Let's Play! Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix Japanese Version PS2 - Critical Level 1 Challenge

                                                                                       Hey guys!
     So after long days of repairing and testing out all the functions of consoles, I still like to go home and play video games. This week, I'll be going over Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix Japanese for PS2. I've decided to do a Critical Mode Level 1 challenge, and go over some of the details I find helpful. Now, some of you will most likely be trying out this challenge on PS4 (the Final Mix games are also available on PS3), the tips and strategies will be the same. For this challenge, I am using a Logitech wireless PS2 controller for its responsiveness.

     Twilight Thorn: So, fighting Twilight Thorn can be pretty simple. Use Reaction Commands to dodge his fists, lightning ball, and lightning waves he sends at you (bear in mind that you will also have to watch out for the Creeper Nobodies). Now, you may want to stock up on potions that drop from the Dusk Nobodies that appear before this battle, otherwise you can destroy Creepers in this battle for big health orbs. Other than that, time your reaction commands correctly, and take a shot when you see an opening.

     Struggle Battle Hayner: Hayner can be tricky sometimes. He can recover pretty quick from an attack and retaliate with a heavy blow, as well as do normal heavy damage and can e slightly fast otherwise. Now, for Struggling you need only one more orb than your opponent to win the match. So mind those counters up top! But, you want to make sure that you have Guard and Aerial Recovery equipped in you Abilities List. Guard, parry, attack, and jump. Hayner leaves himself open a lot, and can be fairly simple.

     Struggle battle ViVi: ViVi can be quick, and very unpredictable at times. He also has a long range. His attacks can do pretty heavy damage, and he quickly jumps around a lot. With the right timing of guard and jumping, it can be made an easy task. Aerial Recovery can be very helpful if he knocks you back. Also, luckily enough ViVi has a very small health bar.

     Struggle Battle Dusk Nobodies: Dusks can be really easy most of the time (in Critical Level 1, they can defeat you in a pinch). Reaction Command them to confuse, hit twice, R.C again, hit twice, repeat until defeated. Doing this should help you take less or no damage.

     First Fight With Axel: Axel can be suuuuper tough. He's quick, hits hard, and can break your combo! (Watch out for combo break) If you guard and parry his attacks he can get knocked back, and that will be your time to attack. He will also tire out, and take a squat. Attack him then as well. Try to run or jump out of the way after each time you get a decent combo. Be sure to have potions for Axel.

     Struggle Battle Setzer: Now, I chose to throw the match with Setzer. The reason I threw the match is that in doing so, he hands over a medallion that increases your attack by 1 which is very helpful in my opinion in the beginning and for this challenge. If you decide to win, you will be granted a Champion Belt which decreases lightning, fire, and ice attacks by 20%. Setzer is really easy mostly. He tends to leave himself open a lot. His attacks can be easily guarded or parried, and he is very slow with little health.

     Dusks + Assassins: Don't forget to R.C with the Dusks. Easy. The Assassin Nobodies can be worrisome, but it's okay. Guard (preferably) against their attacks. They roll back forever when guarded. You may also parry their attacks, but they have a quicker chance to lash back out at you. Watch out for their self destruct move! 
 
     Second Fight With Axel: This fight with Axel is the same, yet very different as the first. This fight, you are granted two keyblades. This makes it so you cannot guard attacks. Axel uses all the attacks from the first battle (but stronger), except this time he leaves himself open for Reaction Command. When Axel jumps into the fire, target him, step aside slightly, and Reaction Command him. In this battle, aerial attacks are most helpful. Be sure to have potions.

     In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed my gameplay and advice. Maybe you'll follow along with me with this challenge, and if you ever need help with this challenge feel free to come in the store and ask for my help! I'll most likely be in my repair room, but will definitely come out to help with KH2 advice! Have a great weekend, and I'll see you next week!

                                                             - Scott - Fair Game Repair Technician