Kingdom Hearts 3 Previewed in January Game Informer

Misty · Dec 19, 2013

Amidst a relatively slow news cycle, Kingdom Hearts III recently appeared in the new issue of Game Informer. Its feature was merely part of their "Previews" section, so it's no in-depth look at the title. Still, Nomura drops some interesting details about the gameplay in the title, the focus of the story, and the future of the series, while continuing to play it close to the vest.

You can read the full text below, or if you prefer, check out the attached scan.

Kingdom Hearts III
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Style: 1-Player Action/Role-Playing
Publisher: Square-Enix
Developer: Square-Enix
Release Date: TBA

After finally announcing the official development of Kingdom Hearts III at E3, Square Enix gave us a taste of what's cooking in a new trailer revealed at Disney's D2 event in Japan. The teaser showed off some gameplay additions, and we had the chance to ask creator Tetsuya Nomura about these new features and his plans for Kingdom Hearts III.

Dream Drop Distance left us with a revelation: Seven Keyblade wielders must be gathered to take on Xehanort. Kingdom Hearts III's main story concludes Xehanort's arc, and Nomura says it picks up "immediately after the events of Dream Drop Distance."

Nomura also reveals some main plot points. "The process of the wielders coming together will be the main storyline, but one of the highlights of the climax is going to be who is part of the seven lights and thirteen darkness when they get to the final battle," he says. "Would it be as everyone expected, or will there be unexpected members added to the mix? That is something to look forward to."

The plot isn't the only thing to anticipate, though, as the trailer reveals Sora's Keyblade can now transform into different weapons. The trailer shows Sora wielding dual guns mid-battle. "All Keyblades transform, and in many different ways," Nomura says. "Through the series, various other skilled Keyblade wielders had transformed their weapon; it may serve as a hint to see what they transformed their Keyblades into, in order to understand the different ways in which they changed their form."

The biggest revelation is that attractions are now a part of Sora's arsenal as special attacks. One of these is Big Magic Mountain, where Sora rides a train through the sky, going upside down and taking twists and turns to damage a towering golem [the Rock Titan]. Nomura confirms it's not tied to the Keyblade abilities, but instead the enemy you're up against. "When the appropriate attack becomes available, the player can activate it," he says. This is by far the most exciting innovation we've seen for the new installment.

We have to wait to learn more details about Kingdom Hearts III, but Nomura gives some insight into his vision. "It will be a summation of everything accumulated up to this point, in terms of both story and game mechanics," he says. "I'm sure that those who've followed the series up to now are very eager to see what's next, but I think it's also important to create wonder and awe, much like when the first game in the series came out."

He leaves us with one last interesting tease. "The end also means a new beginning, and I'm certain that as this story arc ends, players will be able to look forward -- carrying this excitement -- for something new and different, never-before-seen in the series," he says. Where Kingdom Hearts III will lead us is anyone's guess, but it's far from the end of the franchise, and that's a good thing for dedicated fans. Kimberley Wallace
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Ability King KK · Dec 22, 2013

Aiden Pearce said: ↑

They're not. Roxas is Sora's nobody. Ventus was never a nobody. That's like saying Vanitas and Sora are the same person.

Anyways, it'll be nice to get some new info soon other than a repeat of what we pretty much already know(like there being games after KHIII).
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Yeah, they are the same. Ventus' heart took shelter inside of Sora, Sora becomes a Heartless, Roxas is born and looks exactly like Ventus. Have you ever thought that when Sora became a Heartless that it released Ventus' heart and said heart became Roxas? If Roxas was truly Sora's Nobody, he'd look like Sora just as Axel looks like Lea or Zexion looks like Ienzo. Roxas is Ventus, except with no memories of the Birth by Sleep Arc.

Patman · Dec 31, 2013

Mr. Van Whippy ♥ said: ↑

Seems unlikely that the worlds would unite again.In terms of the story it would make sense but gamelay wise, plus the fact of different times, like ancient Greece, pre WW London, medieval Europe. It would just be very awkward if not dysfunctional.
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Ever watched Who Wants to Frame Roger Rabbit ? I guess it would look sorta like Toontown. So yes, dysfonctionnal is putting it lightly, but hey, it' d be fun ! ^^

Mr. Van Whippy ♥ · Dec 31, 2013

Patman said: ↑

Ever watched Who Wants to Frame Roger Rabbit ? I guess it would look sorta like Toontown. So yes, dysfonctionnal is putting it lightly, but hey, it' d be fun ! ^^
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Hmm, now that is an interesting way, i didn't thought about it. That would be fun. I wonder if Roger Rabbit could also make an appearance (Jessica Rabbit won't happen anytime soon, since they even censored the outfits of the YRP trio, not to mention the matter with Aqua's clothing).

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Kingdom Hearts 3 Previewed in January Game Informer

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