Update 2: The article is now completely translated, which you can read below.
Update 1: We now have some translations of the article thanks to Tgirl, with corrections by Oishii of KH13.
Dream Eaters - Spirit
+ Wondermeow's blurb: For a charming Dream Eater, it appears to be a little stupid. It eagerly preserves on one's life in such a reckless way.
+ Goathorn's blurb: It has a high [sense of] noble pride. It uses its horn to attack with various attacks.
+ Nekocat's blurb: A Dream Eater that appears in the form of a cat. On its tail is the shape of a musical note, [making it a] lovely type of cat. It attacks by having a connection with Sora through a tempo command [system] that allows power to be sent out. Damage on the enemy is caused by using a waving motion with music.
(T/N: Hence those pictures.)
+ Frogchef's blurb: A dream eater with a specialty in cuisine. He performs mainly fire-based attacks.
+ Kumapanda (or Bearpanda or Pandabear or whatever you want to call it..): It takes on the appearance of both a panda and a bear. In order to co-attack, Sora's leg/foot must be used in order to rotate, and then, be tossed towards the enemy with energy attached to [his body].
Dream Eaters - Nightmare
- Wondermeow's blurb: The Dream Eater with the same name. However, as it's the case that it's a Nightmare (enemy), it differs in body and eye colors.
- Torpedofish's blurb: In order to swim, it moves dolphin-like into the water, which is actually the ground, and [jump] into the air.
- Kumapanda's blurb: A Dream Eater that doesn't understand whether it's a bear or a Panda, eh? It's a type that doesn't collapse so easily, even when it's being attacked.
- Zouelephant's blurb: It overwhelms its opponent(s) by making use of its long nose and big body. It triumphs also by using its nose to attack long distances such as throwing a rock and blowing a jet spray [of something].
- Seahorse's blurb: Its appearance is Seahorse-like. It attacks by spitting out water-like things from its mouth.
- Poisonsalamander's blurb: It moves around in a fluttery way, setting up attacks with venomous effects.
- Icepenguin's blurb: It attacks by sliding from the ground. The attacks come out as blocks of ice from the ground.
- Auralion's blurb: It attacks by making the upper half of its body, a floating illusion.
- Narubird's blurb: It's one strong enemy, who performs surprise attacks from the sky. It fires, at a [certain] distance, a beam-like thing that separates.
- Nekocat's blurb: It attacks with a strange kind of movement, sort of like running and bouncing around. Also, Its [tail] is the shape of a music note, and it attacks with a wave of music notes.
- Boukunrex or Tyrantrex (alternate for, as you guess it, "Tyrannosaurus Rex")'s blurb: It attacks by spitting out a ball of fire from its mouth. In order to defend against it, use the keyblade to repel [the ball]. Also, a charged up attack may be used.
- Mimibunny or Earbunny (but that sounds awkward)'s blurb: User of ears that are arm-like. It moves [those ears] in order to defend and attack.
Dream Eater (Spirit) Love Contact
Dream Eater (Spirit)
With the Dream Eater (Spirit), there is a communication attempt that's available. It's possible to become properly compatible [with the Dream Eater].
First blurb under four pictures: A Dream Eater with a communication attempt. In all likelihood, it's going to be properly compatible.
Second blurb under three pictures: A challenge in a mini-game with the Dream Eaters. A repeated attack with the touch pen on the balloon[s] will have an outcome.
Confrontation with the 5th District boss makes an appearance!
In the 5th District, a monkey-like boss (Dream Eater) appears. It toys with Sora's party as it freely uses various techniques [on them].
Left side blurb below pics: It attacks by stretching out its arm in a boxing-like style.
Right side blurb below pics: When it drives in a punch, the ability to move becomes impossible to do.
Traverse Town (4th & 5th Districts)
To players, who are familiar with the "Kingdom Hearts" series' Traverse Town, [in DDD], the 4th and 5th Districts are introduced. Compared to Districts 1-3, [these new districts] are given a splendid, and hopefully impressive, modification. Within their spacious areas, they have both a high and low difference, and, lots of activity going on.
Pranksters' Paradise (from Pinocchio)
Image pair 1...
Blurb on left: As Jiminy barrages Pinocchio with questions, as usual, Pinocchio keeps telling lies making his nose grow until it reaches a stopping point.
Blurb on right: The situation of a plan to pick up Pinocchio is definitely going to end up in trouble......
Image pair 2...
Blurb on left: The Blue Fairy gave life to Pinocchio. The mentor, Jiminy, is not just worried about Pinocchio, but he also points out about Pinocchio's nose growing.
Blurb on right: The Blue Fairy meets with Sora. It appears, the Blue Fairy seems to know Sora.
Screenshot quote on top of this blurb (Sora): "Ye-yes. Are you a sorceress?"
Image pair 3...
One blurb: This world is "a world we see inside a dream that doesn't subside", with the exception of Sora and friends saving the world in the past This Jiminy did not meet with Sora and Riku yet.
Image pair 4....
Blurb on left: When Pinocchio gets lost, Gapetto gets really worried. This takes place in a familiar location, which is inside Monstro's stomach.
Blurb on right: Jiminy gives various amounts of advice to Pinocchio. Riku listens to these words as he thinks about how to handle the important existence for himself.
La Cité des Cloches (from Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Image pair 1...
Left blurb: Pheobus is reporting to Frollo about the Dream Eaters appearing in the city. [However,] Frollo's innermost hatred is penetrated by another person in the city.
Right blurb: Quasimodo is surrounded by Dream Eaters in the plaza so Sora lends him a hand. The gypsy, Esmeralda, also comes to help......
Image pair 2...
Left blurb: Quasimodo picks up Esmeralda as he wanted to return to her a favor.
Right blurb: As long as Frollo continues to detest the witch, Esmeralda, he'll keep on removing gypsies from the city.
Image group 3...
Left blurb: Esmeralda speaks regarding Frollo. Riku reacts when he hears her speak of "darkness". Just what is it that he's thinking of?
Center blurb: Pheobus was involved in trouble and Riku helped save him. Pheobus, who is the summoned defense commanding officer*, appears to not be happy.
Right blurb: Inside the bell tower, the gargoyles are talking about Quasimodo. Since they talked all of a sudden, Sora isn't hiding his surprise about this.
Country of Musketeers (from The Three Musketeers)
1- Six images...
Blurb: Mickey doesn't seem to know anything about Sora, which appears to happen in the world within sleep. Sora mistook this Mickey as the King when he [first] saw him. However, there is a profound meaning to what Mickey says, but this something may not be known [for now].
2- Three images...
Left blurb: Pete gives orders to the three: Goofy, Donald and Mickey. There seems to be a feeling of suspicion here....
Right blurb: The Princess appoints the Three Musketeers to be her escort guards....
3- Three images....
Left blurb: The Beagle Boys look like they're doing mean things, which indicates a possibility that they're the "Boss". Of course, the "Boss" is......
Right blurb: There's someone, who appears to be successful at being irritated at something.
4- Three images....
Left blurb: Mickey's team feels the feelings of tension before the Princess.
Center blurb: Princess Minnie keeps the same brave stance as she tries to resolve trouble with Riku.
Right blurb: Even though they're not with Sora, their hearts are always going to be connected. Free Flow Action -> Free Flow Attack
Raulsen's translation of this part: During a slide (Y button), if you touch a wall or a pole, you perform a Free Flow Action, and furthermore, if you press the A button during a Free Flow Action, you can unleash a Free Flow Attack. When you use a Free Flow Action, your attack commands change. The commands that you input depend on the Free Flow Action.
Kick Type
When kicking against the wall, you can produce big damage.
Turn Cutter
With a big rotational kick, you can kill the enemy.
Reality Shift
When the marker on the Lock-on target shows up, it becomes useable. When you use Reality Shift, it allows you to coordinate a location of (a target) impact so the action shows up differently in each world. Within that targeted area, you're able to give damage to the surrounding enemies by discharging while canceling the "Touch".
[ Reality Shift: Traverse Town ]
Picture group 1...
Left blurb: Both the bottom and top pictures show how you can dive.
Picture group 2...
Center blurb: In the top picture, you're able to fly/hurl [across the area], while the bottom picture shows the enemy being surrounded by a ball of light with [streams of light] stretching from it.
Picture group 3...
Right blurb: In the top picture, a jumping/hopping enemy makes a big explosion [on the ground]!
[ Reality Shift: La Cité des Cloche ]
Picture group 1...
Right blurb: When the Lock-on target marker shows up, it allows you to start the Reality Shift.
Picture group 2...
Center blurb: In the bottom picture, after you dive, you link the enemy marks with a line.
Picture group 3...
Right blurb: In the top picture, you're gliding above the [Holy] Rope in return in order to damage the enemy.
GAME Watch has posted an article about the upcoming Kingdom Hearts title for the Nintendo 3DS, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. This article contains many new screenshots and renders, as well as many we have previously seen, which are now available without a Famitsu.com watermark for the first time. You can see all added screenshots and renders below, in our gallery (please click for larger, clear images).
There are 165 images in total, so we can't embed them all here. Please make sure you click the gallery link below, in order to view all screenshots and renders.
Screenshots → GAME Watch → January 4, 2012
Update: This event starts today, and with all seats sold out, it looks to be a great concert if you're interested in music from Kingdom Hearts. We will update here with any videos of the event that appear (if they do).
Symphonic Fantasies - music from Square Enix was a video game music concert that took place in the Cologne Philharmonic Hall on September 11 and September 12, 2009. At this event, music from various Square Enix franchises were featured, including music from the Kingdom Hearts series-- specifically, Dearly Beloved, The Other Promise, Happy Holidays!, A Fight to the Death and Hand in Hand.
On January 7 and January 8, 2012 the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus will perform Symphonic Fantasies again under the leadership of Eckehard Stier. On July 5 and July 6, 2012 the WDR Radio Orchestra and the WDR Radio Choir will also perform Symphonic Fantasies again, conducted by Niklas Willén. Thanks to FF-Reunion for the tip. You can also visit Square Enix's official site for the event, where you can hear a snippet of Hand in Hand.
So far, 21 chapters (spread across 3 volumes) of the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days manga are on sale in Japan. However, these chapters take a while to get scanned and translated, and appear online. Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 have finally appeared online, supplied by taime. You can see these below, in our gallery.
Manga → 358/2 Days → Chapter 12
Square Enix's official website for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been updated. This update is an update to both the Characters and and Worlds sections. The update to the Character section is the addition of new Dream Eaters. As for the World section, Country of the Musketeers from The Three Musketeers has been added. New screenshots and renders are available from this updates, and you can see all of these images below. Thanks to the official Kingdom Hearts Twitter for the tip.
Screenshots → Kingdom Hearts 3D, Japanese website
Screenshots → Kingdom Hearts 3D, Japanese website → Characters
Screenshots → Kingdom Hearts 3D, Japanese website → Country of the Musketeers
Update 2: Kingdom Hearts 3D was shown at the event, however, the content shown was the same as that from Jump Festa 2012. If you want to watch the Jump Festa 2012 trailers, you can see the short trailer here, and the long trailer here. KH13 streamed the event with a chatroom, and we thank everyone for joining us! Please look forward to the next event.
Update 1: According to a Tweet by Nintendo, the Nintendo Direct event will show off "games releasing through March 2012". With Kingdom Hearts 3D releasing in March 2012, it is very likely that we'll see the game featured. Remember to check here to see the exact time of the event in your timezone.
Nintendo is holding another Nintendo Direct event on December 27 (at 12PM in Japan), and this event will be livestreamed online at Ustream. Last Nintendo Direct, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was featured with a new trailer, so it's quite possible that we'll see the game featured again. Thanks to aibo_ac7 for the tip.
The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly magazine included a 6-page article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. This article features the Country of the Musketeers world, as well as various Dream Eaters. In particular, two new Nightmares, Tyrant Rex and Aura Lion were announced. We now have perfect, high-resolution scans of this article, scanned and uploaded by KH13.com. If you use these images anywhere, please link back to KH13. Thank you, and enjoy:
Update: Thanks to Antiquity from KHInsider, and TheKingdomkid for posting it on our forum, we now know that GameSpot have created a pre-order page as well. Of course, it's worth noting that GameSpot and all sub-companies (particularly, EB Games) have been allowing pre-orders of the game in-store for months.
Amazon.com have created a page for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS title, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Thanks to TheKingdomkid, we know that Amazon.com gives the release date December 31, 2012, and the price of US$39.99, but of course, as with all pre-orders, these values are just placeholders, and subject to change. So will you be pre-ordering Kingdom Hearts 3D online? Let us know at our forum.
Famitsu.com have posted an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and this article contains 18 new screenshots. These screenshots and those that appeared in the latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, however, this is the first time we've seen them in such great quality. Enjoy!
Update: We have updated with higher quality versions of the scans. The new Dream Eaters, both Nightmares, are named Tyrant Rex and Aura Lion.
Earlier, we announced that Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance would appear in the next issue of Famitsu Weekly. Scans of this issue, the January 5, 2012 issue which goes on sale December 22, 2011, have now appeared online thanks to ArikaMiz. Please keep checking back, as we will have high quality scans and screenshots in a couple days.
Famitsu Weekly → January 5, 2012
Square Enix's official website for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been updated. This update is an update to the Special tab, and adds both the Long Version and the Short Version of the Jump Festa 2012 trailer available for viewing. In case you missed them, here are our English-subtitled versions of the trailer.
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.
New scans have appeared online of an article featuring Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Although we're not sure what magazine the article is from, signs point towards the next issue of Famitsu Weekly, as Kingdom Hearts 3D is confirmed to be featured here with an article. You can see this scan below, in our gallery. Thanks to ArikaMiz for the tip.
Famitsu Weekly → January 5, 2012
Update 2: Both videos are now downloadable from our video archive: Long Version | Short Version Update 1: Both the long version AND the short version now have English subtitles.
Earlier, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared at Jump Festa 2012 with a new 8-minute trailer. Square Enix's YouTube channel has been updated with the trailer, and this trailer can now be seen below in HD 720p with English subtitles. The English were translated by sqexgal, edited by goldpanner, originally supplied by FF-Reunion, and put on top of the video by KH13.com. Please give credit if you use this video, and enjoy! Feel free to discuss on our forum.
Long version with English subtitles
Update: The trailer has finally appeared online!
Jump Festa 2012 has finished. As you know, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared with a new trailer and playable demo. This article will summarize everything we learnt at the event, and continue to be updated when more content surfaces.
What To Look Forward To
- Nomura has stated that the Kingdom Hearts 3D Jump Festa 2012 trailer will be posted on the game's official website "early in the week". This could mean today or tomorrow!
- Famitsu Weekly magazine will include an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D, detailing what we learnt at the event. This releases on December 22, 2011 and may contain a Nomura interview.
What We Learnt at the Event
- Kingdom Hearts 3D is set for a March 2012 release date in Japan
- Various details about the "Country of the Musketeers" world
- A world based on Tron Legacy will appear in the game (more on this later)
- A set of images explaining some gameplay features of Kingdom Hearts 3D
- Many photos of the game's display at the event & Wonder Meow plushie
- The trailer which appeared at the event was 8 minutes long. We have a complete translated transcription of this trailer, which reveals a lot about the game. Make sure you read this, it is very detailed and interesting!
- Various The World Ends With You characters, including Neku, Joshua, Beat, Shiki and Rhyme, all appear
- Many past original Kingdom Hearts characters will appear in the game. Since this is a pretty big spoiler, we'll let you read the trailer impressions to find out who
- Famitsu.com posted their own impressions of the trailer and demo
- FF-Reunion posted their own impressions of the game's demo
- elwijf2012 also posted their own impressions of the game's demo & trailer
We hope you enjoyed Jump Festa 2012, and continue to visit KH13 for the best Kingdom Hearts news and coverage! Keep checking back, as the trailer will be released very soon, and keep discussing Kingdom Hearts 3D on our forum.
Our coverage of Jump Festa 2012 has begun. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared with a new trailer, playable demo, and new world announcement, This article will remain pinned at the top and contains links to all news from the event. Please discuss any news on our forum.
Summary (This contains links to collections of all news so far)
- Kingdom Hearts 3D to be released March 2012
- Kingdom Hearts 3D, Country of the Musketeers details
- Photos of Kingdom Hearts 3D at Jump Festa 2012
- Instructional Kingdom Hearts 3D images
- Impressions of KH3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer & demo
Post event coverage
1:06PM EST: New photos of KH3D at Jump Festa 2012, from Famitsu.com
5:19AM EST: Better translation of Famitsu.com demo & trailer impressions
3:58AM EST: Four new photos from GAME Watch and 4Gamer.net
3:23AM EST: Jump Festa 2012 has concluded. However, stay tuned, as it is likely we'll see the trailer uploaded in the next day or two.
Day 2: Live event coverage
11:38PM EST: A new photo, with the trailer in the background
11:20PM EST: Another set of trailer & demo impressions from a Japanese blogger (Tron Legacy details & CGI scene details)
9:38PM EST: Much higher quality scan of Country of the Musketeers
8:15PM EST: Some interesting Tweets from ArikaMiz about the KH3D trailer & demo
1:01PM EST: Updated with FF-Reunion's impressions of the KH3D demo
7:30AM EST: More photos of KH3D at Jump Festa 2012
5:50AM EST: Added trailer impressions from Famitsu.com
5:25AM EST: Added new photos from Famitsu.com
3:38AM EST: Updated trailer impression to include more detail
Day 1: Live event coverage
11:21PM EST: A complete translation of the trailer
10:45PM EST: The trailer shows parts of the game's Opening, and Kairi/Naminé appear
10:01PM EST: The marks underneath Axel's eyes are gone
9:35PM EST: We have re-organized our news in a clear way. Please see the summary above, and the updated articles below.
9:18PM EST: Photos of Kingdom Hearts 3D at Jump Festa 2012
9:06PM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Country of the Musketeers details
8:35PM EST: In the trailer, Xemnas is shown aggressively approaching Sora. Axel/Lea is shown near a castle
8:30PM EST: Instructional Kingdom Hearts 3D images
8:10PM EST: Tron Legacy world! Sora appears in a gliding, shooting game
8:01PM EST: Rhyme from TWEWY, and both Xion and Roxas appear in the trailer. Pete and Maleficent also appear.
7:36PM EST: Shiki from TWEWY appears & Terra-Xehanort is wearing an Organization cloak
7:29PM EST: Square Enix will be selling Dream Eater plushies
7:18PM EST: Impressions of Kingdom Hearts 3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer (Axel, Terra-Xehanort and Vanitas appear!)
7:11PM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D to be released March 2012
11:24AM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer will be 8 minutes long
10:35AM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D image showing touch screen functions
Keep reading for more news about Jump Festa 2012!
