—The last we heard of KH3D (or “Dream Drop Distance”) was in January. How’s development going?
NOMURA: It really has been a long time (laughs). Right now the team is hard at work and things are developing in an...unexpected way.
—Unexpected?!
NOMURA: Let's just say the gameplay mechanics shown in the last trailer are only the beginning. (laughs) I probably shouldn't say much more than that.
—When can we expect to see more of KH3D?
NOMURA: I'm hoping to get the games into the fan's hands as soon as possible, and the team is working around the clock to try and make that happen. As for an official announcement... we're hoping to have something more to show in time for TGS this year.
—What about an official artwork?
NOMURA: I haven't had the time to draw anything yet. I'm doing my best to focus on the story and gameplay aspects of the game for now. Perhaps I'll have something to display for TGS.
—Can you tell us about any of the new Disney worlds appearing for the first time in KH3D?
NOMURA: I had come to America around the time of E3 for many business meetings with Disney about Kingdom Hearts. We’re trying hard to lock in the final world selection at this stage. I think fans will be pleasantly surprised by a few of the worlds we’re including in this title (laughs). I can’t say anything more than that.
—You spoke before about possibly giving Sora and Riku a new outfit for this installment…?
NOMURA: Yes. I was worried that players might confuse the title as a remake of the original Kingdom Hearts if Sora and Riku stayed in their KH1 attire. They have to be in it for the sake of the story, but, I considered giving them a different outfit for other parts of the story. We discussed them wearing their KH2 attire, but, in order for us to truly express the importance of this game, I ended up deciding to design them entirely new outfits. You’ll get your first look at them in the trailer we are preparing for TGS, until then, please use your imagination.
—The game seems to be focusing a lot on Sora and Riku’s relationship…?
NOMURA: I’ve always thought that their relationship was one of the core aspects of the series. Yes this is primarily Sora’s story and it will continue to be until the very end, but, even in the original Kingdom Hearts I wrote in the End of the World’s computer message that two hearts were needed to close the Door to Darkness. Originally I think fans took this to mean Sora and Mickey, but I think after playing Dream Drop Distance they might reconsider that notion.
—Sora and Riku seem very close…
NOMURA: Doubtlessly Sora and Riku are close. Their struggle is one of the stories I’m most interested in. Sora as the hero of light and Riku as the master of shadows. By all means they shouldn’t be together, but the fact that they overcome these ideas set on them and remain friends until the end… I think it’s a powerful message, one that will be explored further in Dream Drop Distance.
—Sora’s bond with Riku always seemed stronger than his bond with Kairi, is that intentional?
NOMURA: I can’t answer that! (laughs). One of the first scenes I wrote for Dream Drop Distance dealt with the relationship between Sora and Riku in relation to Kairi. This is one of the scenes I’m most excited for fans to see, so, everyone, please use your imagination!
—With all of these games being made for handheld consoles, fans are left wondering about KHIII.
NOMURA: I’m always asked about Kingdom Hearts III and I always say the same thing. The team responsible for developing KHIII is currently busy working on Versus XIII. I have every intention of making KHIII when the right time comes, but, for now, please focus on Dream Drop Distance.
—And Dream Drop Distance will tie directly into KHIII, is that correct?
NOMURA: Yes. Dream Drop Distance in many ways shares CoM’s role in the series. It will act as the bridge between KHII and KHIII. However, the story of Dream Drop Distance is of the same volume as a main title. It is not to be ignored. I designed BBS, 358/2 Days, Re:Coded and Dream Drop Distance to hold many connections to KHIII. Discovering these connections will be the highlight of KHIII. Please try to experience all of them for yourself.
—To finish, would you like to say something to the fans?
NOMURA: If I were to try and summarize Dream Drop Distance at this stage it would be: exciting and surprising gameplay, brand new worlds to explore, and an incredibly touching story. The game is developing in an unexpected way and I hope that will capture the feeling the player experiences when playing the game for the first time. Kingdom Hearts has always been about mystery and character and Dream Drop Distance showcases this the most. We are working hard to provide new content to share with you for TGS. Please look forward to it.
This is a fake interview created by a fan.