Although we knew this was happening, it is still nice to hear a confirmation. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been confirmed for a release in both North America and Europe, and both sometime in 2012. An official European website has been opened, and this website states that a localized trailer will be coming soon. Can't wait to see the trailer in English!

 

Square Enix have also published a blog, as well as a press release, confirming the 2012 release of the games. Both the official Facebook and official Twitter for the series have been updated with this information as well. Enjoy!

 

Lastly, quotes from the series director, Tetsuya Nomura, from both the blog and press release.

Today we're announcing that the next game in the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], will be releasing in Europe on 3DS in 2012. The game will star series stalwarts Riku and Sora and will feature new Disney worlds to explore as well as all new gameplay elements. Not only that, but this marks the first time that the game will be playable in 3D, thanks to the 3DS.

 

Helping Sora and Riku to become true Keyblade Masters are Dream Eaters, which are recruitable allies which will fight alongside you. There are over 50 types to find and recruit as you explore new locations, such as La Cité des Cloches from The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] is the opening chapter of the final conflict, according to series creator Tetsuya Nomura, and marks the approach of the franchise's ten year anniversary.

LOS ANGELES and LONDON (December 20, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix Ltd., the publishers of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, Europe and across PAL territories, today announced fans of the popular Kingdom Hearts series will be able to experience a new 3–D adventure next year with the North American and European release of Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], specifically for the Nintendo 3DS™ system.

 

The new game's spectacular story promises to be a fun backdrop to the colorful cast of Disney characters making their 3–D debut on a handheld title. In addition to new worlds, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will feature never–before–seen gameplay elements for the series.

 

"With the tenth anniversary of the series on the horizon, the current KINDGOM HEARTS saga is approaching its climactic conclusion. The story of this game will serve as the opening chapter of the final conflict, and, as always, will be full of surprises. In order to best implement this element of surprise and discover new realms of possibility, we have chosen Nintendo 3DS as our platform. With its revolutionary new game system, this title will not only be a bold, exhilarating tale of adventure, but also a first look into the future form of the Kingdom Hearts series," said Tetsuya Nomura, director of Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance].

 

King Mickey and Yen Sid prepare for an impending threat by putting Sora and Riku through the Mark of Mastery exam. Sora and Riku are sent into the Sleeping Worlds, where they will face enemies and allies that have never been seen before. If they can successfully complete the task they are given, they will be deemed true Keyblade Masters.

 

Dual protagonists — Play as the two most popular characters of the franchise, Sora and Riku.

“Free-flow” action — Enjoy fast and effortless movements while interacting with the environment and performing acrobatic attacks.

Brand–new creatures — Dream Eaters inhabit the Sleeping Worlds, and are split into two categories: Spirits and Nightmares. Recruit over 50 different types of Spirits as allies to fight alongside Sora and Riku.

New Disney worlds — Beloved Disney worlds and characters, such as La Cité des Cloches (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), make their series debut.

Story progression — With updated looks for Sora and Riku, and the impending conflict made clear, this title is a big step forward in the series.

This isn't jizz worthy. Anyway, the fact that Nomura mentioned "The tenth anniversary" is sounding quite clear that KH3D is the 10th anniversary surprise. Why mention the tenth anniversary then mention that "KH3D is the opening of the Final battle"? I'm calling BS to the highest power.

 

Also, since the english trailer is coming out soon, Nomura was correct that overseas production would be quicker.

Well as it is coming out in 2012 the dates got me thinking of the original release date of Kingdom Hearts. March 28th Kingdom Hearts was released in Japan, maybe DDD will. If so we are looking at around September 17th, the NA release date.

 

 

... And what would that be in ESRB rating?

 

Probably E10+.

I doubt it would be T, since no KH game has had that rating before.

Well as it is coming out in 2012 the dates got me thinking of the original release date of Kingdom Hearts. March 28th Kingdom Hearts was released in Japan, maybe DDD will. If so we are looking at around September 17th, the NA release date.

 

Just because it's the tenth anniversary doesn't mean you literally have to release the game the exact same month as the 1st game. Besides, they don't care about that when releasing it overseas.

Did I mention that it was already rated by PEGI? Its rate is PEGI 12.

 

The PEGI 12 only applies to the trailer. They can only give the game a proper rating once it's finished.

Their all ready working on English LocalizationO_O....that was faster then I expected

From European site's trailer: "The final game will feature text that is in English"

... what about voices in English?

This isn't jizz worthy. Anyway, the fact that Nomura mentioned "The tenth anniversary" is sounding quite clear that KH3D is the 10th anniversary surprise. Why mention the tenth anniversary then mention that "KH3D is the opening of the Final battle"? I'm calling BS to the highest power.

 

Also, since the english trailer is coming out soon, Nomura was correct that overseas production would be quicker.

 

no no no i do not want this to be the tenth anniversary surprise its not really a surpirse than that would be total bull s**t if it was nomura would have dissapointed me again i really hope if there is an interview in the next magazine thing he will mention what the tentha anniversary surprise is

I'm also hoping that Nomura does not make KH 3D the Tenth Anniv. Surprise. It would be a huge let down. The year isn't over, though, and we still have time before March. I am confident that Mr. Nomura won't pull something like that.

 

Not even a week after the Japanese trailer is released, it's already being translated/dubbed. I can't wait to see it! Now to hope for a KH 3DS, like they did with Zelda.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzCWtkMnw-k

I just want to see it in english and play the actual game

Finally we know it's comin in 2012 and actually I saw a video on you tube of the jump festa trailer that it would be released in march

"Not only that, but this marks the first time that the game will be playable in 3D, thanks to the 3DS."

So I'm guessing we might be seeing more 3D KH.

I'm also hoping that Nomura does not make KH 3D the Tenth Anniv. Surprise. It would be a huge let down. The year isn't over, though, and we still have time before March. I am confident that Mr. Nomura won't pull something like that.

 

Not even a week after the Japanese trailer is released, it's already being translated/dubbed. I can't wait to see it! Now to hope for a KH 3DS, like they did with Zelda.

 

That is also a wish of mine. They had better release a KH-themed 3DS bundle for each region! I'm dying to get my hands on one.

 

I'm not fussed about what the 10th anniversary surprise will be - just anything will be good enough for me. Hehe, I rhymed!