Violence, violence, violence! So much of it lately in the world and all around us, but...as much as some parents want to blame video games. (I'm not speaking for ALL parents, don't freak out.) Not all of them are bad. In fact, from personal experience, a lot of them are educational, motivational, fun, and stress relieving. The only game I want to introduce to you right now is "Kingdom Hearts." If you haven't introduced this to your kids yet, you're a bit late. But that's A-Okay. There's still time.
Why should you care about "Kingdom Hearts?" Why would you want to know what that is? Why should your child be playing it?
"Kingdom Hearts" is one of the most influential and educational video games to inspire me as a child and many others. This game teaches about the importance of friendship. It shows us that we all harbor a bit of darkness inside of us, but that's not a problem because we can always find the light within to fight it.
Inside this world, the characters are not just friends but a family brought together by the darkness to fight and ultimately save many worlds from disappearing and becoming nothing. A mischievous organization lurks in the background causing chaos and our characters are absurdly optimistic, but it works.
You get to establish relationships through the world that will help you later on. There's plenty of story to keep you playing for hours if you so choose. Personally, it's never a dull moment. Every cutscene is crucial and feeds you information that helps you stay connected so you never feel lost. I recommend starting the little ones around the age of eight or nine. Start too young and they might not fully grasp the concept.
"Kingdom Hearts" is the type of game that will stay with you for years to come. It's unforgettable in every way because of the connection you feel with the characters and the tension in battle, the heartbreak and ultimate victory. Every battle that you win feels incredibly rewarding. This game has a large community of fans and people who feel the exact same way. Think of why every Disney movie is successful for a moment. Think about the story and the way it's structured. It's a gift that Disney offers its audience. Think of this game as an exaggerated Disney film. There's so much backstory to know that it will keep your kid entertained for days as they learn the ins and outs of the world.
I will say that video games are a release for our human nature. It's healthy to escape into a different world when we're stressed because it acts as a coping mechanism. Every child should experience the wonder of "Kingdom Hearts." It's a game that leaves you feeling like you've gained friends for a lifetime. The stories told and the characters you meet leave an imprint like no other. Don't waste any more time. Hey, you might enjoy it too. It's not just for kids.