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Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is both a great prequel and tragic story. in that same sense, it’s essentially a mirror of Revenge of the Sith.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise spans nearly two decades with multiple titles that look at almost every corner of the universe. Aside from the main game series, multiple prequels help tie each character’s journey together before playing Kingdom Hearts III. However, not every side adventure in the series ends happily. One game, in particular, acts as the darkest chapter in the entire franchise.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is a prequel that was initially released on the PSP. It tells the story of three keyblade wielders years before the events of the first Kingdom Hearts and how their lives and friendship are all but torn apart by darkness. Some of the biggest themes in the game include friendship, betrayal and an overall sense that, for now, evil has won. The way these themes are expressed perfectly parallel the same elements that make Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith such an emotional and dark entry into the series.
Right from the start, the game’s parallels to Star Wars are evident. Both titles act as a prequel to a franchise that has already released its main series and serve to help fill in the gaps of how the main character comes into the picture. Like the Galactic Republic and Jedi Order, the story begins with the keyblade wielders living in a world where they are strongest. However, the enemies that align with the darkness are hard at work right below the surface. In Star Wars, this is symbolized through Palpatine’s plan to start the Galactic Empire, but in Kingdom Hearts, Xehanort plans to open Kingdom Hearts by manipulation of the main characters.
From a character perspective, the game follows the enduring friendship between Terra, Ventus and Aqua, who train under Master Eraqus. Aqua and Ventus both represent aspects of Obi-Wan. Aqua is a logical hero with an eagerness to learn and help those in need. Ventus is the heart and soul of the trio, looking for the bright side and never giving up on those closest to him. Obi-Wan, through the years, has shown these qualities both as a Padawan and Master while Terra acts as the game’s Anakin Skywalker. The parallels begin quickly after Terra fails his Mark of Mastery exam to be a keyblade master. Naturally, this angers him, and it’s discovered he failed due to the manipulation of Xehanort, similarly to Palpatine grooming Anakin to join the Dark Side.
When the game starts, the heroes are separated, leaving Terra open to Xehanort’s manipulation, just like when Anakin is left on Coruscant instead of traveling to Utapau with Obi-Wan. As a result, Terra consistently gives in to his dark tendencies until his heart is blackened just enough for Xehanort to take control of his body. Like Anakin becoming Vader, he remains this way for some time before being freed of Xehanort’s hold. In the meantime, the trio of heroes is separated, with Aqua continuously fighting to save Ventus and help make the world free from darkness again.
Birth by Sleep shows how fast negative thoughts can corrupt and how easily it makes people susceptible to suggestions. It also showcases why friendship is the most important thing to stop negativity from taking hold in a person’s mind. These lessons also mirror Revenge of the Sith, where Anakin’s journey takes a dark turn after his friends leave him. Almost immediately, his dark thoughts take hold, and he becomes a victim of an evil power. Both titles end on a somber note but ensure that a new hope is on the horizon. For Star Wars, that hope is Luke Skywalker, while Kingdom Hearts‘ hope is represented through Sora.
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