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Dengeki Interview with Nomura on 2.8

Posted by Meilin Lee : Sep 23, 2015 at 3:02 PM ( 6 , 2,798 )

In a new interview with Dengeki Playstation, director Tetsuya Nomura discusses the final remaster before Kingdom Hearts III, where he further clarifies the difference between X[chi]/Unchained X[chi] and Back Cover, how the decision to make 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue came to be, and some hints on what to expect from 0.2 Birth by Sleep (including how it was originally planned to be included in KH3!). The fully translated interview can be read below:

--When were the plans for 2.8 set into motion? Could you tell us the aim of exclusively using the PS4 console again?

Nomura: We started thinking about it after completing 2.5 HD ReMix. It was about the time that we had finished deciding on the packaging, when we thought “What about a HD version of KH3D?” We had been talking about KH3, but since KH3D is such an essential preface to the story, I thought that, no matter what, I wanted to make an HD version of KH3D before KH3 was sold. When I was thinking about whether or not to release KH3D HD on its own, the time until we could play KH3 became shorter--rather than being affected by a change to the KH3 engine's initial plans. I knew I wanted everyone to get a taste of the world of KH3 as quickly as possible, no matter what. That being said, just like with 1.5 and 2.5, I thought about how I wanted to package KH3D's essential story with a product that was a part of KH3 and its technology. In result, it was inevitable that the console would be the PS4.

--I'm really excited to play KH3D on a non-portable console, but in regards to X[chi], why did you decide to make the story into a theatrical production?

Nomura: Kingdom Hearts X[chi] and Kingdom Hearts Unchained X[chi] are both still running games, and they've still got a lot left to cover. For that reason, our intention is actually not to show the story as it is right now. In X[chi] and Unchained X[chi], from the players' perspective, the story is continuing onward, but in Kingdom Hearts X[chi]: Back Cover, the story is told from the character of the players' affiliated unions, the Foretellers. Since X[chi] and Unchained X[chi] are online games, there are probably fans that think the hurdles to jump are too high. However, in order to tell the full story of Kingdom Hearts, the Foretellers are very important characters, so I wanted to make sure players encountered the world of X[chi] and Unchained X[chi] some way or another. The Foretellers aren't really characters that can be fit into the timeline somewhere, so we are dedicating their story to a theatrical production.

--Please tell us more about the details and aim of the brand-new supplement based on BBS, which is different than any of the HD remasters so far.

Nomura: Actually, this was what I worried about the most. We showed this for a bit in the secret episode of BBS: Final Mix, but the concept for two chapters of BBS is something we've had for a while, and because of problems with time, it's become just a morceau. That concept itself is living on as a setup, so it was our plan to show it at the beginning of KH3, but since the volume of material in KH3 has increased, I was thinking it was something we just touched on a little. Just as I explained in your previous question, we won't show the whole thing of the initial concept, but we decided to show it ahead of KH3 as a short episode.

--Could you please tell us precise release dates, as well as the progress in development at this time?

Nomura: It's not quite time for us to give an exact release date, but we're planning on a release in 2016. As far as production goes, since we're working on it alongside KH3, we're using the same technology in some parts, and I can't talk about what current phase we're on.

--Can you tell us more about what you've had to change for KH3D, such as going from two screens on the handheld to one on the console, etc.?

Nomura: Since everything in the original was developed with the idea of having two screens, we're having to reproduce everything so that it fits one screen, so it's much different than the other HD releases, as it is more of a “remake.” Since the original design for the 3DS was a lot of fun to play with, in order to keep that same fun while remaking it for the PS4, we're having to cover a lot of ground and make lots of changes. I will have more details in the next interview, so please wait until then.

--Do you have any kind of added elements decided?

Nomura: Unlike 1.5 and 2.5, we're working with three productions that are not simply a change to HD. As I said before, we're combining KH3D into one screen so it's basically a remake, and the other two productions are completely new and both utilize KH3 technology--since the density of the original products are so great, we don't really have any big added elements. There will be items to collect that are newly added, like what you saw in 1.5 and 2.5.

--Will the movie for Kingdom Hearts X[chi]: Back Cover be a completely new product?

Nomura: Yes, it's completely new. We're making it with the same technology used in KH3, and the characters that appear are all new characters, so the Foretellers and Chirithy will need voices, so we have to work on casting as well as making their models, the scenes...everything will be made from scratch. However, while deciding the scenes, we were writing scenes for the base game Kingdom Hearts X[chi] at the same time, so we inserted some of those scenes into X[chi]. So, the story will be one that players of X[chi] will more easily understand in the timeline.

--Can you tell us what you mean by the title “Back Cover”?

Nomura: Both X[chi] and Unchained X[chi] were made with the concept of a “fairy tale,” so based on the other side we chose the title “Back Cover.” X[chi] and Unchained X[chi] are told from the players' perspective--the front side, so the perspective of the Foretellers is considered the “back side.”

--Could you tell us more about the movie's details and highlights, as well as the amount of content?

Nomura: People currently playing X[chi] and Unchained X[chi] already know this, but we have not really seen much of the Foretellers as individuals outside of each of their organizations. In this production, we hope to make clear the thoughts of each Foretellers, as well as why they formed their unions, and I think what they'll have to say will be very interesting. As far as the content volume goes, since this won't be the length of a full game, I can only tell you that it will be in the format of a short story.

--Will Aqua be the main character in the realm of darkness for Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep? Also, will the story be about what's happened in the ten years that have passed? (As in, the period of time before the BBS secret episode, where she met Ansem the Wise?)

Nomura: That's right. Aqua is the main character, so the story will follow Aqua through the realm of darkness. However, the flow of time in the realm of darkness is different, so it's not simply ten years that have passed. The beginning of the story is after the secret episode in BBS: Final Mix, but the story's ending is the finale, so I can't talk about it. Actually, we prefaced to it in the secret episode, but in the opening, just before the new journey in KH3, we'll tell you about King Mickey meeting Aqua again, who has been hidden away all this time...it will be that kind of introduction.

--As far as gameplay goes, how has the system and action changed? Please tell us about this along with the content volume.

Nomura: It is similar to the flow of BBS, but we plan to include a portion that resembles KH3. For details, please wait until the next information release. As far as volume content goes, this short story will be about the length of one world in the usual KH series. We want to give the players something they'll be satisfied with by letting them experience KH3 gameplay in a sample size.

--Can you tell us about the meaning of 0.2's title, “Fragmentary Passage?

Nomura: As far as content goes, we can't include a full volume of content to play with like the second chapter of BBS, so it's just a “fragment,” and we left that part of the subtitle. '0.5' is one of the letters and numbers that appeared in the secret episode of BBS: Final Mix, and that meant full volume, so we decided on '0.2' this time, to indicate that there will be more content to come. However, the remaining passage will be told in KH3, so we wanted to show that this production is closely related to KH3.

--Finally, 2.8 will be an extremely important bridge title to KH3, won't it? Can you tell us about any noteworthy points in that connection?

Nomura: For 1.5 and 2.5, we added the word 'ReMIX' to the title, but for 2.8 we're adding 'Final Chapter Prologue'. This is not to say that this is the final chapter in the KH series, but it does mean that 2.8 will continue to pull the curtain closed on the story of the Dark Seeker. As I stated earlier, the content serves as a preface to KH3, starting with the Dream Drop Distance HD, and Kingdom Hearts X[chi]: Back Cover will also be very important to the KH series. I mentioned this in a previous answer, but 0.2 Birth by Sleep is closely related to KH3. It's definitely no mistake to say that the three productions packaged in 2.8 are all in preparation for KH3.
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Source: KH13.com

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KH-Vids Podcast Episode #107: Kingdom Hearts 2.8!

Posted by libregkd : Sep 22, 2015 at 11:00 PM ( 4 , 4,036 )

It's time for the KH-Vids Podcast!

Last week we talked about rumors of a Kingdom Hearts 2.9 release, but since then Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prolgoue has been announced which brings us to the topic of conversation for the week! We have our usual hosts @Misty, @libregkd, @Calxiyn, joined by staff guest @Plums and member guest @Scarred Nobody to discuss the ins and outs of the newly announced collection and our personal feelings on what the collection is and our thoughts on the series' future.

Our user-submitted questions this week @Kingdom Hearts530 asks us what our favorite colors are and @Nobodyslight has us weight in on the smartphone OS wars. This week for Table Topics, everyone talks about their bad habits they wish they could stop as well as discussing what our dream (and not so dreamy) job would be.

Please support and participate in the KH-Vids Podcast by leaving us a comment, answering our user-submitted questions, submitting to be a guest, or sending in questions of your own!

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Download Episode #107 (MP3)
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Interested in being a member guest on the podcast? Fill out our form here and we'll be in touch. Ask us a question by visiting this page or sending an email to podcast@kh-vids.net!

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Famitsu's interview with Nomura about Kingdom Hearts 2.8

Posted by Calxiyn : Sep 20, 2015 at 5:47 PM ( 4 , 1,973 )

Famitsu recently had an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, The Kingdom Hearts series Director, to talk about the newly announced title in the series The Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue! In the interview he speaks about the Battle System for 0.2BBS, as well as how the title will affect Kingdom Hearts 3's development. The interview also speaks about Kingdom Hearts' X (Chi)

––So after KH1.5 and KH2.5, then came 2.8. I was surprised. Please tell us the origin of the title that contains 2.8.

Nomura: It contains a bit of meaning. First, we considered the types of games that are being included such as KH3D and with the previous work being 2.5… it would be positioned as “2.6” corresponding to the works. And there’s χ, Unchained χ, and χ Back Cover, being part of the Chi series, I believe would be called the “0” with Sora’s absence. In KHBBS it’s “0.1” and this time KH0.2BBS includes the title “0.2”. So, “2.6”+”0”+”0.2” comes out as a number that turns into “2.8”.

––I see! Numberings along the timeline of the series have been brought so adding them together would bring it to that.

Nomura: In the secret episode of KHBBSFM, I believe it displayed “0.5”. After that it would be a full volume sequel to BBS. Being a sequel to BBS as a full volume, it was supposed to advance as “0.5”but because KH3 is still a priority, this time “0.1” went up one step to “0.2”.

––So, is it possible that KH2.9 might be released?

Nomura: The next one is KH3 (laughs). There is a subtitle in 2.8 that has “Final Chapter”. Because of its prologue implications, KH3 would be the final chapter of the Dark Seeker series. With the meaning of 0.1 left, you will understand it in KH3.

––That “0.1” is worrisome… with KH2.8 being only on the PS4, KH1.5 and KH2.5 was released on the PS3 and was it difficult to transition?

Nomura: Because of the gameplay of KH0.2BBS, it uses KH3’s tech and it will only work on the PS4. Since the current development situation has become one for the PS4, it would be difficult to make it for the PS3. In addition, for the players, we wanted to show the atmosphere of KH3 even just a little. For KH0.2BBS, it’s not exactly the same but it incorporates some of the system from KH3.

––For KH0.2BBS’s system, will it be different from BBS’s?

Nomura: We’re taking into account elements from BBS and KH3 so it becomes a hybrid.

––With the additional lending hand up there, should we worry if it has any effect on the progress of KH3?

Nomura: For KH3, realize that the numbering seems to affect the quality and volume but over time, since it’s not produced in a range of influence, there are no problems concerning that. However I felt that I wanted you to experience something early and that you would be able to experience soon even for a little bit through KH0.2BBS’s game system experience and how it connects to KH3.

■ Of the three included works, it has started with Unchained χ.

––KH3D has been HD remastered and I thought it would become video footage because of its form. Despite the console correspondence, it has become playable.

Nomura: So, the staff who worked on KH1.5 and KH2.5 made me realize this opportunity. This time, in addition to the HD, it used to be a system where it uses the lower screen of the Nintendo 3DS version and we’ve changed the game design so it can be on a single screen. Like HD remastered works previously, it can be said the colors are vibrant in the remake.

––Are there additional elements?

Nomura: As far as the story goes, there are no large additional elements because it exceeds the work for HD remastering but just like the elements of the collections that were in HD, it has trophy support and so forth. Because KH3D has a story that is very complex and it being before KH3, we wanted you to play KH3D

––So playing KH3D will show KH3. So I will ask about KH0.2BBS. Where does it begin in the timeline? In regards to the secret episode of KHBBSFM?

Nomura: It will begin immediately after the secret episode. Where she found Cinderella’s Castle (Castle of Dreams) in the Realm of Darkness, it will start there.

––So Cinderella’s Castle (Castle of Dreams) has become an area.

Nomura: I guess so (laughs). However it being the case of the secret episode, you won’t wonder the world endlessly in darkness.

––In the secret episode, we saw “A Fragmentary Passage” and that has become the subtitle for KH0.2BBS?

Nomura: Although there is a story that exists for this, there are no plans to release it as a package that was shown in KHBBSFM’s “A Fragmentary Passage”. However, since it is exists as a setting, I had touched a little in planning the beginning of KH3 and I thought it would be good opportunity. However, it’s not affecting the progress of KH3 and because “0.5” is not a full volume, it would be “0.2”. Because it is a fragment, “Fragmentary Passage” was left as a subtitle.

––During this period, how far would it elaborate on?

Nomura: I can’t say because it would lead to a punch line (laughs). When introduced, while Sora embarks on a new journey, it talks about the episode where The King was hiding until the present. It will take place in the form of KH0.2BBS and it is a portion that is closely related to KH3.

––So the King also holds the key. Following KHχ Back Cover, the service for Unchained χ recently begun and is it possible you can talk about a little bit about the situation?

Nomura: I apologize for the server difficulties when the service began. Up to this point, we asked to cooperate in departments that have a like-house server management and we are continuing to improve it. First, we are working on server stability, and eventually corresponding to other parts of the inconvenience. Gradually, there will be events and the like that will appear.

––For stability, it recently is running very smoothly. Playing it skillfully will be addicting.

Nomura: Smartphones are kept close in our lives so it has come to mind that we can enjoy the feeling of KH even for a little bit. It really has become such a game. From now on, we have announced to continue adding 50 quests each month until January. Because of the continuing updates, I think you will enjoy it.

––I definitely wanted to experience that feeling of crispness. However again about KHχ Back Cover, it is drawn in the perspective of the five Foreteller?

Nomura: There is also the Foreteller’s leader, “Master of Masters”. The person Chirithy talks about is “this individual” being referred to as his “master”.

––So Chirithy was created.

Nomura: Yes. However, the Master of Masters is regarded differently and isn’t what people call normally as a "master”. Because it’s being referred to as a Master of Masters, it indicates the person’s standing position. The Foretellers themselves are Keyblade Masters. Their teacher however is the Master of Masters. That is what I mean by Master of Masters.

––There are a lot of mysteries surrounding the Foretellers and their master deepens the mystery even further.

Nomura: In KHχ Back Cover, there is quite a turn of events for them. By the way, there was black coated person in KHχ.

––Ahh, the five Foretellers were the ones speaking…

Nomura: KHχ and KH Unchained χ proceeds in the player’s point of view and there are the Foretellers we don’t know very much about. In “Back Cover”, which had recently shown a little in the trailer, you can draw on the differences of their personality and speculation between each of them. Maybe then, we can glimpse the nature that belongs to each of the unions and question “why were they thinking about that” and maybe this is where their interests become divided (laughs).

––Expecting this from the series is a real thrill. At the same time in the trailer, it was refreshing to hear Chirithy’s voice. Was the person in charge of the voice Tomoko Kaneda?

Nomura: Yes. We have recorded in mind of “sadness/heartrending” and I think it turned out well.

■ This all leads to KINGDOM HEARTS III

––So all of the stories in KH2.8 connects with KH3 and recently Big Hero 6 was announced to the world. There were great responses.

Nomura: Because we have finally decided on most of the worlds, I’m happy about the fact that this will be available. Big Hero 6 takes place in the near future, with modern cityscapes, it would be a fun world for action and we were decisive in choosing it.

––To summarize, Baymax and Sora confronts the other Baymax the Heartless have taken over?

Nomura: That’s right. It takes place after the movie version. Yasue (Co-director Tai Yasue) was eager in saying “I really want to do it!” Because I also like this title, please enjoy and anticipate it when it finishes.

––Mr. Nomura, another work you’re directing is a full remake of FINAL FANTASY VII. How is that?

Nomura: In Famitsu’s interview (9/20/15), Kitase also answered that. In particular, we are continuing to polish the strategy and feel of battles while being faithful. Although it’s pretty far for us to show something, we will do a follow-up in winter. Wait until then.

––In November, D23 Expo Japan 2015 will be held in Tokyo Disneyland for three days and there is a special KH event. And so in the winter, there will likely be more news for the full remake of FINAL FANTASY VII.

Nomura: In addition to preparing them, we are also running a DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY arcade version. KH2.8 and World of FINAL FANTASY has been announced to be launched in next year’s schedule. We also want to continue improving KHχ and KH Unchained χ. The good news is that we are getting help from external sources but even still, I have my hands full in many places (wry smile). We will stay committed to please the fans.
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Source: Thank you to KHInsider for the fully translated interview!

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II.8 Final Chapter Prologue

Nomura explains the "2.8" in Kingdom Hearts 2.8

Posted by Calxiyn : Sep 20, 2015 at 2:43 PM ( 9 , 2,230 )

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Tetsuya Nomura, the director of the Kingdom Hearts series gives us a math lesson and explains "2.8" in the Kingdom Hearts HD Final Chapter Prolouge.

Since this is the 1st title after The Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX, Dream Drop Distance HD is being treated as "Kingdom Hearts 2.6". Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover/Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ represents "0" since it's the first title in the Kingdom Hearts storyline. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep represents "0.1", which leads to Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-. Then from all three titles in the collection, you add 2.6 + 0 + 0.2 to get 2.8.
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This means that visually it looks something like this:

Kingdom Hearts 0 = X
Kingdom Hearts 0.1 = BBS
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 = BBS A Fragmentary Passage
Kingdom Hearts 1 = Kingdom Hearts 1
Kingdom Hearts 1.1 = Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts 1.4 = Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories
Kingdom Hearts 2 = Kingdom Hearts 2
Kingdom Hearts 2.4 = Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded
Kingdom Hearts 2.6 = Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance
Kingdom Hearts 3 = Kingdom Hearts 3

Source: KH13, Famitsu

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Nomura Interview About Kingdom Hearts 2.8

Posted by libregkd : Sep 20, 2015 at 2:59 AM ( 1 , 1,684 )

Tetsuya Nomura has recently given an interview regarding the newest Kingdom Hearts collection; more specifically he went into detail about Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-.

According to Nomura, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 was created as a way for fans to get a taste of Kingdom Hearts III sooner rather than later as 0.2 is created using Kingdom Heart III's technology. The episode follows Aqua and begins immediately after the events of the secret episode in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix with the episode's content being equal to that of a what you would expect from a single world in the Kingdom Hearts series.

Nomura also provided insight to the other two titles included in the collection as well; stating that Kingdom Hearts 3D is essentially a complete remake as the game is making the jump from a gaming platform with two screens to one that uses a single screen. Nomura has also stated that Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover will be utilizing some of Kingdom Hearts III's technology as well.

News via SiliconEra and Gematsu

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II.8 Final Chapter Prologue

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