dragongit said:
Quick question to anyone who would like to answer. I know playing all the games would be optimal. But I haven't played a KH game since the 2nd. I did chain of memories back on the GBA and HATED the combat system. And since then I've just never picked it up for any of the portable consoles. How much am I going to miss out by not having played them? Do you think it'll make a noticeable impact or can someone who just played the main series keep to it?
You are going to miss out on a lot, especially if you haven't played Birth by Sleep on the PSP, which is basically KH0, and it explains why everything in KH1 and KH2 happen.
358/2 Days is semi optional, although the story does have an impact on some characters (which is why it's been converted to a movie for the HD remix), while Re:Coded is entirely optional (unless they introduce something in KH3 that makes it relevant). Chain of Memories is the link between KH1 and KH2, and is important. Lastly, Dream Drop Distance is the link between KH2 and KH3, and just as important.
You can of course get the game just for the gameplay, just don't expect to get everything about the story (hell, apparently, some people who have played all the games don't get the story). I'd still recommend getting the HD remixes if you can.