Kingdom Hearts Series

News covering the general Kingdom Hearts series, including merchandise and other miscellany.

Dengeki Playstation Interview w/ Tetsuya Nomura

Posted by Meilin Lee : Feb 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM ( 1 , 2,234 )

'Kingdom Hearts III' has officially been out for about a month now, and as with each new release in the series, fans have questions about what the future holds. Luckily, the director of the series, Tetsuya Nomura, got a chance to discuss the recently released game with Dengeki Playstation, commenting on KH3's impressive sale numbers, discussing DLC plans for the game, and confirming that Critical Mode will be coming soon. Check out the fully translated interview below (courtesy of KHInsider's goldpanner):

It's been almost 17 years since Kingdom Hearts released on March 28 2002. And, in Kingdom Hearts III, we have come to a point of punctuation: the end of the "Dark Seeker Saga," which has lasted for these past 17 years. The worldwide release of KH3 was a success, with over 5 million units sold. Having received such a large response all over the world, please tell us what you're feeling about getting here.

Nomura: In the way of numbers, looking at the exact data that includes digital copies, it's a great result that has completely passed my expectations. We are currently beginning work on DLC, so it doesn't feel like it's over yet. I'm actually getting less sleep post-release.

There's a form that appears called "Rage Form," which reminds us of the "Anti Form" from KH2. What is the setup behind that?

Nomura: The forms in this title are very different from that of KH2, so we decided to change all the names. Rage does indeed have characteristics that are reminiscent of Anti, but it's basically a separate thing setup wise. Anti is based on Sora getting completely stained in darkness, but Rage doesn't go quite that far. It's based on him going into a rampage state, controlled by feelings of anger.

There's no "Critical Mode" difficulty level in this game. Was there a reason you didn't include it?

Nomura: Critical Mode wasn't originally in the base versions of the game, they were an extra feature we added to the Final Mix versions. So, we will be following that and releasing it for download later on. It's not simply a matter of changing numbers and making things stronger; we fine-tune and debug multiple times. We are polishing things to make sure it's not simply a "more difficult mode," and is as fun as you would expect from Critical.

Among the worlds, we felt that the plot in the Big Hero 6 world had rather daring plot developments. Most of the worlds in KH3 were new to the series. Can you tell us which world's story left the deepest impression on you, or any stories from development?

Nomura: Toy Story was the first plot we worked on. The scenario took over 2 years to complete, and we even went and consulted directly with Pixar. It's a symbol of the beginning of KH3, and as such is the one I have the deepest memories of.

There are several Organization members whose original names are still unknown. Will we have a chance to learn them someday, or to find out about the scar on Isa's face?

Nomura: If there is a sequel, then that chance may come. But in my heart right now my desire is a blank page.

The process behind reviving Ventus and Roxas was fairly easy to understand, but how was Xion brought back, and how did she end up in the New Organization XIII?

Nomura: I think it's possible to figure it out for yourself. However, I do plan to explain it in DLC.

Many people who have finished KH3 are interested in the "girl" that Lea and Isa were looking for, and the existence of the "NAMELESS STAR" in the Final World. Can you give us any kind of hint about the truth behind these girls? Are they characters who have already appeared in the series?

Nomura: I think this is also possible to figure out for yourself if you look at all the secret reports, but yes, they are characters who have already appeared in the series. You will find out who "NAMELESS STAR" if there is a next time.

What is Scala ad Caelum, the place which also appeared in the final trailer? It looks similar to Daybreak Town from Kingdom Hearts Union Cross - is there some kind of connection? Also, who were the black-clothed figures that appeared there?

Nomura: I've made it so that you should be able to understand the connection between Scala ad Caelum and Daybreak Town, if you look carefully. The black-clothed figures are replicas.

Please give us a comment, if you can, regarding the post-release download epilogue and secret movie. We are interested in the existence of Yozora from VERUM REX, who also appeared in Toy Box.

Nomura: As I have done in the past, it is an introduction to the story I will tell if there is a next time. I know there is all kinds of speculation regarding the secret movie, but it's not something simple that could be understood at this point in time.

Finishing KH3 got us even more interested in the plot of KHUX. Please tell us what is in store for us there.

Nomura: We are approaching a development that brings a new world. Along with it, the main story is going to get moving in a big way, and pieces that have been a mystery until now will begin to gather.

Please tell us about your plans for post-release updates and DLC. Is there the potential for something like a Final Mix? What is coming next in the Kingdom Hearts series?

Nomura: Up until now, we have created Final Mixes as separate packages. However, this time I am hoping to release all extra elements as DLC. We are planning to release free DLC as updates once each piece of content is finished. We are also planning to release several features together in one batch as paid DLC. This means that it will take a little more time to work on, but I do want to finish it as early as possible this year and have the team start work on our next project. As for the future of the KH series - there have been some talks, but the ifs and whats are truly a blank page right now. My schedule is completely full for the rest of the year.

Sky Tree, the Ambassador Hotel, Square-Enix Cafe, Walkman, and the upcoming concert world tour: KH3 has certainly been showcased through a humongous number of channels. Which were most memorable to you? Is there anything else still to come?

Nomura: I was surprised by the Ambassador Hotel one. I was grateful for each and every collaboration. I think that perhaps for now, we have seen everything that can be announced.
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Talisman: Kingdom Hearts Edition Board Game Announced

Posted by Meilin Lee : Feb 26, 2019 at 6:34 PM ( 0 , 1,460 )

It has been announced today that a Kingdom Hearts themed version of the popular tabletop game "Talisman" will be released later in the year! Check out the full press release from TheOP below:

Remain seated, please. The worlds that captivate realm dwellers and controller holders alike will soon be welcoming Disney and role-playing fans to pull up their favorite gaming chairs for an uncharted tabletop experience.

Introducing Talisman: Kingdom Hearts Edition, The OP’s licensed version of the critically-acclaimed adventure hobby game, which combines the beloved Disney and Square Enix collaboration with Games Workshop’s time-honored board game mechanic. Available in North America and Europe later this year, players will assume the role of their favorite animated heroes from beginning to center of a new challenge!

Following the release of award-nominated video game Kingdom Hearts III, the celebration continues as Talisman: Kingdom Hearts Edition reveals Sora, Kairi, Riku, King Mickey, Goofy, and other comrades as figures at the helm of an exciting and different way to play the tabletop classic. Inspired by the original Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, the 2- to 6-player game’s objective compels players to acquire the needed Strength and Magic to seal the Door to Darkness and keep Heartless from consuming the communal worlds.

An artful gameboard with three regions, custom marbleized six-sided dice, tokens, and cards maintain the beloved aspects and exploratory spirit of “The Magical Quest Game” while offering lighthearted Disney nostalgia. Memorable locations such as Neverland and Traverse Town, Munny-themed currency, Gummi Paths and more will comprise a brand new experience by incorporating much-loved characters, worlds, and details from the Kingdom Hearts universe, surprising and delighting fans everywhere.

Talisman: Kingdom Hearts Edition is at the forefront of The OP’s recently announced partnership with Games Workshop, and enthusiasts can expect more dynamic titles to come from the collaboration!

Until then, set your sights on The OP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels for more information, and prepare to besiege your local game store for Talisman: Kingdom Hearts Edition, the immersive new way for loyal followers and their friends to get lost in both multi-faceted worlds!
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Kingdom Hearts Series

English Memory Archive Videos Released

Posted by Meilin Lee : Jan 27, 2019 at 11:49 AM ( 0 , 1,190 )

With only two days (!!!!!) to go until the long awaited release of 'Kingdom Hearts III', Square-Enix uploaded English versions of the Memory Archive videos narrated by Chirithy that recap the series and will be included in the game itself. Check out the videos by going to the official Kingdom Hearts YouTube channel.

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'KINGDOM HEARTS Orchestra -World of Tres-' Coming This Year

Posted by Meilin Lee : Jan 22, 2019 at 8:06 PM ( 1 , 1,517 )

The third orchestra tour in the 'Kingdom Hearts Orchestra' series has been announced today, named 'KINGDOM HEARTS Orchestra -World of Tres-', with a world tour scheduled for this year in celebration of the release of 'Kingdom Hearts III'! Tickets for select cities will be available for pre-sale purchase from here starting January 30, 2019 at 8pm local time of each city, while the public sale of tickets will start on February 12, 2019. Check out the list of cities where the tour will stop by this year (and let us know if you'll be going to any of the ones listed):

Tokyo (Japan) – April 27-28, 2019 – International Forum A
Pre-sales here starting January 29, 2019 (from 12pm local time)
Then available starting February 26, 2019 here (from 12pm local time)

Singapore – May 18, 2019 – Esplanade Concert Hall
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here here

Chicago (USA) – June 1, 2019 – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Los Angeles (USA) – June 8, 2019 – Dolby Theatre
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Orlando (USA) – June 22, 2019 – Walt Disney Theater
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

New York (USA) – June 28-29, 2019 – United Palace
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Toronto (Canada) – July 13, 2019 – Sony Centre
Available starting February 12, 2019 here

Köln (Germany) – August 24, 2019 – Kölner Philharmonie
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Atlanta (USA) – September 14, 2019 – Fox Theatre
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Paris (France) – September 28, 2019 – Palais des Congrès
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Milan (Italy) – October 5, 2019 – Teatro Arcimboldi
Available starting February 12, 2019 here

Sydney (Australia) – October 19, 2019 – Sydney Town Hall Centennial Hall
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Available starting February 12, 2019 here

Dallas (USA) – October 26, 2019 - Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Also available starting February 12, 2019 here

São Paulo (Brazil) – November 2, 2019 –Espaçodas Americas
Available starting February 12, 2019 here

London (United Kingdom) – November 17, 2019 –Eventim Apollo
Pre-sales here starting January 30, 2019 (from 8pm local time)
Then available starting February 12, 2019 here

Mexico D.F. (Mexico) – November 23, 2019 – Auditorium Blackberry
Available starting February 12, 2019 at here

Osaka (Japan) – November 30, 2019 – Grand Cube
TBA

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New KH3 Commercial Released!

Posted by Meilin Lee : Jan 17, 2019 at 12:34 PM ( 5 , 2,157 )

In preparation for the release of 'Kingdom Hearts III' in Japan next Friday (we're so close!!!), Square-Enix released a 2 minute commercial for the game, focusing first on the fans of the series, and then giving us a look at more cutscenes and gameplay (with a new Drive Form revealed called Rage Form, which appears to be an Anti Form variant). Check out the commercial below:

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