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Kingdom Hearts 3D shipped 650,000 copies in NA & Europe

Square Enix have released sales information for the 6 month period ending on September 30, 2012. This report confirms that Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] (which released in Europe on July 20, 2012, and North America on July 31, 2012) has sold over 650,000 copies in both Europe and North America, from its release, up until September 30. Thanks to Gematsu for the find.
If we include Japanese sales, which were confirmed to be over 310,000 copies as of May 13, 2012, then we can say for sure that Kingdom Hearts 3D has shipped at least 960,000 copies worldwide-- however, factoring in the Japanese sales since May 13, and the International sales since September 30, we could estimate that Kingdom Hearts 3D has sold above 1 million copies worldwide.
DChiuch

Official Kingdom Hearts 3D puzzle to release on November 23

Amazon.co.jp have created a pre-order page for a new piece of official Kingdom Hearts merchandise-- a 2000-piece Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] puzzle! This is in addition to the two puzzles that were announced in June. This new puzzle will be available on November 23, 2012 for ¥3,834 (approximately US$47.78). You can see the image that it's based on below.

DChiuch

Chain of Memories manga to be sold in French on October 31

The Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories manga series is finally seeing a localized release in French. This is notable as it is the first time that the Chain of Memories manga (which started release in Japan on October 22, 2005) has received a release in French. Even if this isn't your language, it is still nice to see some official localisations being done on the manga.
PIKA Edition have announced that both Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Chain of Memories manga will be released on October 31, 2012; with Volume 1 of the Kingdom Hearts II manga coming on January 2, 2013. Let's hope that one day we can see an English publication continue the localization of the manga series. (The last English edition of the manga was Kingdom Hearts II Volume 2 on May 9, 2008.) Thanks to KHDestiny for the tip.
DChiuch

Richard Epcar has not (yet) recorded any lines for HD 1.5 ReMIX

Richard Epcar is a recurring English voice actor in the Kingdom Hearts series, responsible for the voice of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness and Xehanort in all games released since Kingdom Hearts II. Roxasman1231 from KH13 contacted Epcar on Facebook, and asked him whether or not he will be recording lines in Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX--- to which the answer was "haven't heard anything yet". You can see this below.

This *could* mean one of the following things, however, keep in mind that nothing is confirmed! Feel free to make up your own mind about what this news means. We've tried to present the facts, along with some ideas, so that you're not mislead into believing something false.
- Many people are speculating as to whether or not Ansem, Seeker of Darkness in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix will keep his original voice actor, Billy Zane, or if they will call in the voice actor that has done his lines since Kingdom Hearts II, Richard Epcar. It is possible that this points towards the former being true.
- Alternatively, perhaps Square Enix NA has not started localising the game yet.
Also, we think it's worthwhile to address another matter-- some websites (such as Gematsu and Siliconera) have reported that the recent HD 1.5 ReMIX announcement was "only for Japan". This has lead to widespread confusion about a possible English release of the game, with many people believing that this means there will not be one-- don't be alarmed, however, since it is normal for the initial announcement of Kingdom Hearts games to be "only for Japan". Every single game has been announced in Japan first, with the English announcement later. Nothing to worry about!
Update: Roxasman1231 from KH13 has contacted Quinton Flynn, the voice actor for Axel in the Kingdom Hearts series, asking him whether or not he has any confirmation regarding HD 1.5 ReMIX. Quinton Flynn replied saying that he has not received any info, indicating that English vocalisation for the game has not yet begun. Axel is confirmed to have new lines in the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Theatre Mode of HD 1.5 ReMIX.
DChiuch

October 11 Dengeki screenshots & full Nomura interview

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 have translated this for you below.
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 translated the Dengeki Online article into English, and you can read this translation below.
Interview with Director of the Kingdom Hearts Series Mr Tetsuya Nomura! Finally heading for the climax of Xehanort’s reign as threat in the ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’
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.
---Can the fans of the series look forward to the usual secret movie...?
Nomura: I really don’t want to lead anyone on or cause false hope, so please let me be clear on this: unfortunately, this time, there is no new secret movie.
---Recently there have been many Kingdom Hearts titles on handheld consoles, so it’s quite nostalgic to have one for a main console.
Nomura: The last title to come out on a main console was Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ (※released on PS2 in 2007), wasn’t it? At the time of Kingdom Hearts 3D[Dream Drop Distance], I said that the next Kingdom Hearts game would be coming out on a main console, and we have made that happen. To the fans who haven’t played Kingdom Hearts on a main console in a long time, I would be so happy if you would welcome this title.
---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.
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts merchandise at New York Comic Con 2012

Square Enix attended the 2012 New York Comic Con, which ran between October 11 and October 14, and at the event, featured various Kingdom Hearts merchandise. While all of this merchandise has been seen before, we thought you would like to see photos of it at the event. It includes various upcoming Play Arts, as well as the Meow Wow plush toy. All photos, thanks to Square Enix and The Toyark, can be seen below, in our gallery.
DChiuch

HD 1.5 ReMIX appears in October 11 Dengeki (w/ Nomura interview)

The latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation, 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 1: 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.
Update 2: Just a minor correction-- we originally reported that this interview was from Famitsu Weekly, however, the interview is actually from Dengeki PlayStation.
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.
Update 3: Dengeki Online have mentioned this article, and with it, uploaded a small scan. Unfortunately, it looks like all included screenshots have been previously released by Famitsu Weekly.

DChiuch

Happy Birthday! KH13.com turns 4 years old today

On this day in 2008, four years ago, KH13.com was launched. We started with a vision of providing the best quality Kingdom Hearts cutscenes on the Internet, and since the October 10, 2008 launch (October 9 in some timezones), this vision has expanded to a new goal-- providing the most comprehensive source for everything Kingdom Hearts. Whether you want the most up-to-date news, the most active and friendly community, or the largest collection of Kingdom Hearts videos, images and information, KH13 has become the definite go-to place.
We are months past the release of the 7th game in the series, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], but we still have much to look forward to-- Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- and Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers are both on the horizon, with HD 2.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts III being all but confirmed to be coming soon after.
Feel free to leave a comment and let us know how KH13.com and the Kingdom Hearts series have been a big part of your life. We're very happy to see so many nice comments already, and would love to hear your own thoughts. Personally, I feel very privileged to have started something from nothing and see it grow into such a large community. We owe a lot of thanks to our staff, and to each and every fan of the Kingdom Hearts series. Thankyou for being such a wonderful community! ♥
DChiuch

October 4 Famitsu scans + Tetsuya Nomura interview + screens

The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, releasing on October 4, 2012, has contained an article on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. The article contains a full interview with Tetsuya Nomura, and thanks to Famitsu.com and to goldpanner for translating, you can read this, as well as see the HQ screenshots, below.
Report on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-: Pictures of prettied-up screens and an Interview with Mr. Tetsuya Nomura
This year marks 10 years since the first Kingdom Hearts title was born, and now with the time ripe it is being remastered in HD. Let's peruse the content from these screencaps and an interview with director Mr. Tetsuya Nomura!
A NEW DOOR OPENS IN HD
Kingdom Hearts (hereon KH) is an action RPG series loved throughout the world. Of the seven stories that have been revealed so far, KH Final Mix and KH Re:Chain of Memories have been remastered in HD in KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, releasing in 2013 for PS3. On top of this, KH 358/2 Days is also included as a volume converted to video! Without further ado, let's check out the new images of each title, born again and more gorgeous than ever.
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Kingdom Hearts, in which Sora, the protagonist of the series, and Donald and Goofy travel through various Disney worlds. This title, which released in March 2002, returned triumphantly as KH Final Mix, which used the North American version that released the same year in December as a base with added components and the English voicing. This Final Mix version has been remastered in HD in KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-. The voicing that was in English will be in Japanese.
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
After the adventures of KH, Sora and Donald and Goofy set foot in 'Castle Oblivion', in which the further you go in, the more you lose your memories... KH Re:Chain of Memories, remastered in HD for this title, was originally included with KH2 Final Mix, which released in 2007. It was a 3D remake of the Gameboy Advance title KH Chain of Memories, which released in 2004.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 DAYS
The protagonist of KH 356/2 Days is Roxas, a young man who played an important role in KH2. The story of Roxas and Axel, who takes care of him, and Xion, a girl who has newly joined 'Organisation XIII', unfolds. In KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, you can appreciate the main story of KH 358/2 Days put to video and bestowed new voicing as a video volume.
Kingdom Hearts FOR PC BROWSER (TENTATIVE TITLE)
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browser (tentative title), announced at Tokyo Game Show 2012 with KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, will be a free to play online game for PC browsers. As a player you will customise an avatar that will represent you and adventure through Disney worlds. It seems that undertaking quests and cooperating with friends to defeat enemies will be elements?
WE ASK DIRECTOR MR. TETSUYA NOMURA ABOUT KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-
This year marks 10 years since the first Kingdom Hearts title was born, and now with the time ripe it is being remastered in HD. Let's peruse the content from these screencaps and an interview with director Mr. Tetsuya Nomura!
―Please tell us the details of how the release of KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX- came to be.
Mr. Tetsuya Nomura (hereon Nomura): All the titles in the series so far are a collection, first establishing the internal set-up, called the 'Seeker of Darkness Chronicles' (※), and I wanted to bring together the whole story arriving at KH2 before we turn to its conclusion.
―There's strong meaning behind going over it again, isn't there. Will there be changes or additions to the content of the games?
Nomura: The two titles that are included as games will have trophy support. We intend to include an extensive range of trophies, from the more orthodox to ones that won't go down easily. Also, the controls in KH1 have been modified to be a little closer to the ones in KH2. We've also replaced some of the models of the main characters with the most recent ones.
―Why are you remaking KH 358/2 Days as a video volume rather than a game?
Nomura: Actually, I had also been thinking about doing a full remake like KH Re:Chain of Memories (hereon KH Re:CoM). However, if we had started that it would have considerably delayed starting work on the new title, so it ended up being included in the form of something like the 'theatre mode' that we already have in the series. We are changing 70% of the main story into cutscenes, with freshly-recorded voicing too, and we are currently working on around 100 scenes. If you watch from start to finish, you will know and understand the story of KH 358/2 Days. Though it's in a different form than the game I think people will enjoy it.
―Can you please tell us a little more about the series-first KH game for PC browser?
Nomura: This is not a title with an emphasis on story, but we are working premises in. That said, for the first time in the series you can enjoy the content completely separately from the main series, so even beginners to the series might be able to be at ease playing it. The battling is different again from KH Re:CoM, and we are aiming for something with simple controls and flashy movements. I think customising is important to this type of game, so we are filling it with new elements in that area.
―By the way, what of a HD version of KH2 and up?
Nomura: It would be unnatural not to (laughs).
―Here's hoping! And now, lastly, a message for the gamers please.
Nomura: Because the series so far has been scattered over different consoles, I think there have been people who found it difficult to access, with sequels such as KH2 that might already have come out by the time they came to know about the series. With KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX- you can enjoy the story from the beginning, and in HD quality on top of that, so if you haven't played yet please by all means use this opportunity to do so. I think even those who have already played through the series may make new discoveries regarding foreshadowing of sequels and lines that reference previous lines and such by taking another look at everything aligned in chronological order. I would be happy if this title turns out to be a 'restart' for the series.
※Seeker of Darkness Chronicles... mentioned as the phrase 'Xehanort Chronicles' in a previous interview with Weekly Famitsu, this refers to Xehanort the Seeker of Darkness being the pivot of the whole series. 'Seeker of Darkness Chronicles' is the formal name first used in the project proposal.
Update: We have scanned and uploaded high quality versions of the article in the October 4, 2012 issue of Famitsu Weekly. You can view these below. (And remember to click for a much larger image!)

DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers appears in October 4 Famitsu

The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, releasing on October 4, 2012, has contained an article on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. Details of this article have appeared online on hokanko-alt, and translations have appeared thanks to our translator, goldpanner [original translation]. Read on to see a summary of what Nomura said, and check back later for scans and the full interview.
- Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers is not a title with an emphasis on story, but they are working in a set-up. You can enjoy the content as something completely separate from the main series. The card battling is different from Chain of Memories. They are filling this title with new elements for this type of customisation-based title. Update: bKvEBVAvUq has uploaded the first small scan of the article, which gives us our first look at Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers! You can see this below, in our gallery.
[Click here for all HD 1.5 ReMIX content from the same issue.]
DChiuch

HD 1.5 ReMIX appears in October 4 Famitsu (w/ Nomura interview)

The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, releasing on October 4, 2012, has contained an article on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. Details of this article have appeared online on 2ch.net, gamenyarth and hokanko-alt, and translations have appeared thanks to sqexgal [original translation] and our translator goldpanner [original translation]. Read on to see a summary of what Nomura said, and check back later for scans and the full interview.
- HD 1.5 ReMIX will be co-directed by Tai Yasue, who previously co-directed Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. The producer is Rie Nishi, and the director is, of course, Tetsuya Nomura. - Famitsu asked “Is there gonna be a high-definition version of Kingdom Hearts II later?”, and Nomura replied “It’d be unusual if there wasn’t.”
- Various character models for Kingdom Hearts, including Sora, have been replaced with character models from Kingdom Hearts 3D.
- The two titles included as games will have trophy support. Various aspects of Kingdom Hearts have been changed to be more like Kingdom Hearts II. The screen ratio and gauge placement have also been revised. The controls are made to be a little closer to the Kingdom Hearts II controls.
- Nomura thought of doing a full remake for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, but since it was too late to start work on a new title, it was done in the form of Theater Mode. 70% of the main story has been put to video with freshly-recorded voicing, and they are currently working on around 100 scenes.
- The series so far has been scattered on various hardware, by the time new fans came to know Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II was already out. Before turning to the conclusion of the present series, the 'Seeker of Darkness Chronicles' (same as what has been called the Xehanort Chronicles up until now), Nomura wanted to bring the whole story together.
- Nomura: “I figured since there were people who had a hard time keeping up with the sequels, we had to start from the beginning with Kingdom Hearts HD. I also thought that familiar fans might make new discoveries seeing everything in chronological order with the sequels side by side.”
- Nomura said that because the series so far has been scattered over different consoles, there have been people who found it difficult to access sequels. Seeing as you will now be able to enjoy the story in HD quality right from the beginning, he would absolutely love for those who haven't played yet to do so. Even those who have already played it all may make new discoveries regarding foreshadowing and lines that reference previous lines and such. He would be happy if this title turns out to be a 'restart' for the series.
[Click here for all Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers content from the same issue.]
DChiuch

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