Even for the hardcore "Kingdom Hearts" fan, the timeline of the whole "Kingdom Hearts" franchise is a bit confusing.

Co-director Tai Yasue said in an interview with Venture Beat that while the previous games are not necessary to enjoy the upcoming "Kingdom Hearts 3," he highly suggests that the players go through all of them to get a gist of the story so far.

So where should you start? Here's a quick guide on the complicated "Kingdom Hearts" timeline.

Kingdom Hearts games in Release Order, c/o VG 24/7

"Kingdom Hearts" (PS2, 2002 / PS3, 2013 as KH 1.5)

"Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories" (GBA, 2004 / PS2, 2007 / PS3, 2013 as KH 1.5)

"Kingdom Hearts 2" (PS2, 2005 / PS3, 2014 as KH 2.5)

"Kingdom Hearts Coded" (Mobile, 2008 / DS, 2010, PS3, 2014 as KH 2.5 - cutscenes only)

"Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days" (DS, 2009 / PS3, 2013 as KH 1.5 - cutscenes only)

"Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep" (PSP, 2010 / PS3, 2014 as KH 2.5)

"Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance" (3DS, 2012 / PS4, part of KH 2.8)

"Kingdom Hearts: Unchained χ" (Mobile, 2016)

"Kingdom Hearts 2.8" (PS4, 2016)

"Kingdom Hearts 3" (PS4/Xbox One, TBA)

And here's how you should play it, in story order:

"Kingdom Hearts χ"

"Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep"

"Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -a fragmentary passage-"

"Kingdom Hearts"

"Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days" (begins during events at the end of "Kingdom Hearts" and runs concurrently with "Chain of Memories")

"Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories"

"Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days"

"Kingdom Hearts II"

"Kingdom Hearts Coded"

"Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance"

"Kingdom Hearts 3"

Shortcuts

If you're too lazy to go through all of the games before "Kingdom Hearts 3" is released, then here are some quick guides to the "Kingdom Hearts" storyline.

Fansite Destiny Islands gives an excellent crash course on the story so far, including explanations on the Sleeping Worlds, The Organization XIII, The Seven Guardians of Light and more.

GameXplain also has a lengthy article about the "Kingdom Hearts" universe, which can be found here.

If you prefer watching it, then GameTrailers has a one-hour video about the "Kingdom Hearts" timeline, which you can watch below.

If you want the shorter version, then check out this 20-minute video about the story of "Kingdom Hearts."

"Kingdom Hearts 3" is currently in development, but there is still no official release date announcement from Square Enix.