld, Portable, which help group the page with similar games without relying on a single generic label.

Before Playing FAQ

Do I need to play previous Kingdom Hearts games first?

While playing Kingdom Hearts and Chain of Memories first will enhance your understanding, 358/2 Days is specifically meant as Roxas's standalone origin story. It can be enjoyed independently but becomes even more impactful if you've played KHII or rewatch events following 358/2 Days to see the full arc.

Can I free-roam between missions like other action RPGs?

Gameplay is mission-based: you're dispatched to various worlds from a hub (usually the castle) in bite-sized, 15–30 minute operations with specific objectives. Each mission can contain treasure and combat but returns you to the hub; the panel system for progression occurs between missions, encouraging you to revisit prior levels.

Is Xion, a central character, playable?

Xion is a crucial part of this story but not a selectable single player character; however, she does appear in specific sequences. In the Nintendo DS original's multiplayer mode, you play as Organization XIII clones; therefore, Xion is not on the co-op roster, as the events show Roxas and Axel's time with her through gameplay in single player only. The remakes (HD Collections) include Xion in some of the missions, but the original NDS is designed similarly.