Riku is one of the original characters in Kingdom Hearts, a series of action role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix. Riku is sora and Kairi’s best friend, the creator has stated that Riku’s name can be interpreted as “land”. Riku’s character represents one of the series’ main themes alongside Sora which is” the light and the dark sides of hearts.”
At the beginning of Kingdom Hearts, Riku goes with the darkness as his world is attracked by the heartless while he wishes to go to the other world and gain strength. He is separated from his friends and ends up at Hollow Bastion where he is found by Maleficent and receives his weapon, a sword called the Soul Eater. Under her influence, Riku turns on Sora and searches for a way to help Kairi. Riku becomes possessed by Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, until being sent to the realm of darkness where he meets King Mickey and helps him and Sora seal the door to the realm of darkness.
Riku experiences a lot, and he tries to find a balance between his light and darkness. In chain of Memories and Dream Drop Distance, Riku plays a important role, and Nomura emphasizes how Riku is the main focus from this game as it shows the character’s growth across the series. Riku and Sora undergo a series of trials through various dream worlds. After saving Sora from Xehanort’s group, and releasing Sora’s heart from Ventus’ armor, Riku is declared a Keyblade Master. And many Kindom Heart fans like to Cos Riku very much, for some he is a hero right?
