Nomura Interview in New Dengeki Magazine; Reveals TGS Plans

Ty · Aug 9, 2011

Hey, guys.

Sorry I haven't been on the update tip in a few days, but I have some pretty awesome news here for you all, given to me by sectional moderator Sabby. In the upcoming issue of Dengeki PlayStation, which will be its 500th magazine, we will be given an interview Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura, as reported by Andriasang. Nomura will discuss Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, the latest with the Final Fantasy series, what we should expect from Tokyo Game Show 2011, and HD remakes of previous titles for KH's 10-year anniversary. You can read the full Andriasang below:

We know that Final Fantasy Versus XIII won't be at the Tokyo Game Show (in case you didn't know, read this story). So what will Square Enix be showing in its booth (besides Assassin's Creed Revelations)?

In this week's Dengeki PlayStation (as summed up at Sokuho@Hokanko), Tetsuya Nomura reveals that the company plans on having playable versions of Final Fantasy XIII-2, Final Fantasy Type-0, Kingdom Hearts 3D and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.

XIII-2 was already playable at E3, and Type-0 will get a downloadable demo later this week. But TGS should end up being our first chance to get hands-on time with Kingdom Hearts 3D and Theatrhythm.

Joining the playable titles, Square Enix will have its usual Open Megatheater showing the latest game footage. Nomura hopes to release the footage from this online as soon as possible (you'll recall that they managed to do this last year, much to everyone's surprise.)

Nomura had some strong words for KH3D, saying that its quality is at the level of a console game. The motions that were shown in the game's trailers have been fully realized, right down to running on the walls. KH3D will have the flashiest motion of the series thus far, he promised.

The development schedule for KH3D has reached high pitch, Nomura said. He hopes to release it as soon as possible following the start of the new year.

The interview also touched briefly on the future of the Kingdom Hearts series. Nomura admitted that it's become difficult to get new players into the series at present. This is one thing they're hoping to address as part of the series' 10th anniversary. One part of this plan is some sort of "HD technical test" for the series.

Kingdom Hearts 3D won't be the only Nomura title that comes out early next year. Nomura also said to expect Theatrhythm, a project on which he's serving as creative producer, early in the new year. He referred to the 3DS rhythm title as the first Final Fantasy 25th anniversary title, suggesting that more could be on the way.

Correction: A previous version of this story wrote that Nomura said Kingdom Hearts 3D is his priority. Nomura did not actually say this. What he said is that he's thinking about the Kingdom Hearts franchise's 10th anniversary, but the completion of Kingdom Hearts 3D takes priority over this.
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Adding to this, duckroll from NeoGAF is reporting that Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance will be playable at the Tokyo Game Show floor. You can read his full article here:

In the big interview with Nomura, Dengeki talks to him about various developments in the current games he's involved in. They also talk about the Kingdom Hearts series. There are some interesting tidbits there. Nomura talks about how development on KH3D is progressing rapidly, but their schedule is pretty tight. He wants the game to have the quality of a console title, without compromising just because it is on a portable. He also mentions that the game is mostly up and running now, and it looks great. The motion and animation is supposed to be particularly impressive because of the various flashy moves you can do, such as Sora's wall jumping. He says the game is supposed to have the most impressive character movement in gameplay in the series so far, and honestly since it's from the BbS team, I believe him completely.

He also talks about the 10th Anniversary of Kingdom Hearts, and how their priority right now is to finish KH3D, but he is also thinking about other things. One element he is concerned about is how hard it is for new gamers to enter into the KH series. This inaccessibility for the series is something they are currently investigating, to see how they can introduce new gamers into the series in a better way. Another thing they are looking into is HD technology for the series. They are evaluating the options they have carefully.

As for when KH3D will be out, he says there is nothing to announce at the current moment, but he is definitely aiming to release the game not too far in the future. It sounds like he wants to release it by early 2012 if possible. KH3D will be playable on the TGS show floor.
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That's it for now, folks! Pretty exciting, huh? We'll be sure to keep an eye out for more information on all of this as it appears.

Sources: Sabby, Andriasang, and NeoGAF

Chevalier · Aug 9, 2011

Finally seeing the light from Square's development tunnel. I'm seriously hoping that they consider doing some collection thing for the tenth year anniversary of Kingdom Hearts. In fact, I'm sure that a collection with the main storyline games (BBS, KH1, CoM, KH2, any other main story game) has definitely crossed his mind; considering he talks about HD stuff.

I mean, it's really the first thing that comes to mind. I'm still a bit bothered that there's no news on versus, though.

61 · Aug 9, 2011

The "HD technical test" intrigues me. I'm very curious about what it could be or what it even means. I'm hoping its another special edition of Kingdom Hearts, like a final mix 2 or something.

Misty · Aug 9, 2011

below61 said: ↑

The "HD technical test" intrigues me. I'm very curious about what it could be or what it even means. I'm hoping its another special edition of Kingdom Hearts, like a final mix 2 or something.
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That's what my bet is on too--bring people in by going back to where it all began. =] I'd honestly love to see it... can't believe it's been so long since KH1 came out. /nostalgia c;

I'm really excited to see how Dream Drop Distance's battle system has evolved, I loved the small glimpses we caught in previous trailers.

libregkd · Aug 9, 2011

...

EvilMan_89 · Aug 9, 2011

the HD collection for the previous PS2 games is a good idea. i guess Nomura is right that it is hard for newcomers to follow since the previous games came out so long ago and on PS2 which isn't really mainstream anymore.

it's nice that we may finally get some new information about Dream Drop Distance. there wasn't much information about this game since it's announcement trailer.

Xamad · Aug 10, 2011

below61 said: ↑

The "HD technical test" intrigues me. I'm very curious about what it could be or what it even means. I'm hoping its another special edition of Kingdom Hearts, like a final mix 2 or something.
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I'd personally like to see him do the same thing the guys who made God of War did: Bring both of the first two games to the PS3 with HD gameplay. I mean I'm pretty sure that's what he should do and I'd like to see him do it...don't get me wrong, I love the PS2 versions, but I'd to be able to play them both on the PS3 in HD...final mix would be nice, but it doesn't matter to me. I'd really rather him not bring ALL the games to the PS3 though...I like BBS on the PSP personally and after I tried play RE: CoM, I'm a little hesitant to buy any game like it again. As long as he does something with KH and KH2, then I'll be happy :)

Day~Dream · Aug 10, 2011

If there's a chance of finally bringing the final mix's to the U.S. I would be one happy girl. I'm so glad there's more kh news. Seems like recently it's all been mostly about FF. >>

Peace and War · Aug 10, 2011

As much as I really want a HD collection of KH/KH2/KHBBS, I feel that it may have difficulty being released in Europe, seeing as we have only ever been given the standard editions of the games, I don't know if the anniversary edition would be distributed. I feel Square would but I do still hold some reserve on the topic.

I just want Nomura to be plain and simple for once, saying: 'Yes, there will be a HD Kingdom Hearts collection of games.'
But no, mysterious as always.

Alpha Sonix · Aug 10, 2011

Well it's the best chance we have of the Final Mixes being released. I'm sure they could just add voices from Re:Chain of Memories. Also Re:COM never even came out in Europe so that's even better if he decides to do a HD collection. The HD test might also be something related to BBSv2 or even testing to see how the engine may work for HD Kingdom Hearts titles.

Tienewman · Aug 10, 2011

HD versions would be sweet for sure. I wonder what sort of time frame to expect for something like that

Mr. Van Whippy ♥ · Aug 10, 2011

Alpha Sonix said: ↑

Also Re:COM never even came out in Europe so that's even better if he decides to do a HD collection.
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^This

Maleficent + Marluxia in HD = WIN!

I am still in doubts though concerning the progress in the KH graphic engine. Humans + animals means a lot of trouble

Shinichi Izumi · Aug 10, 2011

this HD thing is probably gonna be awesome like a "special edition"

Shikou · Aug 10, 2011

What I would like is a KH Collection with KH1, CoM (PS2 remake), and KH2 (with the extra content from the Final Mix games of course). :)
As for KH3D I would play it with 3D off. I dont want to be blind if its flashy but use it once in a while.
(the 3DS takes me a minute to get use too)

Gelatinous Ghost · Aug 12, 2011

If there is an HD collection released, I would have no choice but to follow involuntary impulse and snatch it up. Great to hear DDD is moving along so rapidly, though. I can't wait. I feel similar excitement towards this game as I did in the two years I waited for BBS(maybe more). Thanks Ty.

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Nomura Interview in New Dengeki Magazine; Reveals TGS Plans

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