KH-Vids | Your ultimate source for Kingdom Hearts media

Your ultimate source for Kingdom Hearts media, Kingdom Hearts news. Kingdom Hearts discussion, cutscenes, cheats, and more!

Famitsu Follow-Up Interview w/ Nomura + Official Trailer Reaction Video

Posted by Meilin Lee : Jul 24, 2017 at 6:54 PM ( 0 , 1,065 )

After conducting an initial interview with Famitsu, the publication conducted a follow-up interview with 'Kingdom Hearts' series director, Tetsuya Nomura, where he clarifies comments he made in earlier interviews that may have been misinterpreted in Japan, as well as more info on KH3 worlds in general, including the Toy Story world. Check out the fully translated interview below (credit to Saken of KHInsider):

After showing the trailer, the whole arena burst into shouts of joy! It was amazing!

Nomura: When I showed the last trailer at the Orchestra concert in LA, I also got some wild applause, which is encouraging. I'm relieved that I was once again able to cause such a reaction throughout the crowd. I heard that it was sort of difficult to hear my voice over the live stream though, that's unfortunate.

Well we heard it loud and clear throughout the arena. That being said, I believe that both fans in the arena and watching the live stream got pretty riled up.

Nomura: Thinking about last time, how because it was a sudden request I could only show one piece of concept art, this time I really wanted to show fans a lot more. So, it sorta came out on the long side (wry laugh). What I showed is actually a lengthy cutscene, so originally I tried a few things like splicing the cutscene up to a digestible size, while also considering the pacing, but even that was too long.

I hear that you've sat countless interviews with foreign media related to the contents shown in the trailer.

Nomura: I've sat quite a few of those, haven't I. However, when what I say in those interviews is reported in Japan, oftentimes things I haven't even said are used as some "sensational" headline, which then propagate incorrect information.

Are you talking about how there were reports that KH3 could release on the Nintendo Switch?

Nomura: In that interview, I was asked if we had any plans for KH3 on the Nintendo Switch, to which I replied: "Our utmost priority is on the consoles we have already announced, the PS4 and Xbox One. In regard to releases on other hardware, once we have released KH3 for the aforementioned consoles, then we may consider it."

In other words, there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch release at this time. But also, you say "hardware", so we can't narrow it down to just the Nintendo Switch, right?

Nomura: That's right. I think the "we may consider it" got misinterpretated and became "there's chances for a release". Regarding the "other hardware", it's not restricted to just the Nintendo Switch but again, this may all be considered only once we are done with the PS4 and Xbox One editions.

We've also been hearing that you've said that "an Xbox One release for the HD remasters is not needed in Japan". Is this another misinterpretation?

Nomura: I haven't said anything like that. I was asked if Xbox One versions of the remasters would come out, and like before, I answered that the utmost priority was to release them first on the consoles we had already announced them for (PS3, PS4). I also said that now that the Xbox One X has been announced, also considering that if we were to make it, it would release after KH3's release on the Xbox One, it would be way too late and difficult to release in terms of timing. Especially considering the current market in Japan.

We also picked up that in the foreign interviews, you were saying that production is taking a long time. Is this an effect of, as you have mentioned in earlier interviews, the change in game engine?

Nomura: Okay, let me put it in a way that won't be misunderstood. The reason for the delays are because of things like changes in the company's objectives, modifications to the periods of time between staff rotations, and backtracking due to the switching of game engines. These things affect not only KH3, but all titles at Square Enix. I've already briefly touched on this topic several times before in interviews, but it seems to have not been properly understood. When there's changes from within the company, there's no other choice but to be affected by it, and these changes hardly have anything to do with the fans so I feel there's no need to talk much about it. Sure, there were times where we weren't very blessed by the timing of these changes, but there was never really any direct problems. Through these changes, the company has established a cooperative and collaborative system, so there's no further need to worry.

I certainly do recall asking about these unexpected circumstances before, and you answering that they had to do with a change in company direction. So after the changes, you were able to commit fully to KH3, which made today's announcement possible?

Nomura: Even if I were to use the complete truth to answer these questions, it would just beg for more minsunderstandings. I'm not going to explain any further details, I hope that with what I've said things have become a little clearer.

From here on out, I'd like to ask more about the details of today's announcement. You've said that you've wanted to have a Toy Story world from back in the KH2 days, can you explain what drew you specifically to Toy Story?

Nomura: Well firstly, Toy Story was a pioneer in the field of cartoon CG. Just that is enough to grab anyone's attention. Secondly, it is widely known as a film that is representative of Pixar. Finally, I thought that it would match well in the Kingdom Hearts universe. I always thought that the question of whether "a toy could harbor a heart" would make a very good Kingdom Hearts story.

With the heart being a major theme in Kingdom Hearts, it definitely fits. The fact that this time, an original story is being prepared is also incredibly exciting.

Nomura: There was huge desire from the Pixar creators to have original stories for both Toy Story and Big Hero 6. So that's what we decided on. Up until now, Sora, Donald and Goofy have always been placed into a well known Disney setting, but this time I'm curious to see what will happen.

You've said that the story of the Toy Story world will take place after the 2nd movie...

Nomura: I wrote the plot thinking it would slot between 1 and 2, but in the end it became a story taking place after the 2nd movie.

So then, where are the characters that made their debut in the 2nd film, like Jessie and Bullseye?

Nomura: As well as Jessie and Bullseye, there will also be other characters that didn't appear in the trailer. It was explained a little in the cutscene, but when Andy went missing, so did some of the other toys.

Ah, so that's part of the story... By the way, Woody and Buzz's Japanese voice actors are a bit different, can you elaborate on why?

Nomura: We don't decide on the casting for them. That's Disney's decision. Disney already has their own games with Woody and Buzz in them, and they use those voice actors, so they probably opted for the same with KH3.

I see. Next, in this world, Sora will appear to be as a toy. There's a certain impact to seeing him like that.

Nomura: To get to his current state, the Kingdom Hearts team's art directors designed him after much discussion with Pixar. And so, just as with previous installments, there will be worlds where, upon visiting, Sora, Donald and Goofy's outfits will change.

By that do you mean in existing worlds we've already played through in previous Kingdom Hearts games?

Nomura: I can't tell you where (laughs). I actually wanted to see Sora in outfits characteristic to those specific worlds, so I drew them up.

We can't wait for you to unveil them. As for existing worlds, we still aren't exactly sure which ones will show up and which won't but, have you thought of ways to express them in a more KH3-esque style?

Nomura: For the already existing Disney worlds, we are preparing locations that will be completely different from before. Also, for already existing original worlds, like Yen Sid's tower, even in locations already explored, upon exiting the tower and looking outside you'll find yourself thinking "Wow, did the night sky with all the glistening stars always look that pretty?". You'll be surprised with these sorts of discoveries. Especially in Twilight Town. Primarly, Disney worlds will be for gameplay progression, so there will be many new locations for you to enjoy playing around in, while the existing original worlds will be for story progression. In already visited locations, you will especially be able to indulge in our power to now properly express the location in all its glory.

In regard to gameplay, in the Toy Story world, Woody and Buzz were both able to enter the party at the same time. Can you explain how this is possible in more detail?

Nomura: The maximum number of members able to enter your party have increased. I'll be announcing the details at a later date. And of course, you'll be able to perform link attacks with both Woody and Buzz.

The announcement this time showcased a lot of different content all available within just the Toy Story world. From riding robots and fighing in an FPS style, to Keyblade transformations, to link attacks... so much content for just one world!

Nomura: Both in this world, and throughout all of KH3 in general, there's still a lot more coming that I think everyone will be pleased with. Just as this trailer's phrase dictates, imagination doesn't end in an idea, it can be manifested and experienced. That's what we want to show with KH3. I want everyone to "Dive in" and fully experience the world of KH3.
Click to expand...

In addition to the interview, Famitsu posted a reaction video from the D23 panel when the new trailer was revealed. Check it out below:

Keep Reading...

Categories:

Kingdom Hearts III

KHV Union χ Weekly Leaderboards: 7/17 - 7/23

Posted by . : tale_wind : Jul 24, 2017 at 10:09 AM ( 1 , 1,697 )

Welcome back to Daybreak Town! I'm taking back over the leaderboard posting again; thanks to Fearless for helping out in my absence! Everyone ready to see how your hard work has stacked up?

In fifth place this week is KHV_Leopardus with a total of 2,209,575 Lux! The top scorer was @Noizless with 1,720,790 Lux—about 78% of the party's earnings. @KSoleAngel followed with 447,424 Lux, and @Scarred Nobody with 28,887 Lux.

In fourth place this week is KHV_Ursus with a total of 7,927,406 Lux! The top scorer was @tamale with 7,926,784 Lux—about 99% of the party's earnings. @O.KnightofTwilight followed with 622 Lux.

In third place this week is KHV_Vulpeus with a total of 46,134,022 Lux! The top scorer was @Xephos with 39,172,648 Lux—about 85% of the party's earnings. @Fearless followed with 4,354,828 Lux, and @Randy kelly with 2,457,716 Lux.

In second place this week is KHV_Anguis with a total of 68,010,573 Lux! The top scorer was @Explode with 66,658,112 Lux—about 98% of the party's earnings. @Day~Dream followed with 1,349,074 Lux, and @61 with 2,953 Lux.

In first place this week is KHV_Unicornis with a total of 164,497,977 Lux! The top scorer was @GarrettFinch with 109,868,630 Lux—about 67% of the party's earnings. @Swordsman_John followed with 52,360,126 Lux, and @KHGrl15 with 2,267,287 Lux.

KHV_Unicornis
KHV_Anguis
KHV_Vulpeus
KHV_Ursus
KHV_Leopardus

Congratulations to the Keyblade wielders of KHV_Unicornis! Master Ira would be thrilled with all your work! Maintain your top position for two more weeks to earn the Party Don't Stop pin!

Special congratulations to this week's top scorers from each party—Noizless, tamale, Xephos, Explode, and GarrettFinch! You'll all be sent special pins to commemorate your accomplishments if you've not yet received one!

If you want to join in the competition, you can still sign up for our official KHV parties here!

NOTE: If your Player ID is not already recorded in the party sign-up thread, please post it there in order to facilitate the creation of these leaderboards every week!

See you all back here at the fountain plaza next week!

Keep Reading...

Categories:

Unchained Key

Leaked: Kingdom Hearts Mystery Mini Funko Pops

Posted by Heart ❤ : Jul 22, 2017 at 2:05 PM ( 0 , 732 )

Looks like more Kingdom Hearts Funko merchandise is in the works! Thanks to Funkofinderz on Instagram, it looks like Kingdom Hearts Mystery Mini Funkos are currently in the works. For those who don't know, Mystery Minis are come in blind bags and are basically small versions of Funko Pops. Many series, such as Marvel, The Walking Dead, and other Disney properties have Mystery Mini lines.

As you can see in the picture above, the characters which will be included in this line will include: Chip & Dale, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Sora, Pete, Soldier Heartless, Large Body Heartless, Mickey (Black Coat), Roxas (Org Xlll), Axel, Riku (Black Coat), Roxas, Riku, Kairi, Donald (Halloween Town), Goofy (Halloween Town), Sora (Halloween Town), Donald (Space Paranoids), Goofy (Space Paranoids), and Sora (Space Paranoids).

What do you think about these figures? Let us know in the comments down below!~

Keep Reading...

Categories:

Dengeki Playstation Interview w/ Tetsuya Nomura

Posted by Meilin Lee : Jul 21, 2017 at 7:07 PM ( 0 , 856 )

In a new interview with Dengeki Playstation, 'Kingdom Hearts' series director, Tetsuya Nomura, got to speak more about 'Kingdom Hearts III' following the major news from D23 last Saturday, explaining more about Keyblade transformations, Twilight Town's role in the game, and a few words on 'Kingdom Hearts Union X[cross]'. Check out the fully translated interview below (courtesy of Zephyr of KHInsider):

Recently, a variety of information has been revealed from the latest footage. Many fans were surprised from the announcement of the release window “2018”.

Nomura: I had no choice but to be cautious for the announcement of the release date. Therefore, it is just the year but the release window is fixed and we're working towards that. I wanted you to have a peace of mind with that announcement.

To suit their appearance according to the world, Sora and the gang have changed into toys.

Nomura: The design progress it took to make that appearance was long. I’ve tried to make it look like a figurine and I’ve explored various ways of stylizing the graphics into a 3-dimensional bit image.

In the battle scene, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and in addition to Woody and Buzz made it a five-team party?

Nomura: In the footage, there are five people fighting at the same time. Depending on the world, it’d be possible to fight with up to 4 or more people with guest characters. Teaming up with others is also possible and please wait for the next report regarding the party system.

With Sora being toy sized and battling outside the house, the world felt large.

Nomura: With that size, it’s not possible for them to go anywhere far (laughs). The main area in the Toy Story world is the toy shop. The footage showed a toy shop called “Galaxy Toys” which is such a large area.

There are situations where Sora fights inside a robot.

Nomura: The idea of controlling a robot has been around during early development. There are different types of robots you can board and each of their fighting styles are different. There is another gimmick on another floor.

In Olympus, there is an impressive battle between Rock Titan, and there seems to be more variety of elements in each world.

Nomura: We were pretty conscious about it while making it. Even in KH0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-, I believe the maps have expanded platforming-wise and there is a need for exploration. KINGDOM HEARTS III has fewer Disney worlds than KINGDOM HEARTS II but the quality of each world is greater than in previous works.

In KINGDOM HEARTS II, after visiting each world once, there was a scenario incentive to revisit them but what about KINGDOM HEARTS III?

Nomura: I personally liked having to revisit the worlds twice but KINGDOM HEARTS III has a different flow.

Keyblade transformation is one of the main features in KINGDOM HEARTS III, and in this video, we see the transformation of the drill and hammer.

Nomura: The Keyblade can transform into various shapes. In any case, the drill is very lovely (laughs).

Can the drill and hammer only be used in the Toy Story world?

Nomura: It’s not restricted to the world but its ability is from the Keyblade obtained in the Toy Story world. Essentially, every Keyblade is capable of transforming and the Toy Story Keyblade transforms into the drill and hammer. And in KINGDOM HEARTS III, the Keyblade and Form are systematically attached together.

What does that mean?

Nomura: In KINGDOM HEARTS II, you could decide which form to switch into during battle but this time, forms activate when you transform your Keyblade.

Are there forms as many as the number of Keyblades?

Nomura: Actually no. Each Keyblade has an attributed type such as attack or defense and those are the forms that exists for each type. You switch into the form while transforming the Keyblade. By the way, the series’ iconic Keyblade Kingdom Key changes Sora into Second Form (Tentative Name) w/ KH2 color scheme but this form is exclusive to Kingdom Key. The Keyblade doesn’t transform but your tactics change. Some forms are specific to certain Keyblades.

Fighting with the Keyblade transformations, it seems pretty fun.

Nomura: Regarding battle actions, everything is pretty elaborate. Like I mentioned earlier, the transformations are unique to each Keyblade. When using the Olympus Keyblade, it transforms into a shield. Also, in the recent footage, arrows and a bazooka were used alongside each other. Once you acquire the Keyblade, you can immediately start using the abilities seen in the footage.

In the battle scene in the Toy Story world, Sora seems to be in a new form?

Nomura: Even in the Toy Story world where their appearance reflects the world, so does the form. In the footage, when you use the drill and hammer, the form also changes.

From the previous E3 footage, there’s a cutscene in Twilight Town. It seems to be an important world again.

Nomura: Twilight Town is a place where you’ll have gameplay tutorials and it’ll be one of the earlier stages.

In the recent E3 footage, there was some interesting dialogue about Roxas and I’m concerned about the development of KINGDOM HEARTS III.

Nomura: Because there are too many characters that are appearing, the storyline has become complicated. There are quite a number of main characters that have appeared in the series, and every character will appear in some form.

Will KINGDOM HEARTS III be able to solve all the mysteries concerning certain characters?

Nomura: The final chapter of the Dark Seeker Saga will form their conclusions.

In the recent footage and the previous E3 footage, what is the meaning behind the quote?

Nomura: “Don’t assume your dreams are just fantasy. If you can imagine a world, believe in it…and dive in.” was it? It means: “jumping into an imaginative world without dreaming of it being fantasy.” That is a catchphrase for the promotional trailers. It doesn’t necessarily have a deep hidden meaning involved with the storyline. Since the recent footage began with Sora’s dive scene, I tried to convey such a message.

For smartphones, KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained Chi was renamed as KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross. What was the intention of changing the title?

Nomura: Since we were implementing multiplayer, we’ve decided to change it and present it as a renewal of the title. One of the reasons was the new story expansion focusing around the Union Leaders.

During the time of KHUX’s re-release, many people were surprised Ventus was revealed as the third Union Leader.

Nomura: KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross draws an important development in the series, so I’d like for you to play it now. Blaine recently appeared as the fourth Union Leader and the fifth person will appear in the Main Quest updated in August.

Finally, the new five Union Leaders gather together.

Nomura: That’s right. After the gathering of the five, the main storyline for Union Cross starts to progress.

I’m interested about its connection with KINGDOM HEARTS III.

Nomura: If you play KINGDOM HEARTS III, you will also recognize the story of KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross. For those who are anticipating KINGDOM HEARTS III and interested in the series’ story, I recommend to play KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross.

In the event of the gathering of the Union Leaders, Ventus made remarks such as “stray” and “ranking” and I felt like I could relate (laughs).

Nomura: I did not mean to have such “meta statements” but I’ve intended to show that Ventus wasn’t using a special Keyblade.

Nomura-san, how far into the future will KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross still be considered?

Nomura: I’ve thought of a rough story concept in advance. But for now, I will continue to make connections to the main storyline.

Nomura-san, for KINGDOM HEARTS Union Cross’ scenario, events, and raise draws, how much are you involved with those?

Nomura: I always direct the scenario, design, and game system. Regarding ordinary management work, it’s left to the management team. We frequently discuss and consult about developments for the distant future.

Do you have any plans to celebrate the 2nd anniversary in September?

Nomura: Time sure flies. KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained Chi will be reaching its second year. For the anniversary event, naturally I’ll continue to add to the main scenario and new elements so look forward to it.
Click to expand...

Keep Reading...

Categories:

Miyu Irino Panel Transcript Released

Posted by Heart ❤ : Jul 20, 2017 at 10:02 PM ( 0 , 1,033 )

As we previously reported, earlier this month, Miyu Irino, the Japanese voice actor of Sora, attended Anime Expo 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

While there, he participated in a panel and autograph sessions. Thanks to Nerd Reactor, there is a summarized transcript available. An excerpt from the transcript (in which Kingdom Hearts is mentioned) will be linked below but I highly recommend checking out the full version over on their site for Irino's other roles, such as Haku from Spirited Away and Yuuichiro Hyakuya from my personal favorite, Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph)!

Sora (Kingdom Hearts)
You’ve voice acted for video games. Do you enjoy playing video games yourself?

Of course, in primary and junior high school, I’d play a lot of video games. In summer, I’d spend 8-12 hours a day playing video games, like Final Fantasy, Mario, action games, RPGs, lots of different types of games. I recently purchased a PS4, and I’m playing Kingdom Hearts 2.8 right now.

We’ve talked about many roles today. Are there any types of roles you’d like to do?

It’s a very difficult question; it’s not really a question of what role I like to play, but more about how I am able to develop the character. If I really had to choose, I’d say Sora from Kingdom Hearts, as it has been 15 years since I first started the role. Being involved with a project for that long is something special, and I’d like to continue being involved and see where it goes.
Click to expand...

Source: Nerd Reactor

Keep Reading...

Categories:

Page 98 of 491

Log in or Sign up

KH-Vids | Your ultimate source for Kingdom Hearts media