- 3 comments
- 757 views
- 12 comments
- 970 views
-- Kingdom Hearts 3D was first announced at the same time as the Nintendo 3DS hardware. What made you so eager to bring the series to a new platform? Nomura: We were impressed with the passion Nintendo put into the design of the N3DS hardware. And personally, I was excited by the idea of a Kingdom Hearts game that could be played in 3D in the palm of one’s hands. That was certainly a big part of it.
-- Can you explain what the title-Dream Drop Distance-Means?
The story for this installment takes place in a world submerged in sleep, and from that “Sleep” we derived “Dream”. “Drop”, from the phrase “Drop off to sleep”, is our name for the system in which players alternate between control of Sora and Riku during gameplay. And since Sora and Riku are progressing through the story on different storylines, we chose “Distance” to express the gulf between them. And of course, since all three words start with the letter D, it can be shortened to 3D to add to the meaning of 3D functionality.
-- What can you tell us about the overarching story of the game and how it ties into the future of Kingdom Hearts?
The story for this installment picks up where Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded on the Nintendo DS left off, making it the most recent chapter in the timeline. It’s the story that takes place right before the final chapter of the “Xehanort arc”, which began with the very frist Kingdom Hearts.
To give a brief summary of the game’s premise, Yen Sid assigns Sora and Riku with visiting the Sleeping Worlds and open the seven Sleeping Doors as their Mark of Mastery exam, which they must complete in order to become Keyblade Masters. However, a mysterious boy in a black cloak appears everywhere they go, and nothing ends up going exactly as planned. That’s the gist of it.
In terms of future Kingdom Hearts, I know fans are eager for the arc’s final battle, and I hope to begin writing it soon.
-- In a previous interview, you mentioned that the Mark of Mastery exam won’t span the entirety of the game. Could you elaborate on that a little bit?
As I just mentioned, the mysterious boy in the black cloak causes the story to take an unexpected turn. Whenever he appears, Xehanort and other characters that have been linked to him, like Ansem, seem to follow, even though they’ve already been defeated in the past. Their story isn’t about the Mark of Mastery exam, so that plotline proceeds in a different direction.
-- How did you decide which new Disney worlds to include in the game?
Tai Yasue, the game’s codirector, suggested that since the film Fantasia contained many worlds, we could use that in the game to separate the worlds that Sora and Riku traveled through. I’ve always wanted to visit Fantasia in a Kingdom Hearts game, so I jumped at the chance. It’s a similar story with the other worlds. We considered how their worldview and settings could be used in interesting effect with the particular mechanics and scenario we had written for this installment, and selected them on that basis.
-- Why did you choose to make both Sora and Riku playable characters this time around?
Sora and Riku represent the theme of the Kingdom Hearts series, which is “the light and dark sides of the heart.” This story takes place right before the final battle, and so we wanted to go back to the origin of the series and depict the polarity of light and darkness through their respective stories.
-- As big fans of The World Ends with You, we’re excited to see its characters appear in Dream Drop Distance. What role do they play in this game?
In previous games in the Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy characters made appearances and gave Sora guidance to help with his adventure. This time, it’s characters from The World Ends with You who perform that role. The basic story is that the characters wandered into this world while playing the Reapers’ Game, and became separated from their partners. Their stories begin with the teammates searching for each other.
-- Aside from yourself, did anyone on the Kingdom Hearts team work on the World Ends with You?
The illustrator who worked on TWEWY, Gen Kobayashi, is now serving as the art director for Dream Drop Distance. That games composer, Takeharu Ishimoto, has also created some music for DDD. Finally, the director of TWEWY, Tatsuya Kando, is working as this game’s animation supervisor.
-- What are the origins of the Dream Eaters? And can you explain the difference between the two types: Spirits and Nightmares?
Actually, as you may have seen in the debut trailer, I was originally planning to go with Heartless and Nobodies. But when I started thinking about setting the game in a dream world with enemies who could grow and fight alongside the player, I felt that it wouldn’t really make sense to be raising Heartless and Nobodies. So I came up with the Dream Eaters as a new kind of enemy that appears in Sleeping Worlds and that feeds on dreams instead of being focused on hearts the way Heartless and Nobodies are.
Nightmares are the Dream Eaters who eat dreams born in these worlds and sow nightmares instead; they appear as the main enemy for this installment. Spirits are good monsters who eat nightmares, and they fight alongside Sora and Riku as allies.
-- Will Sora and Riku fight alongside Disney characters at any point? Or do they strictly fight alongside their Spirit allies?
In this installment, they will be fighting almost exclusively alongside their Spirit allies. To be clear, this game isn’t a spinoff, since it’s a continuation of the series’s main story. But when I’m working on a game in the series that isn’t a numbered title, I like taking the opportunity to incorporate ambitious new systems like this.
-- The action in Dream Drop Distance is a lot faster and more frenetic than in the previous Kingdom Hearts games. What was the motivation behind that?
I have a clear direction for how I want the Kingdom Hearts series evolve, and this change is part of moving in that direction. The games in the series are known as RPGs with a high level of action, in which anyone can perform flashy moves. In order to make the gameplay even more dynamic, we’ve implemented a new system called Flowmotion. With that, I think we’ve taken another step towards our ultimate goal for the series.
-- In a recent trailer, we spotted various Nobodies like Xemnas, Xion, and Axel. How is it that they’re around for the events of this game?
I can’t discuss details just yet, but the mysterious boy in the black cloak has something to do with this. They will confuse Sora and Riku wherever they go.
Who would you say is the main villain in Dream Drop Distance?
I can’t make a definitive statement because that would be giving away a secret, but I will tell you once again, the mysterious boy in the black cloak is the key to the answer.
-- Will this game take advantage of StreetPass or SpotPass?
The game does take advantage of StreetPass capabilities, and uses them in the Spirit-breeding system.
-- Who’s composing the soundtrack for the game? Will it include a new theme song?
With this installment, Yoko Simomura will continue her role as the series’s main composer. Takeharu Ishimoto and Tsuyoshi Sekito-who have worked on previus installments like Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep-will also be contributing music to this game. Ishimoto will not only be handling songs from The World Ends with You, but from other games as well. As with our previous titles, the theme music is going to be a song by Utada Hikaru.
-- Will all of the US voice actors from previous Kingdom Hearts be reprising their roles in Dream Drop Distance?
That’s certainly a plan. In fact, the voice recording for the North American version is already underway.
-- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the series. Do you have anything special in store for 2012 to celebrate this occasion?
In Japan, we’re planning to release a 10-year commemorative box set. We don’t have any other solid plans, but the series has a lot of support from fans in North America, so I hope we can do something special for them as well.
-- Finally, if we ask nicely, would you share something about Dream Drop distance that you haven’t mentioned anywhere else?
This is the first time we’re doing this, but there’s a surprise during the end credits. So even when the credits start to roll, don’t put down your N3DS, and don’t let your guard down!
Update 3: Oishii from KH13 has scanned and uploaded all pages of the Nintendo Power article, all in amazing quality. You can see these below, in our gallery.
Update 2: Nintendo Power have updated their official website with a preview of the issue. This preview gives us a high quality version of the front page, as well as the first page of the Kingdom Hearts 3D article. You can see this below, thanks to J. Severe from KH13 for the tip.
Update 1: We now have scans of the issue, uploaded by burai97. Thanks to KH Ultimania for the tip. You can see these below.
[removed due to higher quality scans above]
The March 2012 issue of Nintendo Power magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The article (which is completely in English) confirms a lot of the information we have been getting over the last few months from Japanese sources, and also contains an interview with Tetsuya Nomura. We will be getting scans of this issue soon, but in the meantime, please check out a summary of it from silver3drago from KH13 (who has a copy of the issue).
[removed due to complete interview above]
- 54 comments
- 5,421 views
- 23 comments
- 1,141 views
Update 1: As expected, Kingdom Hearts 3D appeared at the event. There was a short trailer, and this trailer contained some new footage! In case you missed it, we've uploaded this trailer to YouTube for you. Check it out below, or view and/or download it from our video archive! Secondly, Nintendo announced that the footage would be downloadable from the eShop (if you have a Japanese Nintendo 3DS). They also showed us the KH3D Special Trailer.
Nintendo have announced that they will be running a third "Nintendo Direct" event today, at 8PM on February 22, in Japan. Like the first two, this will be livestreamed on the Nintendo website. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared at the first two events, with the first containing new content, and the second a rehash of the short Jump Festa 2012 trailer. This makes it likely that Kingdom Hearts 3D will be shown again, but it is unknown if we will see new footage or not.
- 32 comments
- 1,736 views
Update: Pavlovic Sarah from KH13 has translated the blog post from Square Enix. You can read this translation below.
Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will contain a menu called MEMOIR. First screenshot:
Tutorial → You can use this guide to confirm gameplay aspects
Reflection Scene
Chronicle
Game Help
Choose the Memoir you want to see
- Free Fall Action (Normal)
- Reality Shift
- Free Fall Action (Battle)
- Spirit Link
Second screenshot:
Terra, Aqua, Ventus were in the world called Land of Departure, which is protected by generations of students of Keyblade masters, to practice under Master Eraqus to become Keyblade masters.
Originally, Terra and Aqua were both expected to became accepted as masters, but...
- Birth by Sleep *this one is selected*
- Kingdom Hearts
- 358/2 Days
- Kingdom Hearts II
In MEMOIR, you will be able to check the tutorial as often as you want and get various reflection-scenes of the story as you advance through the game. You will also be able to see your game progress in this menu.
Furthermore, in CHRONICLE you will be able to see the explanation of the past series, and therefore, those who are playing Kingdom Hearts for the first time will be find a summary of the story and be able to enjoy the game even more.
- 31 comments
- 1,911 views
Secondly, CDJapan have created a pre-order page for the toy. CDJapan is an online store that ships items internationally, so you will be able to buy the toy from here. It will be available for US$44.47 (with shipping upwards of $60... ouch), and confirms the release date of March 31, 2012.
Photos → Square Enix Online Shop → Wonder Nyan
- 21 comments
- 958 views
Square Enix have updated their official Kingdom Hearts blog, Message from the KINGDOM, with the first pictures of the Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary 3D+Days+Re:coded Box. The 10th Anniversary 3D+Days+Re:coded Box is, of course, a special boxset releasing in Japan on the same day as Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. You can click hear to read about the contents of the box, or look below to see the first images of it. (Click for larger images.) It's certainly very pretty!
- 49 comments
- 1,261 views
A black coated person is attacking Sora!? Yen Sid: From now on, you will probably face even more danger.
Yen Sid (picture with Riku and Sora): Also, you will have to obtain a new power and open the 7 Keyholes of Sleep.
Currently, some worlds have fallen asleep and they are trapped in an abnormal situation. It is Sora and Riku's mission to release the Keyholes of Sleep.
Yen Sid: This long journey will transform your appearance.
Radiant Garden
The members of the Org. XIII changed!
Are there more members of the Org. XIII than shown here?
Lea: Have the two recovered consciousness?
They are called by their former names and their appearance is not of the Nobodies, they are back to their human form.
Lea - Axel's human form
The black-coated Lea
Lea: It's always me who has to do the unpleasant business.
Ienzo - Zexion's human form
The white-coated Ienzo
Ienzo: The world called Traverse Town is formed. There, it will be recovered.
The former form of the Org. member No. 6 Zexion is researching something in the laboratory.
Aeleus - Lexaeus' human form
The uniformed Aeleus
Aeleus: Dilan and Even recovered consciousness but...
The former form of the Org. member Nr. 5 Lexaeus appeared!! With a serious face, he is concerned about the condition of his friends, but...
Kanmi Fukurou – researching the enemy's weak point
Opake Piero - prize-snatching
Hasami Kuugata – long distance attack
Goumori Batto – confusion and drain attack
Idaten Kirin – thunder attribute x high-speed movement
Denden Karugo – the shell as a perfect defense
Update 6: Oishii from KH13 has translated two sections:
Drop System
Play Riku’s Side > Character Switch > Sora’s Side Starts On the bottom right part of the screen with Riku’s face icon is the drop gauge. When the drop reaches 0 you automatically drop!!
During the time that Riku is sleeping, in a separate place Sora’s adventure unfolds!!
**There is still more to this section but because of glare/page cuts off, I can't translate anymore -.-
Dream Eater Selection!
When you link with your Kuma Panda, you can gain HP up ability. Immediately you will see the link to Riku!!
Acquire Abilities!!
Use the “link points” you have saved during your adventure and redeem them for abilities and commands. The abilities you gain will be shared with both Sora and Riku!!
With the commands you gain, set the command to Sora or Riku’s command deck, and strengthen them both!!
Update 5: Pavlovic Sarah from KH13 has translated bits and pieces from the article, including the text from a lot of screenshots. You can read this below.
Riku
Sora's buddy. In Riku's event, you will see the independently acting Riku seperated from Sora. As a first time production and limited special favor, an AR-Card
You will obtain a rare Dream Eater.
One of the Disney-related worlds that Sora and Riku are returning to is introduced!
While exploring the Realm of Sleep, different incidents will occur and have to be solved while you explore them.
The world inside the computer
Sora: This is the world Tron was inside, isn't it?
Clu: You own the thing that is called the Keyblade, able to open every door.
"The kid owns a strange weapon"
Clu and the other people from Tron: Legacy seems to be interested in the Keyblade.
Shining Keyblade
A Keyblade is not just a weapon!!
Sora: It is a tool to make everyone smile.
Do they want the Keyblade?
Kevin: Maker of the computer program "The Grid"
Quorra: A mysterious woman who helps Sam in the grid
Sam: A boy who is searching for his father Kevin
Is the keyblade inducing something?
Black Coated Boy: "You do not even understand where you are"
Does the Black coated boy know something?
Yen Sid's order!
Sora and Riku have to visit the magician Yen Sid to take a exam.
What is the order they are told with importance?
What is the "Keyhole of Sleep"?
Update 4: ArikaMiz from Twitter has uploaded her own scans of the V Jump article. These are in much clearer detail, and show some pages which we hadn't seen before. You can see these below.
Update 3: SQEX.INFO have translated part of the article, revealing information about the special Kingdom Hearts 3D-themed issue of V Jump, earlier announced to release on March 29. However, a March 21 release is now expected. You can read their translation below.
V-JUMP Books will be publishing an unofficial guide book with the release of Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance titled “Dream World Navigation”. It will have a simultaneous release with the title on March 21, 2012 and retail for ￥1150 (approximately US$14.83). The book will likely be an incomplete guide as the previous guides for Re:Coded etc. were, however it will also contain a special AR card, though what it features is still unknown. Update 2: Oishii from KH13 has translated the names of the new Dream Eaters, and these can be read below.
- Kanmi Fukurou (translates to "Sweet Owl")
- Denden Karugo (translates to "Denden Snail")
- Idaten Kirin (translates to "Swift Giraffe")
Update 1: We now have some larger images of the article, focusing on various bits in detail, thanks to bKvEBVAvUq. We can see the returning Organization XIII members, as well as the new Dream Eaters, and a paragraph explaining the mechanics of Dream Eater creation. You can see this below.
As expected, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has appeared with an article in the latest issue of V Jump magazine, the March 2012 issue releasing on February 21, 2012. This article shows screenshots of Lea, Aeleus and Ienzo, more screens of The Grid, the Tron: Legacy world, and another double page dedicated to new Dream Eaters. You can see scans of this article below, thanks to maggosh from KHInsider for the find, and exodaze from KH13 for the tip. Stay tuned for the next couple of days, because we're still waiting on the Famitsu Weekly article!
- 49 comments
- 1,440 views
The magazine also has details on a new gameplay component involving the Dream Eater creatures. You can create new Dream Eaters by gathering materials called "Dream Pieces" and combining these according to a recipe. Scans of the February 20, 2012 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine have started to appear online. The magazine contains an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, where the Tron: Legacy-based world, now known as The Grid, is featured. You can see scans of this article below, thanks to aibo_ac7. We should see more scans and information later in V Jump magazine tomorrow, and finally Famitsu Weekly magazine on the 23rd.
- 18 comments
- 1,109 views
With the V Jump article releasing on Tuesday, and the Famitsu Weekly article releasing on Thursday, we should start to get more scans and information as early as Monday (as they are usually appear online one day before)! Please look forward to it. Thanks to bKvEBVAvUq for the tip.
- 21 comments
- 1,270 views
Update: Taochan from KHInsider emailed Vincent Corazza, asking about his role in KH3D. Corazza confirmed, adding that the recording session was two weeks ago. It's great to see that Square Enix are localizing the game so soon!
- 23 comments
- 3,395 views
