PLAYING THE GAME
THE GAME SCREEN
Reaction Command
A "AA" icon appears when you can execute an ability in battle, examine something, or talk to someone. Press the button to perform the command.
Commands
Depending on your selection, you can carry out various actions. Reaction Commands are displayed at the very top. The command at the bottom may also change with certain Combination Attacks and Summons in battle.
Some commands may not be available due to low MP or Drive Gauge levels; these will be displayed in gray. Press the left directional button to cycle command lists.
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Attack: Brandish a weapon.
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Summon: Call on mighty friends for help.
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Party: Swap out party members.
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Drive: Transform for new abilities.
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Limit: Team up with your party members to unleash combination attacks.
At certain times, a "A" will appear automatically on screen, and a special action will appear at the top of the command list. This indicates something worth examining, someone to talk to, or a newly available action, even during combat. Press the button at the right time to execute advantageous actions, especially in battle.
Navigational Map
A simple map.
Party Gauges
Gauges showing the condition of each party member.
Controlled Character Gauge
A gauge showing the condition of the currently active character.
GAUGES
The green gauge displays your Hit Points (HP), or health. When HP falls below a certain level, a warning alarm will sound, and the gauge will flash red. If HP drops to zero, it's game over.
The blue gauge shows your Magic Points (MP). These are used to cast magic spells or perform Limits. If MP drops to zero, the gauge will turn pink, and no MP-based abilities may be used. During this time, your MP will recover slowly.
The orange gauge is the Drive Gauge. When it reaches a certain level, you can perform Drives and Summons (after obtaining summon magic). Different Drive forms require different Drive Gauge levels.
Each gauge can be replenished in different ways.
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HP Gauge: HP recovery orbs or items / Recovery magic / Save points (full recovery) / During Drives
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MP Gauge: MP recovery orbs or items / Save points (full recovery) / During Drives / Over time
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Drive Gauge: Drive recovery orbs or items / Attacking and defeating enemies
TARGETING AND LOCKING ON
When a yellow target appears on an enemy, the controlled character will direct actions toward that enemy. The target will appear on the enemy closest to the controlled character.
Press the R1 button to lock on to a particular enemy and cause the camera to automatically follow it. Press the R1 button again to release the lock.
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To switch targets, hold down the R2 button and use the right analog stick while locked on.
THE MAIN MENU
Press the START button to display the main menu. The menu may be unavailable at times, such as during battle.
The main menu allows you to use and equip items, swap weapons and armor, equip abilities, and more. See in-game help messages for more information about each menu item.
Jiminy's Journal
This journal is Jiminy Cricket's record of your adventure. As Royal Chronicler, Jiminy takes an abundance of notes during the course of the game.
Config
Change various gameplay settings.
MOVEMENT AND ACTIONS
Apart from usual movement on the field, you can also jump to some areas. While jumping, you can grab onto ledges, then tilt the left analog stick forward to pull yourself up onto the ledge (or press the button to let go).
You can enter some doors and gateways on the field, but not all. If you approach a door, a subtitle appears showing your destination. Areas not yet visited will be displayed as "???" initially, then replaced by the destination after your first visit. Some places are initially inaccessible but become available later in the game.
Treasure Chests
Treasure chests are scattered throughout the game. These can contain recovery items, synthesis items, and navigation maps. You can even open treasure chests in battle.
Navigational Maps
Navigational maps obtained from events and treasure chests will be displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. Use these to check the terrain, where the active character is headed, and how to move to the next section of the map.
SAVE POINTS
Save points are scattered throughout the field. When you press the button, you can save your game and go to the World Map. Your HP and MP will also be restored.
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There are two kinds of save points. Type A save points provide all the facilities mentioned above, but you will be unable to access the World Map from type B save points.
Battles in Kingdom Hearts II take place on the Field Map. All battles are real-time; therefore, the party is susceptible to damage at all times, even while selecting items and spells. Commands glow yellow in battle. They glow red for certain bosses and other battles from which you can't escape. COMBOS
With the Attack command selected, press the button at the proper timing to link attacks together into Combos. You can generally link up to three attacks together; more may be available depending on equipped abilities.
EXPERIENCE POINTS AND ORBS
Earn experience points by defeating enemies. After earning a certain number of experience points, you will gain a level. The number of points received appears above the enemy, and the number of points needed to reach the next level will