This updated listing also reveals that the guidebook has again been delayed. The new release date for North America is now October 21, 2013.
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This updated listing also reveals that the guidebook has again been delayed. The new release date for North America is now October 21, 2013.
--So many fans were ecstatic with the announcement of Kingdom Hearts 3 back in June. Could you give us another run down of the series and the new title Kingdom Hearts 3? Nomura: The Kingdom Hearts series has a lot of Disney characters, and you play as original characters, traveling to the various Disney worlds. It’s a story about the “heart” as the series unfolds. It’s a story that’s been ongoing for more than 10 years and continues into Kingdom Hearts 3 where we’ll see the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Saga.
--Since it’s the latest console game in the series since Kingdom Hearts 2 which released in 2005, what kind of changes and evolutions can we expect to see?
Nomura: I think when you watch the in development trailers, you get a feel of the depth that's possible on a console title. In the case of mobile systems, the amount of information is limited, but with the home consoles you can make a game with a wide field of view. It's been such a long time since Kingdom Hearts has been on the home console, that I think you can feel the considerable scale of it.
--On that large a scale, I expect we’ll be able to enjoy even more dynamic action.
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts is a series where action continues to evolve. With the past spin off titles, we did something new and the bold action elements changed each time. One thing I want to do with KH3 is to pick and choose the challenges and unique systems from the spin off titles while keeping the system based in the flow of KH1 & KH2.
--What’s an example of bold action?
Nomura: Sora's mobility has really improved. There are so many possibilities, but implementing all of them would be extravagant, so right now I'm considering what elements and to what degree they'll be liberalized. After all, it's an RPG as well as an action game. It does have that "jump as far as you want" kind of the action characteristic.
--Jump as far as you want? That’s insane!
Nomura: In the actual game there will be some sort of limit, but this time we are adopting the "free run" style like in current action games, where you can run around, climb, etc. Additionally, your aerial ability and jump ability rise rapidly, so it feels like the action elements are really extravagant. I think people who have played KH2 might understand it easily, it already has greater mobility than Sora's Final Form from that game.
--That kind of mobility, no doubt the next gen system PS4 has the ability to realize it?
Nomura: I think that the PS4's power is capable of handling a diverse array of actions in a wide area and battles against large numbers of enemies.
--Are you powering up the map's traits as well?
Nomura: We're preparing a fair number of actions that involve the world maps. Things like climbing up a cliff that crumbles with falling stones, and enemies lifting up a building that you are in.
--In the E3 2013 trailer, we see a large number of Shadow Heartless squirming and moving almost like a tidal wave. It seems like the enemies' mobility has evolved too.
Nomura: This time we are focusing our attention on developing the AI. The AI of both your allies and enemies has evolved in a way that hasn't been seen so far. Before when a large number of enemies appeared, they all followed a program action pattern. But this time each enemy behaves according to it's own thought process. I think it's something that has been drastically powered up compared to the previous KH titles.
--Speaking of allies, will the actions of our travel partners Goofy and Donald change as well?
Nomura: Their AI is also being powered up considerably. Since Disney characters have concrete personalities, I want them to act according to their own thoughts instead of just giving them an order and having them obey like in the Final Fantasy series. Relating to their AI, we're configuring it so Donald and Goofy act more like themselves.
--Even when they cooperate and mobile, it's not like you give them clear instructions like before.
Nomura: The direction we're taking in their growth is to have it so they consider the situation, and help out accordingly. As the player is busy controlling Sora in battle, they consider how they'll participate and their actions increase accordingly.
--With the PS4's specs and memory volume, the PS4 is able to implement those features?
Nomura: Well, even with the KH games so far, we've made it as seamless to the best of our ability, but the data is resident in the memory... So we include as many actions, motions and effects as possible. Luckily, the PS4's memory volume is big, so it helps.
--Bold action, map features, and enemy AI. That's a lot to squeeze into one screen. When I consider it compared to KH2, it seems to become a pretty different game.
Nomura: Since it's a numbering KH title that crosses into the next gen, I think you'll be able to feel how it's evolved proportionately.
--How about the graphics?
Nomura: We're aiming for a photo realistic representation combined with a tone of each Disney world.
--You’ve mentioned before that KH3 has a new shader being developed for it, can you tell us about it again?
Nomura: This isn't the official name, but it's something we call the Kingdom Shader. You saw it a little bit in the E3 trailer, this visual of a Disney 2D produced painted image represented in 3D. This time, when I was thinking about how the graphics in KH3 would be visualized, it started with Takeshi Nozue working in Visual Works, and he made patterns of various visuals for me. He gave me this "painted looking visual" pattern and I wound up showing it at E3. Visual Works makes pre-rendered footage, and this is based on a way to make it work in real time.
--Is the painted looking visual something that you’ve wanted to implement for a long time?
Nomura: Since the very first title, the graphic gradation was made with the intention of representing the painted look of Disney's animations. But with the hardware back then didn't have the capability to adjust the lighting freely, so we tried to portray a painted visual in the textures we used. But this time the hardware's capabilities are better, there is no option of "not using light." You don't get a sense of graphical evolution just by setting old graphics to HD, my goal with the next gen isn't to do something that reproduces the pre-rendered scenes from KH1 & KH2 in real time. I considered the concept of the visuals and thus the representation Kingdom Shader was created.
--I think all the fans are wondering, what worlds will appear, what enemies will we battle against, etc... Do you have anything to share about that?
Nomura: Not yet right now. (laughs)
--Nothing, huh? But of course new worlds will be introduced, right?
Nomura: As for worlds, I've made some choices and started making them, but at this stage I can't announce what world and which characters. Information will come little by little... There are a lot of new worlds since there are so many Disney titles that haven't appeared yet. As for familiar worlds and characters, you can expect that the locations will be completely, the visuals will be different.
--Are the plans for KH3 to utilize the DUALSHOCK 4 functions?
Nomura: Like Final Fantasy XV, KH3 is being developed in DirectX 11, so in what ways it will use the PS4's functions hasn't been decided concretely yet. Right now we're in a stage where we are making note of the hardware and it'll become clearer in the future. When I have an idea, I think how about we use the DUALSHOCK 4 touch pad? So I think I'd use it in some form, but right now nothing is decided.
--Are you thinking about corresponding functions with tablets or the PS Vita?
Nomura: Naturally I'm considering external devices, but I'm still thinking of ideas right now.
--Many things can be realized with the PS4, but there seems to be a lot of troubling things too.
Nomura: I suppose so. Ideas I think are original are already being realized by other makers, so we are waiting to see what they do, but it's also nerve wracking. So far I've made games on a variety of hardware, but since I want put in as many elements as I can, I have a lot to think about. Because there are various possibilities, I want to make the kinda games that stand out as interesting.
--As someone who has seen the generation changes of many systems, what about the PS4 has impacted you?
Nomura: I thought it was overkill. (laughs) As expected I gradually accepted it and then I wanted one. (laughs) Players are swelling with expectations, but to make something suitable for this system, this is a hurdle that developers must overcome. The things you can do have increased immensely, so once you start broadening the possibilities, it doesn't end, the possibilities just grow. You're pressed to choose what ideas to keep and what to toss. The announcement at E3 has passed, and I am still feeling the huge response that KH3 received. Everyone was so happy in that moment, I'm challenged by how I'll live up to that expectation with this title. It's a big challenge when you have this system where the power of expression is so high. There have been a variety of systems so far, but I feel like this one is the greatest mountain to overcome.
--Not just in Japan, but fans around the world are waiting.
Nomura: The mountain is being exceeded so far. I think we'll be able to do something, I believe in my staff.
--So are the Final Fantasy XV team and Kingdom Hearts 3 team influencing each other in any way?
Nomura: Well, when they see the other team, they get inspired by the great things they see, but that's because that's how things were created in the Square era. KH3's development started later, so it's not as far along, but I think that it's good motivation.
--By the way, we'll see the end of the Dark Seeker Saga in KH3, but what will happen after that?
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts is a Disney title, so I can't speak for them, but naturally, in my own mind I have ideas about what happens after KH3. About characters, and developments. Maybe sometime there will be a chance to talk about that, but rather than thinking out the concrete details regarding that, right now my first priority is completing KH3. I want to put out KH3 quickly.
--We're looking forward to it. Alright, any last messages for the viewers?
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts 2 were for PS2 and we skipped the PS3 and now we are releasing Kingdom Hearts 3 onto PS4. The power of expression has increased drastically, and from the developments accumulated so far, even the gameplay by itself, I think that it's become something with depth. So that the day fans can experience it for themselves, we are all working are hardest, so please look forward to the next update.
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Famitsu.com have published a full transcript of the interview. We will have a full, proper translation of this interview up ASAP. Until then, enjoy!
Update 1: @sqexgal has translated a detailed summary of Nomura's points in the interview, and this summary can be read below. Stay tuned for a full translation!
Update 2: @sqexgal has now done a complete translation of the interview, and this full translation can be read here. With a very big thanks to her, enjoy!
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Update 1: Disney Japan have uploaded the Japanese version of the trailer in 1080p. This can be seen below.
Update 2: goldpanner has translated all of the command windows appearing in this gameplay trailer, and these translations can be seen below. Images are thanks to Water Block.
Roll Splash
Jump Off Attack
Magic
Item
Summon Raid Ride
Jump Dodge
Get Off Update 3: Tealgamemaster and Zimfan506 have together created a detailed analysis of the new Kingdom Hearts III trailer, pointing out many things that you may not have noticed. We think this is worth a watch, so check it out below.
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Square Enix have announced that the new Kingdom Hearts III trailer from D23 Expo Japan will be online at 11PM PDT. This is less than 3 hours away! (Check the time of this post.) The trailer will feature all-new gameplay, including new abilities, attacks and enemies from the game. The thumbnails of this currently private YouTube video are already available, and they can be seen below. Enjoy!
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- The new KH3 trailer shows something like attractions, a train summon like the electrical parade? Also fighting the Rock titan. - Movements on screen are really dynamic. Just as beautiful as expected for the PS4.
- I also noticed a scene where it looked like a Keyblade variation where Sora dual shooting 2 guns.
- Sora's new attack! Disney attractions! In the new trailer, you see the pirate ship from Peter Pan, but it's lit up like in the Electrical Parade!
- Fighting Heartless and the Rock Titan in Traverse Town. Sora is in front of the electrical parade attraction like boat, attacking. The Rock Titan line gradually appears in front of the electric parade coaster. It seems to attack by spinning around the Titan.
- They already said that KH3 uses an exclusive tool called Kingdom Shader, but seeing it, it's really amazing! Sora's hair sways naturally, his expression is soft and realistic, his caricature is portrayed beautifully. I want this trailer to be released immediately!
- On the scene where Sora wields 2 guns, it seems that the guns are related to an attraction with the little green men. リトルグリーンメン is what the little green men in Toy Story are called officially in Japanese, so maybe we have Toy Story confirmed. Maybe.
- It goes without saying that the action is great, but even flames appear really realistic! I can't wait to see what the magic will look like from here on out!
- The special attraction attack used against Rock Titan is the Electric Parade like roller coaster you can ride! It looks a lot like the Big Thunder Mountain attraction from Disneyland. Donald and Goofy are secured by the safety bar, lol.
- Also, there was a scene where the Keyblade transformed into 2 guns.
- The KH3 trailer we've been waiting for centered on a battle scene with Sora Donald and Goofy in Traverse Town. It looked like Sora was using Aqua's Magic Wish command style. Lastly, the Keyblade separated and was held in both hands, shooting balls of light.
- Then the scene changes and we see Sora operating a boat like in an amusement park. Probably Peter Pan. It looks like the night version of the float that Peter Pan rides in the Disneyland Jubilation parade.
- The next scene looks like Big Thunder Mountain from Disneyland. You attack while riding on top of a shining coaster as the tracks surround Rock Titan, sending him spinning. Finally, Sora and co get off the coaster as it crashes into the Titan.
- This trailer seems to show practical in game footage judging by the movement conditions. The motif this time was the attractions of Disney. The latest KH3 trailer was only battle scenes that confirm the appearance of Sora and Riku. Look forward to Roxas, Ven, and the rest from here on out.
A new trailer showing off the past games in the Kingdom Hearts series was also shown, and the details of this trailer are below, again thanks to @sqexgal.
- The compilation trailer shows memorable scenes. Lastly the line "To you, wherever you are in this world", followed by Keyblade/key confetti. - The compilation trailer included flashback scenes of hugs, handshakes, arm grabs, Keyblade succession, head pats, etc. Very heartwarming. Xion, Namine, and Vanitas also appeared.
Lastly, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX was announced at the event. Make sure you check out this article below.
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Update 1: Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX is exclusive to the PlayStation 3. (Source: Post on PlayStation Blog) Note that this confirms that the game is coming internationally, and that Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix will be full, playable titles, while Kingdom Hearts Re:coded will be a collection of HD remastered cinematics.
Update 2: Debut trailer!
Update 3: Official logos!
Update 4: Official Japanese Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX website launched. Square Enix NA have also updated the official English Kingdom Hearts portal to feature Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX.
Update 5: Unofficial English dubbed trailer! (Using official English voices, from previous games.)
Update 6: Amazon.com is now accepting pre-orders.
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Photos
Gamer have posted an article about the Kingdom Hearts Limited Stage, and with the article, shared many phots of the event. These can all be seen below.
Monday, October 14, 2013
The Kingdom Hearts Limited Stage has begun! We will provide live updates here, so keep checking back. The event goes for 1 hour in total, so stay tuned. All times below are in JST. (With thanks to @aibo_ac7, @sqexgal & @shinkansen3000)
15:00 - The event has begun! 3D Keyblade holograms are being shown, with the Keyblades rotating. The χ-blade is one Keyblade shown. Mickey Mouse is on the screen, with a trailer introducing the past Kingdom Hearts games showing.
15:05 - Disney's CEO is on-stage. Past KH games are being shown.
15:10 - Kingdom Hearts III info is coming soon! Tetsuya Nomura and Shinji Hashimoto are on-stage.
15:14 - The Kingdom Hearts series has shipped over 20 million units worldwide!
15:16 - They are showing early artwork of Sora on the screen. Originally, Sora's pants were orange.
15:18 - They are showing a new trailer about the early stages of the Kingdom Hearts series!
15:24 - Hashimoto is going over the history of KH. Kingdom Hearts III is announced, and χ[chi] is now being discussed. New world(s) and scenarios are coming to Kingdom Hearts χ[chi].
15:27 - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX has been officially announced. HD 2.5 ReMIX will release in 2014, and will contain Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
15:50 - They are showing a Kingdom Hearts III trailer now! It looks much higher quality that the E3 2013 trailer. Sora and Riku are definitely appearing in KH3. Look forward to Roxas. In the new Kingdom Hearts III trailer, you are riding on a boat with attractions like Disneyland. Trailer is like you are playing the game. More details soon.
Upcoming announcements
Most Kingdom Hearts announcements at the event will occur within the "Kingdom Hearts Limited Stage", an event on October 14 at 3PM JST. A countdown to this event is above. Here, Kingdom Hearts III information and footage is likely to appear. Nomura has also mentioned his wishes to make another announcement on the stage (quote below | full interview here). Could this be Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX? We'll find out soon.
Nomura : Regarding D23 Expo Japan, this is the first time that Disney holds such an event outside the U.S., so it is a great honor for us to be invited. I’m very happy that we have the opportunity to hold a special conference for Kingdom Hearts. I really want to make a surprise announcement for this event but it is currently under discussion, so we’ll see (laughs). Since we announced Kingdom Hearts III at E3, we cannot make another announcement for the same game. Instead we will announce something else, which you will see soon enough. Saturday, October 12, 2013
Update 1: An exclusive drawing of Sora, signed by Tetsuya Nomura, is being auctioned off at the event. @luce10wa & @hinako1014 have uploaded a photo of this, and it can be seen below.
Update 2: In a speech from Bob Iger, Walt Disney Company CEO, Kingdom Hearts was mentioned, with reference to the Kingdom Hearts event at D23 Expo Japan occurring on October 14, 2013. (Source: @aibo_ac7)
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Hello everyone!! Play Community Admin here. Conversations with Creators is a video series in which we interview the creators of the PlayStation 4 titles that have been revealed so far. Before the video goes public on the Play Community blog, just our Play Community registered members get the next new info early!
The next episode of Conversations with Creators is, once again, Tetsuya Nomura, director of Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts III! He gave us a perspective on the PS4 and on this title that was different yet again from his Final Fantasy XV video that went up the other day.
He gave us a comment especially for the members of Play Community to see before the video releases. Take a look.
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I still don't have much information on KHIII that I can release to the public, but I spoke to the extent I was able. Please enjoy the interview, along with part of the new clip that will be released at the event this month.
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We hope you enjoyed this new info, please look forward to the interview video!
Nomura's bolded quote above seems to imply that his 'Conversations with Creators' interview will contain part of a new clip that will be released at the Kingdom Hearts event at D23 Expo Japan, which occurs in a few days time. Stay tuned, as it won't be long before we know exactly what is shown.
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RPG Site's HD 1.5 ReMIX interview with Shinji Hashimoto & Yoko Shimomura
One interesting thing asked was about the possibility of a Kingdom Hearts II HD, and of HD collections for the Xbox. We've copied this question and its response below, with thanks to RPG Site.
RPG Site: Having played the Japanese version already, I feel that it's really raised the bar for what can be expected from HD remakes. With Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster now also on the way, has it allowed Square Enix to streamline the process to consider revisiting more of their PlayStation 2 output? Hashimoto: To be able to make all those different Kingdom Hearts games within the series in HD we need your support and we need everyone's support worldwide. If everyone played HD 1.5 ReMIX and they loved it, then we could then move on to the next one...? At the moment, we'd just like everyone to enjoy HD 1.5 ReMIX.
As you know we've done HD 1.5 ReMIX, Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster, and Final Fantasy VII on PC, so the art team is currently working non-stop at the moment. It's very difficult to catch up with all the latest technology alongside that.
RPG Site: If Kingdom Hearts II HD was ever considered down the line, it would obviously help bridge the gap ahead of Kingdom Hearts III on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. 1.5 has only seen release on PlayStation 3 - but could Xbox owners ever see a HD version to help prepare them for the next title hitting their platform of choice? Hashimoto: I've been asked so many times about this! I need to ask one in return -- would you like to see the games on Xbox?
RPG Site: I'm personally already familiar with the games on PlayStation, but obviously there are a lot of Xbox owners in the West, especially the UK and North America, who won't be. It may seem like something of a dodging answer, but I just see it as an area of the market that might currently be missed - even if it wouldn't effect me personally.
Hashimoto: [chuckles and nods] Thank you for explaining. We'll continue to consider this prospect.
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You can watch/download all the trailers, commercials and promotional videos for the English version of HD 1.5 ReMIX in our trailer archive.
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