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((Infobox character
| name = Riku
| image = RikuKingdomHeartsone.png
| caption = Riku as he appears in ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]'' wielding the Soul Eater
| series = [[Kingdom Hearts]]
| creator = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]
| designer = Tetsuya Nomura
| voice = '''Japanese'''<br />[[Mamoru Miyano]]<br />Eiji Shima (young)<br />'''English'''<br />[[David Gallagher]]<br />[[Ty Panitz]] (young)
| weapon = [[Keyblade]]
| home = Destiny Islands
| first = ''[[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'' (2002)
))
((Nihongo|'''Riku'''|リク|lead=yes)) is a fictional character from [[Square Enix]]'s franchise ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'', debuting in the original 2002 ''[[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'' game. Riku is introduced as a teenager who wishes to visit other worlds with his friends [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]] and [[Kairi (Kingdom Hearts)|Kairi]]. After a way to other worlds is opened, Riku meets the evil fairy [[Maleficent]] who pits him against Sora, leading to Riku falling to darkness and ultimately being possessed by [[Xehanort#Appearances|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]. Riku is freed thanks to Sora and returns as a protagonist in following games.

Riku was created and designed by [[Tetsuya Nomura]] who wanted him to be a foil for Sora's character and wanted his [[character arc]] represent the series' main theme of being able to choose light or darkness. His design and story are in parallel to [[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep|''Kingdom Hearts'' ''Birth By Sleep'']] character [[Terra (Kingdom Hearts)|Terra]]. He is voiced by [[Mamoru Miyano]] and Eiji Shima in Japanese, while [[David Gallagher]] and [[Ty Panitz]] voice him in English.

Critical response to Riku has been generally positive. David Gallagher's performance of Riku was also praised by the media.

==Creation and design==
''Kingdom Hearts'' creator [[Tetsuya Nomura]] has stated that Riku's name can be interpreted as "land" (but also means Shore and Continent), since the [[on'yomi]] pronunciation of Japanese word for "land" is ((Nihongo|''riku''|[[wikt:陸|陸]])),<ref name="IGN-Riku">((cite web |url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14213997_biography.html |title=Riku Biography |publisher=IGN |access-date=January 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314031944/http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14213997_biography.html |archive-date=March 14, 2008 ))</ref><ref name="ScenarioMysteries"/> similar to how Sora's name is identical to the Japanese word for "sky", ((Nihongo|''sora''|[[wikt:空|空]])).<ref>((cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/965/965214_biography.html |title=Sora Biography |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-01-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113211632/http://stars.ign.com/objects/965/965214_biography.html |archive-date=2007-11-13 ))</ref> Riku's character represents one of the series' main themes, "the light and the dark sides of hearts," alongside Sora.<ref name="nintendopowerinter">((cite magazine |date=March 2012 |title=Kingdom Builder |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |issue=276 |pages=40–41 |issn=1041-9551))</ref>

In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', Riku's Keyblade is Way to the Dawn, which Nomura designed to look like his previous weapon, the Soul Eater. This name came from a scene at the end of ''Chain of Memories'' where Riku said he would walk "the road to dawn."<ref name="ScenarioMysteries">((cite book |title=キングダムハーツII FINAL MIX+ アルティマニア |year=2007 |isbn=978-4-7575-2013-4|language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix ))</ref> Though Riku has a minor role in ''Birth by Sleep'', Nomura wanted to expand on his connection with Keyblade user Terra who would give him the ability to wield such weapon and upon growing older would meet him again.<ref name="spec">((cite book |script-title=ja:キングダム ハーツ バース バイ スリープ アルティマニア|trans-title=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania|year=2010 |isbn=978-4-7575-2788-1 |language=ja | publisher=Square Enix |page=616))</ref>

On the character's role in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance|Dream Drop Distance]]'', Nomura emphasized Riku as the game's main focus as it shows the character's growth across the series.<ref>((cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Ultimania |publisher=Square Enix |date=May 2012 |pages=426–430 |isbn=978-4757536159))</ref> Despite using two protagonists, the game primarily focuses on Riku's growth across the series. As a result of the game's plot, both Sora and Riku appear in their younger forms from the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game. However, to avoid misconceptions that ''Dream Drop Distance'' was a remake of the original game, Nomura decided to change Sora's and Riku's outfits for most of the game.<ref>((cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comtqe/kh3d_sora_riku_clothes/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Sora and Riku to See Clothing Changes|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=January 30, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225035712/http://andriasang.com/comtqe/kh3d_sora_riku_clothes/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live))</ref> When it comes to Riku's new design, Nomura altered its hair based on fan response following ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/xion-and-roxas-reappeared-in-kingdom-hearts-3-because-of-the-fans/|title=Xion and Roxas Reappeared in Kingdom Hearts 3 Because of the Fans|website=Siliconera|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=April 11, 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411100141/https://www.siliconera.com/xion-and-roxas-reappeared-in-kingdom-hearts-3-because-of-the-fans/|url-status=live))</ref>

((multiple image
 | footer    = Mamoru Miyano (left) and David Gallagher (right) voiced Riku
 | image1    = Miyano Mamoru from "Human Lost" at Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2019 (49013608721).jpg
 | alt1      = Mamoru Miyano
 | caption1  =
 | image2    = David Gallagher.jpg
 | alt2      = David Gallagher
|align=left
 | caption2  =
 | perrow = 2
 | total_width = 320
))
For ''Kingdom Hearts III,'' Riku and Kairi's new designs were made to fit with Sora's; for example, Riku's main colour is blue in contrast to Sora's red, while Kairi's main colour remains pink as usual. All of the new costumes, including Mickey's, are given to them by Yen Sid, and because of that they share the gingham pattern.<ref>((cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201806/21159486.html|title=『キングダム ハーツIII』最新情報＆野村哲也氏インタビュー！ E3 2018の速報も!!（2018年6月21日発売号）【今週の週刊ファミ通】|magazine=Famitsu|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302234043/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201806/21159486.html|url-status=live))</ref> Riku's new Keyblade, Braveheart, was meant to contrast the Way to Dawn Keyblade which is destroyed early in the game.<ref>((cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201807/11160575.html|title=野村哲也氏を直撃！『キングダム ハーツIII』E3 2018発表内容を中心に訊くインタビュー完全版(1/3)|magazine=Famitsu|accessdate=March 9, 2022))</ref>

[[Mamoru Miyano]] voices Riku in Japanese, and the character's child persona is voiced by Eiji Shima. Miyano has performed Riku's voice for over 20 years, having first taken on the role as a teenager.<ref name="IIIultimania">((cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts III Ultimania|publisher=Square Enix|year=2019))</ref> In English, the character is voiced by [[David Gallagher]]. As a child, the English-language version of the character is voiced by [[Ty Panitz]].

==Appearances==
Riku is a childhood friend and rival of [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]], who resides with him and [[Kairi (Kingdom Hearts)|Kairi]] on Destiny Islands.<ref name="Instructions">((cite book |author=Square Co., Ltd. |author-link=Square (video game company) |year=2002 |title=Kingdom Hearts Instruction Booklet |publisher=Square Co., Ltd.))</ref><ref>((cite web| url = https://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6089696| website = [[GameSpot]]| title = Kingdom Hearts Company Line| access-date=May 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518065618/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6089696|archive-date=2007-05-18))</ref> He appears as a non-playable character in the original game, where he is introduced as a 15-year-old boy. During the invasion of Destiny Islands by the Heartless, Riku immerses himself in darkness to discover new worlds beyond his home. Arriving at Hollow Bastion, Riku is manipulated by Maleficent into aiding her plans for world conquest in exchange for knowledge to restore Kairi's missing heart. His signature weapon is the Soul Eater sword, a manifestation of the darkness in his heart. During the first game, Riku is revealed to be the rightful owner of Sora's Keyblade, which was bequeathed onto the five-year-old Riku by [[Terra (Kingdom Hearts)|Terra]] during the events of ''Birth by Sleep''; however, his reliance on the power of darkness caused the Keyblade to reject Riku in favor of Sora.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep|developer=Square Enix PDD 5|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date= 2010-09-07|platform=PlayStation Portable|quote='''Riku:''' Your mind's made up / '''Sora:''' Yeah. /.../ '''Sora:''' Kairi, I... it's just they really need me. I have to go. I am who I am because of them. / '''Kairi:''' See you soon.))</ref> He is later tricked into allowing Xehanort's Heartless, [[Xehanort#Appearances|Ansem]], to possess his body. Following Ansem's defeat, Riku helps Sora and [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts#Mickey Mouse|King Mickey]] close the door to Kingdom Hearts, remaining on the other side with the king.<ref>((cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square | publisher = Square Electronic Arts | date= 2002-11-15 |platform= PlayStation 2|quote='''Sora:''' What? You... You're not Riku. / ... / '''Sora:''' Tell me. Who are you? / '''Ansem:''' It is I, Ansem, the seeker of darkness.))</ref><ref>((cite video game| title = Kingdom Hearts| developer = Square | publisher = Square Electronic Arts | date= 2002-11-15 |platform= PlayStation 2|quote='''Mickey:''' Now, Sora! Let's close this door for good! / '''Donald:''' Close it, quick! / '''Sora:''' But... / '''Mickey:''' Don't worry. There will always be a door to the light. / '''Goofy:''' Sora, you can trust King Mickey. / '''Riku:''' Now! They're coming!))</ref>

In ''Chain of Memories'', [[Ansem the Wise|DiZ]] helps Riku escape from the dark realm. Initially rejecting his darkness out of guilt, Riku resolves to wield both powers of light and darkness to battle Ansem, whose essence lingers in Riku's heart.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories|developer=[[Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games|date=2008-12-02|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Mickey:''' Listen, Riku. Just because darkness holds you, don't let go of who you are. You've got to fight the darkness inside you! It won't be easy to do, I know. But please don't forget. Even in the darkest darkness, there's always a little bit of light. / '''Riku:''' Light within darkness... / '''Mickey:''' You and I have seen it. The far welcoming light inside the door to darkness... The light of Kingdom Hearts---it will show you the way. Please don't give up. Believe in the light. That's a request from my heart.))</ref> A replica of Riku also appears in ''Chain of Memories'', having been created by Vexen from [[Organization XIII]] as a pawn.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=[[Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A.|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote='''Axel:''' Marluxia plotted to use Sora against the Organization...so it's fitting Sora should be his downfall. / '''Zexion:''' Then...we won't be needing Riku anymore.))</ref><ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories|developer=[[Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=2008-12-02 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Riku Replica:''' Surprised? I guess you should be. After all, I look just like you. I'll tell you what I am. I'm an exact replica of you that Vexen made from your data..))</ref>

In ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Riku is forced to harness Ansem's power to defeat Roxas in order to restore Sora's missing memories;<ref>((cite video game|quote='''Riku:''' Will it work? / '''DiZ:''' If we can maintain the simulated town until Naminé finishes chaining together Sora's memories. / '''Riku:''' What will happen to Roxas? / '''DiZ:''' He holds half of Sora's power within him. In the end, he'll have to give it back.|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=2006-03-28|platform=PlayStation 2))</ref> Riku assumes Ansem's appearance as a result, only returning to his regular appearance after the explosion of DiZ's heart encoder. Riku acquires another Keyblade, the Way to the Dawn. He and Sora return to Destiny Islands together following Xemnas's defeat.<ref>((cite video game|quote='''Xemnas:''' Heroes from the realm of light... I will not allow it to end this way---not yet. If light and darkness are eternal, then surely we nothings must be the same... Eternal! / '''Riku:''' You're right, light and darkness are eternal. Nothing probably goes on forever, too. But guess what, Xemnas? / '''Sora:''' That doesn't mean YOU'RE eternal!|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=2006-03-28|platform=PlayStation 2))</ref>

Riku is also present in the multiplayer mode of ''358/2 Days''. He also appears in the story mode, contacting Sora's replica Xion, and later as the final boss, where he faces Roxas as seen in ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=2009-09-29 |platform=Nintendo DS|quote='''Riku:''' Xion...your memories...they really belong to Sora. / '''Xion:''' So you mean...I'm like a part of him? / '''Riku:''' When his memories were scattered, some of them...found their way inside you. Now, Sora has been put to sleep so that we can piece together his memory. Except... / '''Xion:''' You can't, because part of it is inside of me. That means...he can't wake up. / '''Riku:''' Yeah. You got it.))</ref> In ''Dream Drop Distance'', he and Sora undertake the Mark of Mastery exam in preparation for Xehanort's return.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=July 31, 2012|platform=Nintendo 3DS|quote='''Yen Sid:''' Only a true master can teach you the proper way. Both of you are self-taught Keyblade wielders--an impressive feat. However, the time has come for you to let go of preconceived notions, forget what you know about the Keyblade, and begin your training again with a clean slate. Very well, then. Sora and Riku, let your examination begin.))</ref> Riku is promoted to Keyblade Master after venturing into Sora's dreams as a [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Dream Eater|Dream Eater]] to protect Sora from Xehanort.<ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=July 31, 2012|platform=Nintendo 3DS|quote='''Ansem:''' At the start of your test, when you struck out from that tiny island, you saw me there dressed in a robe. Immediately you knew something was wrong, so without even knowing it, you dove into Sora's dream. And you exactly what that sigil on your back represents--a Dream Eater to protect Sora from nightmares. / '''Riku:''' Me? I'm a Dream Eater?))</ref><ref>((cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=July 31, 2012|platform=Nintendo 3DS|quote='''Yen Sid:''' Sora and Riku, you both deserve  the honor. However, one of you braved the realm of sleep again to unlock the final Keyhole and save a friend. Riku, I name you our new true Keyblade Master.))</ref>

He subsequently embarks with Mickey in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' to rescue Aqua from the realm of darkness. Riku is also briefly playable at several points in the Dark World in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and is playable in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts III#Re Mind|Re Mind]]'' expansion of ''Kingdom Hearts III''. He obtains a new Keyblade, Braveheart.<ref>((cite web|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350730332/kingdom-hearts-3-riku-o-aqua-seran-jugables-en-el-dlc-re-mind/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3: Riku o Aqua serán jugables en el DLC Re Mind|website=Vandal|date=27 December 2019|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303124522/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350730332/kingdom-hearts-3-riku-o-aqua-seran-jugables-en-el-dlc-re-mind/|url-status=live))</ref> During a visit to Radiant Garden, Riku analyzes digital copies of Sora and the Organization's members, hoping to uncover clues to Sora's whereabouts. After the analysis proves inconclusive, Riku is approached by the Fairy Godmother to meet Yen Sid, who suspects that they may find Sora through the dreams of Riku and two others. In ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory|Melody of Memory]],'' Riku explains his dream of a modern metropolis to a girl called the Nameless Star, who recognizes it as a city called Quadratum in her world, allowing Riku to open a portal to the other reality and begin his search for Sora.

Riku also makes an appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as a spirit.<ref>((Cite web|url = https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sora-kingdom-hearts-spirits/|title = Smash Bros.: Every Kingdom Hearts Spirit Being Added with Sora|website = [[Screen Rant]]|date = 6 October 2021|access-date = 7 March 2022|archive-date = 10 October 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211010001338/https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-sora-kingdom-hearts-spirits/|url-status = live))</ref> In a collaboration between Square Enix and Japanese fashion brand SuperGroupies, Riku's image was used to create clothing based on his design from ''Kingdom Hearts III''.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.super-groupies.com/magazine/kh3_201811|title=新進気鋭の４名のアーティストが集結|website=Super Groupies|accessdate=March 7, 2022|archive-date=March 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307204957/https://www.super-groupies.com/magazine/kh3_201811|url-status=dead))</ref> A perfume based on the character was also released.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/kingdom-hearts-perfumes-inspired-by-sora-and-riku-are-available-to-pre-order/|website=Siliconera|accessdate=March 3, 2022|title=Kingdom Hearts Perfumes Inspired by Sora and Riku Are Available to Pre-Order|date=19 January 2022|archive-date=28 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828193138/https://www.siliconera.com/kingdom-hearts-perfumes-inspired-by-sora-and-riku-are-available-to-pre-order/|url-status=live))</ref>

==Reception==
[[USGamer]] praised his role for giving the narrative a major impact as he takes over the role of the Disney villains in Hollow Bastion. The writer praised how strong he becomes as he defeats the Beast and takes over the Keyblade from Sora. Although Riku ends up being defeated, he being used by Ansem was noted to keep giving the narrative a darker tone.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/appreciating-hollow-bastion-where-shit-gets-real-in-kingdom-hearts|title=Hollow Bastion is Where Shit Gets Real in Kingdom Hearts|website=USGamer|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302155524/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/appreciating-hollow-bastion-where-shit-gets-real-in-kingdom-hearts|url-status=dead))</ref> ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste Magazine]]'' said that a vital part in Riku's characterization in ''Kingdom Hearts'' is how he embraces darkness in contrast to Sora especially after meeting [[Maleficent]] in a similar fashion to Terra during ''Birth by Sleep''.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/kingdom-hearts/kingdom-hearts-guide-part-one/#kingdom-hearts|title=Everything You Need to Know Before Playing Kingdom Hearts III (Part One)|website=PasteMagazine|date=17 January 2019|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303113743/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/kingdom-hearts/kingdom-hearts-guide-part-one/#kingdom-hearts|url-status=live))</ref> The inclusion of Riku in ''Chain of Memories'' as a playable character was praised by GamesRadar due his enjoyable gameplay.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories-review/|title=KINGDOM HEARTS RE: CHAIN OF MEMORIES REVIEW|website=GamesRadar|date=10 December 2008|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302235847/https://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories-review/|url-status=live))</ref> [[Comic Book Resources]] listed Sora's and Riku's fight against Xemnas as one of Riku's best action sequences in the entire series.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-riku-best-fights/|title=Kingdom Hearts: Riku's 10 Best Fights|website=ComicBookResources|date=29 October 2021|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302142511/https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-riku-best-fights/|url-status=live))</ref> Although Riku and Sora are friends, GamesRadar stated that the several cutscenes they share in the first three games of the franchise often result into attracting the Yaoi fandom to the point Sora's love interest Kairi is removed from such interactions.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/4/?page=4|title=Top 10 Square Enix Couples|website=GamesRadar|date=14 February 2008|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303123229/https://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/4/?page=4|url-status=live))</ref> Additionally, Riku has a large contingent of [[LGBT]] fans who interpret him through a [[Queer Theory|Queer Lens]] due to parallels seen in his journey with self acceptance and real life experiences of accepting one's sexual identity. <ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/riku-gay-allegory-metaphor-key-to-kingdom-hearts/|title=Riku Being Gay Is Key To Kingdom Hearts|website=TheGamer|date=15 June 2023|accessdate=November 7, 2023|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615230438/https://www.thegamer.com/riku-gay-allegory-metaphor-key-to-kingdom-hearts/|url-status=live))</ref>

Riku's quest to be free and the sacrifices he makes in the first game to save Sora were commented by William Humberto Huber from [[UC San Diego]], to symbolize his loss of innocene something that Sora also shares in the story. The arrival of Heartless in Destiny Island is caused by Riku's Darkness which is an "allusion to the arrival" of [[Matthew C. Perry|Commodore Perry]]'s black ships in Tokyo Bay in 1853, which had a major impact in Japan.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/09287.47134.pdf|title=Kingdom Hearts, Territoriality and Flow|work=Digra|accessdate=June 19, 2023|archive-date=June 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608010152/http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/09287.47134.pdf|url-status=live))</ref> In ''The Kingdom's Shōnen Heart Transcultural Character Design and the JRPG'', Rachael Hutchinson notes that the early characterization of Riku and Sora seem influenced by Sephiroth and Cloud Strife's respectively in order to portray and appealing rivalry with Ansem also carrying elements from Sephiroth's look. The conflict Riku and Sora are forced to oppose each is caused by Kairi's weakness similar to the sense of loss Cloud suffers in ''Final Fantasy VII'' after the death of Aerith but the ''Kingdom Hearts'' protagonists aim to bring back the comatose Kairi. Riku's tragic fate was also noted to be similar to [[Tidus]]' disappearance in the ending of ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' but his return in latter games made Riku look like shonen manga character as he becomes heroic due to typical themes portrayed in these type of manga involving friendship and perserveance.<ref>((cite journal|url= https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/loading/2022-v15-n25-loading07305/1092427ar/|title= The Kingdom's Shōnen Heart|journal= Loading|year= 2022|doi= 10.7202/1092427ar|s2cid= 252485370|accessdate= June 19, 2023|last1= Hutchinson|first1= Rachael|volume= 15|issue= 25|pages= 76–93|doi-access= free|archive-date= June 19, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232532/https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/loading/2022-v15-n25-loading07305/1092427ar/|url-status= live))</ref> In ''Kingdom Hearts: A Search For Identity'', writer MIchelle Pina describes Riku as a "bratty" youth who is always trying to act more superior than Sora in early appearances in the first game. However, in latter installments, he is described as a teenager who suffers from a notable identity crisis as due to the inner conflict he suffers with Ansem after giving up his self to the Darkness inside of him.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/kingdom-hearts-a-search-for-identity|title=Kingdom Hearts: A Search For Identity|work=Game Developer|date=22 November 2016|accessdate=June 19, 2023|archive-date=20 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620003029/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/kingdom-hearts-a-search-for-identity|url-status=live))</ref>

In the book ''Kingdom Hearts II (Boss Fight Books Book 16)'', Alexa Ray Corriea argues Terra managed to see Riku's full potential when giving him the power to wield the Keyblade, claiming that while Riku was a child when they first met, Terra manages to see through Riku's original intention of wanting to protect others which might come across as a retcon the narrative said when contrasting with previous installments.<ref>((cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts II: Boss Fight Books #16|author=Corriea, Alexa Ray|publisher=Edición Kindle|year=2017|chapter=Riku and Redemption, Or What Doesn't kill you|isbn=9781940535166 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tvuEDwAAQBAJ&dq=kingdom+hearts+roxas&pg=PT40))</ref> Riku's new Keyblade, Braveheart, was commented by Syfy to be one of the most interesting designs from the entire game, citing parallels with [[Cloud Strife]]'s derived Keyblade Fenrir from ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chosen-one-of-the-day-rikus-keyblade-in-kingdom-hearts-3|title=CHOSEN ONE OF THE DAY: RIKU'S KEYBLADE IN KINGDOM HEARTS 3|website=Syfy.com|date=4 March 2019|accessdate=March 9, 2022|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313160916/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/chosen-one-of-the-day-rikus-keyblade-in-kingdom-hearts-3|url-status=live))</ref>

Hardcore Gamer liked in the inclusion of Riku as playable character in the ''Kingdom Hearts III'' DLC but lamented his few possible fights.<ref>((cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kingdom-hearts-iii-re-mind/366024/|title=Review: Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind|website=HardcoreGamer|date=28 January 2020|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303124853/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kingdom-hearts-iii-re-mind/366024/|url-status=live))</ref> The character's inclusion in the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building]] during the ''Kingdom Hearts III'' secret ending was the subject of analysis as whether or not Riku might interact again with the cast from ''[[The World Ends With You]]'' as well as Yozora, an original character resembling him as well as ''[[Final Fantasy XV]]'' lead [[Noctis Lucis Caelum]].<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/31/18205257/kingdom-hearts-3-secret-movie-explained-how-to-watch|title=Kingdom Hearts 3's 'secret movie' is full of surprises|website=Polygon|date=31 January 2019|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225004004/https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/31/18205257/kingdom-hearts-3-secret-movie-explained-how-to-watch|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/analyzing-kingdom-hearts-3-secret-ending-what-it-could-mean-for-sequel|title=Analyzing Kingdom Hearts 3's Wild Secret Ending and What it Could Mean for a Sequel|website=USGamer|accessdate=March 3, 2022|archive-date=March 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303124853/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/analyzing-kingdom-hearts-3-secret-ending-what-it-could-mean-for-sequel|url-status=dead))</ref>

The performance of [[David Gallagher]] as Riku's English actor was praised by GamesRadar and Hardcore Gamer as one of the best performances in ''Kingdom Hearts 3D'' and ''Kingdom Hearts III'' alongside Sora's and Aqua's English actors. His inclusion as a playable character in ''3D'' was also praised due to his dynamic with fellow lead Sora.<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review/|title=KINGDOM HEARTS 3D: DREAM DROP DISTANCE REVIEW|website=GamesRadar|date=31 July 2012|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027005703/https://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review/|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kingdom-hearts-iii/323549/|title=Review: Kingdom Hearts III|website=HardcoreGamer|date=28 January 2019|accessdate=March 2, 2022|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313161010/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-kingdom-hearts-iii/323549/|url-status=live))</ref> Koinya lamented the fact [[Mamoru Miyano]]'s work was never made available for the Western audience considering him talented alongside [[Miyu Irino]] (Sora).<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.koi-nya.net/2015/01/03/review-kingdom-hearts-2-5-hd-remix/|website=Koi Nya|accessdate=February 24, 2022|title=Review: Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD Remix|date=3 January 2015))((Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes ))</ref> In a poll from ''[[Famitsu]]'', Riku was voted as the series' fourth best male character.<ref>((cite magazine|magazine=Famitsu|year=2017|issue=April|title=Kingdom Hearts 15th Anniversary))</ref>

==References==
((reflist|colwidth=30em))

((Kingdom Hearts series))

((DISPLAYTITLE:Riku (''Kingdom Hearts'')))

[[Category:Fictional characters who can manipulate darkness or shadows]]
[[Category:Fictional child soldiers]]
[[Category:Fictional empaths]]
[[Category:Fictional explorers in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional knights in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional martial artists in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games]]
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts original characters]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[Category:Video game characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2002]]

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