The first French screenshots of Re:coded have surfaced online, thanks to Gamekyo. These screenshots can be seen below, in our gallery.
Gamekyo → Re:coded
Square Enix have announced that the Square Enix 1st Production Department Premiere will be held on January 18, 2011. This event will, according to a comment by Tetsuya Nomura in June, formally announce Kingdom Hearts 3D in Japan. So far, Kingdom Hearts 3D has only been featured at E3 2010.
The cover of the first Birth by Sleep novel, Vol.1 Something Strange, has been revealed. Amazon.com uploaded the cover, which can now be seen below, in our gallery.
Birth by Sleep → Volume 1
Square Enix have updated their official website for Birth by Sleep Final Mix. Additional screenshots of new commands and missions have been added to the "About" section, which can be seen below, in our gallery. HEARTSTATION.ORG have translated a description of the update.
Three new attack commands have been added: Illusion, Union Rush, and Bundle Voltage. The Illusion command can be used singularly and transforms your character into different puffs of smoke, allowing you to sneak up on the Unversed using the Back Drop command with the finishing move Jet Charge. Union Rush is a team command involving pressing buttons at the right time to release a fury of rush attacks. Bundle Voltage is also a team attack, involving a large target and aiming to attack when all player’s icons are within the white circle to deal the most damage.
The new battle mission resembles struggle battles where special deck commands like the Illusion attack can be used. The Unversed have yellow beads and the goal is to collect more within 2 minutes. The missions are available after clearing a world, an Unversed symbol will appear and you can contact with it in order to engage in the battle mission.
The December 13, 2010 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine has included an article on Birth by Sleep Final Mix. This article adds to previously revealed information about an additional boss named "NO HEART". An image of NO HEART can be seen in the article below, thanks to FF-Reunion.
Weekly Shōnen Jump (December 13, 2010)
Your Japanese Tales have revealed new details relating to Birth by Sleep Final Mix. Appearing in a future issue of a magazine, it was revealed that a new mission will be included, called "To the Dark Distant View". This mission will contain a boss called "NO HEART", which will be similar to Xemnas' armor, have a Keyblade, and be portrayed sitting on a throne.
Square Enix have updated their official website for Birth by Sleep Final Mix. This update is an addition to the about section. Specifically, screenshots have been added under the label "Armour of the Master", showing the new boss resembling Master Eraqus. Secondly, screenshots of new missions in the Mirage Arena have been added. All images from the website can be seen below, in our gallery.
Screenshots (Birth by Sleep Final Mix website)
According to Silconera, Birth by Sleep has sold "over 500,000 units" in Japan. This is a significant amount, and enough for the game to win the "Gold Prize" from Sony Japan.
GoNintendo have updated with various screenshots from the upcoming Re:coded, releasing on January 11, 2011. These screenshots are in English, and have not yet been seen. They can be seen below, in our gallery.
GoNintendo (Re:coded)
New details have surfaced concerning the Kingdom Hearts compilation soundtrack, announced earlier. This soundtrack will feature tracks from 358/2 Days, Birth by Sleep and Re:coded, as well as Birth by Sleep Final Mix. Square Enix have opened their official website for the soundtrack, which confirms a February 2, 2011 release date.
Amazon.co.jp have revealed the cover for Birth by Sleep Final Mix. The cover features previously revealed artwork by Tetsuya Nomura. It can be seen below.
Square Enix have announced on their music Twitter that a new Kingdom Hearts soundtrack is being produced. This soundtrack will contains tracks from 358/2 Days, Birth by Sleep and Re:coded, which have not yet been featured on an official soundtrack. The soundtrack will be on three discs, and be available at a price of ¥3,800.