Guillaume Broche, creative director of the forthcoming RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has stated that Kingdom Hearts II is one of the best games ever made. Broche expressed his high regard for the 2005 PlayStation 2 action RPG during an appearance on Konbini's YouTube show, Jeux Vidéo Club.
In the segment, where creators discuss games that have influenced them, Broche described Kingdom Hearts II as "truly exceptional" and placed it within his "top 5 games of all time." He further elaborated on the gameplay mechanics, noting that he has been seeking similar depth since playing the title. "There was a real depth to it," Broche said. "You could spend 150 hours in the game, actually. Seriously, if you like action RPGs with cool systems, play this game."
Broche also commented on its sequel, Kingdom Hearts III, suggesting it did not fully recapture the exceptional gameplay of its predecessor. He believes Kingdom Hearts II offered a unique depth that has remained elusive in subsequent entries in the series.
While Broche recommends Kingdom Hearts II to fans of action RPGs, he acknowledges the series' complex narrative. The overarching story spans 20 years and is deeply interconnected, making it difficult to jump into the second installment without prior knowledge. Even Kingdom Hearts IV is set to feature characters from games that are no longer readily playable, reinforcing the importance of experiencing the series chronologically.
Broche's endorsement comes as the Kingdom Hearts franchise is regaining broader attention following the recent trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV. Despite his praise for Kingdom Hearts II as the series' high point, he advises newcomers to begin with the original Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories to fully appreciate the narrative.