I was looking through the screenshots for KH3d when I found something interesting. In one screenshot, the drop meter has a percentage listed and not a decimal value. This is in contrast to the other screenshots where there are arrows instead of the dash (or possible negative sign?) in this screenshot.

 

 

http://kh13.com/zenphoto/albums/screenshots/gamespot/dream-drop-distance/997779_20120104_screen042.jpg

 

In this shot, the drop bar appears to be empty as well. Perhaps instead of switching characters when the meter gets to zero, there is another process that occurs instead.

 

For comparison, here is a different screenshot that seems to be from the same encounter as the one above.

 

 

http://kh13.com/zenphoto/albums/screenshots/gamespot/dream-drop-distance/997779_20120104_screen040.jpg

 

The only difference that's noticeable is a slight difference in health, the command for the X button, and of course the drop bar. Maybe using the one command changed the number on the drop bar? I don't really know, but feel free to write what you all think it might mean.

I noticed that too when I first saw that ss, but I didnt think any further than "Huh". It doesnt make much sense why the drop gauge would go into the negatives. It could be a development fluke, something related to the story, or some sort of function with preventing Sora from dropping. Wish they would give us gameplay that shows how the drop gauge works.

er...i would have never caught that, hmm maybe they just hadnt decided if they wanted decimals or percentages

er...i would have never caught that, hmm maybe they just hadnt decided if they wanted decimals or percentages

 

I don't think so. The standout thing to me is that both pictures appear to be the exact same encounter, just a different times during that battle. The two Nightmares are the same as well as the two Spirits you have as companions. It seems that it's in the same area as well. The diminished health seems to be a sign that the first shot took place after the second shot during the battle. My questions is how did the drop bar change from decimals to a percentage.

In this shot, the drop bar appears to be empty as well. Perhaps instead of switching characters when the meter gets to zero, there is another process that occurs instead.

 

 

If a recall correctly they changed the Drop Gauge mechanic

 

—I was able to try the demo, and I found that the sudden character swapping was quite interesting. Since you are suddenly thrown into a different situation, there is a high level of tension in the gameplay.

 

Nomura: Now you are able to switch between Sora and RIku at will, but at first you weren’t able to switch at your own discretion. Since it was switching in such an irrational form, it was unpopular with us too. (Wry smile.) When you switch, you can prepare the next character you play by applying earned bonuses which is a benefit, so you can still enjoy it while dealing with the tension.

LOL. I'm the one who uploaded that and even I didn't properly notice it.

I would say that when you get hit, the drop gauge might momentarily display "minus whatever" to let you know that you lost drop points... or something.