Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, Famitsu Weekly article.

 

 

- About the North American release of Birth by Sleep?

 

Nomura: The additional boss is tough, the staff couldn�t beat it even at level 99! (Laughs) Seeing that, we added another health bar.

 

- Why redevelop Coded as Re:Coded for Nintendo DS?

 

Nomura: At first Coded was going to support more computer terminals, but it ended up being considerably limited. It�s also an opportunity to develop Re:Coded for North America since there was no mobile phone platform to release there. In order to appeal to more players, we decided to release it on the most widespread platform, Nintendo DS. Also, another reason was that the original play style was designed to be non-analog.

 

- Is the story the same?

 

Nomura: Some of lines and expressions were changed, but it�s basically the same. Since it was put together so well, Coded�s story was kept intact.

 

- Concerning the event scenes and battles, the game looks quite  different.

 

Nomura: Concerning the events and battles, at first the plan was just to port from the original. However, outside of the cutscenes, concerning the resolution, they�ve really become something new. Due to concerns over the hardware�s characteristics, it was decided the game parts would be in 3D and that the conversation scenes would be expressed in a 2D style.

 

- The scenes expressed with still images weren�t used in the series prior to this.

 

Nomura: In 358/2 Days, we made real time event scenes using models that had very few numbers of polygons, it took a lot of effort and I don�t think the desired results were satisfactory. Therefore we adopted the same style of event scene used in The World Ends With You which expresses the characters clearly. The scenes have a sense of depth and movement while using the aspects of 2D, displayed with various facial expressions, poses, etc.

 

- What kind of battle system will there be?

 

Nomura: The concept of the system was to include a various mix of the characteristics of Coded, 358/2 Days, and Birth by Sleep. The result of mixing the three, Re:Coded has really become something new that I think even those who played Coded can enjoy.

 

- Was the operation system of 358/2 Days used as a base?

 

Nomura: This time the concept for this title was to make something even light player could enjoy. Since we heard from hard core players that the operability of Days was difficult, and that the operability of the original mobile phone version of Coded was very simple, having auto jump implemented and an aspect that corrected a chain of attacks when an enemy went out of range that allowed the player to continue pursuing it. As a result of this, I think the overall feeling is more refreshing than that of 358/2 Days. Furthermore, the co. director of Birth by Sleep, Tai Yasue is in charge of the battle modifications, and the same team is taking care of the maps.

 

- Coded had many different fighting elements, like hitting direction combos to a beat, etc. Were those elements kept?

 

Nomura: They won�t be identical this time, but we kept them. The stages with the side scroll style, the RPG style command battle stages, those parts were all kept characteristic of Coded.

 

- As far as leveling up goes, how is that working out in this title?

 

Nomura: This is on a grander scale and surpasses the system from 358/2 Days. In 358/2 Days you could freely increase your skill levels, so in order to to complete the core game system of this, we�ve simplified it so even light players can enjoy it. Since this time the stage is set in the data world, you get the sense of literally editing the data, I think players will be pleasantly surprised seeing the eye popping fun elements appearing on the screen.

 

- Are there elements implemented for hard core players ?

 

Nomura: Of course! Especially in the �System Area� (See page), where high level, strong enemies appear. There are many new elements that hard core players shall enjoy. Other things include Finish Commands like those from Birth by Sleep, as well as many other various conditions to meet, trophies to collect, etc.

 

- Concerning the overall level of difficulty of the game, will there be settings intended for light players?

 

Nomura: This time it�s set up the same as with The World Ends With You, the degree of difficulty can be changed at anytime. Like that, there will be some sort of reward for playing at a higher level of difficulty. But since this Sora is dwelling in a world of data, you can �cheat� by manipulating Sora�s abilities.

 

- Are there additional elements?

 

Nomura: There won�t be multiplayer functions this time, but there will be a player passerby communication function implemented. The passerby communication function is full of many elements; if you pass by another player, you won�t just be passing them by, it�s designed to become more interesting then just that. Even if you pass by another play one time, several fun things happen. Like with The World Ends With You, even with a different game inserted, there is an effect by passing by another player, as well as passing by with players not nearby. The original Coded had avatars you could obtain and use in Kingdom Hearts Mobile, but in Re:Coded the avatars are introduced as a part of the passerby communication function. Since there are many avatars distributed so far, including the main characters of Birth by Sleep as well as Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII and others.

 

- Will there be a secret movie this time?

 

Nomura: There is always high demand for a secret movie, so there will be one. Those who take a great interest in the story won�t want to miss it. However, usually the player chooses the level of difficulty for the game, but this time the degree can be customized freely. What kind of conditions will you need to meet in order to see the movie? Wait and see. (Laughs)

 

- How is the situation concerning the release date?

 

Nomura: We�re more than 80% done! After the announcement of Birth by Sleep, fans had to wait a very long time for the sale date, but that won�t be the case this time. The release date will be announced soon. By all means, please look forward to it!