Search Results

Search Again

Page 1 of 10

Thread
Famitsu interview with the Kingdom Hearts Sound Team

With the 1.5 HD ReMix released, Famitsu managed to post an interview with the sound team of the series! The music team has managed to re-record the enitrety of the collection's soundtracks with acoustic instruments, and Yusaku Tsuchiya has been interviewed concerning his experience with the soundtrack's remastering. The interview has yet to be translated.

From left to right;
Yoko Shimomura (Composer)
Mr. Keiji Sheng River (Synthesizer operator)
Mr. Noda, Hiroshi Sato (Synthesizer operator)
Mr. TaQ (ongaq President of Music)
Mr. Yusaku Tsuchiya (gaQdan concertmaster)

INTERVIEWING THE KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX- SOUND TEAM: WHY WE'RE GOING TO LOVE THE RE-RECORDED MUSIC
Presenting an interview with some of the individuals involved in the sound of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- for PS3: Composer Yoko Shimomura, Square Enix synthesizer operators Keiji Kawamori and Hirosato Noda, TaQ from ongaq, responsible for strings arrangement and recording, and Yusaku Tsuchiya from gaQdan, ongaq's specialty recording orchestra responsible for the musical performance.
(18/3/2013)

The music of Yoko Shimomura, played anew on live instruments!

The three titles that make up the first section of the story of Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts (hereon KH) series, KH Final Mix, KH Re:Chain of Memories and KH 3582 Days have been remastered in HD and offered on the PS3 in one title as KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX- (released 14th Mar 2013). To go with the HD remastering, some of the music for this title has been re-recorded with live instruments.

Famitsu.com conducted an interview with composer Yoko Shimomura, Square Enix synthesizer operators Keiji Kawamori and Hirosato Noda, TaQ from ongaq, responsible for strings arrangement and recording, and Yusaku Tsuchiya from gaQdan, ongaq's specialty recording orchestra responsible for the musical performance, in which we heard episodes that occurred during recording and their thoughts on the KH series.

---Firstly, please each of you tell us your role in KH 1.5.
Shimomura: I stood in on the recording of the re-recorded tracks, and directed the musical performances. Plus, I was in charge of checking the mixed tracks.
Kawamori: I was in charge of planning the re-recording and track mixing.
Noda: I worked on mixing the recorded music with other instruments, just like Kawamori.
TaQ: I... was in charge of giving people courage (laughs). I'm not sure how to explain the details of my role, now that it's done... My main jobs specifically were taking the tracks that Ms Shimomura had written and arranging them into sheet music for live instruments, and managing the progress of recording.
Tsuchiya: As the orchestra's concertmaster, my responsibility was focused on the musical performances.
(*concertmaster: the person who takes care of the orchestra. Typically this role is filled by the leader of the first violin section.)

---We know that gaQdan is a specialty recording orchestra, but what exactly is a specialty recording orchestra?
TaQ: My goal with gaQdan is to offer something like what Netprint does with postcards, but as an orchestra service. Today's game consoles have high specs that allow orchestral music to be used as-is. However, on old game consoles, the number of useable sounds were limited. What was implemented on those consoles was the crystallised efforts of composers who had to use their ingenuity to work within 4-bit or 16-bit limitations.

---Compared to orchestral music, there are overwhelmingly few sounds, aren't there?
TaQ: Yes. See, with an orchestra, you have about forty parts altogether, woodwind and brass and such, playing sounds at once. Because of this, to perform music created for old games with an orchestra, you must increase the number of sounds while trying to hold the integrity of the piece.

---As non-professionals, we can't imagine how you would go about 'increasing the number of sounds'.
TaQ: I am sure that even among pros there would be many unfamiliar with orchestration and who wouldn't know how to start. That's why I wanted to make the gaQdan recording service something that people could use with ease, even if they didn't have all the complicated knowledge. There's a service called 'Netprint' where you can send pictures you drew or photos you took and they will print picture postcards for you, right? The idea behind our establishment was along those lines... that if you sent music to ongaq, even if it was not made for orchestra use, we would record it with an orchestra for you. I believe that we put that idea into reality with KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-.

---How interesting. Now then, could you please tell us the details behind how you came to be re-recording the music for KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-?
Kawamori: About two seconds after I heard they'd decided to make KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, it popped into my head that I wanted to remake the music in our current style, too. Well, those old tracks made with the built-in tone generator (*when the BGM plays using a synthesiser program created within the performance range of the gaming console) still sound amazing even now, despite the restrictions under which they were created. I had the privilege of working with Ms Shimomura on KH Birth by Sleep, which adopted audio streaming (*when pre-recorded music is played as BGM. Rich tones can be reproduced without much depending on the capacities of the console). I thought that if we made use of our know-how from that in KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, then we could allow the fans to enjoy the music all over again just like they would be enjoying the new HD picture.
Shimomura: It all started with talks happening somewhere without me (laughs).
Kawamori: That was when I invited the unaware Ms Shimomura to a lunch meeting to propose that we remake the music.

---Ms Shimomura, what did you think when you heard what Mr Kawamori had to say?
Shimomura: I said, since we're doing it, let me do whatever I can. I thought, 'hm, this lunch is expensive' (laughs).

---(Laughs). In all, how many tracks did you remake for this title?
Kawamori: Practically everything from KH Final Mix. We also recorded a selection from KH Re:Chain of Memoriesand KH 358/2 Days.
TaQ: I first heard from Mr Kawamori that there were 66 tracks, and even as I was gasping about that number, it steadily increased (laughs).
Shimomura: There were more tracks than I thought in KH Final Mix, see. There were versions of the same song but organised differently, or with the intro cut.
Noda: We'd start up the PS2 ROM to check, wouldn't we?
Kawamori: Yes, stressing out over which version was used in which scene.

---And so, why did you commission gaQdan to record the stringed instruments?
Kawamori: I had struck up an acquaintance with TaQ some time before, and when I came to be re-recording the music for KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, I remembered seeing an interview in Famitsu on his work on Crimson Shroud... so, I said to him, there are a lot of tracks, but how do you feel about doing it?
TaQ: I immediately replied that I'd do it, but to be completely honest here, I thought that 66 tracks had to be impossible (laughs). Recording took place in a huge hall in the Tokyo Metropolitan area around September 2012, and since of course the hall had to be unavailable for long periods just when we needed it, we had to finish recording in one day and that was that. We had to be out of the hall by 9:30pm, but by the time it was 7:30pm we hadn't even finished recording half...
Shimomura: You're saying it with a smile now, TaQ, but on the day you scared me. Your smile started fading away... (laughs).
TaQ: The orchestra members were running out of breath, and conversations stopped (laughs).
Shimomura: But, the orchestra members were so dedicated.
Tsuchiya: That's the difficult thing about orchestral recording. All the instrument sounds are recorded in one go at the same time, so you can't just go in after and replace one instrument or add a layer. It was a severe spot that required the orchestra members to play for twelve hours with no mistakes. But, since the hall had great acoustics, and some members of gaQdan were KH fans who started getting excited as they recognised songs, the orchestra members were very passionate.
TaQ: The moment when the musicians became one entity to finish the last few... I don't think I'll forget it as long as I live.
Shimomura: Every minute was precious, to the point where nobody even went to the toilet.
TaQ: When we finished, I was so overcome with emotion that I started applauding.
Shimomura: I wondered if perhaps the remaining time would stress them out and affect their performance, and if so, whether I should give up on a few songs and have them focus on the ones we were up to... but, in the end, thanks to all of their tremendous focuses, they were able to record for me every single song I had requested.

---Noda, Kawamori, Shimomura, what was it like listening to the musical performance?
Noda: I was astonished at what they managed to do in so little time. They gave a convincing and high quality performance.
Kawamori: With electronic music you have to make fine adjustments in order to have it sound as though it were live, but we were able to use the music that was performed for us as it was, so... it made our lives easier (laughs). I am so grateful that they performed that many tracks for us.
Shimomura: I am sure that for the past ten years, gamers have carried strong impressions of the original tracks. Seeing as the old tracks do have the characteristic power of the built-in tone generator, I hate being told that by using live instruments the 'music is nicer but it lost its punch'. With this title, without me even asking, gaQdan treated the image from the original song with utmost care, so I am very happy.
Tsuchiya: Seeing as the original built-in tone generator music was so cool, we kept in mind to not lose that punch with our performance.
TaQ: In RPGs, the battle music is probably what you hear the most often. Battle music is often written loaded with staccato phrases to raise tension for the player, I believe. But, orchestra instruments are not designed to burst out strong, loud sounds by nature. Because of this, if you perform using the pure classical playing style, it will sound nice, but it won't have that aggressive feel. As I actually personally started with electronic music, I investigated with gaQdan into how to bring out that aggressive feel on stringed instruments. There are ways of playing that bring colour into the sound, and ways of playing that bring out a sensation of speed... we built experience with many variations of play styles.
Tsuchiya: I am happy that we were able to use the results of that research in this title. Putting it into practice meant we consciously changed our ways of playing depending on the song.
TaQ: With battle music, you really need that bold rock-guitar nuance, so we boosted the number of people playing middle and low register instruments. A normal orchestra will have the most people in the first violin section, but this time, since we knew that the melody would be carried by the flutes and such, we decided we didn't need to increase the number of violins.
Shimomura: The performance we received could be perfectly described as a 'version upgrade' for everyone. Even the methods of recording were innovative.
TaQ: We started our arrangement work by grouping the tracks in the same key and the tracks that would give the musicians similar emotions. We listened to those nearly 70 tracks over and over again to sort them into groups of tracks we could perform consecutively. With that much music to do, we had no time to waste on resting and re-preparing after finishing one performance before starting the next recording. There were instances where we played about 16 tracks consecutively.
Tsuchiya: There were also instances where we played for 30 minutes straight. Though there were about 70 tracks, in practice I worked with them like five long tracks.

---So, thanks to that solution, the performers were able to stay in good spirits while playing for over ten hours?
Shimomura: We had many proposals over how to go about recording for a whole day without wasting time or people losing spirit.
TaQ: As you might expect, after that sort of hardship, we ended up with great music. You can definitely make great music electronically, but in the end, when musicians pour their emotions into a performance, you can be sure that their music will have the setting unfolding before your eyes. KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX- looks so beautiful, so when the music flows with the scenes, I believe that gamer's hearts will be moved.

---Did Shimomura have any requests regarding the musical performance?
Tsuchiya: Ms Shimomura was particular about the tightness and vehemence of the bass. She didn't want to lose the vehemence of the electronic version.
Shimomura: I tried to get it across making noises, like, 'make it sound like ksssh ksssh'.
Tsuchiya: But when you said 'kssh' out loud like that, we could hear the way it resounded back in the hall, so we understood what sort of sound you were looking for.

---It's easier to convey things that way then explaining it theoretically, then.
Shimomura: Also, when I am writing music, I imagine the person playing the instrument. When we were recording, I was making gestures like I was playing, like, 'I want this part to feel like they're so into it that they're leaning forwards playing. That sort of feeling...' but, since I was a bit far away from where everyone was performing, they said 'sorry, we can't see you' (laughs).

---So when you are composing, you don't only think of sounds, you think of pictures.
Shimomura: I can't play the violin, so it's just my image of it (laughs). There are powerful images that stuck in my head of amazing solos I've seen concertmasters playing at concerts, that sort of thing. Sometimes, I write music hoping that somebody would play my music like that.

---A question for TaQ and Tsuchiya. What do you think is characteristic of Shimomura's music?
TaQ: She has characteristic scales. For example, 3-3-3-2... and, that bass string rhythm. Like, duhkuh-dun, duhkuh-dun,duhkuh-dun. After spending my entire time on this job analysing the written music for Ms Shimomura's tracks, I feel like I was slowly becoming able to write Shimomura melodies myself (laughs).
Tsuchiya: That bass strings rhythm is so striking, it still comes back into my head sometimes.
Shimomura: Back in those days there was a limited number of tones, and there weren't more than two channels to delineate the string instruments. So, the parts an orchestra would organise into first violin, second violin, viola, cello and double bass, I had to make with two channels. I tried my best to create something that felt close, thinking the whole time about how I really would have wanted it to be expressed on stringed instruments (laughs). And so, I did things like just having those two tracks repeat a simple rhythm, and I think I made a weird sort of progress on a lot of points.
TaQ: I think it was originally composed with concepts like 'this is orchestral' and 'this is chamber music'. Before writing music for games, an image of the sound is usually bouncing around inside your head. Upon receiving Ms Shimomura's sheet music, I spent some time thinking about the image each track was written with.
Shimomura: TaQ checked in with me many times to make sure that the image in his head matched the one in mine, but every time he asked, his arrangements were exactly right.

---By the way, which piece was the most difficult to perform?
Tsuchiya: First I'll just say that they were difficult in general (laughs). The gummi ship song, and... then, this one. The one with the difficult rhythm that went dan-da-dadada-dadadadadadadada... I was delirious when I played it, the name won't come to me (laughs).
Shimomura: I think you mean The Deep End. I'm sorry I made the rhythm so hard to play (laughs).

---Can you tell us about any episode that left an impression on you from during recording?
Kawamori: On the day of recording, it was a lovely clear morning. But then as the day turned to afternoon, right when everyone was getting desperate about how there was no time, outside it started pouring with rain.

---It's like the rain was a symbol of your feelings (laughs).
Kawamori: I did think, a mood like this and rain like this... and when we finished recording, it cleared up again. I was surprised, it really was as though the weather was reflecting how our recording went.
Shimomura: I was surprised realising it must have rained when I saw that the ground was wet.

---Now, after the recording work with gaQdan, how did work on mixing go?
Noda: It went pretty smoothly for me, because I received the sounds already mixed to an extent.
Shimomura: I was always asking you to do one more thing at the final mix checks. I'm sorry for everything (laughs).
Kawamori: That's the way it always goes (laughs).
Shimomura: I think, it's such a tiny thing, I probably shouldn't say anything, but then I go and say it. It's because I know how it feels to regret not asking for a part to be corrected, and once it's out in the world, being like 'aww I wish I'd asked about that one note'.
Kawamori: During the stage where we put the sounds together, the track is still fuzzy in my head, but through Ms Shimomura's direction, when I listen to the final product, I think, it really did become KH music, didn't it. It feels like it has the KH seal stamped on it.

---Did listening to the music from ten years ago bring back memories?
Shimomura: It really is like, has it already been ten years? Is it still only ten years? When I listen to the music, I have so many flashbacks... like, 'it was so hard to get this song okayed' and such (laughs). And, sometimes my impression of the song has changed since the old days, like when I think 'this song is even cooler than I thought it was!' There's both nostalgia and new discoveries. As there were no plans to make the first KH into a series, we made it this far thanks to everyone's support and love. It's amazing that that game from ten years ago has been born again with a makeover, and I am incredibly happy that I have been able to be involved in these works.

---If KH -HD 2.5 ReMIX- were to come out, would you re-record the music?
Shimomura: KH2 uses the built-in tone generator too. In the KH series, the battle music and field music cross-fade so we had to include the data of both battle and field tracks compressed to what would originally be the memory of one track. I was so glad that we could use live music this time... If KH -HD 2.5 ReMIX- comes out, there's no way I'd just leave the built-in tone generator in as is (laughs). I couldn't betray everyone's expectations like that. There are around 100 tracks, though...

---Sounds like recording would be even more difficult (laughs).
Shimomura: In KH2 I used strings purposefully in many tracks, such as wanting the violins to build steadily when the music for the last boss starts, which I think it would be beautiful done with live instruments.

---We are sure that the fans would be very happy to hear the music of KH2 performed with live instruments. Well then, please give us a final word and message for our readers.
Kawamori: Starting with gaQdan, so many people participated in recording for KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX-. I believe that their feelings are expressed in the music that they participated in so passionately, everyone. Please make sure you hear it.
Noda: I would love for people to play the game and compare the difference they can hear between the sound in this title and the sound from the days of the PS2. I think the sound is now very powerful, so please enjoy it.
Tsuchiya: I was only directly involved in KH -HD 1.5 ReMIX- for the twelve hours that I performed, but, I wonder if perhaps in those twelve hours I was able to put in what has been passed down through the KH series so far. I hope you enjoy it.
TaQ: This job was a challenge for all members of gaQdan. The first track, with such a short recording time... If someone had said, 'we can't do this, can we?' then we would have crumbled. But instead everyone involved in the project was thinking first and foremost that we wanted to make something great, so we were able to face the challenge with optimism. I will never forget that day of recording. That one day was only a tiny piece of the overall game development period, but we crammed it with far more than one day's worth of our best effort. So, I would be very happy if everyone who plays the game thinks our music is interesting.
Shimomura: So much has been said already now (laughs)... With this title, I recommend all the tracks, but among them, there is one in particular I would love for people to look out for. The music that plays at the end of KH 358/2 Days, Vector to the Heavens, was a track that many people told me they loved, and it has been re-recorded. Beginning with a performance by pianist Benyamin Nuss, it is an extremely lovely track, and I hope everyone enjoys listening to it.
Click to expand...

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 18, 2013, 8 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMix teased?

With all the early copies of the 1.5 collection and the hardcore gamers that have already beaten them, something has been revealed. During the end credits of the Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix, scenes from Kingdom Hearts 2, Coded, and Birth by Sleep can be seen. 2Ch and FF-Reunion users are among those who described these 3 games in the end credits of the collection. More information to follow...

Credit to Libregkd for the news update

Update: The scenes can be seen in the credits of Leta_jp's livestream here.
The credits roll from 6:50:00 - 6:53:45
Kingdom Hearts 2 scenes (6:50:00 - 6:51:52)
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded scenes (6:51:53 - 6:52:18)
Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep scenes (6:52:19 - 6:53:18)

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 14, 2013, 82 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Official Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix website updated with Re:Com and more!

The official site for the HD ReMix has updated it's tabs for Re:Chain of Memories, Movies, and Downloads. The Re:CoM section has updated with basic information regarding the gameplay, characters, previously revealed screenshots, etc. (Character renders can be viewed below. See how sparkly?) The movies section has been updated with a TV Advertisement on the games incoming release and the Downloads section is updated with 2 new wallpapers in varying sizes.

View attachment 35548 View attachment 35549 View attachment 35550 View attachment 35551 View attachment 35552 View attachment 35553 View attachment 35554 View attachment 35555 View attachment 35556 View attachment 35557 View attachment 35558 View attachment 35559 View attachment 35560 View attachment 35561 View attachment 35562 View attachment 35563 View attachment 35564 View attachment 35565 View attachment 35566 View attachment 35567 View attachment 35568 View attachment 35569 View attachment 35570

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 13, 2013, 5 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Official Kingdom Hearts X [chi] website launched

The official site for the upcoming site has indeed been launched. And only a day before Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix's release to boot! So anyways, 4Gamer has released an article on the subject with a few viewable screenshots as well as some info concerning the game's Closed Beta Test. (Or "CBT") A translation of the article will hopefully be available soon.

CBT Registration is from March 13th 2013 - March 18th 2013
CBT Phase is from March 22nd 2013 - March 25th 2013

View attachment 35545 View attachment 35546 View attachment 35547

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 13, 2013, 22 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
An early look at Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix

Oh yes, more hype for the Japanese release! Some lucky person in Japan has gained their copy early and has been kind enough to post them online for fans' viewing pleasure. You'll notice they have posted the Box Case, Disc, Trophy List, and more! This thread will be updated with anymore photo's the user will upload.

View attachment 35219 View attachment 35217

View attachment 35211 View attachment 35213 View attachment 35218
View attachment 35214 View attachment 35212 View attachment 35228 View attachment 35544
View attachment 35215 View attachment 35220 View attachment 35221 View attachment 35347 View attachment 35348 View attachment 35543 View attachment 35589
View attachment 35222 View attachment 35223 View attachment 35224 View attachment 35225 View attachment 35226 View attachment 35227

Credit to Jorpor for linking a full trophy lists;
http://exophase.com/game/kingdom-hearts-final-mix-ps3/trophies/
http://exophase.com/game/kingdom-hearts-rechain-of-memories-ps3/trophies/
http://exophase.com/game/kingdom-hearts-3582-days-ps3/trophies/
Translator Sumi and myself have translated the the trophies below.

KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
[Platinum] Complete master - Got all trophies
[Gold] Game: Clear Proud - Cleared Final Mix on Proud Mode
[Silver] Clear game: Final Mix - Cleared Final Mix on Normal Mode
[Bronze] Clear Game: Beginner - Cleared Final Mix on Beginner Mode
[Silver] Changing Ann Armour - Cleared the game without Changing Equipment
[Silver] Undefeated - cleared the game without having to "Continue" after losing.
[Gold] Speed Star - Won the 15 hours of time to play "World of Chaos" in End of the World
[Bronze] What it does not exist - Won the Mystery Man at Hollow Bastion
[Bronze] Ki shadow lurking in the Clock Tower - Defeated the Phantom in Neverland
[Bronze] Sword dancing in the dust - Defeated Kurt Zisa in Agrabah
[Bronze] Egg hero - Won the Phil Cup tournament
[Bronze] Novice hero - Won the Pegasus Cup tournament
[Bronze] Hero of the Colosseum - Won the Hercules Cup tournament
[Bronze] Vertices of the Colosseum - Won the Hades Cup tournament
[Bronze] Ki dressed in giant cold - Defeated Ice Titan in Gold Match
[Bronze] Winged Angel - Defeated Sephiroth in Platinum Match
[Bronze] Single Attack Champion - won the challenge, one of the title of any
[Bronze] Time Attack Champion - Won the challenge for the title with a time limit of one
[Silver] Count stop level - Reach level 100 with Sora
[Bronze] Treasure hunters - Open 100 Treasure Chests
[Bronze] Millionaire - Currently have over 10,000 Munny
[Bronze] Heartless Hunter - Defeat 2,000 Heartless
[Bronze] Adventure Begins - Sealed the keyhole in Traverse Town
[Bronze] Alice in Wonderland - Sealed the keyhole in Wonderland
[Bronze] Go The Distance - Sealed the keyhole in Olympus Coliseum
[Bronze] You'll Be In My Heart - Sealed the keyhole in Deep Jungle
[Bronze] A Whole New World - Sealed the keyhole in Agrabah
[Bronze] Wish Upon a Star - Escaped and completed Monstro
[Bronze] Part of Your World - Sealed the keyhole of Atlantica
[Bronze] This Is Halloween - Sealed the keyhole of Halloween Town
[Bronze] You Can Fly - Sealed the keyhole of Neverland
[Bronze] The Edge of the world - Sealed the keyhole of Hollow Bastion
[Bronze] Winnie the Pooh - Sealed the keyhole of 100 Acre Wood
[Bronze] Complete record - Complete Jiminy's Journal
[Bronze] Storyteller - Complete the "Story so far" section in Jiminy's Journal
[Bronze] Searcher - find all Ansem Reports
[Bronze] Professor - Complete an "encyclopedia" character of Jiminy note
[Bronze] Top breeders - find all 101 dalmations
[Bronze] Friendship - find all Trinities
[Bronze] Mini game mania - Complete the "Game Record" of Jimiy's Journal]
[Bronze] Synthesis king - Synthesized all items
[Bronze] First experience synthetic - Prepared to synthesize during the shop's first visit
[Bronze] Synthesis beginner - Synthesize 3 Items
[Bronze] Intermediate synthesis - Synthesize 15 Items
[Bronze] Advanced Synthesis - Synthesize 30 Items
[Bronze] Gumiship collector - Gained all Blueprints
[Bronze] Flying Ace - Defeated 2500 Enemy ships
[Bronze] Customizer - Used the GummiShip editor
[Bronze] Top Ace - Cleared all Gummi Ship routes
[Bronze] Test pilot - Cleared gummi Ship Mission #1
[Bronze] Top pilot - Cleared gummi Ship Mission #2
[Bronze] Ace pilot - Cleared gummi Ship Mission #3
[Bronze] Amulet of Promise - Received Kairis' good luck charm
[Bronze] Blade master - Gained all Keyblades
[Bronze] Magic Master - Gained all Staffs
[Bronze] Guard Master - Gained all Shields
Click to expand...

KINGDOM HEARTS RE: CHAIN OF MEMORIES
[Gold] Complete master CHAIN of MEMORIES - Gained all Trophies
[Silver] Clear Game: Proud Sora - Clear Proud Mode in Sora's Story
[Silver] Clear Game: Proud Riku - Clear Proud Mode in Riku's Story
[Silver] Undefeated - Cleared the game without having to "Continue" after losing.
[Bronze] Clear Game: Standard Sora - Clear Standard Mode in Sora's Story
[Bronze] Clear Game: Standard Riku - Clear Standard Mode in Riku's Story
[Bronze] Clear Game: Beginner Sora - Clear Beginner Mode in Sora's Story
[Bronze] Clear Game: Beginner Riku - Clear Beginner Mode in Riku's Story
[Bronze] Vegetable Meister - Achieve more than 150 points in the Panic Vegetable Mini-game
[Bronze] Ace pilot - Achieve more than 500 points in the Glider Balloon Mini-game
[Bronze] High jumper - Achieve more than 120 points in the Jump Tigger Mini-game
[Bronze] Skydiver - Achieve more than 2,000 points in the Airborne Pooh Mini-game
[Bronze] Buster Bee - Kill 70 Bees in 100 Seconds in the Bee Extermination Mini-Game
[Bronze] Connecting the storage sleep - Cleared Sora's Story
[Silver] Stock skill master - Sora learned all skills
[Bronze] Made from memory card - Cleared Floor 1 in Castle Oblivion
[Bronze] Memory that is spun - Cleared Floor 5 in Castle Oblivion
[Bronze] Memory of truth - Cleared Floor 13 in Castle Oblivion
[Bronze] Road to Dawn - Cleared Riku's Story
[Bronze] Maximum attacker - Maxed out Riku's attack
[Bronze] Confrontation with darkness - Clear Basement 12 in Castle Oblivion
[Bronze] Looming dark inner - Clear Basement 8 in Castle Oblivion
[Bronze] Mind to overcome darkness - Clear Basement 1 in Castle Oblivion
[Gold] Complete record - Complete Jiminy's Journal
[Silver] Card Master: Sora - Complete the Card Collection in Jiminy's Journal
[Bronze] Story Teller: Sora - Complete the "Story so far" section in Jiminy's Journal
[Bronze] Professor character: Sora - Complete the Character section in Jiminy's Journal
[Bronze] Mini Game Mania: Sora - Complete the mini-Games section in Jiminy's Journal
[Gold] Complete report - Complete the entire D report
[Silver] Card Master: Riku - Complete the D Report "Card Collection"
[Bronze] Story Teller: Riku - Complete the "Story so far" D report
[Bronze] Professor character: Riku - Complete the character "D" report
[Bronze] First experience card deck - Modified a card deck for the first time
[Bronze] Advanced card deck - Modified a card deck 500 times
[Bronze] Premier Card Maker - Contain 20 sheets of the Premier Card
[Silver] No escape - Cleared the game without running away
[Silver] Count stop level: Sora - Sora is at the max level
[Silver] Count stop level: Riku - Riku is at the max level
[Bronze] Card Breaker - Broke the enemy's cards 1500 times
[Bronze] Tightrope - Recovered from less than 5% HP
[Bronze] Interceptor - Encountered 150 battles
[Bronze] Duel Master - Won 100 times in a duel
[Bronze] Battle Card Collector - Posses more than 300 Battle cards
[Bronze] Point Millionaire - Current Moogle points are greater than 10,000
[Bronze] Regular Customer - pent 20 000 points in the Moogle shop
[Bronze] Room Creator - Created 300 Rooms
[Bronze] Treasure hunters - Opened 10 "Room of Rewards"
[Bronze] Ace striker - Hit the enemy once appeared
Click to expand...

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS
[Gold] Complete 358/2Days - Gained all trophies
[Gold] Read All The diary - Read Roxas' entire diary
[Gold] Read All Reports - Seen all secret Reports
[Bronze] We heart the day to attend - Viewed Chapters 1-37
[Bronze] We stare at each other day heart - Viewed chapters 38-74
[Bronze] Where the mind reach - Viewed chapters 75-109
Click to expand...

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 12, 2013, 36 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
New Demo footage released from Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix

With the Japanese release only days away, Ruliweb has been gracious enough to post a recording of the playable demo at the Korea "Play the Playstation" event. The demo features a few playable moments on Destiny Islands, including the race with Riku and battles with Tidus, Wakka and Selphie.

Credit to Libregkd for the news link. The footage has been uploaded to the KHV Youtube channel.

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 11, 2013, 23 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Kingdom Hearts II - Volume 6 Manga release date

Amazon has opened up a new page depicting the 6th Japanese Volume in the Kingdom Hearts II manga line-up. The publisher; Gangan comics has not released a Mange from the series' third game since 2009, making this issue to have a time frame of nearly 4 years.
According to Gangan, it will be released on May 22nd 2013 for the price of 470 Yen.

Previous issue covers;

Thread by: Krowley, Mar 8, 2013, 9 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Vividred Operation game announced

Gematsu said:

Namco Bandai is producing a 3D action game based on the Vividred Operation anime for PlayStation 3, the latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation reveals.
The game will use toon rendering and aims to faithfully reproduce the anime. The characters’ thighs will be of particular highlight.
Players will fight in intense battles while flying freely about the sky. The title will also have adventure game-like conversation parts with supposedly branching dialogue. Oh, and insanely big bosses (according to our source, at least).
Click to expand...

To anyone who's seen the anime and has a PS3, kudos to you

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 26, 2013, 9 replies, in forum: Gaming
Thread
Reverse side of Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix leaked

With the box art revealed a month ago, the backside of the physical Japanese copy has appeared on the internet. As the HD collection is just over 2 weeks away from it's Japan release, news should be popping up as the release date inches closer.

Image find credited to Libregkd

View attachment 35063

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 26, 2013, 11 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
KHV's Top 10 Lesser Nobodies

KHV's Top 10
~Lesser Nobodies~

Recently added the "Lesser" portion of the title, due to members mostly sending in lists with Organization members on them. No, this list is dedicated to the swarms of Nobodies you fought throughout Kingdom Hearts 2. From twilight Town, to the World that Never Was, they were just as relentless as the heartless, and just as much an obstacle. (Not to mention the fact they are named after final Fantasy Job classes is also cool) There species is few, but we take the time to examine which 10 we didn't mind fighting.

#10) Sorcerer
Votes: 6
Average Ranking: 7.5

Controlled by Xemnas, these high ranking nobodies utilize small, magical cubes as a means of fighting. As one of the few enemies without a reaction command, fighting the floating annoyance can be shortened by casting reflect. Aside from Magnet, any other magic on this nobody is pretty much useless. they can only be found in the World That Never Was.

#9) Dancer
Votes: 6
Average Ranking: 6.2

Dancers are controlled by Demyx and are one of the more "womanly shaped" nobodies. Along with their warm colors, these swaying creatures have a habit of jerking you around, literally. Once they get a hold of you, there is no button on that controller to get you out. From grace to vigor in seconds, best beat them fast and quick.

#8) Gambler
Votes: 7
Average Ranking: 8.3

If fought correctler, Gamblers can be an excellent way of farming for Munny. Since their reaction commands are revolved around games and chance, playing and winning at their own game, drops off 100 Munny each and even has the chance of dropping a new shield for Goofy. Since it is a gamble, there comes a risk with playing these games, including turning into a life sized Die or playing card. Gamblers are controlled by Luxord

#7) Berserker
Votes: 7
Average Ranking: 7.4

A real heavy hitter. The Berserker is only as dangerous as when it is wielding it's weapon. With the claymore, this nobody can smash and crash to it's lack of heart's content. Once you get it's weapon away from it, you can have your own fun with the reaction command, and go, well, berserk. Berserkers are controlled by Saix.

#6) Sniper
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 5.9

As it's name declares, the only nobody on the list that depends on it's long ranged snipe attacks. Controlled by xigbar, they teleport their way around the field, finding and hitting you in your blind spot. An easy way to deflect their shots is with the reaction command.

#5) Assassin
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 5.6

If the land shark was a nobody, the assassin would be the closest depiction of it. Swimming through the ground as if it were water, they slash their way through the floor, being invulnerable the entire time. The only way to beat them during their shark frenzy, is to guard and counter with a flurry of attacks. Their reaction command is you, exploding them, and still gaining Experience and Munny. (Now I'm thinking of exploding land sharks for some reason...) They are controlled by Axel.

#4) Dragoon
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 5.3

A dragon humanoid nobody with a lance is always a fun fight. what really makes them a potent challenge, is their "Jump" ability, which lifts them up and crashes them down quickly, resulting in a combo afterword. airborne and flexible, they, like the rest of their nobody brethren, can be silenced with the reaction command that allows you to learn the "Jump" ability, and give them a taste of their own medicine. Dragoons are controlled by Xaldin.

#3) Twilight Thorn
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 4.3

Aside from an argued example of "The World of nothingness," twilight thorn is the only other Nobody boss to be fought against to date. This nobody is only fought against once, by Roxas in Dive to the Heart, and is never seen from again. With a lot of fun, cinematic reaction commands, this boss may not be that difficult, but certainly offers a fair deceleration as a fun-to-beat first boss of the game.

#2) Samurai
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 3.4

The most proficient in melee, Samurais lie and wait for the player to make the first move, before slashing it's way into action. With blades for weapons, it takes it's time to move with grace and deal as much damage as it can. Their reaction command is a "quick draw" styled risk, that requires precision timing and can finish the nobody off in one strike when executed correctly. Samurai are controlled by Roxas, and are one of 2 different nobodies outside the Organization that were featured in 358/2 Days.

#1) Dusk
Votes: 8
Average Ranking: 2.5

The nobody equivalent of a Heartless Shadow, they are the first nobody you face as well as one of the more troublesome. Despite being one of the low ranking nobodies, the way the Dusk moves make reaction commands key, so that they stay in one place. They look fragile and weak with all their swaying and seductive movements, but unless dealt with, they will whiplash themselves at you repeatedly until silenced. Why it is number one on this list could be anything from it's design, to players thinking "It's just way easier to beat."

Want to have your say in the next Top 10?
Click here!

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 25, 2013, 4 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
More Re:Chain of Memories screenshots from the 1.5 HD ReMix

The HD screenshots continue with an article from Gamewatch delivering more scenes from the Re:CoM portion of the game. While half of them have been already released from Famitsu, there is still a good 20 or so you that can be seen.

View attachment 34929 View attachment 34930 View attachment 34931 View attachment 34932 View attachment 34933 View attachment 34934 View attachment 34935 View attachment 34936 View attachment 34937 View attachment 34938 View attachment 34939 View attachment 34940 View attachment 34941 View attachment 34942 View attachment 34943 View attachment 34944 View attachment 34945 View attachment 34946 View attachment 34947 View attachment 34948 View attachment 34949 View attachment 34950 View attachment 34951 View attachment 34952 View attachment 34953 View attachment 34954 View attachment 34955 View attachment 34956 View attachment 34957 View attachment 34958 View attachment 34959 View attachment 34960 View attachment 34961 View attachment 34962 View attachment 34963 View attachment 34964 View attachment 34965 View attachment 34966 View attachment 34967 View attachment 34968 View attachment 34969 View attachment 34970 View attachment 34971

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 24, 2013, 14 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Kingdom Hearts Mobile to be terminated on April 30th

The Mobile se4rvice that released in 2008 will be terminated as of April 30th 2013. While the mobile game offered nothing to the story or development of the series, it acted as a portal where players could play minigames, download ringtones, etc. The news was posted on a reliable twitter account and will a translation by goldplanner can be seen below.

View attachment 34210

Translation said:

We have an important announcement for everyone.
The Kingdom Hearts Mobile service, launched December 2008, will be discontinued from the 30th April 2013 (Tue).
Additionally, the service will be closed to new registrations from the 31st March 2013 (Sun).
As any points conferred up until the discontinuation will disappear, please make sure to spend them in time.
On behalf of all our staff we wish to express our appreciation and extend our warmest gratitude to all of you who have long enjoyed Kingdom Hearts Mobile.
We would be honoured by your continued patronage of Kingdom Hearts Mobile from now for the short amount of time we have left.
Click to expand...

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 23, 2013, 5 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Re:Chain of Memories HD Screenshots from Famitsu

As done with the Final Mix and 358/2 Days portion of the 1.5 HD ReMix, Famitsu has begun releasing screenshot previews of the second game to come with the collection; Re:Chain of Memories. along with the screenshots, a small interview is posted with Art Director: Takeshi Fujimoto, and Animation Director; Koji Hamada. All the information seen online will be part of the February 21st issue of Famitsu Weekly.

View attachment 34181 View attachment 34182 View attachment 34183 View attachment 34184 View attachment 34185 View attachment 34186 View attachment 34187 View attachment 34188 View attachment 34189 View attachment 34190 View attachment 34191 View attachment 34192 View attachment 34193 View attachment 34194 View attachment 34195 View attachment 34196 View attachment 34197 View attachment 34198

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 21, 2013, 15 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers has a new title!

Found on the Japanese Square Enix Blog as well as on the 1.5 HD Remix Site, the tentative "Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers" title has now been renamed as KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi]
Kingdom Hearts x [chi] (Or Kingdom Hearts Key as it is pronounced) has been given a new logo as seen above. Famitsu.com has also updated with an article depicting the information and giving High Quality renders of the Logo and 2 Pre-bonus cards of Sora and Riku that can be seen below. These Pre-order cards contain exclusive codes for the PC game and can only be gained by Pre-rdering the HD 1.5 ReMix from the E-Store.

Credit to Roxam for the news update.

Past message from the KINGDOM said:

"It is the world of a distant fairy-tale.
The world is full of light.
Various worlds are born in that light and so the light envelopes them.
From the source of Kingdom Hearts' light, there is a X-blade that is protected.
To that limit, the worlds believed in the eternal light.
However, a strong light creates a dark shadow.
From that darkness, anxiety and fear awakened their desire.
With the darkness hidden within the depths of their hearts awakened, chaos began to spread across the worlds.
In order to stop the spread of darkness, those who seek the light created a copy of the χ-blade, a Keyblade, and an adventure concerning the fate of the worlds began."

Click to expand...

Silconera News said:

Cards like Sora and Riku can be used in battles. Munny is used to synthesize cards and draw points can be exchanged for cards. Potions restore your energy to do actions and ether recovers the necessary power you need to battle a boss.

Kingdom Hearts X[chi] will be a free to play game where you control an original character that travels to other Disney worlds. Virtual items will be sold as downloadable content. An interesting tidbit is Kingdom Hearts X[chi] is developed by Success Corporation, the company behind Operation Darkness, Metal Saga, and Tokyo Beat Down.
Click to expand...

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 19, 2013, 31 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
KHV's Top 10 Pairings

KHV's Top 10
~Pairings~

The Kingdom Hearts series has shown the bond of friendship and the power it has on the strength of people's hearts. In some instances there are 2 people that just go extremely well together. This could be by the way they act around each other or perhaps just that fanfiction writer's dream that they may end up together romantically. This list tellies what member's of KHV find as the most favored pairings of the Kingdom Hearts cast.

#10) Sora x Riku
Votes: 4
Average Ranking: 5.0

The best friend rivalry is a common trope amongst the media world. at the beginning, Riku was always seen as Sora's superior, but as time passed... he still kind of proved himself as Sora's superior. They have have begun working against each other, But their friendship has survived many trials including going into the realm of darkness and back, being manipulated and even taken over by a heartless. This classic duo continues to fight alongside one another and keep their friendship alive.

#9) Riku x Naminé
Votes: 4
Average Ranking: 3.0

Two people who worked together with a common goal of restoring Sora's broken memories. While they had no personal interest in eachother, they formed some form of understanding to one another. When ordered to eliminate Namine, Riku refused and appreciate her value and ability as a person enough to call her a "Wonder." Riku trusts her and Namine believes that he can solve his own problems. A very understanding pair.

#8) Riku x Kairi
Votes: 5
Average Ranking: 7.8

Lugging her unconscious body around in the first game, Riku had the same intention as Sora in protecting Kairi. The only difference being that Riku was not afraid to go through very cautionary measures which led to a very antagonistic presence against Sora. His admiration for Kairi is later diminished as her heart is revealed to be with Sora's. Even still, he ensures that Sora take care of her if he cannot.

#7) Riku x Xion
Votes: 5
Average Ranking: 6.4

Looking very close to Kairi, Riku's sympathy to a character he is meant to destroy is all the more interesting. As Xion is a part of Sora's memories, he needs to bring Xion with him in order to help Sora awaken. When asked if he hated her for taking his friend away, Riku simply responded that he was sad. He gives her the possibility of making up her own mind on the decision that's right for everyone and never confronts he afterwords.

#6) Aqua x Terra
Votes: 6
Average Ranking: 5.0

During most of Birth by Sleep, Aqua had a tendency of bringing of Terra in the back of her mind. Of Terra, Ventus and Aqua, it's Aqua who had the most struggle between the bond with her friends and the duties Master Eraqus passed onto her. Both pupils ended up going on different paths while still keeping a strong moral code to protecting their friends. Sadly in the end, it was Aqua who sacrificed herself to keep Terra out of the realm of darkness, only to have him controlled by Master Xehanort.

#5) Axel x Roxas
Votes: 6
Average Ranking: 4.5

Most to all of their friendship was seen atop that clocktower in Twilight Town. What began as being a part of a heart hungry organization, led to Roxas' eventual betrayal of the organization. Choosing to be with his close companion, Axel soon followed in his leaving of the group in order to be with his best friend. And while they are nobodies, Axel has said that Roxas "made him feel like he had a heart."

#4) King Mickey x Queen Minnie
Votes: 7
Average Ranking: 6.0

The only Disney couple to make this list. A couple that was established in the 1920's Mickey and Minnie are a timeless couple that haven't actually shared many moments together in the Kingdom Hearts series. The only moment I can recall them being together is in the end credits of Kingdom Hearts 2. (thus the blurred zoom in shot used as the visual) Nonetheless, their reunion is all the more to celebrate the love these two share for one another

#3) Roxas x Xion
Votes: 7
Average Ranking: 4.1

How would you feel if you ended up destroying one of your best friends, only to lose the memory of them afterwords? Roxas and Xion were a cute pair of keybladers in the Organization, both being used as "tools" to advance their needs. Knowing she needed to help complete Sora's memories, she chose Roxas as her executioner and chose her fate that she deemed would be best for everyone. Cannot see these two being together romantically as well... they're basically the same person.

#2) Roxas x Naminé
Votes: 11
Average Ranking: 4.1

As being nobodies of Sora and Kairi, their chemistry for each other is similar to their somebody counterparts. Being the hollow hearted beings they are, they felt that they would fade into darkness. But so long as Sora and Kairi were together, then Roxas and Namine would be as well.

#1) Sora x Kairi
Votes: 12
Average Ranking: 2.4

Honestly, I cannot say I'm surprised. This is one of those relationships that people just assume that they will end up together, and I probably agree with them. The moments these 2 have shared are among some of the more touching in the series, often found at the end of the console games. Cave paintings, papou fruit, those embraced reunited moments, take your pick on why these two are meant to end up together.

Want to have your say in the next Top 10?
Click here!

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 11, 2013, 37 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMix Pre-order Bonus from 7-Eleven (Japan)

Japan's 7-Eleven has released a special promotion for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix. When you pre-order the game from their store, an exclusive product code is added, which features a downloadable custom PS3 theme. This deal lasts until March 11th 2013 and has a decreased price of 6,280 Yen. Afterwords, the retail price returns to 6,980 Yen.

Pre-order Link

Credit to calxiyn for the news information.

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 10, 2013, 11 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Square-Enix Murdered: Soul Suspects
Murdered: Soul Suspects

A teaser site for something Square Enix is planning has recently risen. This has been confirmed to be Merdered: Soul suspects. So far only the legalities can be shown on the teaser site as well as a new evidence page. the password "Ronan" allows you to gain access to a download, that once unzipper, reveals this newly added screenshot and this message;

O’Connor, male, mid- 30s, 170lbs, 5’ 11”
Detectives aren’t supposed to get bloody knuckles, but I’ve done a lot of things I wasn’t supposed to do. I lived through it all, the beat-downs, the back-stabbing, disrespect most people wouldn’t see in ten lifetimes and I never lost a fight… until now.
- Twitter Picture 1
- Twitter Picture 2
- View attachment 34056
- View attachment 34057
Twitter
Main Website
Thread by: Krowley, Feb 8, 2013, 12 replies, in forum: Gaming
Thread
358/2 Days section added to Official 1.5 HD Remix Website

Square Enix's official website for the HD Collection has recently updated by adding in the 358/2 Days section. Similar to what they did for the Final Mix tab, a Characters, Screenshots, and New features page have been added. Pictures for the Characters and Screenshots can mainly be found in past Famitsu articles, but can be seen below. The New features tab, again has been seen in past articles, and also shows a comparison between the DS and upcoming PS3 version.

Characters

View attachment 34016
View attachment 34013 View attachment 34014 View attachment 34015
View attachment 34020 View attachment 34021 View attachment 34022 View attachment 34023 View attachment 34024 View attachment 34025 View attachment 34026 View attachment 34019 View attachment 34027 View attachment 34028 View attachment 34029 View attachment 34030 View attachment 34017 View attachment 34018

Screenshots

View attachment 34031 View attachment 34032 View attachment 34033 View attachment 34034 View attachment 34035 View attachment 34036 View attachment 34037 View attachment 34038 View attachment 34039 View attachment 34040 View attachment 34041 View attachment 34042 View attachment 34043 View attachment 34044 View attachment 34045 View attachment 34046

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 7, 2013, 5 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
KH2 formation Arts (Volume 3)

A new pre-order page has been added to the Square Enix Online Store. It depicts the 3rd volume in the KH2 Formation Arts line up. Each figure shows Sora on his adventures to Space Paranoids, Timeless River, Atlantica, Destiny Islands, and Halloweentown respectively. All five figures will be available for purchase on June 28, 2013 for the price of 7200 Yen. (roughly $78 US)

View attachment 33992
View attachment 33993 View attachment 33994 View attachment 33995 View attachment 33996 View attachment 33997

Thread by: Krowley, Feb 1, 2013, 11 replies, in forum: Kingdom Hearts News & Updates
Thread
Finally managed to watch this

Paperman is a short I heard about but never actually saw. The full animation was uploaded to Youtube a few days ago, and I finally managed to watch it all. It deserves it's praise for it's humor, animation, and music. The kind of things I appreciate from Disney.

!

Thread by: Krowley, Jan 31, 2013, 5 replies, in forum: The Spam Zone

Showing results 1 to 20 of 182 Next >

Search Again

Page 1 of 10