Square's recent Final Fantasy film was a clear example of why story is everything in movies, just as gameplay is everything in interactive product. It was also a lesson in the advantages of specialisation, and why video game companies might be best sticking with what they know.

Square's approach to Disney to undertake a joint project has once again touched on issues of specialisation. More than the merits of combining industry expertise, the game that was born from this unlikely pairing brought the discrete worlds of some of our favourite cartoon characters into a single universe.

Navigating a series of indirectly related worlds is nothing new to adventure games, but sending Donald Duck and Goofy into Wonderland is new for Disney. And that's exactly what happens in Kingdom Hearts. Not only is the duo sent off to find a missing King Mickey and defeat the evil Heartless creatures before they steal the hearts of all good folk, but in doing so they venture into the worlds of over 100 other Disney characters. They also meet and join with a host of Square characters. Getting away with the juxtaposition is no mean feat, and Kingdom Hearts achieves it with great success.

It goes without saying that there was no room to move with the portrayal of Disney's cast. As well as being given faithful renditions and heartily engaged in the action despite not being suited to carrying weapons or killing or being killed, it is their 3D animation that is particularly impressive. Squaresoft characters meld into the environments with their own cartoonish presentation and have been well-styled to fit the demands of this particular title. Using a star cast of voice actors is a touch that gives the characters extra ability to compete for affection. Typical Disney humour is also prevalent, and although Kingdom Hearts exudes warmth throughout, it can still steal a scene when other gags fall flat.