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Organization XIII

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File:Org XIII.jpg
The members of Organization XIII, without Roxas or Xion. Counterclockwise from top center: Axel, Xaldin, Demyx, Xigbar, Luxord, Saïx, Xemnas, Marluxia, Larxene, Zexion, Vexen, and Lexaeus.

Organization XIII (XIII機関, Jūsan Kikan) is a fictional group of characters featured in Square Enix and Buena Vista Games' Kingdom Hearts video game series. Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The group is comprised of thirteen Nobodies, or beings without hearts. Their name is derived from the group being comprised of thirteen members.

The Organization was originally introduced in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix's unlockable trailer, "Another Side, Another Story [deep dive]", where their Japanese name was translated as "the Thirteenth Order", then as the "Organization" in the game Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories where they serve as the main antagonists. The Organization returns as the main antagonists in Kingdom Hearts II where they seek to use the power of Kingdom Hearts to become complete beings.[1] Organization XIII will be featured in one of the new games in the series, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, as playable characters, along with a fourteenth, female member named Xion.[2][3]

Creation and influence

File:Saïx-ConceptArt.jpg
This concept art of Saïx also depicts his "berserker" transformation and his claymore.

The Organization XIII characters were created by Tetsuya Nomura and other members of his development staff, starting with Xemnas, the first member, and Roxas, the last. Each member's name is an anagram of their name prior to becoming a Nobody, along with an "x".[4] Each known member receives a title indicating both their role in Organization XIII and their personality, as well as their own breed of lesser Nobodies to control. Each member also possesses unique themed powers.[5] The emblem used by the Nobodies and Organization XIII was designed to look like a splintered heart as a complement to the Heartless emblem.[6]

Several of the Organization's members were defeated in Chain of Memories and although Nomura intended to allow players to re-fight these members at the Coliseum in Kingdom Hearts II, this idea was dropped due to time constraints.[4] Instead, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix allowed players to fight all thirteen members as separate optional boss fights, in a location unique to Final Mix.[7] Since the battles were optional, the difficulty levels of the fights was increased.[7][8] Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events and connections between characters unexplained until the release of sequels, as he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination. He stated that with speculation, players can still be happy with a game even after it becomes old.[4] After working with the first game, Nomura gained interest in mushroom Heartless, most of which served to gain rare items in the title.[7] Due to this, he intended to add new variants in Kingdom Hearts II, but was unable to do so due to time constraints.[7] Consequently, they were included in the Final Mix release. Among these, thirteen Heartless sharing traits from Organization XIII members and doning their characteristic black cloak, served to unlock several weapons and accessories which were exclusive to this release.

Members

The Organization was first formed when the six former disciples of Ansem became Heartless. Their Nobodies then created the Organization. Members are numbered in the order in which they joined, with Xemnas, the Nobody of Xehanort, numbered one as their leader.[4] As Nobodies, they lack emotion and morality, and are unable to feel guilt and remorse for their actions.[9] However, they have a set of laws to follow with their number one rule is to eliminate any who betrays their group.[10] Many of the members were introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and the remaining members were introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. By Kingdom Hearts II, the actions of Sora and Riku along with Roxas's absence have reduced their numbers to seven.[11] Most of the members of the Organization tend to control one type of Nobody, usually suited to their fighting style.[5] A new, female member named Xion (シオン, Shion) is scheduled to be introduced in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.[2] Similar to previous characters in the series, few details have been released in regard to the Xion's role in the game.

Xemnas

Xemnas (ゼムナス, Zemunasu) is the Nobody of Xehanort, his name an anagram of his other self's alias of "Ansem". He is the leader of the Organization and the main antagonist of Kingdom Hearts II. Xemnas is voiced by Norio Wakamoto in the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts II, and by Paul St. Peter in the English version. He controls Sorcerer Nobodies, and in battle he uses Aerial Blades and manipulates nothingness to phase through solid matter and manifest energy-based shields and projectiles.[5] In Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Xemnas appears as an optional boss in Hollow Bastion, called "Unknown" (謎の男, Nazo no Otoko, lit. "Enigmatic Man") to personally test Sora. In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, he is infrequently spoken of by the members of the Organization, who refer to him only as the "Superior".

In Kingdom Hearts II, Xemnas initially appears in Roxas's dreams, as he struggles to remember what he is.[4] Xemnas also makes two appearances at Hollow Bastion; in the second, his identity is clarified and his face revealed. His plan is explained as increasing the power of Kingdom Hearts by having Sora destroy Heartless, releasing the hearts inside them. Xemnas appears again, in the World That Never Was, when DiZ attempts to contain Kingdom Hearts' power with a device of his creation. However, DiZ's machine overloads and explodes, killing its creator, leaving a huge hole in Kingdom Hearts, and causing many of the hearts to rain down and become Heartless. Xemnas uses what is left of Kingdom Hearts' power to summon the emotions of rage and hatred and take on a new form to fight Sora's party. Though Xemnas is thought to be defeated, he manages to separate Sora and Riku from the others, and attacks them. However, the two defeat him, and he then fades into darkness.

Xigbar

Xigbar (シグバール, Shigubāru), referred to as the "Freeshooter" (魔弾の射手, Madan no Ite, lit. "Magic Bullet Shooter"), is a senior member of the Organization who appears in Kingdom Hearts II. His original self was named Braig (ブライグ, Buraigu, mistransliterated as Bleig in the North American version). Xigbar is voiced by James Patrick Stuart in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Hōchū Ōtsuka in the Japanese version. He controls Sniper Nobodies, and in battle he uses Gun Arrows and manipulates space to teleport himself, warp his bullets, and levitate upside down.[5]

Xigbar initially appears before Sora at Hollow Bastion near the beginning of Kingdom Hearts II, though he never takes off his hood, and compares him to Roxas. During the player's second visit to the Land of Dragons, he transforms a dragon into a Heartless, and leaves after Sora confronts him in the Emperor's Palace, summoning his Nobodies to cover his escape. In the World That Never Was, Xigbar confronts Sora again, confusing him by calling him Roxas and cryptically revealing his predecessors. Xigbar fights Sora's party, and after they defeat him, he fades into the darkness, refusing to clarify to Sora the mystery of "Roxas".

Xaldin

Xaldin (ザルディン, Zarudin) appears in Kingdom Hearts II. He is also known as the "Whirlwind Lancer" (旋風の六槍, Senpū no Rokusō, lit. "Whirlwind of Six Lances"). Xaldin's original self was named Dilan (ディラン, Diran, mistransliterated as Dilin in the North American version). Xaldin is voiced by David Dayan Fisher in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Yōsuke Akimoto in the Japanese version. With his powers, he uses wind to manipulate his six lances and shield himself. Xaldin's lances can transform into a dragon-shaped contraption to attack opponents with whirlwinds. He controls lance-wielding Dragoon Nobodies.[5]

Xaldin first appeared in Kingdom Hearts II at Hollow Bastion with other members. He later confronts Sora in Beast's Castle when he manipulates the Beast's rage by various means so that a powerful Nobody and Heartless could be created from the Beast.[12] But Sora's interference with his plan forces Xaldin to steal the Beast's mystical rose to temper the Beast's rage. Sora and the Beast find him, and he reveals that the Organization needs Kingdom Hearts to become complete beings.[13] He then kidnaps Belle, forcing the Beast to choose whether Belle or the rose is more important to him. The plan fails when Belle gets away with the rose and Xaldin falls against Sora and the Beast.

Vexen

Vexen (ヴィクセン, Vikusen) is a scientist who appears in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. He is also known as the "Chilly Academic" (いてつく学究, Itetsuku Gakkyū). Vexen's original self was Even (エヴェン), and he was interested in studying Xehanort's memories. Vexen can control ice and carries a large kite shield in battle that blocks any frontal attacks made against him or use as a medium to generate a blade of ice.[5] Vexen is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories,[14] and Nachi Nozawa and Derek Stephen Prince in the Japanese and English versions of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, respectively.

In Chain of Memories, Vexen sides with Zexion and Lexaeus, other members occupying the castle's basements, to prevent Marluxia's plan to overthrow the Organization.[15] He first battles Riku in order to gather data to create a replica of him.[16][17] However, Vexen cares nothing for his "experiment" and allows Naminé to manipulate the Riku Replica's memories against his wishes.[18] When the Replica fails to defeat Sora, Marluxia threatens to reveal the shortcoming to Xemnas, forcing Vexen to take on Sora himself with intent to kill the boy. Introducing himself to Sora, Vexen says that he came to collect his "debt" and provokes Sora into fighting him by making him believe that he controlled Riku rather than created a replica.[19]

After their battle, Vexen gives Sora the card to Twilight Town with the intention of revealing Roxas's existence.[20] Marluxia considers him a traitor as a result and sends Axel to kill him.[21] In Twilight Town, Vexen attempts to reveal to Sora why he feels as though he has been to Twilight Town despite being fairly certain that he had never been there.[22] Sora and Vexen battle again after Vexen tells Sora that if he can not listen to his heart, he has no right to exist. After being defeated, Vexen is killed by Axel as he was about to reveal Marluxia's plot.[23]

Lexaeus

Lexaeus (レクセウス, Rekuseusu) is a well-built fighter in Organization XIII's ranks, one of the two members of the Organization in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories that only appear in Riku's story. He is also known as the "Silent Hero" (静かなる豪傑, Shizuka-naru Gōketsu). His original self was Aeleus (エレウス, Ereusu, mistransliterated as Eleus in the North American version). Lexaeus is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories[14] and Fumihiko Tachiki and Dave Boat in the Japanese and English versions of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, respectively. He combines earth magic with his giant tomahawk when fought.

Lexaeus, along with Vexen and Zexion, are older members of the Organization who occupy the basement levels of Castle Oblivion in the second game. When they find Marluxia plans to overthrow the Organization by capturing and manipulating Sora, Lexaeus and Zexion decide to capture Riku and use him in the same fashion to counter Marluxia. When it becomes dangerously apparent that Sora might fall into Marluxia's grasp, Lexaeus confronts Riku directly, trying to convince him to open himself up to the power of the darkness in his heart. Riku refuses to give in and Lexaeus attacks him. He employs a large tomahawk and earth, throwing his tomahawk, breaking rocks and shaking the arena itself.[5] Riku manages to defeat the warrior, but with his last bits of strength, Lexaeus releases all of the darkness within him in hopes of overwhelming and consuming Riku. However, King Mickey protects Riku from the part of Xehanort's Heartless in his heart. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories alters Lexaeus's death; Xehanort's Heartless possesses Riku's body and kills Lexaeus.

Zexion

Zexion (ゼクシオン, Zekushion) is a manipulator appearing in Chain of Memories. He is also known as the "Cloaked Schemer" (影歩む策士, Kage Ayumu Sakushi, lit. "Shadow-walking Schemer"). Zexion's original self was Ansem the Wise's youngest lab assistant, and named Ienzo (イエンツォ, Ientso). He convinced Ansem the Wise that they should build an underground lab for research. He is voiced by Akira Ishida and Vincent Corazza in the Japanese and English versions of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, respectively. Zexion uses his power of illusion used to mimic others' weapons, disguise himself as others, and create duplicates of himself,[7] and wields a lexicon as his unique weapon. Before Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Zexion's weapon and powers were unknown because he had died without fighting. Because Nomura was unsure if it would be revealed later, he kept information about it secret. The development team also destroyed his gravestone in the World That Never Was that would have shown his weapon.[4]

Zexion is one of two Organization members who appear only in Riku's story in Chain of Memories. Zexion tracks Riku's actions until Vexen's death; Zexion and Lexaeus then decide to use Riku to counter Marluxia's plan to use Sora. After Marluxia is killed, Zexion sees Riku as unnecessary and attempts to destroy Riku himself. He leads Riku into a manifestation of Destiny Islands, Riku's home. There, Zexion tells Riku about how he threw away his friends and his home and opened the door to darkness, thus destroying the islands. Following Riku's battle with a large Heartless, Zexion disguises himself as Sora and attacks Riku, telling him that he's become a pawn of the darkness. He engulfs Riku in light, but a vision of Kairi convinces Riku to accept darkness and light. With newfound confidence, Riku follows Zexion's scent through the light and causes Zexion to flee; in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Zexion fights with the dark-empowered Riku before escaping. Afterwards, Axel brings the Riku Replica to Zexion and convinces the replica that he can become "real" by gaining power that the real Riku does not have. The replica agrees, and as per Axel's suggestion, kills Zexion.

Saïx

Saïx (サイクス, Saikusu) appears in Kingdom Hearts II and is known as the "Luna Diviner" (月に舞う魔人, Tsuki ni Mau Majin, lit. "Demon Man Dancing in the Moon"). He has an X-shaped scar on his face and wields a claymore. He draws power from the moon and controls the Berserker Nobodies, who wield weapons like his own.[5] Saïx is voiced by Kirk Thornton in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Ginpei Sato in the Japanese version.

Saïx first appeared in Kingdom Hearts II in Hollow Bastion. He appears again in Twilight Town after Sora defeats his Berserker Nobodies and warns Sora of Axel's intention of turning him into a Heartless. After Sora defeats the Heartless army at Hollow Bastion, Saïx appears and explains Sora's purpose in the Organization's plans and refuses Sora's request to meet Kairi, whom Saïx kidnapped. After Saïx summons a horde of Nobodies, Maleficent attempts to use her own Heartless to battle Saïx, but his Nobodies quickly dispatch them and overwhelm Maleficent. Later, at the World That Never Was, when Naminé helps Kairi escape, Saïx appears to deal with the two, but retreats when Riku arrives in the guise of Xehanort's Heartless. Once Kingdom Hearts neared completion, Xemnas gives him permission to destroy Sora and his friends. Despite appearing calm, Saïx shows his true nature when he fights Sora in the World That Never Was by absorbing the light from the Kingdom Hearts moon, which puts him in a berserk state where he wildly attacks with his claymore.[5] After Sora defeats him, he dies while pining for Kingdom Hearts to give him his heart.

Axel

Axel (アクセル, Akuseru), who utilizes a pair of chakram, as well as fire with the Assassin Nobodies under his control,[5] appears in both Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II. He is also referred to as "Flurry of Dancing Flames" (おどる火の風, Odoru Hi no Kaze). Axel can create walls of fire or throw his weapons. Nomura designed Axel on a similar concept as Reno from Final Fantasy VII. Nomura wanted to see what it would be like to have a similar character in a different world and role.[6] Axel is voiced by Keiji Fujiwara in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts II and Re: Chain of Memories, while he is voiced by Quinton Flynn in the English versions of both games.[14][24]

In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Axel pretends to join with Larxene and Marluxia in their plan to seize control of the Organization. To gain their trust, he assassinates Vexen when ordered by Marluxia.[21][23] He later attempts to derail the plans by setting Naminé free so that she can reveal to Sora the truth about how she manipulated his memory. Eventually, Axel confronts Marluxia, prepared to destroy him. Marluxia uses Naminé as a shield to keep Axel at bay, though Axel resolves to go through her. When Sora makes a sudden appearance, Marluxia vanishes with Naminé, leaving Sora to fight Axel. Sora defeats Axel, after which he states the existence of their relation before vanishing. After Marluxia is defeated by Sora, Axel enlists the aid of the Riku Replica to get rid of Zexion in Castle Oblivion's basement levels.

In Kingdom Hearts II, Axel attempts to rescue Roxas from DiZ's virtual Twilight Town. In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix it was shown that he received orders to bring back or kill Roxas. Despite Axel's efforts, Roxas merges with Sora. Later, acting separately from the Organization, Axel kidnaps Kairi to bait Sora to him. However, Saïx takes her away so the Organization can use her to fuel Sora's anger. During a visit to Twilight Town, Saïx warns Sora that Axel desires to turn him into a Heartless. Axel appears after the Heartless invasion of Hollow Bastion to Sora, and informs him that Organization XIII has been using him to get hearts. He then apologizes for getting Kairi involved. Axel later finds Sora in a pathway to the World That Never Was and chooses to fight Nobodies with him. The numbers get overwhelming and Axel performs a suicide attack to save Sora. Fading away, Axel apologizes for kidnapping Kairi and asks Sora to rescue her.[25] When asked what he was trying to do, Axel admits he wanted to see Roxas, who made him feel like he had a heart, and Sora made him feel the same way.[26] With the last of his strength, Axel opens an entrance to the World That Never Was. In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Axel posthumously contacts Roxas' consciousness following his ambiguous showdown with Sora, reflecting on old memories and sharing one final conversation on the mysteries of the heart with him before fading away; to further support these mysteries, and although Nobodies generally feel no true emotions, a teardrop is seen falling as the two former Nobodies disappear.

Demyx

Demyx (デミックス, Demikkusu) was first introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. He is also referred to as the "Melodious Nocturne" (夜想のしらべ, Yasō no Shirabe). Demyx is voiced by Ryan O'Donohue in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Kenichi Suzumura in the Japanese version. Demyx first appeared in Kingdom Hearts II at Hollow Bastion with the other Organization XIII members. He later appeared in the Underworld, the world in which he first removes his hood. He is confronted for stealing the Olympus Stone, an object that protects the bearer from the effects of the Underworld. Like other members, he refers to Sora as Roxas during their encounters. He fights Sora with the use of his water abilities and sitar[5] to create duplicates, giving the player a time limit to defeat them all and leaving after losing. The two cross paths again at Hollow Bastion during the Heartless attack, which involves Demyx's Dancer Nobodies. Upon being reminded that he is a Nobody, and has no heart, Demyx commands the "traitor" to be silent, and uses his duplicates and water attacks;[5] Demyx fades into darkness at the conclusion of the battle.

Luxord

Luxord (ルクソード, Rukusōdo) is described by Jiminy Cricket as "a master of rhetoric". He was first introduced in Kingdom Hearts II and is also known as the "Gambler of Fate" (運命を賭す者, Unmei o Tosu Mono). Luxord is voiced by Robin Atkin Downes with an English accent in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and by Jouji Nakata in the Japanese version. His lesser Nobodies are Gambler Nobodies. With games of luck, Luxord is able to transform Sora into a card or a die, and uses a deck of cards as weapons, defense or hiding places. Luxord also has power over time.[5]

Luxord appears in Kingdom Hearts II at Port Royal from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, where he revives the curse of the Aztec gold, and the cursed pirates along with it. Luxord makes use of the opportunity to scout the powerful Grim Reaper Heartless and the gold's curse to ascertain as to whether or not they would be useful to the Organization in terms of Sora's part in their plan and making Port Royal's people assist in it as Heartless. For amusement, he has his Nobodies steal four of the Aztec medallions while having Grim Reaper curse Jack Sparrow. Sora defeats Grim Reaper in order to free Jack from his curse and Luxord collects the forthcoming heart before escaping without fighting Sora and his party himself. At the World That Never Was, Luxord traps Sora's companions in his cards, leaving Sora to fight alone in a battle. Luxord fades back into darkness, unable to comprehend how "Roxas" could kill him.

Marluxia

A relatively new recruit to the Organization, Marluxia (マールーシャ, Mārūsha) is lord of Castle Oblivion and Sora's main antagonist in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. He is also referred to as the "Graceful Assassin" (優雅なる凶刃, Yūga-naru Kyōjin, lit. "Graceful Assassin's Blade"). Marluxia is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories[14] and Shūichi Ikeda and Keith Ferguson in the Japanese and English versions of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, respectively. He uses a scythe and his control over flowers to attack.[5]

In Chain of Memories, Marluxia and Larxene conspire to overthrow the Organization by using Naminé to manipulate Sora's memories. He gives Sora his first set of world cards to proceed through the castle. He assigns Axel to eliminate Vexen when his plan to use the Riku Replica fails. Larxene fails to kill Sora and is eliminated as well. Marluxia is later confronted by Axel, who accuses Marluxia and Larxene of being traitors for conspiring against the Organization. Axel attempts to kill Marluxia, however, Marluxia returns to the thirteenth floor with Naminé, tricking Sora into fighting Axel for him. Seeing Axel defeated, Marluxia anticipates Sora's arrival on the thirteenth floor. He orders Naminé to erase Sora's memories, but she refuses. When Marluxia implies that he will kill her for disobeying him, Sora demands that Naminé erase his memories for her safety, as his promise will remain and he can protect her. Marluxia says that Sora would become just like the Riku Replica, but the Riku Replica surprises Marluxia, who then engages Sora. The two fight, but Sora realizes he has been fighting a replica of Marluxia. He later finds the real Marluxia, in a new form, and destroys him.

Larxene

Larxene (ラクシーヌ, Rakushīnu) was first introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories where she conspired with Marluxia to overthrow Organization XIII by using Sora. Larxene wields eight knives, four in each hand, and the power of thunder to fight,[5] and is known as the "Savage Nymph" (非情の妖姫, Hijō no Yōki, lit. "Callous Vixen"). She is agile and can call forth bolts of lightning in battle. Larxene is voiced by Rieko Katayama in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories[14] and Yuko Miyamura and Shanelle Gray in the Japanese and English versions of Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, respectively.

In Chain of Memories, she entices Sora to believe the false memories Naminé implanted in his mind. Larxene later appears to Sora, after he fought the Riku Replica for the fourth time, planning to destroy them all while revealing to him the secrets of the Riku Replica and Naminé. Again, Larxene mocks Sora for "chaining" himself to false memories of Naminé and the "promise" he made to her. She has a cruel, sadistic personality and enjoys seeing others suffer. She taunts Vexen after Marluxia charges him with treason and incompetence, and toys with Sora before fighting him the first time. After she discovers Axel's betrayal and sees that her and Marluxia's plans have fallen apart, her playful manner vanishes and she tries to attack Naminé before fighting Sora, only to die at his hands in the end with help from Donald Duck and Goofy.

Roxas

File:Roxas ultimania.jpg
Roxas is the "Key of Destiny", and number XIII in Organization XIII.

Roxas (ロクサス, Rokusasu) is the Nobody of Sora.[27] Xemnas found him in Twilight Town and gave him the epithet, "Key of Destiny" (めぐりあう鍵, Meguriau Kagi, lit. "Happened-upon Key"). He is voiced by Jesse McCartney in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Koki Uchiyama in the Japanese version. When pre-release Kingdom Hearts II screenshots and video showed this character without an Organization coat, he was featured prominently, emphasizing his importance to the future game's plot. In battle, he uses the power of light and a Keyblade, but later on simultaneously uses the "Oathkeeper" and "Oblivion" Keyblades, which represent Sora's memories of Kairi and Riku, respectively.[5] As a stronger Nobody, Roxas controls Samurai Nobodies.[5] Roxas's backstory and his joining of Organization XIII will be explored in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, for the Nintendo DS.[2]

Unlike the other Organization members, Roxas lacks memories of his previous life, due to the short time Sora had spent as a Heartless. During Roxas's time in the Organization, he and Axel became friends, but Roxas leaves to find answers as to why he possesses the Keyblade. He is confronted by Riku, who defeats Roxas and takes him to DiZ. In Kingdom Hearts II, DiZ places Roxas in a virtual Twilight Town, leaving him without any memory of the Organization and with a fabricated identity to throw them off. While here Roxas begins seeing his other self's memories in dreams. Roxas lives an otherwise normal life in "Twilight Town" until Axel infiltrates it to save him. Despite Axel's attempts to stop him and Roxas gaining back his memories of the Organization, Roxas merges with Sora early in the game, which also causes some of Roxas's memories to influence Sora.

Roxas appears twice later on in the game. The first is a battle with Sora, shown only as a cut scene and never fully explained. In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Sora's battle with Roxas is made playable, and a cut scene is added that shows Xemnas explaining that Axel's death triggered the reappearance of Roxas; another added cutscene shows Axel having somehow posthumously contacted Roxas' conscious mind, and they share one more conversation about the heart together. Roxas appears once again with Naminé before Kairi enters the corridor of darkness back to Destiny Islands. He and Naminé merge with their former selves completely, but not before implying that they will live on within Sora and Kairi as both a part of them and as individuals, as seen in the ending cinematic when they smile at each other through Sora and Kairi.

Xion

Xion (シオン, Shion) is a new member that will be introduced in the upcoming game Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. She has dark hair and wields a Keyblade. Xion was first shown in trailers for the new game and has also made brief appearances in demos.[28][29][30] She was first believed to have been Naminé, but Nomura later informed the press it was a different character.[31] The character's name was not revealed until summer 2008.[32] Xion is planned to be a key character to Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. The reason why the Organization's name remained "Organization XIII" after a fourteenth member joined will be explained in the game.[31]

Cultural impact

Critical reception

The obscure nature of the Organization's activities throughout Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II have led reviewers to describe them as an "ominous" group that "seems to be intent on guiding Sora and his friends to accomplish some dark purpose."[33][34] Similarly, Rice Burner of GamePro emphasizes this plot when reviewing the group's debut, noting how the "strange inhabitants of the castle trap our heroes" and "force Sora on a ponderous journey into his own memories to face his subconscious thoughts and fears".[35] This mysterious perception is furthered by the fact that some members of Organization XIII present themselves as dark silhouettes with their faces covered, acting as an "enigmatic robed and cowled figure speaking in riddles".[33] These interrogatives surrounding the group have created expectation, Andrew Reiner of Game Informer included "What secret lies behind Organization XIII?" as one of the main questions that are answered and that serve as plot devices in Kingdom Hearts II, creating situations that "certainly give you shivers and make your heart leap."[36] Visually, the artwork of Organization XIII's members is based more on the styles of Final Fantasy rather than those of Disney. Bethany Massimilla of GameSpot referred to their models as "very much cut from the Final Fantasy spiky-haired cloth".[33]

While writing BradyGames' Kingdom Hearts II strategy guide, Beth Hollinger, Matt Berner, David Cassady and Grag Sepelak reviewed the role of Organization XIII's members as adversaries. Both Axel and Demyx were described as providing easier battles during their first encounters.[37][38] The ones found later in the game, were regarded as more difficult enemies. As is the case with Xaldin, Xigbar and Saïx, the first of which were described as "tough" and "tricky" opponents respectively, while the ferocity of Saïx's "Berserk" attack was noted.[39] Luxord's battle was considered one that "brings something new to the table", mostly based on the unique use of a "Time" parameter instead of the common system based on "Health Points".[40][41] The various battles against Xemnas gathered different points of interest, during the first one, the writer praises the "Facedown" Reaction Command, while the final battle’s focus is on its difficulty and the need of constantly using Reaction Commands to switch between Riku and Sora.[42] On the flipside, GameSpot's Kevin VanOrd noted in a preview of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, that Xigbar's ranged magic proved helpful while fighting as an ally along Roxas.[43]

Individually, the members of Organization XIII have received varied receptions. Jeff Haynes of IGN felt that Roxas was a "likable kid", Ron Fahey of Eurogamer concurred calling him a "likeable enough young chap who just happens to be troubled by memories and visions of people he doesn't even know."[34][44] His playable involvement in the game was regarded as a transitional arc, being used to introduce the gameplay players that are new to the franchise. Fahey also considered it a good introduction, as it lets the player become familiar with the basic elements in a manner that "isn't a bad way at all of setting the scene for the game".[44] However, Reiner emphasizes his role as a "troubled boy", calling his story arc "an amazing chain of events", particularly noting that the revelation of his nature as a Nobody creates a "devilish yet remarkable plot twist" which may impact the player in a way that he "may not want Sora back".[36] The introduction of Xion in trailers for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, created expectation, particularly based on the facts that her face could not be distincted and that she wields a keyblade.[45]

Merchandise

References

  1. ^ Saïx: Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. And yet they know not the true power of what they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free…until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  2. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Famitsu Interview)". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days screenshots". Gamekyo. 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2008-08-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Studio BentStuff, ed. (2005). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5.
  6. ^ a b "2nd Famitsu Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Famitsu - December 2006 - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  8. ^ "Cutscene Downloads & New Interviews". KingdomHearts3.net. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Yen Sid: Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse---they only pretend to have hearts. You must not be deceived! Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  10. ^ Larxene: "Traitors are eliminated." I believe that's what the rules say. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  11. ^ Square Enix (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet. Square Enix.
  12. ^ Goofy: That's right. And they were gonna make you into a Heartless. That way, they could get that Nobody of yours and have control over it. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  13. ^ Xaldin: When Kingdom Hearts is ours, we can exist fully and completely. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
  15. ^ Vexen: Yes, he and his companions arrived earlier. By now that dog Marluxia is already using Naminé to meddle with Sora's heart. / Zexion: Interesting. I had no idea. / Vexen: I don't think Marluxia plans to hand Sora over, but...he can play his little game. If he gets Sora, then we need only acquire Riku. If he truly is like the Superior, then we will be untouchable! Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
  16. ^ Vexen: Ha ha ha... This battle has made it clear. The darkness coursing through you is a tremendous power. All you needed was the right provocation. / Riku: Great. So this was a trick? / Vexen: Precisely. Your fiery reaction provided just the data I needed. You have my thanks, Riku!Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
  17. ^ Lexaeus: Where did Vexen go? / Zexion: He's off using Riku's data to create some kind of replica. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
  18. ^ Larxene: This is your chance to get your hands on the real Riku's memories. All you need is that card and a little help from Naminé. Maybe we'll get her to make you forget you're fake...Better yet, we could remake your heart so you can be just like the real Riku. / Riku Replica: Hey, hold on! What do you mean, remake my heart?! The real Riku's a wimp who can't deal with the darkness inside him. What do I want with the heart of a loser? / Larxene: Any objections, Vexen? Do you or don't you want to test Sora? / Vexen: It must be done. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
  19. ^ Vexen: I am Vexen. I've come to collect your debt, Sora. / Goofy: A debt? Sora, do you owe him something to this guy? / Sora: Come on, of course not! / Vexen: Oh, but you do. You owe me for reuniting you with your former friend. / Sora: You don't mean — / Vexen: Indeed, I do. I am the one who brought Riku to you. / Sora: Then...you're the one... You're the one who's been controlling him! What have you done with him? / Vexen: I see no need to give you information about where Riku is. After all--Why trouble in your final hour? Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  20. ^ Vexen: Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here...Look what I found. A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  21. ^ a b Marluxia: I trust that you know what you need to do. / Axel: Haven't a clue really. Maybe you could spell it out for me. / Marluxia: Vexen has clearly commited a treasonous act against the Organization. You must eliminate the traitor. / Axel: No taking that order back later. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  22. ^ Vexen: I told you--This place was created solely from another side of your memory. It is on the other side of your heart that the memory of this place exists. It is your heart that remembers. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  23. ^ a b Vexen: Just put him back? The Riku you speak of...has but one fate, to sink into the darkness--and you will share that fate, Sora! If you continue to seek the girl Naminé, the shackles will tighten, you'll lose your heart... and end up becoming Marluxia's pawn! / Sora: Marluxia? What does Naminé have to do with— / Vexen: Gaah?! / Sora: Axel! / Axel: Yo, Sora. Did I catch you at a bad time? / Vexen: Unnngh... Axel, why...? / Axel: I came to stop you from talking too much...by eliminating your existence. / Vexen: No... Don't do it...! / Axel: We are just Nobodies who have no one to be, yet we still "are." But now you can be nothing instead of just being Nobody. You're off the hook. / Vexen: No...Please don't! / Axel: Goodbye. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  24. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  25. ^ Axel: Well, that's what happens when you put your whole being into an attack. You know what I mean? Not that Nobodies actually HAVE beings...right? Anyway, I digress. Go, find Kairi. Oh, almost forgot... Sorry for what I did to her. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  26. ^ Axel: I wanted to see Roxas. He...was the only one I liked... He made me feel...like I had a heart. It's kind of...funny... You make me feel...the same... Kairi's in the castle dungeon. Now go. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  27. ^ "Sora Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  28. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2008-08-02). "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Trailer Impressions". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
  29. ^ S., Enrico (2007-12-22). "Jump Festa 2008 - Kingdom Hearts Coded, 258/2 Days, Birth by Sleep details". QJ.net. Content Holdings, LLC. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ "初プレイアブル、初お披露目タイトルが続々！ ジャンプフェスタ2008にゲームメーカーがブースを出展" (in Japanese). Famitsu. 2007-12-23. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
  31. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days - Famitsu October 2007: Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
  32. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days screenshots". Gamekyo. 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2008-08-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ a b c Bethany Massimilla (2004-12-09). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  34. ^ a b Jeff Haynes (2006-03-28). "Kingdom Hearts II". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  35. ^ Rice Burner (2004-12-07). "Kingdom Hearts: Chains of Memories". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-11-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ a b Andrew Reiner. "Kingdom Hearts 2". Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-11-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  37. ^ Beth Hollinger, Matt Berner, David Cassady and Grag (2005). Kingdom Hearts 2: Official Strategy Guide. United States: BradyGames. p. 336. ISBN 0-7440-0526-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ Hollinger et al. p.338
  39. ^ Hollinger et al. p.343
  40. ^ Hollinger et al. p.207
  41. ^ Hollinger et al. p.341
  42. ^ Hollinger et al. p.348-349
  43. ^ Kevin VanOrd (2008-10-09). "TGS 2008: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days - Trailer, Co-op, and Single-Player Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  44. ^ a b Rob Fahey (2005-10-10). "Kingdom Hearts II Review". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  45. ^ Hirohiko Niizumi (2008-08-04). "Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days Trailer Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
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