Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is a 2012 action-RPG developed and published by Square Enix for the Nintendo 3DS, part of the long-running Kingdom Hearts series that crosses over Disney characters and worlds with Square Enix's own creations. A pivotal entry in the franchise's convoluted storyline, it follows the young Keyblade wielders Sora and Riku as they undertake the 'Mark of Mastery' exam, traveling through 'Sleeping Worlds', including Disney settings drawn from films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tron: Legacy and Fantasia, to prove themselves as Keyblade Masters while the villainous Master Xehanort's plans unfold. Its signature mechanics include the 'Drop' system, which periodically switches control between Sora and Riku, and 'Flowmotion', a fluid traversal and combat system for dashing across environments and launching acrobatic attacks. Players also collect and raise 'Dream Eater' creatures that serve as party members. Critically well received, it was praised for its inventive combat, polished 3DS presentation and series fan service, though the famously dense plot drew the usual remarks about accessibility for newcomers. The game advanced key narrative threads leading toward Kingdom Hearts III and was later remastered in high definition for home consoles. It was later remastered for home consoles as part of the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue collection.