Kingdom Hearts is many things. It's a game that carries a lot of nostalgic power, but it's also one that has aged remarkably well.

Visually, Kingdom Hearts looks great. The story is pedestrian when compared to where the series would go in the future, but tells a compelling yet straightforward, character-driven tale. The same can be said for the gameplay, but I find it interesting that this is the only mainline KH entry that puts the RPG mechanics above the action. Level is a LOT, and your direct skill is not nearly as demanded as KH2 or Birth By Sleep. For that reason I believe the simpler combat is entirely justified.

I've played this game as a toddler, child, teen, and adult; Kingdom Hearts gets better each time I play it. Flaws are present within the characters, difficulty balancing, and item creation (specifically within Final Mix) but nothing outshines the joy that radiates from the experience. Play it.