Explore the comprehensive Steam Deck review of Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece, including key insights and performance analysis
Table of Contents
Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece Steam Deck Review: 1.5 + 2.5 HD ReMIX, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and III + Re Mind Tested
It feels surreal that the Kingdom Hearts series has finally arrived on Steam after years of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store. Over the years, I had many discussions with friends about the potential of a Steam release, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. However, the advent of the Steam Deck changed everything. The idea of having a completely playable and competent version of the main Kingdom Hearts games on the go is something I’m thrilled more people will get to experience. This week’s release of the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle, which includes -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind, is a significant milestone. I’ve
spent the last week diving back into these beloved games on my Steam Deck OLED, and the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. This review aims to delve into how these PC ports perform on the Steam Deck, focusing on the gaming experience and performance metrics.
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Kingdom Hearts on PC: A Brief Overview
The Kingdom Hearts games have had a long journey, from their original releases on PlayStation consoles to their current availability on various platforms. The current console versions are essentially the PS4 and Xbox One editions running via backward compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Series X. While these versions offer a solid gaming experience, the potential for higher frame rates and better graphics on PC makes the Steam release particularly enticing. The Kingdom Hearts games on PC support frame rates above 60fps, including Kingdom Hearts III, provided your hardware can handle it. They also support up to 4K resolution, making the Steam Deck’s portable nature an even more attractive proposition for fans and newcomers alike.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX
Overview
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is arguably the best value among the Kingdom Hearts releases on Steam. This compilation originally launched on the PS3 as two separate bundles before being combined for the PS4. On Steam, this bundle includes:
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (HD cutscene compilation)
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (HD cutscene compilation)
These titles span several key moments in the Kingdom Hearts storyline, offering an excellent entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic trip for veterans.
Performance on Steam Deck
Despite their age, these games still look good on modern screens. Testing these titles on both the Steam Deck OLED and LCD models, I found that they run beautifully, though there are a few caveats.
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Steam Deck LCD:
On the LCD model, the games perform admirably right out of the box. The frame rates are smooth, and the visual fidelity is maintained, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience.
Steam Deck OLED:
The OLED model presents a more vibrant and visually stunning experience thanks to its superior display. However, I encountered some issues with frame rates exceeding 60fps. To address this, I set the screen’s refresh rate to 60Hz, enabled v-sync, and capped the frame rate to 60fps. This setup resolves the frame rate issues, providing a smooth and consistent gaming experience.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Overview
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is a unique bundle that includes:
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-
- Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (a cinematic movie)
This compilation was the first Kingdom Hearts release I purchased on PS4, primarily to experience Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD. It has since made its way to Xbox One and the Epic Games Store before finally landing on Steam.
Performance on Steam Deck
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD:
This title runs perfectly at 60fps on the Steam Deck, offering a fluid and enjoyable experience.
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-:
This title presents a bit more of a challenge. While it runs well, maintaining a locked 60fps isn’t always possible, with frame rates occasionally dipping into the high 40s. To mitigate this, playing at 45fps at 90Hz on the Steam Deck OLED provides a more stable and visually consistent experience. Lowering the resolution can help achieve higher frame rates but at the cost of visual quality.
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC
Overview
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC is the newest and most technically demanding entry in the series. This bundle includes:
- Kingdom Hearts III
- Re Mind DLC
- A Steam-exclusive keyblade
Originally released in 2019, this game represents the culmination of the Kingdom Hearts saga, offering both the base game and additional content through the Re Mind DLC. The Steam version is priced lower than the console version, which is a pleasant surprise given its superior performance capabilities on PC.
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Performance on Steam Deck
Running Kingdom Hearts III on the Steam Deck was a delightful experience, though achieving a locked 60fps required some tweaking.
Graphics Settings:
Kingdom Hearts III offers a variety of graphics settings, including resolution, frame rate cap, v-sync, and more. Playing at the low preset and native resolution provides almost a locked 60fps experience. Dropping to 75% render scale helps maintain consistency in frame rates. The high preset, however, results in frequent drops to the 40s, so sticking to medium settings is advisable for a balanced experience.
Load Times:
One of the notable issues is the lengthy load times, even when running off the internal SSD. This is something to be mindful of, as it can disrupt the flow of gameplay, especially in a game with frequent scene changes and loading screens.
Audio Options:
Kingdom Hearts III includes both Japanese and English voiceover options, along with multiple subtitle languages. This feature ensures that players can enjoy the game in their preferred language, enhancing the overall experience.
The Steam Deck Experience
Steam Deck LCD vs. OLED
LCD Model:
The Steam Deck LCD model offers a solid gaming experience across all the Kingdom Hearts titles. The games run smoothly, and the performance is consistent. This model is ideal for players who prefer a straightforward gaming experience without needing to adjust settings frequently.
OLED Model:
The OLED model, with its superior display quality, elevates the visual experience of the Kingdom Hearts games. The vibrant colors and deeper blacks make the games look stunning. However, the need to tweak settings for optimal performance, such as capping the frame rate and adjusting the refresh rate, can be a bit of a hassle. Once these adjustments are made, the gaming experience is unparalleled.
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Value and Accessibility
The Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle provides incredible value, offering a comprehensive collection of the series’ main titles. For newcomers, this is the perfect way to dive into the Kingdom Hearts universe. For long-time fans, having these games on a portable device like the Steam Deck is a dream come true.
Accessibility Options:
The PC ports of the Kingdom Hearts games include various accessibility options, such as customizable controls and different difficulty settings. These features ensure that players of all skill levels can enjoy the games.
Future Potential
The success of these PC ports on Steam Deck raises the exciting possibility of future releases. Fans are hopeful that Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory will also make its way to Steam, completing the collection. The positive reception and solid performance of the current titles on Steam Deck bode well for any future Kingdom Hearts games on this platform.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Kingdom Hearts series on Steam, particularly through the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle, is a monumental event for fans and newcomers alike. The ability to play these beloved games on the go with the Steam Deck is a significant step forward, offering both nostalgia and convenience.
Despite some performance challenges, particularly with Kingdom Hearts III, the overall experience on the Steam Deck is impressive. The games run smoothly with minor tweaks, and the visual quality, especially on the OLED model, is outstanding.
If you held off on buying the Kingdom Hearts games on the Epic Games Store, the wait has been worth it. Every game in these bundles runs without issues on the Steam Deck, and while some tweaking is needed for optimal performance, the experience is solid. This release opens up the Kingdom Hearts universe to a broader audience, ensuring that the magic of these games continues to enchant players for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is included in the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle on Steam?
The Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle on Steam includes:
- Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (HD cutscene compilation), Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (HD cutscene compilation)
- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue: Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-, Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (cinematic movie)
- Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC: The base game, Re Mind DLC, and a Steam-exclusive keyblade
2. How do the Kingdom Hearts games perform on the Steam Deck?
The Kingdom Hearts games generally perform well on the Steam Deck. Most titles in the HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX bundle run smoothly at 60fps with minimal tweaking. Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage- and Kingdom Hearts III may require some adjustments to maintain stable performance, such as lowering graphics settings or capping frame rates.
3. Are there any significant differences between playing on the Steam Deck LCD and OLED models?
Yes, the Steam Deck OLED model offers a more vibrant and visually stunning experience due to its superior display quality. However, both models perform similarly in terms of frame rates and general gameplay. Some minor adjustments might be needed on both models to achieve optimal performance.
4. What settings should I use for the best performance on the Steam Deck?
For Kingdom Hearts III, playing at the low or medium graphics preset with native resolution or slightly reduced render scale is recommended. Enabling v-sync and capping the frame rate to 60fps can help maintain smooth performance. For Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-, playing at 45fps with a 90Hz refresh rate can provide a more consistent experience.
5. Are the load times on the Steam Deck an issue?
Load times can be quite lengthy, particularly for Kingdom Hearts III, even when running from the internal SSD. This is something to consider, especially if frequent scene changes and loading screens disrupt your gaming flow.
6. Can I switch between Japanese and English voiceovers?
Yes, Kingdom Hearts III includes both Japanese and English voiceover options, along with multiple subtitle languages, allowing you to customize your gaming experience to your preference.
7. Is the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle a good value?
Absolutely. The bundle offers a comprehensive collection of the main Kingdom Hearts titles at a competitive price, making it an excellent value for both newcomers and long-time fans.
8. Are there any accessibility options available in the Kingdom Hearts games on Steam?
Yes, the PC ports of the Kingdom Hearts games include various accessibility options, such as customizable controls and different difficulty settings, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the games.
9. Will Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory be released on Steam?
While there has been no official announcement regarding Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory coming to Steam, the successful reception of the current titles on this platform raises hopes for its future release.
10. Do I need to play the Kingdom Hearts games in order?
While each game in the series builds upon the story of the previous titles, you don’t necessarily have to play them in strict order. However, playing them sequentially can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the overarching narrative. The bundles are designed to be a comprehensive collection, making it easier to follow the series’ storyline.
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11. Are there any differences between the Steam version and the Epic Games Store version of the Kingdom Hearts games?
The core content of the games remains the same across both platforms. However, the Steam version includes some platform-specific features, such as a Steam-exclusive keyblade in Kingdom Hearts III. Additionally, Steam offers more flexibility regarding hardware configurations, which can impact performance and visual quality.
12. How do the Steam Deck controls handle the Kingdom Hearts games?
The Steam Deck’s controls are well-suited for the Kingdom Hearts games, providing a comfortable and responsive gaming experience. The customizable control layout also allows players to adjust the controls to their liking, ensuring optimal gameplay.
13. Can I transfer my save data from the Epic Games Store version to the Steam version?
There is no official support for transferring save data between the Epic Games Store and Steam versions of the Kingdom Hearts games. You will need to start fresh if you switch platforms.
14. Are there any known issues or bugs in the Steam version of the Kingdom Hearts games?
While the games generally perform well, some users have reported minor issues such as occasional frame rate drops or lengthy load times, particularly in Kingdom Hearts III. Ensuring your system meets the recommended hardware specifications and adjusting settings as needed can help mitigate these issues.
15. How does Kingdom Hearts III look and run on the Steam Deck compared to consoles?
Kingdom Hearts III on the Steam Deck offers a portable experience with graphics quality comparable to the console versions when running on medium settings. The flexibility of the Steam Deck allows for adjustments to balance performance and visual fidelity, providing a tailored gaming experience.
16. Can I play Kingdom Hearts online multiplayer modes on the Steam Deck?
Kingdom Hearts III includes an online component through the Re Mind DLC, allowing for additional multiplayer content. The Steam Deck supports this functionality, ensuring you can enjoy the full range of multiplayer features while on the go.
17. Is the Steam version of the Kingdom Hearts games compatible with mods?
While modding is more accessible on PC, the official stance on mod support for the Kingdom Hearts games is unclear. Always exercise caution when using mods, as they can potentially cause issues with game performance and stability.
18. Will future Kingdom Hearts titles be released on Steam?
While there is no official confirmation, the successful launch of the Kingdom Hearts games on Steam increases the likelihood of future titles being released on this platform. Fans are hopeful for more Kingdom Hearts content on Steam in the future.
19. How much storage space do I need for the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle on Steam?
The total storage space required for the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle varies, but it is recommended to have at least 100GB of free space to accommodate all titles and their associated content comfortably.
20. Is the Kingdom Hearts series beginner-friendly?
Yes, the Kingdom Hearts series is designed to be accessible to new players. The Integrum Masterpiece bundle includes a mix of games and cinematic compilations that provide a thorough introduction to the storyline and characters, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers.