So I've decided to play Kingdom Hearts...

[Amata]

358/2 Days was really damn good. So don't skip that one.
But you'll need the story of CoM first. And I recommend playing 2 before 238/2. If you don't want to play CoM (which, let's face it, was mediocre) then just read a plot summary. Re:coded is also rather skip-worthy, though it has some fun gameplay twists.
But it's best to play them in the order they were made:
1
Chain of Memories
2
358/2 Days
Birth by Sleep
Re:coded

was RE:coded the one for the phone?

Seriously enix is really weird when it comes to KH

Kingdom Hearts: coded was on cell phones. Kingdom Hearts Re:coded is a DS remake, which actually left Japan. While it has a rather weak and unimportant plot, there are some neat twists on the gameplay, like a retro side-scroller mission and a turn-based RPG boss fight.

Also, Amata? It really comes down to personal taste here. 358/2 Days is my personal favorite in the entire series. Just saying.

Very true, I suppose I was needlessly harsh, but I was quite disappointed by it. Mostly because of the story and a certain Mary Sue. But, my personal opinions of the game aside, I don't think it's really needed to play 358/2 Days to fully understand KH 2.

 

[BehattedWanderer]

I'd suggest playing 1 and 2, and maybe an LP or wiki CoM. If you have a PSP, play BbS after the first two games, as it makes a lot more sense in setting up the first two games. CoM is easily the weakest of the games. Haven't handled 358/2 days yet, so I can't help you there, sadly.

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

i never played the spin offs and i've made it through the first two with the occasional head scratch in KH2 but otherwise its easy to pick up if you pay attention in cut scenes and whatnot.

 

[TheSquashedOrange]

Thanks for your opinions everyone! I think I'll play one and two, (looking up CoM and 358/2 days) and then think about where to go from there. I might go back and play them, I'll have to think about it.

 

[Samechiel]

Look, don't even bother. The story is so stupid and rediculously convoluted that you'll regret trying to follow it.

Play Kingdom Hearts 2. It's got probably the best actual gameplay in the series with the fewest annoyances to have to put up with.

Just have your remote handy to mute the sound when you go to Atlantica.

 

[ScarletScapegrace]

If you want to get the full KH experience, you should probably go out and grab Chain of Memories: ReCoded (same story as GBA, less aggravating controls) and 358/2 Days.

If not, you should go find some Let's Plays and just watch the cut-scenes for the story.

I do recommend playing Birth by Sleep if you are looking for more of the KH1/2 gameplay.