LogFAQs > #947901106

It just occurred to me that by skipping to #20 the way I did, theres way more unpredictability to these final rankings than usual because theres no way to know whats left. I guess thats sort of a good thing?

7. Kingdom Hearts II - RyoCaliente
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgCSgNakvlo

This intro does an exceptional job of telling a story, without resorting to narration or spelling things out for the viewer, even more effectively than the intro to Dream Drop Distance. The gorgeous cinematic gives us a recap of the end of the first game in a way that seems new before jumping forward and showing Kairi a bit older. Then the intro nicely bridges the gap between the first and second games for all those who missed out on what came in between. And we see Sora go to his sunken place while Roxas emerges, setting the stage for the start of Kingdom Hearts II. Despite how needlessly complex the plot of the Kingdom Hearts games can be, its surprisingly easy to follow the way its depicted here.

Easily my favorite part of this intro has to be when Namins drawing of the spiral staircase comes to life. Its such a cool effect to see that transition from the sketchbook, and it makes the moment when Sora reaches Namin far more interesting.

Also, I couldnt possibly discuss this intro without getting into the song. Its a pretty good song, but more importantly, its a perfect fit for this intro and is timed to bring the maximum emotions and drama out of key moments with whats on screen. The backward vocals part seemed a bit weird to me the first time I heard it, but I actually like the sound of those portions now. And they make some thematic sense if you think of Roxas as Soras mirror image reflection.

Anyway, this is one of those intros that stirs plenty of nostalgia in me, but I think even if I didnt have that familiarity with it, I would still say its a fantastic intro.