This past week has easily been among the busiest periods of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Between the 20th Anniversary Event releasing a lengthy 7-minute trailer, to the waves of information that came out afterward, fans have had an immense amount of news to parse; perhaps overwhelmingly so.
This article aims to compile all of the news we have received and will receive, with various hyperlinks to merchandise and more detailed avenues of coverage. Essentially, this article can be seen as a convenient hub for all of the 20th Anniversary information. I'll also be providing light speculations and breakdowns (though not quite Bio-Roxas level.)
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road has been delayed yet again, this time to August 2022. This is the most detailed release window we've received since the previous September 2022 window, so hopefully that's indicative of the title being finalized at that time. The new trailer showcased a slew of new story scenes, primarily highlighting Xehanort's upperclassmen. We do not know any of their names, but there is one character who looks strikingly similar to Baldr, likely implying that she's the sister he has been searching for.
Additionally, Odin's actions and words are somewhat suspicous. He tells one of the new characters to prioritize studying the darkness, and perhaps more damning, is him approaching Young Xehanort and Young Eraqus with what appears to be a cognizant Darkness entity behind him. These beings made themselves known near the end of Kingdom Hearts Union χ's finale and are pivotal to the overarching narrative going forward, so seeing at least 1 present here is already cause for concern.
A common theory going around is that Odin is potentially Luxu, which is definitley probable. Master Xehanort is shown at the trailer's start in the Dwarf Woodlands, specifically in the Queen's chamber where the Magic Mirror resides. One has to wonder how long this experience will be if we'll be viewing the life of Xehanort in both his youthful and elderly days.
Those aforementioned points are the entirety of the Dark Road updates we received. The title's full offline release state will have no microtransactions, though its state of playability is still up in the air. Regardless, we'll assuredly learn more as we approach August.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's portion on Kingdom Hearts Dark Road. Moreover, new screenshots of this upcoming final Dark Road update were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
UPDATE 8/26/2022: The remainder of Kingdom Hearts Dark Road has launched worldwide. Additionally, a Q&A was conducted with Tetsuya Nomura. You can view our translations below, courtesy of our team's Ryuji.
However, note that this interview contains spoilers for pivotal Dark Road plot points.
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link is the new upcoming mobile entry, taking place between the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ and the start of Dark Road. It utilizes Pokémon Go-esque systems with AR technology, but the specifics of how combat will work have not been specified yet. At the very least, it can be highly assumed that gacha elements will be returning in the form of amiibo-looking statues that will replace the medals seen in Union χ.
General information about this game's systems were provided by Nomura at the 20th Anniversary event Q&A, and those points are viewable below (via our team's Ryuji) :
Smartphone game, to be released for Android and iOS
Promises to have action elements to be as faithful as possible to the main series
Max of 6 players can play together.
Screen orientation can be switched between portrait or landscape.
The story, chronologically speaking, is between Union χ's finale and before Dark Road's start.
"All of the mysteries we've had so far will be explained."
Keywords: Scala Ad Caleum, Founding Father Ephemer, Keyblade Wielders of a Secret Society
Closed Beta Test is scheduled for Fall of this year (Details on how to enter are still unknown, however)
Two systems: A story mode where you progress through quests, and a mode where you walk around (Comparable to Pokémon Go, but with ways to play it even without having to walk around in real life)
In this walking mode, you'll collect pieces and strengthen your Keyblades.
As a minor note, the custom player character seems to be receiving orders from an earpiece in the trailer, possibly implying that they are part of the same organization that Sigurd reveals himself to be a part of in the Union χ finale. He also contacts other individuals via an earpiece when first meeting Brain.
The following statement was provided via a press release:
Those aforementioned points are all we currently know about Missing - Link, but considering how there's a planned Closed Beta Test this Fall, more news will undoubtedly arise soon. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out Missing - Link's specific 20th Anniversary trailer portion. Additionally, official screenshots and the logo were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts IV
Kingdom Hearts IV was officially announced in the Anniversary trailer's final portion. After brief panning shots of a city-like landscape and a forest, the camera revealed Sora sleeping in an apartment. He looks dramatically different due to his presence in this new reality. Then, after being awoken by a doorbell and seeing the visitor to be Strelitzia from Kingdom Hearts Union χ, she reveals that Sora has been asleep since he arrived in this city 1 week ago; here in Quadratum.
This world, as stated by Strelitzia, can be perceived as an "afterworld" for both her and Sora, following their passings in their previous lives. Still, Sora committed a nature taboo, while Strelitzia's circumstances are more questionable when the final scenes of Union χ are taken into account. So, the ways in which denizens of the Kingdom Hearts reality enter Quadratum may differ rather than solely committing nature taboos.
A gargantuan monster appears in the city's center, awfully akin to a Darkside except far more terrifying in visage. After some scripted combat sequences where Sora's keychain is highlighted to have a grappling hook, two black-robed figures are shown observing the batttle on top of a nearby building. The general consensus is that the right figure is the Master of Masters, though the one on the left is more up in the air. The most frequent predictions identify the left figure as Luxu/Xigbar, or perhaps Luxord.
There are also theories going around about Star Wars being potentially incldued, which we discussed in a separate article, but aside from that, we'll have to look forward to more information. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's specific portion announcing Kingdom Hearts IV, and official screenshots and the logo are viewable via our gallery below:
Tetsuya Nomura's 20-Head Anniversary Message Cipher
At the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event venue, there was a displayed message by Tetsuya Nomura, which we translated. However, there was a secret hidden within the message that several fans figured out. Essentially, the cipher read that "The voice's identity is Sigurd. Pay close attention." Sigurd, a character introduced in the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ, is the narrator of the Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV trailers.
The methodology of how this secret was uncovered can be viewed via our Twitter thread below:
Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Famitsu
Famitsu conducted an interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura about Kingdom Hearts IV, Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link, and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road.
The entire interview has been translated by our team's Ryuji and is viewable below. Further, a franchise canon timeline was included in this Weekly Famitsu issue and has been translated by our team's Corfidbizna, also below:
Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Game Informer
Game Informer recently interviewed Tetsuya Nomura regarding Kingdom Hearts IV, the series' future, and other related aspects.
Firstly, Nomura states how some of his favorite fan reactions are to the original Kingdom Hearts' ending, primarily due to how players at the time weren't sure if the story would continue beyond the first entry. The Luxu reveal reactions in Kingdom Hearts III are another of his collective favorites simply because of its severe implications.
Regarding Kingdom Hearts IV, Nomura states that the story is focused more on Sora's disappearance and that there's uncertainty about whether the team will be able to include more of the original cast, notably the Birth by Sleep and Days crews. Still, he desires to explore them more at later points.
Interestingly, Nomura states how he was the one being picky about Sora's recent inclusion into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, not Disney. The latter party was actually quite eager, while Nomura thought it would clash with the "established lore in Kingdom Hearts and the Disney worlds." The end result ended up being qualitative, though.
Moving on to antagonists, Nomura says he's quite happy with their handling of Xehanort's character, citing it as a slow burn that tackled each facet of his character with genuine depth. So now, the Foretellers will be the following antagonists, and Back Cover has already shown the types of characters they are. Moreover, "there will be more new characters as well," though specifics have not been mentioned yet.
Sora is reiterated as the only possible main character for the franchise, to the extent that the numbered entries would conclude if he were to stop being the protagonist. Moreover, there will be a "few Disney worlds," so fans won't have to worry about them potentially being absent, even if their inclusion has "slightly" differed from previous entries.
Reaction Commands' return was reiterated due to fan demand after their removal in Kingdom Hearts III. They were initially taken out because Nomura didn't find the mechanic's debut reception in Kingdom Hearts II particularly positive.
Quadratum is reiterated as the game's initial base, with players returning there as the narrative progresses. Sora's daily life will be approached more, such as seeing him go in and out of his room. Realism is a challenging factor the team has been pursuing to see just how far they can take it.
Final Fantasy characters' lacking presence was discussed next, with Nomura stating that their inclusion is not at the core of Kingdom Hearts' identity. Their presence in the first game was a collective device for players to get to know the at-the-time limited original cast. Now, it's difficult to continually include Final Fantasy characters because of how vast the original cast is. There is no word on how Final Fantasy balance incorporation will work in Kingdom Hearts IV.
Finally, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is brought up as an entry fans should look forward to, as it sheds light on several mysteries throughout the series. It will even have hints and new information pertaining to Kingdom Hearts IV.
UPDATE: Notable quotes from Nomura; "As far as the graphic qualities ... since with each new title, the specs have been really increasing and there's so much more we can do in terms of graphics, it kind of limits the number of worlds that we can create in a sense."
"Also, some figures that appear in Missing-Link are tied to Kingdom Hearts IV."
You can read the full interview via Game Informer's website.
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Proper
Square Enix has stated that they intend on releasing a recording of the stage event, but if you want peeks at how the venue itself looked like, check out our dedicated event coverage where several attendees shared photos of the location.
Moreover, various photos of the venue and stage event have been provided by 4Gamer and Game Watch, also viewable via our gallery below:
Dengeki shared exclusive photos from their event coverage, viewable via our gallery below:
During the stage event, a mini-concert was held, where five songs were selected from the series' many masterpieces, and were performed live in an arrangement for the 20th anniversary event (via Famitsu) :
Dearly Beloved
Sora's Theme
Vector to the Heavens
Nachtflügel
Link to All
After the performance, Risa Uchida, the Japanese voice actress of Kairi and Xion started hosting the event as the MC, and Yoko Shimomura, composer of the Kingdom Hearts series, took the stage. Regarding the live performance, Shimomura said that since this was a commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of the series, she personally took on the challenge of arranging chamber music (jargon for a small ensemble of musicians) for the first time.
"For the songs chosen, I made sure that they were not only popular songs, but also that there was no bias toward any particular work." she stated. One of the main reasons "Nachtflügel" was chosen was that because it was a newer song that had never been performed live.
Looking back on 20 years of Kingdom Hearts, Yoko said she had many memories of her times with songwriting and concerts. "There are many ideas that I still have in my mind, and I hope to have another concert sometime in the future." she stated.
Further, Yoko Shimomura provided a new comment regarding these recent announcements, viewable below with a translation:
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Merchandise
A vast variety of celebratory anniversary merchandise was announced, which we intricately covered. Links to our coverage of all of the merchandise announced following the event's conclusion are listed below. Store pages and officially provided images can be accessed via these avenues.
SuperGroups announced 45 incoming Kingdom Hearts-themed accessories
Sora, Kairi, and Riku Play Arts Kai figures
Kingdom Hearts II Naminé & Roxas Plushes
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary T-shirts & Hoodie
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Plate Collection Blind Boxes
Kingdom Hearts Light-up Keyblade
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glass sets, tea cups & bowl
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary jewelry and watches
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary bath towel & face towel
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Die-Cut Memo Pad Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Metal Keychain & Pin Badge
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Postcard Set
Kingdom Hearts Art Can Badges
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Badge Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Amnibus Hoodies
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tetsuya Nomura Postcard Sets
Kingdom Hearts Mini Glass Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Soba Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Bean Plate Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Boxes Vol. 1 & 2
Kingdom Hearts II King Mickey 20th Anniversary Plush
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Animate Fair
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Walkman & Earbuds
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Samantha Thavasa Luxury Fashion Merchandise
Japan 7-Elevens Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Postcards
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Folding Umbrella
Ichiban Kuji lottery prize images revealed
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary U-Treasure Watches
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary 7-Eleven Merch Collab
Roxas, Xion & Axel Room Fragrance Mists (not shippable outside of Japan)
Super Groupies x Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Apparel Lineup; Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Sony Japan Wearable Headphone Speakers
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Mickey, Donald & Goofy nuiMO Plushes
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Caribbean, Timeless River & Halloween Town Tsum Tsum Plush Sets
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary 1000-Piece Puzzles
The following merchandise was announced prior to the event, but they still celebrate 20th Anniversary:
Sony Japan announces Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary walkman
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tamagotchi
Kingdom Hearts Organization XIII Necklaces
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glasses, cases & cloths
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Q&A
A Q&A session was held during the Anniversary event, with our translations of specific questions and responses being viewable below:
Q1. Does the finale of Dark Road imply that the Player's heart is now inside Xehanort's?
A1: Play Dark Road and you will find out.
Q2. This is the first time in KH that there is a story branch (the Yozora battle). What is the meaning behind this?
A2: Since Yozora is so strong, I thought it would be better to put something in the game "if he loses".
Q3. Was Ephemer aware of the player's true intentions in Union Cross' finale?
A3: It was a pretty sad farewell, but there's more to Ephemer than meets the eye. A "Missing Link", if you will. All of the questions will be answered once you play Missing Link.
Q4: When did Naminé and Ansem first meet?
A4: In Castle Oblivion.
Q5: Riku's hair was cut in Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance. Who cut it for him?
A5: Well, you all wanted his hair to be cut, so I answered your prayers...
Q6: Please tell us about the return of Roxas and Xion.
A6: There were some doubts on whether to bring them back or not, but everyone had such strong feelings for them, so we decided to bring them back.
Audrey of Aitai Kuji has provided translations for information we did not personally cover, viewable below. This information is sourced from the coverage of Japanese publication, Gamer.
Other Notable Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary News
A Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary cafe was held in select locations throughout Japan. We provided translations for the menus. Merchandise was also on sale in the cafes', though they have also been made available for pre-order via digital storefronts which we listed 2 sections prior.
Additionally, official images of the cafes' dishes can be viewed via our gallery below:
The official Final Fantasy VII Remake Twitter account shared celebratory artwork for Kingdom Hearts' 20th Anniversary, viewable via our gallery below:
While not specifically tied to the Anniversary event, Sora's English voice actor, Haley Joel Osment, was interviewed by Deadline in which he reflected on his time voicing the iconic protagonist.
Utada Hikaru also sang "Simple and Clean" and "Face My Fears" at Coachella 2022.
Further, these three following points are not tied to the Anniversary event, but they're remarkably coincidental.
One of Mickey's Keyblades, Kingdom Key D, received a cameo in a recent Mickey Mouse short on Disney+.
Sora's Dive to the Heart and Destiny Islands received highly detailed cameos in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
The Kingdom Key appeared in the official trailer for Chip N' Dale: Rescue Rangers.
Sora's hair appeared in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Sora was mentioned in a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Rap Advertisement (Our Interview with the Rapper)
The D23 Gold Member Poster depicts the Kingdom Key
Tetsuya Nomura shared a gorgeous Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary illustration. Further, the official Kingdom Hearts media accounts have shared this new artwork in clean, high-quality, viewable via our gallery below:
The opening theme for Kingdom Hearts III, "Face My Fears," has been added to Netflix via "Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios." Additionally, the Japanese version of the song has been added to several audio services!
Former Kingdom Hearts series Producer, Shinji Hashimoto, has retired from Square Enix, and has now become a Senior Advisor at Sony Music Entertainment & Board Member at Forward Works.
Kingdom Hearts series Brand Manager, Ichiro Hazama provided the following statement regarding the announcements of Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV, viewable below:
Walt Disney Games Director, Nana Gadd, provided the following statement regarding the collective anniversary event, viewable below:
Lastly, the Kingdom Hearts Memory Locker website launched, containing 15 quotes from several crucial members of the series staff. Unfortunately, the website's messages went offline following the Anniversary event's conclusion. They will be made viewable again at an unspecified date.
However, we have provided translations for each Memory Locker message, accessible via our dedicated coverage.
UPDATE 8/8/2022: The English version of the Memory Locker website has launched, with officially translated messages from the series' staff.
These translated messages have been transcribed by us and are viewable below:
Did we miss anything from the Kingdom Hearts Anniversary event? Inform us!
What were your favorite parts of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary celebration, be it merchandise, game announcements, or more? Let us know in the comments below!
Personally, I can't wait to see what the future of Kingdom Hearts has in store, and I'm sure the rest of the KH13 staff agrees. We have some incredible content to look forward to, so let's wait for the future and hype responsibly!
Square Enix Japan has revealed new Kingdom Hearts merchandise available for pre-order via their digital storefront, comprising a King Mickey-themed crossobdy pouch, a 20th Anniversary A4-sized laptop case, and a 20th Anniversary monogram carrying case.
You can view each of these items via our galleries below, alongside expected shipment dates and store links. The North American store links are listed in this article's conclusion.
Kingdom Hearts King Mickey Shoulder Pouch - ¥9,900 - May 27th, 2023
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Laptop Case - ¥7,920 - May 27th, 2023
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Multi-Case (Monogram) - ¥9,350 - May 27th, 2023
Square Enix North America:
Kingdom Hearts - King Mickey - Crossbody Pouch - $89.99 - September 2023
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Laptop Case - $71.99 - September 2023
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Monogram Carrying Case - $84.99 - September 2023
Square Enix Japan has revealed new Kingdom Hearts merchandise, this time comprising an action doll of King Mickey and a curtain tassel of the Shadow plush.
Both products are viewable via our galleries below, with pricing, expected shipment times, and store hyperlinks also provided:
Kingdom Hearts King Mickey - Action Doll - ¥9,900 - May 27th, 2023
Kingdom Hearts Shadow Plush - Curtain Tassel - ¥6,380 - May 27th, 2023
We will update this article if these items are made available via the other Square Enix regional storefronts.
UPDATE 1/17/2023: The two items are now available for pre-order via Square Enix North America:
King Mickey Action Doll - August 2023 - $94.99
Shadow Plush Curtain Tieback (Tassel) - September 2023 - $61.99
Square Enix Japan has revealed new Kingdom Hearts-themed jewelry for pre-order; a silver ring depicting the Shadow Heartless and a silver pendant comprising the motif of Kairi's Keyblade, Destiny's Embrace.
Both products are viewable via our galleries below, with pricing, expected shipment times, and store hyperlinks also provided. The North American store links are listed in this article's conclusion.
Kingdom Hearts Silver Ring - Shadow - ¥27,500 - June 24th, 2023
Kingdom Hearts Silver Pendant - Destiny's Embrace - ¥27,500 - May 27, 2023
Square Enix North America:
Kingdom Hearts Silver Ring - Shadow - $249.99 - October 2023
Kingdom Hearts Silver Pendant - Destiny's Embrace - $249.99 - October 2023
Square Enix has shared new gameplay information for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, with the game's Japanese-exclusive closed prototype test for iPhones having begun.
Our team's Ryuji has translated this article's information from the official Kingdom Hearts Dark Road Japanese Twitter account that's acting as a temporary news avenue for the upcoming mobile title.
Firstly, the following passage discusses the GPS and Pad control styles:
Secondly, the content scheduled for the closed beta so far has been listed below:
New Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link screenshots are viewable via our gallery below:
Our team's Ryuji has translated these images as well:
Lastly, it's worth emphasizing that this beta period will last until January 18th, 2023, and information for the foreseeable future will be announced via the Kingdom Hearts Dark Road Japanese Twitter account.
In case you missed it, check out the latest artwork for the title and the mysterious symbol shared in a tweet.
UPDATE 1/13/2023: Square Enix has shared four new screenshots and gameplay information:
Our team's Ryuji has translated the images, viewable below:
UPDATE 1/14/2023: New gameplay information has been released revealing the two Keyblade types; Close-Combat, and Ranged.
Our team's Ryuji has translated the following the information:
You can view the new screenshot released alongside this information via our gallery below, as well as an edited version with English text:
UPDATE 1/15/2023: Character customization was highlighted in a new tweet and screenshot, translated below via our team's Ryuji:
UPDATE 1/16/2023: Raid Battles and the Matching Feature were highlighted in a new tweet, translated below:
You can view new screenshots via our gallery below, as well as translated versions below that:
UPDATE 1/18/2023: The prototype test has ended, and the official Twitter account shared the following message from Nomura:
Retailer AMNIBUS has listed new Kingdom Hearts merchandise on their digital storefront, comprising bags, jewelry, and a smartphone card holder.
Each product is available for pre-order until January 30th, 2023, with shipping expected to occur in late June 2023.
Every item is viewable in our galleries below, with store links and pricing (tax included) also provided:
AMNIBUS Smartphone Card Holder - ¥1,980
AMNIBUS Tote Bag - ¥4,950
AMNIBUS Aurora Bag - ¥6,600
AMNIBUS Frame Earrings - ¥6,600
AMNIBUS Frame Necklace - ¥8,778
The ARTNIA cafe, a locale often used for video game-themed collaborations, has teased new artwork for their tenth anniversary. One such illustration by Tetsuya Nomura depicts Brain from Kingdom Hearts, Jack Garland from Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, and Zack Fair from the Final Fantasy VII series.
If clearer photos of this illustration are shared, we'll update this article. As of now, it is planned to be displayed at the cafe.
Twitter user @wandanyan1ban has shared a clean photo of the illustration, viewable below:
Square Enix Japan has listed a new product to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, a vinyl LP box containing three records with a total of 36 songs.
Alongside recognizable tracks such as "Dearly Beloved," "Dive into the Heart -Destati-," "Traverse Town," and the KINGDOM Orchestra instrumental version of "Chikai," a new song from the 20th Anniversary trailer, "Reality in the Dark" will be included. This is likely what plays during the Kingdom Hearts IV segment, specifically.
Moreover, an illustration card of Nomura's 20th Anniversary art will be included. Fans can pre-order this package for ¥16,500, ahead of its planned March 22, 2023, shipment. Each vinyl also has its own cover depicting Kingdom Hearts I, II, and III.
It is worth noting that the vinyl records' official website implies that the product will become available for the North American and European Square Enix stores. Additionally, Aitai Kuji has the package available for pre-order.
You can view official images of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary LP Box via our gallery below:
UPDATE 12/21/2022: The package is available for pre-order from Square Enix North America and Square Enix Europe for $159.99/€149.99 with planned shipments of April 2023 and May 2023, respectively.
Further, the track list was provided, viewable below:
Disc 1:
Side A:
1. Dearly Beloved
2. Simple and Clean -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-
3. Dive into the Heart -Destati-
4. Destiny Islands
5. Treasured Memories
6. Kairi I
7. Destiny's Force
8. Traverse Town
Side B:
1. Blast Away! -Gummi Ship I-
2. Hand in Hand
3. Hollow Bastion
4. End of the World
5. Always on My Mind
6. Vector to the Heavens
Disc 2:
Side A:
1. Dearly Beloved
2. Passion -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-
3. Lazy Afternoons
4. Tension Rising
5. Roxas
6. Sora
7. Working Together
8. Organization XIII
Side B:
1. The 13th Reflection
2. The Other Promise
3. Riku
4. Darkness of the Unknown
5. Rage Awakened
Disc 3:
Side A:
1. Don't Think Twice -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-
2. Face My Fears -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-
3. Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-
4. Forza Finale
Side B:
1. Dark Domination
2. Vector to the Heavens -Xion-
3. Nachtflugel
4. KINGDOM HEARTS IV Trailer (tentative name)
Square Enix has announced a new Kingdom Hearts concert titled "Kingdom Hearts Concert - Second Breath -." Planned to occur in Osaka on February 19th, 2023, and in Tokyo on March 18th and 19th, 2023, ticket lottery applications are currently available via the Japanese Square Enix store until December 25th, 2022.
There are two options, one costing ¥10,000 and the other being ¥7,700. While the latter is a standard ticket, the former will also give purchasers a music box that plays "Dearly Beloved." Winners of the ticket-based lottery will be contacted on January 5th, 2023, and then charged. Further, if any errors occur with contact or payment, attempts will recur until January 9th, 2023.
The concert's conductor, Kaoru Wada, has stated that the performances will comprise almost entirely new arrangements, with him being a part of the process.
Additionally, Yoko Shimomura will appear as a guest, and she has provided the following comment:
An image of the "Dearly Beloved" music box is viewable below:
Thanks to our team's Ryuji for translating key information.
The official website for Square Enix's upcoming Kingdom Hearts Missing Link has now been updated, stating that applications for the Japan-only prototype version are officially open.
Applications will be accepted from December 19, 2022, to December 26, 2022, with the prototype scheduled to open its servers on January 13, 2023, and end on January 18, 2023, and the site mentions the dates are subject to change.
Furthermore, it's also worth noting that the test will only accept a maximum of 1000 iOS applicants, meaning iPads and especially Android devices cannot apply for this prototype version, as it will use the TestFlight application (which is exclusive to Apple devices).
In addition, applicants must also agree to an extensive agreement listed on the website. One notable clause includes the factor that video and screenshots of the prototype version cannot be posted online, though oral and written impressions are excluded from that.
You can view the announcement tweet below.
Square Enix Japan has listed new Kingdom Hearts merchandise for pre-order, comprising metallic files depicting Sora and Roxas. The products' sizes are A4-sized, so roughly 8.25 x 11.75 inches. Further, the items cost ¥660 each, with planned shipment dates of January 28, 2023.
We'll update this article if the metallic files become available via Western storefronts. But, for now, you can view them via our galleries below:
The official Japanese Twitter PR account for Kingdom Hearts Dark Road has shared a message from Tetsuya Nomura regarding Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link.
The full message is viewable below, translated by our team's Ryuji:
Additionally, a symbol was emphasized alongside the message, viewable below:
Two new Kingdom Hearts plushes have been revealed to be obtainable via Sega GiGO-branded crane games throughout Japan starting on December 16th, 2022. These items depict Sora's appearance from the first game and the Shadow Heartless.
The Sora plush has been confirmed to arrive at the following storefronts:
Raku-ichi Raku-za (Kurosaki Store)
Raku-ichi Raku-za (Ion Mall Imabari)
Further, Aitai Kuji has pre-orders for the Sora plush and Shadow cushion plush available for ¥3,500 and ¥4,000, respectively, with shipments occurring sometime this month.
You can view both plushes via our galleries below:
Square Enix Japan has listed new Kingdom Hearts products, this time comprising motel keychains in singular purchases for ¥1,650 and packages of ten for ¥16,500. Shipments are expected to occur on April 29, 2023.
Images of these keychains are viewable via our gallery below. The three trios and King Mickey are represented.
UPDATE: A blind box set of 10 package of these motel keychains is available for pre-order via the Square Enix North America storefront for $170.00. Shipments are expected to occur in August 2023 .
Square Enix has listed several Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary mouse pads available for pre-order via their digital storefronts.
There are two mouse pads labeled gaming and three general all-purpose mouse pads. It's worth noting that for the latter, only volumes 2, 3, and 4 are new, with volume 1 being this product from earlier this year.
Moreover, all of the newly revealed mouse pads are scheduled to ship on March 25, 2023, though the gaming versions cost ¥3,300, while the standard ones are ¥1,650.
Each new mouse pad is viewable via our gallery below, alongside hyperlinks leading to their direct Japanese store pages. North American Square Enix store pages are listed in this article's conclusion.
20th Anniversary Gaming Mouse Pad Vol. 1
20th Anniversary Gaming Mouse Pad Vol. 2
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 2
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 3
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 4
Regarding Square Enix North America, each newly listed mouse pad is estimated to ship in July 2023. The standard editions cost $18.99 and the gaming-specific ones are $34.99.
20th Anniversary Gaming Mouse Pad Vol. 1
20th Anniversary Gaming Mouse Pad Vol. 2
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 2
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 3
20th Anniversary Mouse Pad Vol. 4
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