Many fans were upset when Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, the real direct sequel to the original Kingdom Hearts and gap-bridger to the second game, was put on the GBA instead of the PS2. Square Enix heard the cries, though, and just last year made amends by releasing a 3D remake for PS2 titled Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories. Of course, it was only released in Japan, once again leaving countless fans from the rest of the world in the dark about Sora’s misadventures leading up to Kingdom Hearts II.
But now, four years after it debuted on Nintendo’s last-gen portable, Chain of Memories is finally coming to PS2 in North America as Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories — just like the Japanese version — and it’ll be on store shelves just in time for Christmas on December 2nd, for a mere $30 at that! Haley Joel Osment and the rest of the Hollywood voice cast behind the first two games resume their roles for this 3D remake, and four all-new mini-games have been added to the mix. Let the rejoicing begin!
Hit the jump for the official press release.
SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES KINGDOM HEARTS RE:CHAIN OF MEMORIES FOR NORTH AMERICA
Fans Can Now Complete Their KINGDOM HEARTS Experience, as the Missing Link Makes Its Way to North American Shores for the First Time
LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, and Disney Interactive Studios, announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories will be released for North American audiences on December 2, 2008.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories is the essential piece that bridges the gap between KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS II. Originally released in 2004 for Game Boy® Advance, this full 3D rendition on the PlayStation®2 has never been released in North America — this is an entry in the KINGDOM HEARTS saga that fans of the series can’t miss!
STORY
Sora, Donald and Goofy travel down a long road that meanders through endless fields, and come to a crossroads. As Sora stands in the crossroads, he gazes up at the night sky and thinks of his lost friends.
Just then, a mysterious man approaches from down one of the branching paths. “Ahead lies something you need,” he says, “but to claim it, you must lose something dear.” The man vanishes before a single path, leading to a castle that eerily resembles a girl’s drawing…
In the coming journey, what will Sora and his companions gain, and what will they lose?
FEATURES
* World-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura and his team once again unite the magical world of Disney with the characters of FINAL FANTASY®, inviting fans to an enchanting gaming experience
* An essential piece in the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, which has shipped over 12 million units across the globe, comes to North America at long last
* In addition to Sora, players can control Riku in this adventure that bridges the gap between KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS II
* A full 3D remake of the original GBA release, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories offers a refreshing rendition of the hit title for the PlayStation 2 system
* The talented voice cast from the North American releases of KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS II, including David Gallagher and Haley Joel Osment, return to breathe new life into the beloved characters
* The mini-game catalog has been completely renewed, now with four brand new experiences accompanying the main adventure
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $29.99(USD).
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
hey will there be any more pics for this game soon???
Can’t say for sure, but I would assume so. Square Enix is usually good at releasing a lot of screens. If any new screens come along I’ll definitely be posting them.
I think Square Enix heard you calling, Kyo. Just got some new screens in: http://www.vgblogger.com/?p=3958
YES! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am certain to get this game when the holidays come around I have Chain of memories (GB) KH 1 and 2
When I Graduate Collage I Hope to Work at Square Enix
I am nonewbie to kingdom hearts I have beat KH2 like 18 times and KH only a few
I’m working to get a review up for this before Christmas hits (so between now and end of next week). A couple hours in and so far it seems like a great port. The whole card system works much better on consoles than I expected.
Why do you think in Birth by sleep that Venn guy looks like Roxas?
Im getting very angery because no one has posted any KHCOM stuff yet
Type something already
I finally have the game
How are you liking it so far? I’m around seven hours in, I think it’s a great port thus far. More retread content from the first game than I remember, but still really great stuff.
The game is really awesome till you get to the end when you have to fight Axel I cant get passes that and whats worse the game is not backwards compatible so it will not play on the PS3 80gb
It’s the other way around actually. The newer PS3 models are no longer PS2 backwards compatible and those after launch only had limited software emulation, has nothing to do with the game. I’m playing through it now on my launch PS3 and it works perfectly.
I’d say it’s definitely a more challenging game than the original two PS2 titles. The card-based combat requires more strategy and patience, especially as you begin to reach the tougher bosses.
I agree with you completly but cant you explain the PS2 and PS3 thing a little more clearly
Sure. When the PS3 launched, the PS2 Emotion Engine chip was built into the PS3 hardware for full backwards compatibility. To cut production costs after launch, Sony took out the built-in BC in favor of software emulation, which led to some PS2 games not being compatibile. The 60 and 80GB PS3s of 2007 supported software emulation I believe. But since last year, all PS3 model produced now feature no BC support at all.
Oh and I should point out that this just relates to PS2 BC. All PS3s support BC with PS1 games.
I beat Marluxia I kicked his ass just this morning
I just started Rikus story
I get what you mean about the PS3 PS2 thing Thanks
I just beat rikus story last night I kicked Xenorts heartless quick, fast and in a hurry
If anyone answers this question who is your favorite organization XIII member from either KHCOMRE or KH2 and whats your favorite form Mine are Vexen and Final form
For Organization XIII member I’d have to go with Axel. Don’t really have a favorite form, but Final form probably is the best.
I like the part in KHCOM when Sora just finished off Vexen and Axel appears and make Vexen Exploud…Goodbye
When is someone going to start saying stuff again?
What’s left to say?
Sorry I just thought that we were still talking about KHCOM
I did something on KH1 I have never done before… I got the Ultimate Keyblade and Beat Sephiroth It was hard but I got it
Matt if you ever answer this what is your last name?
Name is Matt Litten, why do you ask?
Just wanted to ask because I have two other friends by the name of Matt