In 2002, Square Enix teamed up with Disney Interactive to introduce a new sort of game which combined elements of Disney’s collection of animated films with the various RPG worlds depicted in Square’s various titles. The resulting title, Kingdom Hearts, would spawn a franchise on its own outside the continuity of its sources, and see critical acclaim.
Kingdom Hearts takes the player through several worlds, primarily inspired by Disney films. Characters appear throughout who challenge the player on their journey. The player controls a new character named Sora throughout his trials in various worlds. With all of the interplay involved in the series, we thought it would be fun to see how Sora stacks up against other characters from hit games. Here are five he could topple and five who would wipe the floor with the hero.
10 Can Beat: Link
If you’ve been living under a rock, Link is the primary antagonist in Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series. Throughout the franchise Link is the primary protagonist, typically saving the kingdom of Hyrule from an evil force known as Ganon in various ways.
Beloved as Link has become to fans of the series, he is little more than a skilled swordsman in truth. While Link occasionally possesses various other abilities and items which expand his abilities, Link is best known for wielding a blade against opponents. Sora can relate in his use of the Keyblade, however powerful abilities such as Ragnarok empower Sora beyond the skills of his fellow hero.
9 No Chance: Dante
The Devil May Cry franchise made a stunning return to form in 2019. After a disappointing attempt to reboot the franchise in 2013, 2019’s release introduced a new character and reminded fans why they fell in love with the franchise to begin with. If you’ve played the games, you’re likely already familiar with Dante. The half-demon private investigator is best known for his sarcastic demeanor and dual combat style.
We’re not sure Sora could withstand Dante’s sidearms Ebony and Ivory. Throughout the series, Dante has proven to be an effective shot. Even if we’re wrong, Dante’s Devil Trigger would definitely end a conflict between the two.
8 Can Beat: The Lone Wanderer
This entry could be replaced with “The Vault Dweller” or “The Sole Survivor.” If that doesn’t make it clear, we’re referring to the primary protagonist of the Fallout series. In each case, the player assumes the role of a survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland which has been shaped by nuclear war.
Players in the Fallout series acquire many abilities which make survival in the wasteland more tolerable. Many powerful weapons are available, and if the player got a jump on Sora they might just have a chance. In combat, we can’t see this collection of average humans equating to much more than the challenge level of a typical Heartless.
7 No Chance: Sephiroth
Not a hero, but we’re tired of pumping up Cloud. Hear us out.
There’s a ton of debate around this one, but hear us out. Many fans will point to Sora as being stronger than Cloud in the Kingdom Hearts series. While this is definitely indicated, it is never clearly defined. Even if it were, we would make the argument that there is a huge difference between the Kingdom Hearts continuity and that of Final Fantasy VII.
In either case above, Cloud never truly defeated Sephiroth in one-on-one combat. The closest to an argument which exists to be made in favor of Cloud being stronger than Sephiroth comes from the film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Cloud defeats his foe here, but it is arguably a diminished form of Sephiroth which has been weakened by his defeat at the hands of Cloud and friends in the main title.
6 Can Beat: Misty
Who wouldn’t include a character from the Pokémon franchise here?
Misty is the second gym leader encountered in the original generation of Pokémon games. She specializes in training water-type Pokémon and is depicted as a rather whiny, self-obsessed youth.
Because of her stature and mentality, it is likely that Misty would be incapable of defeating Sora in physical combat. However, it is unlikely that she would attempt this. Far more likely, Misty would attempt to take on this foe with her Pokémon. Given her early appearance in the game and the low level of her team, we aren’t sure they would pose much of a threat either.
5 No Chance: Mario
We know what you’re thinking. How could the Italian plumber who has become a Nintendo icon possibly defeat one of the most powerful Keyblade wielders in the series. We’ll assume you aren’t thinking of the many perks Mario has at his arsenal.
For starters, by simply finding the right flower, Mario can shoot fireballs. Sora can’t do that. In fact, Sora can do very little from range. Further, Sora is stuck in his small size. Mario can eat a mushroom to grow much larger or obtain items which allow him to become a statue and fly. If all else fails, he also has access to the powerful Super Star which renders him invincible. Sora better hope there aren’t any boxes nearby when they meet
4 Can Beat: Tommy Vercetti
Tommy Vercetti is more popular than you might realize. The playable character of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is most known for stealing cars and racking up infamy on the mean streets he calls home. We’ve seen him take on police, the military, and innocent bystanders time over.
What we haven’t seen is a confrontation with a powerful opponent like Sora. There’s a reason for this. Tommy is a common street criminal. He lives in a world which is based on our own and possesses no special properties which would equip him to confront such a foe. In short, Sora would easily defeat Tommy.
3 No Chance: The Dog From Duck Hunt
As easily as Sora would triumph over Tommy Vercetti, his hopes would be dashed by this annoying dog just as all of our childhood dreams were once upon a time. If you’re unfamiliar with the character and itching to relate to this entry, find access to Duck Hunt and play the game for an extended amount of time. You’ll understand.
Invariably, we all hit that special moment where we have lost. When our game is over, our nemesis will appear. After hours of frustration, we are tempted to shoot him, but quickly realize that this smirking bandit is impervious to our only weapons. We think Sora would find the same lack of success.
2 Can Beat: Steve
Once you’re tired of being taunted by that immortal hound, you can find your Zen by crafting some amazing structures in the infinitely replayable Minecraft world. What you might not realize is that you’re building masterpieces in the body of Sora’s next potential victim.
The player character in Minecraft is named Steve. If you weren’t aware, that’s because it literally has no impact on the game and is only referenced in menus and such. Your character is fair game for Sora though, and it’s a fight he would easily win. Your only hope for defense is digging deep enough to hide without hitting lava.
1 No Chance: Yasuo
Not the Yasuo on your team. That guy is horrible. We’re talking about the other team’s Yasuo.
If you’ve played League of Legends for more than a week, you’ve likely encountered both of these legends. The first is a player so terrible he will drag your entire team down in burning defeat. The latter is a legendary god of Summoner’s Rift who has 16 fingers simultaneously chaining abilities like cooldowns don’t exist and massacring your entire team with no remorse.
Sora cannot begin to untangle the myriad of combos which will be unleashed on him in this confrontation. All offense will be blocked by a clutch Windwall. As so many others have, he will learn true despair in this matchup.
NEXT: 10 Possible Sequels Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind Set Up
