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Update: hokanko-alt have published a more detailed summary of this interview, and our translator goldpanner has translated it. You can read this below. Interview with Tetsuya Nomura, Director of King
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Last week, the October 11, 2012 issue of Dengeki PlayStation contained an article on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. The article contained an interview with the series director, Tetsuya Nomura. Dengeki Online have updated with a full transcript of the interview, and we will have this translated for you ASAP.
This page also contains each of the screenshots from the article, which, while the same as the Famitsu Weekly screenshots, may be of interest as they are a much larger resolution (remember to open them in full screen for the largest resolution), and have a less imposing watermark. Enjoy!
Our translator goldpanner has begun translating the Dengeki Online article into English, and you can read this in-progress translation below.
Here we present an interview on Square Enix PS3 title Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, urgently announced at Tokyo Game Show 2012 and gathering attention from many gaming fans.
Commemorating the 10th anniversary since the first Kingdom Hearts, this title is a compilation of HD remakes of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, with the added plot of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days put to HD video, all in one. You can enjoy everything from the beginning of the adventures of Sora and friends up until the developments that lead to Kingdom Hearts II in one hit.
We listened to the man employed as the director of the Kingdom Hearts series, Mr. Tetsuya Nomura. He spoke on many subjects that fans cannot miss, such as how things have gone so far developing this title, the particular appeal of the three included titles. He also talked with us about the Kingdom Hearts title for PC browsers that was announced at the same time.
Now, with the story of this ten-year old series finally heading towards a conclusion, including the significance of reflection you could say this title is not to be missed. Now, this interview is a reproduction of the one published in Degenki PlayStation Vol.528, sale date 11th October 2012. (※Full names not used in the interview)
Remaking a ten-year-old title in HD was a stormy ride!?
---First of all, please give us the full story behind work on the title announced at Tokyo Game Show 2012, Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-.
Nomura: We’d had plans to do a HD remake for quite a while. Since even before we decided to do the Final Fantasy X HD remake, actually. We were consulting the Osaka development team over whether we could do something using the HD specs of the PS3.
---So what kick-started development from there?
Nomura: One thing was that the Kingdom Hearts series had been released over several different consoles. I wanted to unite the scattered titles at once at the right time. Another thing was that, approaching the ten year anniversary, the series had become difficult for new players to enter. There are players who look at all the titles and worry over which ones to play, so I wanted to set them out in chronological order.
The three titles in this compilation have been lined up in an order that will make the plot easy to understand, so I think even people without prior experience of the series can be at ease. Also, the story that is currently developing is finally drawing to a close, so I also feel it will be a useful refresher for fans.
---On remaking what was originally PS2 title in HD, what points gave you hardship work-wise?
Nomura: I can’t say in detail, but for example, there were situations like ‘finding each and every book in view in a huge library’. We entrusted the HD remaking to two programmers in Osaka, and thanks to their steadfast efforts, the remake was fully realised in close to a year.
---Listening to you, preparation for the HD remake work actually started quite a long time ago, didn’t it.
Nomura: In an interview some time ago I said ‘I am investigating this and that,’ and what I meant was a HD remake of Kingdom Hearts. The trailer we were able to release at the Game Show this year was also thanks to the considerable efforts of the Osaka team.
Kingdom Hearts exists in its current form because of the Osaka Team
---The Osaka team is the production team who have been working on the Kingdom Hearts series recently, right?
Nomura: Yes, that’s right. Since Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded, they are the team who has worked on titles such as Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D[Dream Drop Distance]. That said, the programmers who were in charge of the HD remake were merged in from a team that hadn’t been involved in the Kingdom Hearts series before.
---Thinking about the active role they’ve played in recent years, it feels like the Osaka team is now the series main staff, doesn’t it?
Nomura: That’s because that’s practically true. The Tokyo Kingdom Hearts team that we had in the early days has undergone some drastic changes. Even so, there are of course still Kingdom Hearts staff on the Tokyo side that collaborate with the Osaka side, but besides that the Osaka side form the basically unchanging lineup as a team, so in essence you could say they are the existing Kingdom Hearts staff. They move things along extremely energetically, and the Kingdom Hearts series is able to continue to this day only because they are there.
---What is the current state of progress on HD?
Nomura: Actually, it’s basically in the final stage. At first I thought about fully remaking Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (hereafter Days) in a form you could actually play. However, work on Days alone would have needed one year at the very least. I worried quite a bit over it, and I thought, weighing up a new title or a remake, players would want the new title. Even so, I had to include Days, so I decided if this is how it has to be then I will re-do it as a video volume.
---Are the HD videos of Days you may enjoy the same as the cutscenes compiled in ‘Theatre Mode’ in the original title?
Nomura: They are included too, but we’ve put around 70% of the main story overall (※excluding cutscenes from Disney worlds) to video, and the Disney worlds and such are supplemented through screens of text. According to the person in charge, there are over 100 cutscenes, and they are about 2-3 hours in total. It’s still not finished so I can’t give you the exact time, but the content will take more than an hour to finish viewing, at least.
---With that much volume, we can expect a whole new way to enjoy it, can’t we!
Nomura: Yes, because even though it’s video-only, the content is almost enough for one new title’s share. There is a considerable volume of newly recorded voicing, too. We were unable to record many voiced cutscenes for the original Days due to capacity issues, but I think this time fans will definitely be satisfied.
---Will we be able to enjoy Days as soon as we begin the game?
Nomura: Yes. You can select it right from start-up. The videos are divided into chapters, and you can also watch the whole thing in one flow, so please experience it whenever you like. If you have played Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories so far but haven’t played Days, I think you should by all means get your hands on this.
HD Remake “2.5” to definitely come to be?
----The HD remake of the first title, Kingdom Hearts, is based on Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (hereafter KHFM), isn’t it?
Nomura: Yes, it was. Aside from the entire thing being reborn in HD quality, and I’m sure some players will have noticed this, but the models for Sora and some of the other main characters have been replaced with the latest versions. If you compare them I think it’s very obvious.
---Is there also trophy support?
Nomura: It’s a PS3 title, so yes, there is support. However, I personally have never been that fixated on trophy features, so I am still researching now what sort of content we should include. There are trophies for clearing each world and such, but I don’t think you’d need one for first obtaining a Keyblade, would you... those are the sorts of discussions that are underway. Please anticipate some as factors for speedruns.
---Are there any other parts you adjusted or added?
Nomura: We’ve adjusted the controls to make them a little easier to use than back in the day. In the first Kingdom Hearts game, special controls (opening chests etc) were shown right at the bottom of the commands, but we’ve now gone with displaying them at the top with a triangle button. Also, the camera controls and such have been changed to match Kingdom Hearts II. So, I think the gameplay in Kingdom Hearts will all feel like something based on Kingdom Hearts II.
As for any big additional elements, I have already said this, but there aren’t really any. Please think of the addition of HD image and trophy support as all there is to KHFM and KH Re:CoM. The theatre of Days is the number one showpiece for Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- this time.
---Are there by any chance plans for a bundle with a custom PS3?
Nomura: Should I do that (laughs)? There are no plans as of now. I hadn’t even thought of it (laughs).
---In any case, does putting “1.5” in the title mean there will be a “2.5”?
Nomura: If there wasn’t a “2.5” after this, it would be pretty unnatural (laughs).
---As things stand now, will this HD version we’re all so eager for be releasing in 2013?
Nomura: I touched on this before, but work is already in the final stages. Seeing as development is going well, I want to get it to you as fast as I can. I also want to keep it as close as possible to the Kingdom Hearts 10th anniversary.
A browser game packed with a charm different from anything else so far
---Next we would like to ask about the PC game you announced, Kingdom Hearts for PC Browser (working title). What sort of game content will there be?
Nomura: Fundamentally it’s a typical browser game. Unlike the main series it is not strong on action content, but instead has action battles with simple controls using cards. The style of play, in which you customise your own avatar and adventure through Disney worlds, is a different vector than anything so far. Among other things you can co-operate with multiple people to battle bosses, and online-only components.
---Is paying together with several people the pivotal element of this work?
Nomura: No, it’s fundamentally single-player. I think that most fans of the Kingdom Hearts series would rather play in the single-player format that they have always had.
---Are the Osaka team in charge of this title too, by any chance?
Nomura: No, it’s being developed in a different place. The plans and designs were made in-house, but because it’s in a special format on a browser unlike anything we’ve done before, we’re entrusting it to people on the outside who have the know-how. Currently construction in the area of gameplay is going favourably, but we plan to brush up the visuals a bit more. It’s still mid-production, but we plan to add things after the service begins, so we’d love for many people to join in.
---What sort of content is there story-wise?
Nomura: It is a spin-off title, completely separate from the main plot thread. Because of the nature of browser games from the start, we weren’t going to put in any grand set-up. You can say that this means both existing fans and people new to the series will be able to play standing at the same starting point. Of course we aren’t discarding the established universe of the series, and if you are a fan, we have included some developments that you can consider deeply. We also plan to draw up some new characters for Browser.
---New characters will appear, will they! Will there be developments that embroil these characters in the main plot thread...?
Nomura: I can’t tell you that, but since we are working diligently on Browser so that you may play for us soon, please wait just a little more.
New movement for The World Ends With You!?
---We’d like to ask about a slightly different title now. First, The World Ends With You (hereafter TWEWY) -Solo Remix- is available now. Why did you make it an iOS app?
Nomura: It was a decision made after many complicated reasons stacked up. I have heard generally favourable things from people who have played it, that is the most important thing.
---We think there must be many voices calling for a sequel to TWEWY.
Nomura: I personally love TWEWY too, it’s a title I do want to branch out. For the sake of future prospects, I hope that many people play and enjoy TWEWY -Solo Remix-.
---A few days ago at the FF Exhibition, Lightning Returns FFXIII was announced. In what way is your work involved in this project, Mr. Nomura?
Nomura: I worked on Lightning and Snow’s new outfits, but that is all, and I am finished.
---On the subject of Lightning, we’re also interested in any movement regarding Verses?
Nomura: Work is progressing properly, and all us staff are working hard and doing our best, so please wait a little for news.
---And now, finally, a message for fans of Kingdom Hearts, please.
Nomura: The story we have been telling consistently so far, which is called the Xehanort Saga, bears the formal name of ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’. Before we look to the conclusion of this ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’, I would love for you to prepare with the HD remake.
The Kingdom Hearts series has now been going on for ten years, and the two titles we have announced, Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- and Kingdom Hearts for PC Browser (working title), both take completely different approaches, but please look forward to them as we turn our thoughts to the last of the current series.
The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, releasing on October 11, 2012, has contained an interview with Tetsuya Nomura discussing Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. Details of this article are starting to appear on gamenyarth and hokanko-alt, and translations have appeared thanks to sqexgal [original translation] and our translator goldpanner [original translation]. All new details revealed can be seen below.
Update: hokanko-alt have published a more detailed summary of this interview, and our translator goldpanner has translated it. You can read the full translation here, or check out our updated summary below.
Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX
- Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- development was planned even before Final Fantasy X HD was announced on September 13, 2011, prior to Tokyo Game Show 2011. This means that Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- development has been planned for over a year. Square Enix's Osaka team was consulted over whether they could do something to make best use of the PS3's performance.
- Actual development was kickstarted because the Kingdom Hearts series had been spread over several consoles, and secondly, by the series' 10th anniversary, it had become difficult for new gamers to join in.
- HD remastering was very difficult, but two great programmers from Square Enix's Osaka team spent close to a year on this, allowing it to come to fruition. Square Enix's Osaka team are the team responsible for Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance].
- The Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- trailer from Tokyo Game Show 2012 was released thanks to the Osaka team. The programmers that handled the HD remastering were merged in from a team that hadn't been involved in the Kingdom Hearts series up until now.
- There are Kingdom Hearts staff in the Square Enix's Tokyo team too, but there have been drastic changes. You could say that the basically unchanging lineup of the Osaka team forms the true present staff for the series. The series is able to continue because of them.
- The remade HD cutscenes from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days total in at about two to three hours of footage, according to Nomura.
- Nomura thought about perhaps remaking 358/2 Days as a game, but it would have taken over a years so he decided to give priority to the new title and instead have 358/2 Days, necessary for inclusion, as a video volume.
- You don't have to play through the games in order to unlock 358/2 Days' video volume. You can select to watch 358/2 Days straight after starting the game.
- Some of Sora and the other's models have been replaced with the latest ones.
- The camera function for Kingdom Hearts has been modified to be more similar to Kingdom Hearts II's system.
- There is PlayStation 3 trophy support. Nomura himself hasn't had much to do with the trophy feature, so he is still researching now as to what sort of content to include. Discussion over whether or not you'd need them for clearing worlds and first obtaining Keyblades and such is still underway.
- The game controls have been adjusted a little to make them easier to use than they had been. Special commands display for the △ button, and camera controls have been made closer to the base ones in Kingdom Hearts II. There aren't really any big additions. He'd like you to think of HD remastering and trophy support as all the additional components.
- There will not be a new secret movie.
- Nomura hasn't thought about making a bundle edition.
- It would be unnatural to make Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, but not Kingdom Hearts -HD 2.5 ReMIX-.
- Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-'s development is basically in its final stages. Development is doing well, so Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- is planned for release in 2013. Nomura wants to deliver as soon as possible.
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers
- Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers will be a typical browser game. Controls will be simple and using cards, with the content not strongly action-oriented. Co-operating with several people is also a feature, however, the game is fundamentally for one person.
- Development is not done by Square Enix's Osaka team, it is done somewhere else.
- It will be a spin-off title, completely removed from the story of the main series. Due to the nature of a browser game, they couldn't put in any grand set up for the story.
- There are new characters, but Nomura won't say whether or not they will be involved in the main series.