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BradyGames to release guidebook for Kingdom Hearts 3D

Mike Degler from BradyGames has revealed in an interview that BradyGames will be making a guidebook for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Not much else is known at this stage, but you can see the full quote below. Thanks to Pandora333 from KH13 for the find.
MCV: What other guides are you working on over the next year? MD: We have Diablo III, Max Payne 3, Guild Wars 2, Borderlands 2 and BioShock Infinite to name a few. We just secured a deal with Disney to do the next Kingdom Hearts title for 3DS. We recently released the Street Fighter X Tekken guide which is a really great fighting game guide. We actually use tournament-level players to help with the book and it has some killer strategies in it.
DChiuch

V Jump shows off Dream Eater to be included in next issue

The next issue of V Jump magazine, set to release on April 21, 2012, will contain a Dream Eater AR card for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. This card will unlock an exclusive Dream Eater Spirit in the game, known as "Vacation Seal". The V Jump website has been updated with the first image of this Dream Eater, and you can see this below. Thanks to bKvEBVAvUq for the find.

Update: If you want to buy this issue of V Jump and receive the exclusive Dream Eater AR card, then you can do so by ordering it from Amazon.co.jp. Thanks to JayC from KH13 for the tip.
Update 2: V Jump have published another graphic which advertises the issue of the magazine, and the exclusive AR card. You can see this below.

DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D at PAX East 2012

PAX East 2012 (or, the "Penny Arcade Expo") is a gaming event in Boston that ran between April 6 to April 8, 2012. While Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] was not on Square Enix's line-up of games for the event, it did actually appear with some small coverage. Firstly, we have a nice image of a Kingdom Hearts 3D cube below, which appeared at the event. This was uploaded by SquareEnixEmily.

Secondly, thanks to GameZone, we know that Kingdom Hearts 3D appeared at the event with a demo entirely in Japanese. Hopefully, we'll see some English demos later on, but if you would like to read impressions of the Japanese demo then read on. This Kingdom Hearts 3D demo was press-only, and not playable by members of the public.
GameZone's impressions of the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo
The Game Fanatic's impressions of the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo
Game Rant's impressions of the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo
Destructoid's impressions of the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo
Escapist Magazine's impressions of the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo

Update: If you read The Game Fanatic's impressions of the demo, then you might notice the following excerpt:
We were told that a fully functional English demo would of been available a week later. How interesting! It seems that Square Enix are preparing an English demo for Kingdom Hearts 3D. It sounds like this will most likely be a press-only demo as well, but who knows, if we're lucky then we might see the demo elsewhere!
DChiuch

First look at the Dream Eater AR card included in Dream World Navigation

As you might know, Dream World Navigation, the guidebook for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] by the publisher of V Jump magazine, includes an exclusive Dream Eater AR card which can unlock a spirit in the game. Thanks to sqexgal, who bought the book, we now have our first look at the included AR card. It is for the Dream Eater "Taihou Kabuto", and you can see a picture of it below.

DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D in the April 5 issue of Famitsu Weekly

Update 2: sqexgal has translated an additional 5 questions which were asked to Tetsuya Nomura by Famitsu Weekly. You can read this translation below.
- Can you tell us a bit more about the last illustration revealed for Kingdom Hearts 3D? Nomura: That illustration was the first one I drew for the KH3D packaging. Like I mentioned in a previous interview, Sora is small in it so it’s hard to recognize who he is, so it went back on the shelf so to speak.
- Sora is quite small in it!
Nomura: Well that… It’s not related but since we’re on the topic of small things… Hazama-san (Theatrhythm Final Fantasy’s Producer) wanted me to mention that the song “Somnus” is available for download in Theatrhythm FF, I told him it wasn’t related to Kingdom Hearts so it’d be off topic, but now I’ve said my part. (Laughs.)
- It’s a good thing we have bonus time. (Laughs.) “Somnus” is a song from Final Fantasy Versus XIII huh. It’s a nice chance for all those who can’t wait to enjoy a little taste of the game.
Nomura: Also coming up, next week’s issue of Famitsu Weekly (on sale April 12) will contain an exclusive AR card for KH3D. Your collection won’t be incomplete without the Spirit Dream Eater on the card, but I thought it’d be fun to include an additional element that players could look forward to afterward.
- It seems that these won’t affect the collection of trophies in the game.
Nomura: That’s right. The first release of the game comes with an AR card that has 1 of 3 Spirit Dream Eaters like Kingdanyan on it, but through breeding you can obtain all 3 in the game. On the other hand, there are the Spirits on AR cards that come with Famitsu etc., these types of special promotional Spirits do not affect the completeness of the game itself.
- Lastly, a message for the fans.
Nomura: It’s thanks to all the fans who have followed Kingdom Hearts over these 10 years that it has become a prolonged series. I truly appreciate it. Thank you for this. Thinking back when I was working on the original Kingdom Hearts, I wondered if it would be well received or if the first would be the last, I had to put my trust in all the players. Although there’s probably some who have went in and out of interest during these 10 years, it’s really thanks to all those fans who anticipate the new titles and praise them after playing that we’ve been able to make it this far. In that sense, the Kingdom Hearts series was made possible by you guys. I hope to continue the series for as long as there is interest. Please continue to support us from here on out, thanks for everything.

Update: sqexgal is in the process of translating the interviews from the article. So far, she has translated the 10 questions with Tetsuya Nomura. You can read this below.
Q1. The series has celebrated its 10th anniversary, how do you feel now? A1. It’s gotten old. (Wry laughter.)
The first Kingdom Hearts title went on sale in 2002. At that time, Nomura was 31 years old.
Nomura: Really now, I can’t move like I did 10 years ago. The feeling of impossibleness has lost its effect on me. (Wry laughter.)
After this how many titles do you think you’ll put out into the world, have you calculated that far?
Nomura: After 10 years, I’ve thought that “the creator’s life span is short”, so I’ve already decided that as long as a hold a position where I have the opportunity to make things, I will do so. At any rate, so far I have already made quite a number of titles. There is still a lot I want to make, and since there is something I promised with my staff, from here on out I want to continue making titles as long as possible.
Furthermore regarding the future, Nomura added: With my close colleagues, if half of them retire maybe I’ll be able to make things more leisurely. (Laughs).
Q2. During these 10 years, what’s the most impressive occurrence to you?
A2. The release date of each title.
Nomura: When the release date comes, it feels like it’s actually been completed. Once it reaches the players hands, I can say it’s finally complete. Then the first thing I do is relax.
What about the most impressive occurrence involving the advertising team for the series?
Nomura: We were at an event in Los Angeles prior to the North American release of Kingdom Hearts II and when the trailer was streaming there was a great cheering from the crowd. It was very moving for me, and I haven’t forgotten about even now.
Q3. What would you say is the overall theme of the Kingdom Hearts series?
A3. Defining what the “heart” is.
Nomura: I set the theme around the “heart”, and the “things that the eye can’t see” that relate to it. How a character feels, and what the character thinks about those things which they can’t see, it’s drawn around that idea.
Bonds, friendships, promises, memories, sleep, and dreams. All these keywords of the series are connected to the “heart”. Also, they are things that everyone concerns themselves with in their own lives. Though it’s a fantasy, it evokes a strong sense of sympathy. Maybe that’s the reason the titles of this series reverberate in our own hearts.
Q4. As a director, what part of the Kingdom Hearts titles do you put the most consideration?
A4. I put serious consideration into every aspect.
Regarding the Kingdom Hearts series, every element passes through Nomura’s hands and he makes the final decisions, from the system’s technical specifications, to the story’s plot, the final script, the design of the small icons in the menu and maps etc., the music, and all the names of the games contents. It’s the same with promotional material, Nomura directs every detail that goes into them, from the advertisements and storefront pop ups, to how the trailers are edited.
Nomura: I put serious consideration into every aspect of the titles, I want to release it once I’m satisfied with it.
Having a responsibility to himself to only put out titles that he is satisfied with, that is Nomura’s policy for Kingdom Hearts.
Q5. When you draw the Kingdom Hearts characters, what do you focus on?
A5. I draw them freely and without expectations.
Nomura: It’s a collaborative title with Disney, but if I drew with the designs of the Disney characters in mind, then it wouldn’t really be a collaboration, so I draw Sora how I like as the standard.
Also, from the Kingdom Hearts illustrations drawn so far, which one is your favorite?
Nomura: I’ll go with my gut feeling, it’s the illustration used on the package of original Kingdom Hearts, since it was the one that began everything. I drew it thinking that it was unlike any Disney image seen before.
Q6. What components of Kingdom Hearts do you think it doesn’t lack?
A6. The deep story and refreshing action.
The series has many charms and features, but it’s these two aspects that stick out the most.
Nomura: I always tell my team, it’s about the story and action. We make Kingdom Hearts satisfy both those elements.
On top of that, the systems developed in the titles are relevant to the story among other aspects, it seems giving each element of the game meaning is Nomura’s specialty. It must be that attention to detail which he produces worlds with a sense of unity that garner him so many fans.
Q7. If you were to defined the music of Kingdom Hearts, what would you say?
A7. It’s a joint effort with Shimomura-san.
Composer Yoko Shimomura’s specialty is dramatic melodies that fill the listener with emotions, it’s easy to see how it’s a joint effort with her.
Nomura: Ultimately, the songs in Kingdom Hearts are made through a joint effort with Shimomura-san. Recently Takeshi Kando and Takeharu Ishimoto have been participating as well, but to get the atmosphere as right as possible so we can say it’s definitely Kingdom Hearts quality, the music inadvertently becomes more Shimomura-ish.
My own favorite song is “Dearly Beloved”.
Nomura: Origianlly, that song wasn’t given the go ahead. But it was a favorite of mine and I decided to use it on the title screen, now it feels like it was fated to be.
Q8. If you could give advice to yourself from 10 years ago when you begun producing Kingdom Hearts, what would you say?
A8. It’s gonna be long!
Nomura: Its continued more than I expected, I’ve had to take a lot of notes. There’s a lot to forget! (Laughs.)
At that time, amongst the 99 pages there was a comment from Kanamori, saying that there weren’t plans to make a sequel.
Nomura: There weren’t details about the story’s continuation, but I was considering it to some degree. When Kingdom Hearts was released, its sales went really well. It’s thanks to all the fans who supported the original Kingdom Hearts that we’ve been able to develop a series that’s continued for over 10 years.
Q9. Now 10 years later, what do you think has become of Kingdom Hearts?
Q9. It isn’t finished yet, huh.
Nomura: At that time, I figured by the time I was 50 years old I wouldn’t be able to work like I did then, so I took a slow pace. (Wry laughter.) The Xehanort saga will end in the next one, but it’s not necessarily completely over. When I finish it, I want to “close” the story completely, so no one could make a continuation of it. I’m thinking of a way to end it so there is no room to continue it.
While there doesn’t seem to be any details about how he will end it, he seems to have an image to some degree of how it will happen. The recently released title on sale now is the next episode in the Xehanort saga centering around Master Xehanort. I wonder when something relating to Kingdom Hearts 3, which will assumably be the final chapter, will be shown? Attentive fans will want to play Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance first and check on the secret movie.
Q10. For you, what does Kingdom Hearts mean?
Q10. My thirties.
Nomura: These works were the first ones I directed, at the same time they are my “masterpieces”. I am free to be my most creative in these titles. In an older interview, someone asked, “What does Final Fantasy mean to you?” And I answered, my twenties, because I had certainly spent my twenties working on those titles. However, 10 years after that, there’s Kingdom Hearts too.
The Final Fantasy series was founded by a number of creatives, but Kingdom Hearts was produced as a result of Nomura choosing a challenge and making a new setting altogether. Kingdom Hearts is where the creative spirit of Tetsuya Nomura really blossomed.

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] has appeared with an article in the April 5, 2012 issue of Famitsu Weekly, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series. The article is said to contain interviews with key staff members of the series, as well as a list of things to check on your second playthrough of Kingdom Hearts 3D. We do not yet have scans or complete interviews, but some details about the article are starting to appear online.
According to Siliconera, the following interview snippets have appeared online. This implies that Kingdom Hearts III will be the next game in the series.
Speaking about the tenth anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series with Famitsu, Tetsuya Nomura said the next game will complete Xehanort’s chapter. Nomura talked about Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. He said he dreamt of giving the game analog control.
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D contains non-progression glitch

Today, Square Enix have published a piece of information explaining a non-progression glitch in Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. It seems that this glitch can cause you to get stuck and not be able to progress through the game, however, a work around is said to be available using the second save slot. sqexgal's translation of the glitch description is below.
There is a glitch when you play as Riku in a certain part of the World That Never Was. If you drop as Riku in a certain spot where stairs appear but before you can go up them, when you return you will be locked out and unable to progress, thus the warning. Of course, this seems to be a very specific and rare glitch, and it will surely be fixed in the localized version of the game. However, it is still interesting to hear about!
DChiuch

Official Kingdom Hearts wall scrolls to be sold

Square Enix have updated their official online shop with two new items to be sold. These are a wall scroll based on the Kingdom Hearts cover artwork, and a wall scroll based on the Kingdom Hearts II cover artwork. Both items are said to be releasing early June 2012, and will be available for a price of ¥2,300 (approximately US$27.95). You can see a picture of the items below.


Update: Amazon.com's pages for the Kingdom Hearts scroll and Kingdom Hearts II scroll have revealed the release date of the merchandise. We now know that both will be releasing on June 8, 2012. Thanks to ArikaMiz for the tip.
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D to release on July 31, 2012 in North America

Square Enix have announced the release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] in North America, via the official Square Enix Members Twitter. As you can see below, the release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D in North America has been confirmed to be July 31, 2012!

Update 1: Gamekyo are reporting that the release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D in Europe is now expected to be on August 3, 2012. While we have not yet seen an official word from Square Enix on this (apart from the earlier leak hinting at July 27, 2012), the date does seem to be reasonable. We'll keep you updated as more information appears. Please keep in mind that it is possible that Gamekyo is reporting false information.
Update 2: Square Enix Europe have Tweeted to say that the regarding the Europe release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D, "we'll be announcing it in the very near future".
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Original Soundtrack website updated

Square Enix have updated their official website for the Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance Original Soundtrack. This update is an update to the track list page of the website, which now includes Disc 2. Some songs also have samples which you can listen to. The full track list and samples were leaked earlier, which you can read about here, but it is still nice to Square Enix releasing this information officially.
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] coverage: Summary

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] released in Japan on March 29, 2012, and since then, we've have received a lot of information, images and videos. Understandably, it's difficult to keep up with everything. Due to this, we've created this news post in order to summarize everything we've gotten so far. Of course, you may continue to discuss the game on our forums.
Please note that all of these links WILL contain spoilers.

A collection of Kingdom Hearts 3D videos

A summary of the game's story/plot

Kingdom Hearts 3D's Secret Message and Secret Movie

Pictures/information about all Keyblades in Kingdom Hearts 3D

Requirements for unlocking Secret Ending

Complete track list for the Kingdom Hearts 3D OST (with samples)

Secret boss #1 / Secret boss #2

Final words
Of course, this is just a small selection of the content we've received since Kingdom Hearts 3D was released! In order to get everything, you should read deeply into our Kingdom Hearts 3D forum, and see what people have found.
Personally, I received my copy of the game just over two days ago (photo here). I have since completed it, and while I won't go into detail, I must say that my impression of the game is that it is amazing! It is definitely the best Kingdom Hearts title yet, as Tetsuya Nomura said that others believe. Look forward to our eventual archive of subtitled cutscenes from the game, and make sure you pick up a copy of the game once it is released in your region!
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D tops sales charts

According to the Tsutaya game rankings, for the week of March 26 to April 1, 2012, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] has topped the sales list, ranking number one in sales for that week, despite only being on sale 4 out of 7 days of the week. Good going, Kingdom Hearts! We should start to see actual sale numbers later on. Thanks to FF-Reunion for the find.
Update: 4Gamer.net have published the exact amount of copies sold this week. In total, for the 4 days of March 29 to April 1, Kingdom Hearts 3D sold 213,579 copies. This is over twice as much as the 2nd top of the list, so it is quite the achievement! Thanks to KHxInfo for the find.
Update 2: More details have appeared thanks to Media Create, via andriasang.com. It was revealed that the 213,579 copies sold represent 64.2% of the total stock of the game. Also, it was revealed that this number includes 150,000 pre-orders.
DChiuch

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Ultimania cover artwork revealed

The cover artwork for the Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Ultimania, the official guidebook for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], has been revealed. The artwork was added to the Square Enix e-STORE, and uploaded to their Twitter in a larger size. You can see the image below. Thanks to aibo_ac7 for the tip.
Update: Thanks to KHDestiny for the tip, we have replaced the image with an even larger version from Amazon.com.

DChiuch

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