Kingdom Hearts Modder Implements Aqua’s PlayStation 2-Era Model

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep has curious origins stemming from its initial conceptualizations as a PlayStation 2 title. In the original trailer and screenshots of the game, there were several notable differences from the final product that would end up released on the PSP. However, even in Birth by Sleep’s initial trailer, Aqua was not overtly shown save for a silhouette. The reasoning for her lack of screentime here was assuredly due to complications with design.

Naturally, various facets were altered when the title shifted to being a PSP project, such as the models. Thankfully, remanents exist within the game’s files, and prominent modder Keytotruth has managed to implement the PlayStation 2-era model of Aqua into the PC version of Birth by Sleep.

You’ll notice that she looks noticeably more defined, thanks to a fully modeled face, though expressions don’t change in cutscenes. Further, the Command Board and armor sans helmet version of Aqua near the end of the campaign don’t adopt this new model. Regardless, it is a legitimately fascinating result that can’t help but make one wonder about how Birth by Sleep would have been as a PlayStation 2 game instead.

You can download this mod and view its installation instructions via Nexus Mods.