XIII機関
The obscure nature of the Organization's activities throughout "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories" and "Kingdom Hearts II" led reviewers to describe them as an "ominous" group that "seems to be intent on guiding Sora and his friends to accomplish some dark purpose". Similarly, Rice Burner of "GamePro" emphasizes this plot when reviewing the group's debut, noting how the "strange inhabitants of the castle trap our heroes" and "force Sora on a ponderous journey into his own memories to face his subconscious thoughts and fears". This mysterious perception is furthered by the fact that some members of Organization XIII present themselves as dark silhouettes with their faces covered, acting as an "enigmatic robed and cowled figure speaking in riddles". The questions surrounding the groups motivation and purpose have created great curiosity among players; Andrew Reiner of "Game Informer" included "What secret lies behind Organization XIII?" as one of the main questions that are answered and that serve as plot devices in "Kingdom Hearts II", creating situations that "certainly give you shivers and make your heart leap". Visually, the artwork of Organization XIII's members is based more on the styles of "Final Fantasy" rather than those of Disney. Bethany Massimilla of GameSpot referred to their models as "very much cut from the "Final Fantasy" spiky-haired cloth".