Boxart
ESRB Rating

May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.

Release Date

US: 2010-09-30

Genre: Action

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

"It was an awakening that would signal the beginning of the Kingdom Hearts saga. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is the tale of a new trio of heroes, told across three scenarios utilizing the groundbreaking technology of the PSP. Exciting new features are introduced on top of the traditional controls, game system, and visual style of its predecessors.

The Keyblade is said to hold phenomenal power. One legend says its wielder saved the world, while another says that he wrought chaos and ruin upon it."
—From Ansem's Report (Kingdom Hearts)

Long before Sora took up the Keyblade, there were other Keyblade masters. One of these masters, Xehanort, disappeared one day along with his apprentice. This event proved to be a foreshadowing of great disaster to come. Aware of the threat, another master ordered his three apprentices to seek out Xehanort and his cohort.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Unveils the Saga's Untold Origins Today 2010-09-08

Highly anticipated prequel ships to North American retailers, Limited Edition PSP Entertainment Pack also available.

No Plans for Kingdom Hearts on PSN 2010-08-27

Keyblade wielders don't like digital distribution, apparently.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Preorder Item Announced 2010-07-22

Pre-order now for an exclusive Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep decal set, free with purchase at select retailers.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep Dated 2010-05-17

Square Enix reveals North American release date.

New Kingdom Hearts in Development 2010-03-24

Tetsuya Nomura plans another release this year.

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Ratings for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

Rating Description
7.5
Presentation Well polished, though load times are a bit longer than I'd like. Overall story is engaging and has plenty of charm, though some Disney side stories lack a punch.
7.5
Graphics Superb character models and particle effects, but environments feel hollow and static.
7
Sound Some of the same flipping tunes show up again in Birth by Sleep, but there are new songs to enjoy and the voice actors do a splendid job. It's great to hear Leonard Nimoy as a villain.
8.5
Gameplay Fantastic combat system with plenty to upgrade and customize. Robust multiplayer. Mostly fun mini-games.
8.5
Lasting Appeal Three different campaigns, with tons of secrets to unlock along the way.
8.5
Overall
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