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Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers27 March 2013 by Arturo Molina
The March 28, 2013 issue of Famitsu Weekly has included an article on Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] (pronounced "Kingdom Hearts Key"), the currently Japan-only Kingdom Hearts game for web browsers. The article explains that while playing Kingdom Hearts χ[chi], the player will join one of 5 teams and compete against each other. The teams are based on animals, and are known as "Unikorunisu" (Unicorns), "Reoparudosu" (Leopards), "Anguisu" (???), "Urupeusu" (???) and "Urususu" (???). A full translation will be available soon.
bKvEBVAvUq has uploaded a scan of the article, and thanks to him, this can be seen below.
Update: Oishii has translated the information in this scan, which you can read below.
In this work, when a player begins creating their own avatar, they can choose a “Union” to join. A Union is a group with which you kill enemies with the purpose of collecting “Lux”. Every week, the amount of Lux collected by each Union is calculated. If you enter the highest rank, you can take part in a mission where it is possible to obtain a special reward.
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers25 March 2013 by Arturo Molina
Last week, people were given the opportunity to participate in a closed beta test for Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] (pronounced "Kingdom Hearts Key"), the currently Japan-only Kingdom Hearts game for web browsers. Square Enix opened an official website for the game, and has since added a page describing the gameplay elements of Kingdom Hearts χ[chi], complete with screenshots. Thanks go to tomerc10 from KH13 for this find. goldpanner has translated the information provided on this page, and thanks to her, you can read this translation below.
[How to play]
Slide 1: Welcome to the world of KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi]!
Journey through Disney worlds and take the light back from the darkness!
Slide 2: Defeat the darkness that has appeared in the worlds, the Heartless!
Defeat Heartless to get Lux (Light)!
Slide 3: Collect Lux (light) to win Team Battles!
The Lux you all collected will be tallied together every night to determine the victorious team!
The winning team will be rewarded!
Slide 4: Defeat Raid Bosses for Huge Gains!
Join in the battle when a Raid Boss appears.
[Worlds]
Slide 1: Simple mouse controls
- Your avatar will move to wherever you click the mouse
- Click Heartless and things that catch your eye! (Heartless, components Items, Treasure Chests)
- Use AP to make actions (TIP: AP regenerates with time)
Slide 2: Dynamic Card Battles!
- Click Heartless to start a battle!
- Defeat Heartless to obtain Lux and cards etc
- Use cards to execute various abilities!
Slide 3: Gather components!
- Synthesise your Keyblade with components to strengthen it!
[Card Synthesis]
Slide 1: About Card Synthesis
- Synthesise your cards to get strong!
- Base card
- components Cards
- Munny is necessary for synthesis
TIPS
- Synthesise cards of the same type (blue, green, red) and the level will rise more easily
- Synthesise the same card to form a Limit Card and raise the card's max level
[Deck Formation]
Slide 1: About Deck Formation
TIPS
- Form the strongest deck easily with 'Auto Form'
- Deck
- Owned cards
- Battle with three cards at a time chosen at random from your deck
Slide 2: About Cards
There are two types of cards!
Attack Cards:
- Attack cards are set with one Ability
- Attack cards have a fixed Attack Strength and Defence Strength!
- Obtain Attack Cards by defeating Heartless and through Card Draw etc
Assist Cards:
- Assist Cards are important cards that decide HP and the Lux you will obtain
- Obtain Assist Cards from treasure chests as you adventure through the worlds
[Keyblade Strengthening]
Slide 1: About Keyblade Strengthening
- Gather components Items to strengthen your Keyblade
- Once you have collected the necessary components, you can strengthen your Keyblade!
- If you match your cards and Keyblade type during battle, you will get an effect up bonus
[Team]
Slide 1: A Raid Boss has Appeared!
- Work together with everyone to defeat the Raid Boss within the time limit!
- Damage the Raid Boss to get Lux to defeat opposing teams
- Battle the Raid Boss using BP!
- The more BP you use, the more damage you deal
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers22 March 2013 by Sora96
The closed beta test for Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] has begun. Various people were given the chance to play the game before its release, in a closed beta and some of these people have shared screenshots, information and videos about the experience. We have collected together all of these finds below. Enjoy!
Sharde' Allen from KH13, PublicLibraryx from KH13, Zanzetsuken from KH13 and R.J. Wallischek from KH13 have all taken some screenshots and shared their impressions. All of these screenshots can be seen below.
Krowley from KH-Vids has given a detailed summary of the CBT, complete with screenshots. With a big thanks to him, this can be seen below.
Since the CBT for the browser game began today, I thought I would take a few screenshots and give a brief run-through of the Beta test experience.
Starting from the tutorial, players are given limited customization options, but this is expected for the closed beta. As per usual in Kingdom Hearts games, small hint tutorials are given to help move the player along. If you don't speak Japanese, it still won't help. :/
The Beta test offers 3 worlds to visit! Dwarf Woodlands, Wonderland, and Agrabah. While there is nothing particularly different with each world, the layout and music still give it their own individual feel. (I myself, spent most of my time in Dwarf Woodlands)
The gameplay is pretty simple. Once you deck is constructed, it's "Click and attack" from there. Players' decks are made from Ally cards that empower your character's Attack and Defense. Assist Cards also help raise your overall Health. With each level up, Missions are granted that give rewards once completed.
Here are just a few of the cards the CBT has to offer through Treasure Chests and Mission rewards;
Another cool aspect, is the "Encounters" that occur every 15 minutes or so. These are like the raid boss battles of the game.
TheErryK from Twitch.tv has recorded some footage of the game, in a livestream. This can be seen below, thanks to Obiwanjezz from KH13 for the find.
Watch live video from theerryk on TwitchTV
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers19 March 2013 by DChiuch
Square Enix have updated the official website for Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] (pronounced "Kingdom Hearts Key"), the upcoming Kingdom Hearts web browser game for Japan. This update is to reflect the fact that beta applications are now closed, the beta invites have been sent out, and the closed beta testing period is set to begin on March 22, 2013 (and close on March 25). The website now says "COMING SOON".
Official website for Kingdom Hearts χ[chi]
bKvEBVAvUq was among the people to receive a beta invite, and thanks to him, the invitation email can be seen below.
tomerc10 from KH13 was also selected for the closed beta test. tomerc10 was kind enough to share the full invitation email on our forum, and thanks to goldpanner, we now have a full translation of this email. You can read it below.
We would to thank you on this occasion for applying to participate in the KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] Closed Beta Test. As a result of a strictly impartial lottery, you have been selected to be a tester in the Closed Beta Test (hereon CBT) scheduled to commence at 3pm on the 22nd March (Fri). Congratulations!!
Please access the official KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] website () and log in with the Yahoo!Japan ID and password that you registered in your application.
The CBT is scheduled to run from 3pm on the 22nd March (Fri) until 3pm on the 25th March.
The idea of this CBT is to have you play a section of KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] for us in advance. We truly hope that you enjoy it, and we would be very happy if we could receive your opinions after you have played.
First, you are to create your own avatar, and assemble a team of up to a maximum of 30 people. (The composition of teams will be assigned automatically.) For the duration of the CBT, you will be competing with assigned opposing teams to obtain and pool fragments of light called Lux. Every day there will be a tally to determine which team has pooled the most Lux, and the victors will be awarded a prize.
*Points*
- Collect raw materials from the field ⇒ use to enhance your Keyblade.
- Battle enemies ⇒ experience points (necessary to level up), potentially obtain cards, Lux etc.
- Collect cards from treasure chests ⇒ obtain cards that will increase hit points during battle.
- Card Draw ⇒ obtain cards necessary to execute attacks in battle.
- Boss Raid ⇒ co-operate with your team to defeat bosses for a chance to earn large quantities of Lux.
Set your sights on making use of card synthesis and Keyblade enhancement in order to gather even more Lux to be victorious!
The KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] official website () and KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] official twitter (https://twitter.com/_KINGDOMHEARTS) will be updated as necessary.
*If you've received this e-mail in error:
This e-mail was sent to those who applied to participate in a Closed Beta Test of KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi]. If you have received this message in error, we apologise for the trouble and ask that you please delete this e-mail.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
*KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] official website:
*KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] official twitter: https://twitter.com/_KINGDOMHEARTS
Hashtag: #_KH
*KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] official blog:
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
*This is a post-only e-mail address. Please be aware that replies to this email cannot be responded to.
HD 1.5 ReMIXKingdom Hearts for PC Browsers15 March 2013 by DChiuch
The latest broadcast from Square Enix Channel, the official radio show from Square Enix, has focused on both Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts χ [chi] (pronounced "Kingdom Hearts Key"). The hosts of the show talk with Tatsuya Kando, the co-director for χ [chi], revealing new details about both of the titles. Thanks to goldpanner, you can read a translation of the details below. Be sure to check out the χ [chi] details, as they are particularly interesting. Enjoy!
Tatsuya Kando
- Co-director of KH Key and animation supervisor of KH 1.5
- Has been with Square Enix for 15-16 years
- First game was FF7
- Has worked with Nomura for a long time
- Co-director of KH Key and animation supervisor of KH 1.5
- Has been with Square Enix for 15-16 years
- First game was FF7
- Has worked with Nomura for a long time
HD 1.5
- It's awesome that they can make these sorts of titles now thanks to blu-ray
- Everything looks super pretty in full HD on the PS3 hardware
- It was a huge task to resize it to 16:9 aspect ratio
- The hosts remarked on how this is the third iteration of KH Chain of Memories, from GBA to PS2 to PS3!
- People who only played the GBA version of CoM are going to be absolutely stunned
- The hosts were amazed to hear how long the video volume is, they joked about it approaching the level of Schindler's List in length and congratulated Kando on having basically made a HD full length film!
- Kando recommends those who have already played KH1 to enjoy an even more beautiful version of the game, and those who played Final Mix to experience it in Japanese
- They talk about the bonus KH Key battle support sets that come with first-run editions and e-store purchases of the game (the set will come in handy when you start KH Key, with rare Sora and Riku cards you can use right away, munny that can be exchanged at moogle shops, and card draw points that are used to restore battle energy during the adventure and will come in handy during boss raids)
KH Key
- When the 'key' in 'keyblade' is written as χ, it refers to the χblade, the original keyblade mentioned in previous games such as BBS
- Everyone in KH Key isn't running around with χblades; their keyblades are people-made, though Kando would liken them to 'cheap versions' rather than fakes
- Players in KH Key each serve as heroes with their own keyblades
- As it's a little difficult to translate the world of the action-RPG series into something suitable for a PC browser game, the world of this game is more like a fairy tale than directly like the world of Kingdom Hearts that Sora and Riku appear in
- They went with mouse click commands rather than the same sort of controller-based play in other games in the series because of the nature of the platform
- Inside the world of the game, your goal is to collect light called 'Lux'. People have been divided into five large groups which are struggling over the light. The player is collecting light as a member of one of these, and we will see which one comes out on top
- To collect light you search different Disney worlds while defeating Heartless
- There is raw material scattered around that you can collect to strengthen your keyblade
- As things stand right now, they aren't planning to have player-on-player battles, it's more aimed at calling people over to co-operate
- There might be patches and updates with new features
- The biggest thing they are working on are boss raids, where you form a team and race other teams to see who can defeat a gigantic boss first etc (the hosts note that the bonus battle support sets would be useful here!)
- The game is free to play and should be simple enough for any KH fan (or Disney/FF fan who is interested in the setting) who isn't familiar with browser games to try
- There are a huge number of cards to collect (one host will try his hardest to get a Tifa card!)
- Keep an eye on the KH portal site for updates
- They are working really hard to make something fun for everyone so please look forward to it!
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers13 March 2013 by Sora96
Square Enix have launched their official website for the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts X [chi]. New screenshots are shown, and the specs required to play it are revealed. You can read the required specs below.
You will only need either Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome 22, Mozzila Firefox 15, Safari 5.1 or higher. The minimum for operating systems is Windows XP Service Pack 3 and you'll also need Adobe Flash Player 10.3 or higher. These are all basic specs, and most people will easily be able to run it.
Official Japanese website for Kingdom Hearts X [chi]
Update 1: 4Gamer.net has posted an article about the website's release. They have included some of the new screenshots in this article. You can view them all below, in our gallery.
Update 2: goldpanner has translated the entirety of the 4Gamer.net article, which reveals a huge amount of information about KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi]. Thanks to her, this translation can be read below.
Now Recruiting for Closed Beta Testers for KINGDOM HEARTS Browser Game KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key). 500 Slots Available Through 4Gamer
Today (13th March 2013), Square Enix opened applications for a Closed Beta Testing of KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key) for PC Broswer. The CBT participation application period is from 13th March 3pm until 18th March 3pm, and the CBT is planned to run from the 22nd until the 25th of March.
Kingdom Hearts: a popular series by Square Enix set in the worlds of Disney. As we announced in an article published on the 20th Feb 2013, this new title, the first-ever browser game in the series, will be a free-to-play (with purchasable items) card battle-type game, with the player themselves adventuring through various Disney Worlds as the protagonist of the game. As well as advancing strategically through battles with collected cards and co-operating with friends to take down enemies, we hear that one element being prepared is a huge number of collectable items to obtain during the adventure.
And so now 500 tester slots have been prepared for readers of 4Gamer, so if you are interested, please follow the link below to apply. Please bear in mind that a Yahoo! JAPAN ID is necessary for the application. Also, they are planning to gift CBT participants with items that can be used once the official service commences. For more details please refer to the details below.
application link: http://kh-cbt.square-enix.co.jp/?entry_from=4g130311
CBT recruiting site: http://kh-cbt.square-enix.co.jp/
KH series official site: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/
~~
Born from Disney and Square Enix: the first PC Browser Online Game in the Ten Year Old Kingdom Hearts Series
Now taking applicants for a Closed Beta Test of KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key), Sponsored by Yahoo! Games
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Yoichi Wada, hereon Square Enix) and Yahoo! JAPAN Corporation (Head Office: Minato, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Manabu Miyasaka, hereon Yahoo! Japan) have decided that KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key, hereon KH χ), a PC browser online game for Kingdom Hearts, a popular series of adventuring through Disney worlds, will be provided through Yahoo! Games, an online game service managed by Yahoo! JAPAN, the best domestic portal site. Also, as we head towards the commencement of the official service, from today we will be taking applications for participants in a Closed Beta Test.
This title marks the very first online PC browser game in the ten year history of the Kingdom Hearts series. On the foundation of the co-operation of Square Enix and Yahoo! Japan, the new title, KH χ, the first Kingdom Hearts (hereon KH) online PC browser game, will be provided through Yahoo! Games. KH χ will not require the downloading or installation of software for personal use, and will instead be available for anyone with an internet connection to enjoy. Because of this, this title is not only for existing fans of the series but also those coming into contact with the series for the first time, and will therefore bring even more people to the Disney Worlds unique to the KH series. Furthermore, with Square Enix handling game development and administration, Yahoo! Japan plan to carry out induction and publicity and other such promotions in addition to providing Yahoo! Japan ID and online account functionality. Please take this opportunity to participate in the Closed Beta Test.
➙Closed Beta Test Participant Application Period
Planned for 13th March (Wed) 3pm ~ 18th March (Mon) 3pm
➙Closed Beta Test Participant Running Period
Planned for 22th March (Fri) ~ 25th March (Mon)
In addition, there are plans to prepare a special bonus for players who participate in the KH χ Closed Beta Test and answer the questionnaire for use once the official service commences:
- Ether x 5 (allows recovery of power necessary when fighting bosses)
- Potion x 5 (allows recovery of action power)
- Munny: 10,000 Munny (can be used to synthesise cards etc in-game)
- Card Draw Points: 2,000 Points (points that allow cards to be switched in-game)
※The special bonus will be bestowed when the official service commences and is limited to participants of the Closed Beta Test who answered the directed questionnaire.
※The content of the special bonus is subject to change without prior notice.
Recruitment Details: Read Prior to Registering as Participant in KH χ Closed Beta Test
➙Closed Beta Test Participant (Tester) Application Period
Planned for 13th March (Wed) 3pm ~ 18th March (Mon) 3pm
※A Yahoo! JAPAN ID is necessary for the application.
※Participants in the KH χ Closed Beta Test will be selected from among applicants by lottery and will receive notification by email.
※Successful applicants can expect contact by email on the 19th March 2013 (Tue).
➙Closed Beta Test Site
http://kh-cbt.square-enix.co.jp/
※Please view the application method in full on the Closed Beta Test Participant Recruitment website.
※Restricted to participants who answered the questionnaire for participants in the Closed Beta Test
➙Closed Beta Test Period
Planned for 22th March (Fri) ~ 25th March (Mon)
➙Closed Beta Test Participation Bonus
There are plans to prepare a special bonus for use once the official service commences.
- Ether x 5 (allows recovery of power necessary when fighting bosses)
- Potion x 5 (allows recovery of action power)
- Munny: 10,000 Munny (can be used to synthesise cards etc in-game)
- Card Draw Points: 2,000 Points (points that allow cards to be switched in-game)
※The special bonus will be bestowed when the official service commences and limited to the participants in the Closed Beta Test who answered the directed questionnaire.
※The content of the special bonus is subject to change without prior notice.
➙System Requirements
Internet Explorer 8 / Chrome 22 / Firefox 15 / safari 5.1 and up
※Flash Player 10.3 or up must be installed.
※Browser performance is not guaranteed.
➙Warning
※At the end of the KH χ Closed Beta Test, all data will be reset.
※As the purpose of the KH χ Closed Beta Test is to hear customer's impressions and test the server load, we are enforcing a limit on the number of people.
※Due to the effect of load testing, please be aware that things such as a temporary inability to login may occur.
~~
What is KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key)?
Presenting the series’ first online PC browser game. Adventure through various Disney worlds as yourself on your web browser You will advance through strategic battles using cards available in-game, and occasionally work together with friends to face off against enemies, introducing a new gameplay sensation never seen in the Kingdom Hearts series before. With collectible items to obtain, this title is looking like something that will be fun to play for a long time. The standard game is free-to-play, with charges for purchasable items.
◆STORY◆
Far, far away, in a fairy-tale realm...
The realm was filled with light.
That light gave birth to many worlds, enveloping them.
The source of the light, Kingdom Hearts, and the key that protected it, the χblade...
As long as they existed, it was believed that the realm would be in eternal light.
However, just as strong light will form a shadow, darkness was born.
The darkness called up fear, unease and craving.
Darkness, hidden deep in hearts, began to spread throughout the realm as chaos.
In order to drive back the spreading darkness, those who wished for light created Keyblades in imitation of the χblade, and embarked on adventures that spanned the realm.
In addition to the familiar Disney World investigation and exhilarating battle of the Kingdom Hearts series, you can enjoy new types of gameplay such as raiding with friends in co-operative boss battles and gathering and enhancing cards!
◆Adopting original avatars for the player character! Explore Disney World settings original to this title!
Before embarking on their journey, players may create their own avatars. Enjoy the various customisations sich as selectable gender, hairdo, skin tone, accessories etc. From original designs to Disney character motifs, many variations are available. Every Disney World that appears in this adventure has been created afresh for this title and fleshes out the world of Disney even more. Also, there are additional action components and gimmicks on the map, which you can enjoy by investigating strategically!
◆Simple action in clicking! Simple battling in a barrage of clicks!
Control movements easily using only the mouse! Field gimmicks too! Move acrobatically by simply clicking on the intended destination. Also, attacks begin automatically by clicking on enemies during a battle. Enjoy battling consecutive enemies and walking on the field to obtain the treasure and materials from the map with simple crisp clicks!
◆Collect cards to turn out techniques! Co-operate with friends for even rarer rewards!
Defeat the enemies in the worlds and obtain cards to get stronger! Your goal is to defeat the many enemies infesting the worlds and collect 'Lux'. By collecting Battle Cards available in-game, you will become able to turn out many techniques. Also, co-operate with your friends to defeat the raid bosses that appear several times a day! With the ability to execute special moves and abilities depending on the cards you are holding, active players will receive special rewards.
◆Synthesise cards and enhance your Keyblade
You can form decks from the cards you obtain during your adventure to use strategically to give yourself more advantage during battle. Players still getting used to things are able to form decks easily by clicking the 'entrust' button. In order to effectively use cards that have become unnecessary, there is of course a card synthesis function for reinforcing, evolving and raising stronger cards! Also, by synthesising the materials available to collect in each world, you can strengthen the abilities of your weapon, the Keyblade!
There are also many other fun factors planned for inclusion, so please look forward to it!
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers23 February 2013 by Arturo Molina
Square Enix have announced that Kingdom Hearts Mobile will be terminated in Japan on April 30, 2013. ArikaMiz tweeted an image of Square Enix announcing this, and this can be seen below.
goldpanner has translated this, and thanks to her, it can be read below.
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.
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers19 February 2013 by Arturo Molina
Square Enix have announced the name and logo for the title with the previous tentative name of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. The title is now known as KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi] (pronounced "Kingdom Hearts Key"), and will have the logo shown below. For more information on KINGDOM HEARTS χ [chi], check out our news archive for the title.
Square Enix also updated the official website for Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- with a graphic explaining the pre-order bonus for the game. As announced earlier, pre-ordering HD 1.5 ReMIX in Japan will give you special exclusive codes in Kingdom Hearts χ [chi]. These codes are now known to be for the Sora (R+) and Riku (R+) cards.
Update 1: Famitsu.com have updated with an article providing all of the same information revealed by Square. This article also contains a non-transparent version of the game logo, as well as high quality images of the pre-order bonus cards. These can be seen below.
Update 2: Our translator, goldpanner, has translated the information provided in the Famitsu.com article. This describes Kingdom Hearts χ [chi], as well as the pre-order bonuses for HD 1.5 ReMIX. Thanks to her, you can read this below.
Announcing the confirmed official title of KH for PC Browser 'Kingdom Hearts: Key' and bonus extras included with first run editions of -HD 1.5 ReMIX-!
2013.02.30
2013.02.30
●Handy kits of bonus extras for Kingdom Hearts: Key!
Square Enix has two announcements regarding the Kingdom Hearts series, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year! First, we have confirmation of the official title and logo of the series' first online PC browser game, Kingdom Hearts: Key. Second, we have details on the bonus extras to be included with first-run editions of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, scheduled for release on 14th March 2013 on PS3.
■ Outline of Kingdom Hearts: Key
Presenting the series' first online PC browser game. The protagonist, controlled by the players themselves, will be able to adventure through various Disney worlds on web broswers. Advancing through strategic battles using cards available in-game, occasionally working together with friends to face off against enemies... Introducing a new gameplay sensation that has never been seen in the Kingdom Hearts series so far. With collectible items to obtain, this title is looking like something that will be fun to play for a long time. The standard game is free-to-play, charges will be for purchasable items only.
■Bonus extras included with first-run editions of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-
The bonus included with first-run editions of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- is confirmed to be a handy kit for Kingdom Hearts: Key. Copies purchased via e-STORE, the Square Enix online shop, will also come with a bonus serial code for use in Kingdom Hearts: Key. If you make your purchase through e-STORE you have a chance of obtaining both bonuses, but there are limited numbers, so please pre-order ASAP.
[First-Run Inclusion Extras]
Handy Kit for Kingdom Hearts: Key
~Card: Sora (R+)....For use during battles in-game
~20,000 Munny....For use synthesising cards in-game
~4,000 Card Draw Points....Points that enable you to exchange cards in-game
[e-STORE Purchase Extras]
Battle Support Kit for Kingdom Hearts: Key
~Card: Riku (R+)....For use during battles in-game
~Potion x10....Allows recovery of ATP
~Ether x10....Allows recovery of power necessary during boss battles
(C)Disney developed by SQUARE ENIX
※Images are from a work in progress.
Update 3: goldpanner has also translated the original announcement from Square Enix's blog, Message from the KINGDOM. This translation can be read below.
20th Feb 2013
PC Browser KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] Official Title and Title Logo Confirmed
PC Browser KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] Official Title and Title Logo Confirmed
KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] (Kingdom Hearts: Key)
Presenting the series' first online PC browser game.
The protagonist, controlled by the players themselves, will be able to adventure through various Disney worlds on web broswers.
Advancing through strategic battles using cards available in-game...
Occasionally working together with friends to face off against enemies...
Introducing a new gameplay sensation that has never been seen in the Kingdom Hearts series so far.
Loaded with collectible items to obtain,
This title is looking like something that will be fun to play for a long time.
Supported systems: PC
Genre: Online game for PC browser
Date available: TBA
Charges: Charging for items (standard game free to play)
Collaborating company: SUCCESS Corporation
Please look forward to the upcoming follow-up report!
-KH Staff
Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers19 January 2013 by DChiuch
At Tokyo Game Show 2012, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers, an upcoming social web browser game with a tentative title. Since then, some screenshots and information has been released, but we still know relatively little about the title.
Today, we have discovered that Korean publication INews24 have published some information about the game. The game, which they refer to as "Kingdom Hearts online game", is being developed by a Korean studio known as "Studio EX", which was recently acquired by Disney. Series director Tetsuya Nomura mentioned in October that the game was being developed externally, so this checks out.
The article also mentions that the title is expected to become multi-platform, and released on smartphones as well as on the web browser. We have obtained a direct translation of the relevant part of the article, thanks to kalnet from KH13, and this translation can be read below.
[Most of the article discusses Disney's acquisition of Studio EX, and some of the games that Studio EX is currently developing.]
A Kingdom Hearts online game is being developed. Studio EX is expecting it to become a multi-platform game, where you can enjoy the game on smartphone or on the web. The action is likely to be a game similar to the MORPG genre.
HD 1.5 ReMIXKingdom Hearts for PC Browsers19 October 2012 by DChiuch
Last week, the October 11, 2012 issue of Dengeki PlayStation contained an article on Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, with mention of Kingdom Hearts for PC Browsers. The article contained an interview with the series director, Tetsuya Nomura. Dengeki Online have updated with a full transcript of the interview, and we have translated this for you below.
This page also contains each of the screenshots from the article, which, while the same as the Famitsu Weekly screenshots, may be of interest as they are a much larger resolution (remember to open them in full screen for the largest resolution), and have a less imposing watermark. Enjoy!
Our translator goldpanner has translated the Dengeki Online article into English, and you can read this translation below.
Interview with Director of the Kingdom Hearts Series Mr Tetsuya Nomura! Finally heading for the climax of Xehanort’s reign as threat in the ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’
Here we present an interview on Square Enix PS3 title Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, urgently announced at Tokyo Game Show 2012 and gathering attention from many gaming fans.
Commemorating the 10th anniversary since the first Kingdom Hearts, this title is a compilation of HD remakes of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, with the added plot of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days put to HD video, all in one. You can enjoy everything from the beginning of the adventures of Sora and friends up until the developments that lead to Kingdom Hearts II in one hit.
We listened to the man employed as the director of the Kingdom Hearts series, Mr. Tetsuya Nomura. He spoke on many subjects that fans cannot miss, such as how things have gone so far developing this title, the particular appeal of the three included titles. He also talked with us about the Kingdom Hearts title for PC browsers that was announced at the same time.
Now, with the story of this ten-year old series finally heading towards a conclusion, including the significance of reflection you could say this title is not to be missed. Now, this interview is a reproduction of the one published in Degenki PlayStation Vol.528, sale date 11th October 2012. (※Full names not used in the interview)
Remaking a ten-year-old title in HD was a stormy ride!?
---First of all, please give us the full story behind work on the title announced at Tokyo Game Show 2012, Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX-.
Nomura: We’d had plans to do a HD remake for quite a while. Since even before we decided to do the Final Fantasy X HD remake, actually. We were consulting the Osaka development team over whether we could do something using the HD specs of the PS3.
---So what kick-started development from there?
Nomura: One thing was that the Kingdom Hearts series had been released over several different consoles. I wanted to unite the scattered titles at once at the right time. Another thing was that, approaching the ten year anniversary, the series had become difficult for new players to enter. There are players who look at all the titles and worry over which ones to play, so I wanted to set them out in chronological order.
The three titles in this compilation have been lined up in an order that will make the plot easy to understand, so I think even people without prior experience of the series can be at ease. Also, the story that is currently developing is finally drawing to a close, so I also feel it will be a useful refresher for fans.
---On remaking what was originally PS2 title in HD, what points gave you hardship work-wise?
Nomura: I can’t say in detail, but for example, there were situations like ‘finding each and every book in view in a huge library’. We entrusted the HD remaking to two programmers in Osaka, and thanks to their steadfast efforts, the remake was fully realised in close to a year.
---Listening to you, preparation for the HD remake work actually started quite a long time ago, didn’t it.
Nomura: In an interview some time ago I said ‘I am investigating this and that,’ and what I meant was a HD remake of Kingdom Hearts. The trailer we were able to release at the Game Show this year was also thanks to the considerable efforts of the Osaka team.
Kingdom Hearts exists in its current form because of the Osaka Team
---The Osaka team is the production team who have been working on the Kingdom Hearts series recently, right?
Nomura: Yes, that’s right. Since Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded, they are the team who has worked on titles such as Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and Kingdom Hearts 3D[Dream Drop Distance]. That said, the programmers who were in charge of the HD remake were merged in from a team that hadn’t been involved in the Kingdom Hearts series before.
---Thinking about the active role they’ve played in recent years, it feels like the Osaka team is now the series main staff, doesn’t it?
Nomura: That’s because that’s practically true. The Tokyo Kingdom Hearts team that we had in the early days has undergone some drastic changes. Even so, there are of course still Kingdom Hearts staff on the Tokyo side that collaborate with the Osaka side, but besides that the Osaka side form the basically unchanging lineup as a team, so in essence you could say they are the existing Kingdom Hearts staff. They move things along extremely energetically, and the Kingdom Hearts series is able to continue to this day only because they are there.
---What is the current state of progress on HD?
Nomura: Actually, it’s basically in the final stage. At first I thought about fully remaking Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (hereafter Days) in a form you could actually play. However, work on Days alone would have needed one year at the very least. I worried quite a bit over it, and I thought, weighing up a new title or a remake, players would want the new title. Even so, I had to include Days, so I decided if this is how it has to be then I will re-do it as a video volume.
---Are the HD videos of Days you may enjoy the same as the cutscenes compiled in ‘Theatre Mode’ in the original title?
Nomura: They are included too, but we’ve put around 70% of the main story overall (※excluding cutscenes from Disney worlds) to video, and the Disney worlds and such are supplemented through screens of text. According to the person in charge, there are over 100 cutscenes, and they are about 2-3 hours in total. It’s still not finished so I can’t give you the exact time, but the content will take more than an hour to finish viewing, at least.
---With that much volume, we can expect a whole new way to enjoy it, can’t we!
Nomura: Yes, because even though it’s video-only, the content is almost enough for one new title’s share. There is a considerable volume of newly recorded voicing, too. We were unable to record many voiced cutscenes for the original Days due to capacity issues, but I think this time fans will definitely be satisfied.
---Will we be able to enjoy Days as soon as we begin the game?
Nomura: Yes. You can select it right from start-up. The videos are divided into chapters, and you can also watch the whole thing in one flow, so please experience it whenever you like. If you have played Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories so far but haven’t played Days, I think you should by all means get your hands on this.
HD Remake “2.5” to definitely come to be?
----The HD remake of the first title, Kingdom Hearts, is based on Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (hereafter KHFM), isn’t it?
Nomura: Yes, it was. Aside from the entire thing being reborn in HD quality, and I’m sure some players will have noticed this, but the models for Sora and some of the other main characters have been replaced with the latest versions. If you compare them I think it’s very obvious.
---Is there also trophy support?
Nomura: It’s a PS3 title, so yes, there is support. However, I personally have never been that fixated on trophy features, so I am still researching now what sort of content we should include. There are trophies for clearing each world and such, but I don’t think you’d need one for first obtaining a Keyblade, would you... those are the sorts of discussions that are underway. Please anticipate some as factors for speedruns.
---Are there any other parts you adjusted or added?
Nomura: We’ve adjusted the controls to make them a little easier to use than back in the day. In the first Kingdom Hearts game, special controls (opening chests etc) were shown right at the bottom of the commands, but we’ve now gone with displaying them at the top with a triangle button. Also, the camera controls and such have been changed to match Kingdom Hearts II. So, I think the gameplay in Kingdom Hearts will all feel like something based on Kingdom Hearts II.
As for any big additional elements, I have already said this, but there aren’t really any. Please think of the addition of HD image and trophy support as all there is to KHFM and KH Re:CoM. The theatre of Days is the number one showpiece for Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- this time.
---Can the fans of the series look forward to the usual secret movie...?
Nomura: I really don’t want to lead anyone on or cause false hope, so please let me be clear on this: unfortunately, this time, there is no new secret movie.
---Recently there have been many Kingdom Hearts titles on handheld consoles, so it’s quite nostalgic to have one for a main console.
Nomura: The last title to come out on a main console was Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ (※released on PS2 in 2007), wasn’t it? At the time of Kingdom Hearts 3D[Dream Drop Distance], I said that the next Kingdom Hearts game would be coming out on a main console, and we have made that happen. To the fans who haven’t played Kingdom Hearts on a main console in a long time, I would be so happy if you would welcome this title.
---Are there by any chance plans for a bundle with a custom PS3?
Nomura: Should I do that (laughs)? There are no plans as of now. I hadn’t even thought of it (laughs).
---In any case, does putting “1.5” in the title mean there will be a “2.5”?
Nomura: If there wasn’t a “2.5” after this, it would be pretty unnatural (laughs).
---As things stand now, will this HD version we’re all so eager for be releasing in 2013?
Nomura: I touched on this before, but work is already in the final stages. Seeing as development is going well, I want to get it to you as fast as I can. I also want to keep it as close as possible to the Kingdom Hearts 10th anniversary.
A browser game packed with a charm different from anything else so far
---Next we would like to ask about the PC game you announced, Kingdom Hearts for PC Browser (working title). What sort of game content will there be?
Nomura: Fundamentally it’s a typical browser game. Unlike the main series it is not strong on action content, but instead has action battles with simple controls using cards. The style of play, in which you customise your own avatar and adventure through Disney worlds, is a different vector than anything so far. Among other things you can co-operate with multiple people to battle bosses, and online-only components.
---Is paying together with several people the pivotal element of this work?
Nomura: No, it’s fundamentally single-player. I think that most fans of the Kingdom Hearts series would rather play in the single-player format that they have always had.
---Are the Osaka team in charge of this title too, by any chance?
Nomura: No, it’s being developed in a different place. The plans and designs were made in-house, but because it’s in a special format on a browser unlike anything we’ve done before, we’re entrusting it to people on the outside who have the know-how. Currently construction in the area of gameplay is going favourably, but we plan to brush up the visuals a bit more. It’s still mid-production, but we plan to add things after the service begins, so we’d love for many people to join in.
---What sort of content is there story-wise?
Nomura: It is a spin-off title, completely separate from the main plot thread. Because of the nature of browser games from the start, we weren’t going to put in any grand set-up. You can say that this means both existing fans and people new to the series will be able to play standing at the same starting point. Of course we aren’t discarding the established universe of the series, and if you are a fan, we have included some developments that you can consider deeply. We also plan to draw up some new characters for Browser.
---New characters will appear, will they! Will there be developments that embroil these characters in the main plot thread...?
Nomura: I can’t tell you that, but since we are working diligently on Browser so that you may play for us soon, please wait just a little more.
New movement for The World Ends With You!?
---We’d like to ask about a slightly different title now. First, The World Ends With You (hereafter TWEWY) -Solo Remix- is available now. Why did you make it an iOS app?
Nomura: It was a decision made after many complicated reasons stacked up. I have heard generally favourable things from people who have played it, that is the most important thing.
---We think there must be many voices calling for a sequel to TWEWY.
Nomura: I personally love TWEWY too, it’s a title I do want to branch out. For the sake of future prospects, I hope that many people play and enjoy TWEWY -Solo Remix-.
---A few days ago at the FF Exhibition, Lightning Returns FFXIII was announced. In what way is your work involved in this project, Mr. Nomura?
Nomura: I worked on Lightning and Snow’s new outfits, but that is all, and I am finished.
---On the subject of Lightning, we’re also interested in any movement regarding Verses?
Nomura: Work is progressing properly, and all us staff are working hard and doing our best, so please wait a little for news.
---And now, finally, a message for fans of Kingdom Hearts, please.
Nomura: The story we have been telling consistently so far, which is called the Xehanort Saga, bears the formal name of ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’. Before we look to the conclusion of this ‘Seeker of Darkness Chronicle’, I would love for you to prepare with the HD remake.
The Kingdom Hearts series has now been going on for ten years, and the two titles we have announced, Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- and Kingdom Hearts for PC Browser (working title), both take completely different approaches, but please look forward to them as we turn our thoughts to the last of the current series.
Daniel Chiuchiarelli