New Dengeki PlayStation article features details on Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts 2.8

Congratulations on Volume #600. We've been together for a while.

I feel very fortunate that the timing of [KH2.8] coincides with this special anniversary.

I would like to portray my feelings of felicitation regarding both occasions.

 

For the sake of expediting the schedule, the King and the others were drawn beforehand,

but in order to create a more unified feeling, they're being redrawn from scratch.

Actually, Chirithy (on the right) is holding a pen and was originally supposed to be writing a congratulatory message in the upper right-hand corner, but in order to match with the layout, I had to cut it off. As for what was written there, please read it with the eyes of your hearts.

 

When I think about it, I've been allowed to draw the cover many times in the past, but what I remember most are the bitter memories of wanting to redraw the “Parasite Eve” cover. In the end, I never got that chance, but it's a good memory. (laughs)

 

I'll be continuing on with [KH2.8]'s release and [KHIII], so if this opportunity ever arises again, I would be honored to participate. In addition, I plan to talk about [FFVII] in either the 700th, or 777th volume, so please look forward to that as well.

 

[Kingdom Hearts] Series Director: Tetsuya Nomura

 

[Kingdom Hearts III] is the conclusion we've been waiting for, with Sora as the protagonist for the [Dark Seeker] series. And now, three more keys to unlocking that final chapter's door have been introduced with [Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]. Introducing these two titles, mixed with Tetsuya Nomura's commentary, we'll pursue the remaining mysteries!

 

SORA

A young man who has been the series protagonist since the first game. In order to search for the “key to return their hearts,” he has set out on a new journey in an all-new story.

 

KEY POINT

Fight in new worlds while heading toward the final battle!

 

It has already been presented that in [Kingdom Hearts III] (hereon known as [KHIII]), we will be traveling to a new world based on [Tangled], as well as the appearance of a [Big Hero 6] world. As for the other worlds, we're curious as to how many of the worlds will be ones we've traveled to before. In this series, we've encountered a wide variety of Disney characters, and by combining our strengths we've solved a lot of problems--that's been the flow for the most part. We're hoping to see more of that.

 

PICK UP

Finally, a conclusion to the [Dark Seeker] series!

The [Dark Seeker] (or, Seeker of Darkness) series is a story featuring Sora as the protagonist since the very beginning. In [KHIII], we will fight a final battle to defeat the main cause of the battle over “Kingdom Hearts,” the mastermind Xehanort. It's also a point of concern to find the whereabouts of the three protagonists of [KHBbS], Terra, Aqua and Ventus.

 

WHAT IS BIG HERO 6?

This film was released in theaters in 2014. Based on a story in the Marvel Comics universe, he Walt Disney Animation Studios created the film using CG animation. In order to find out the truth of his older brother's death, the protagonist Hiro stands up to fight with the robot his brother created, Baymax. A powerful enemy stands before these two.

 

THE WORLD OF [TANGLED]

Up in a tall tower hidden deep in the forest lives a girl named Rapunzel, who has long, blonde hair that possesses magical powers. You'll want to check out this film before playing.

 

KINGDOM HEARTS III

PS4 - Release Date TBA - Price TBA

The next numbered title to succeed the 2005 release of [KHII]. Sora and his friends move forward, now understanding the meaning of their fight for Kingdom Hearts against Xehanort, and search for the seven protectors of light on an all-new journey!

 

(FULL TITLE ACROSS THE TOP)

And so all of the mysteries will be unraveled--

We'll encompass all of the information released up until this point.

In addition, we'll delve into the information regarding the final game and the episodes leading up to the conclusion of the [Dark Seeker] series.

 

KEY POINT

The abilities of the keyblade are affected by the wielder's heart!?

 

In this work, it seems that Sora has the ability to change the form of the keyblade. The armored man (“Lingering Will”) he met in a previous encounter was also able to change the shape of his keyblade, and Terra, Aqua, and Ventus were all able to change it into a machine they could ride on, and now Sora finally can, too! Is this because Sora's heart has matured, or did he gain this ability after training?

 

(red text) These appear to be gun arrows, but there are plenty of other forms

< The weapon he's holding in his right hand appears to be ice-powered, and the one in his left is designed to use lightning. They also resemble the gun arrows that Xigbar used...!?

 

PICK UP

New “Attraction Flow” makes a flashy appearance

 

A big highlight is the new “Attraction Flow” added into the action portions of the game. These are special attacks based on attractions in the Disney theme parks, and from what we've seen, Sora can ride on a roller coaster, a viking ship, and teacups; you can damage enemies with these flashy techniques. It seems that there will be plenty more of these skills.

 

^ Sora, Donald, and Goofy rotate on the cups, and the coffee cup damages enemies. The brightly-designed electric illuminations are especially vivid!

 

(red text) Pegasus is pulling a chariot?

< Sora is controlling a vehicle resembling an Ancient Roman war chariot. Can powerful enemies be defeated with this?> You can also become gigantic. The design resembles Hercules gripping lightning!?

 

KEY POINT

What is the conclusion of the battle with Xehanort?

In [KHIII], the seven protectors of light will clash with Xehanort!? This will also serve as the conclusion to the [Dark Seeker] series. In addition, it appears that we will be meeting a young Xehanort at the beginning of the story, as well as finding out how he came to hold the wish of “obtaining Kingdom Hearts, and return the balance of light and darkness”..?

 

(red text)

Xehanort held interest in the darkness since his days as an apprentice?

^Xehanort told Eraqus, who trained with him under the same master, “The Lost Master caused the Keyblade War,” and “At that place, light will lose to darkness.” He seemed to also understand a lot about the mysteries of past happenings.

 

Creator's Voice [KINGDOM HEARTS] -- Tetsuya Nomura

 

--The term “Lost Master” appeared in the conversation between Xehanort and Eraqus at the beginning of [KHIII]--is that someone who will tie into to [KHx]?

Nomura: It's something that'll be discussed further in [KHx], [KHUx], and [KhxBC], but it'll be used in [KHIII].

 

--In what we've seen so far, Master Xehanort's keyblade has a special feature of a single strike, but will that be explained in [KHIII]?

Nomura: It'll be talked about in [KhxBC] and will connect to [KHIII].

 

--Will you clearly explain the definition of the word “Kingdom Hearts,” and explain what exactly it is in [KHIII]?

Nomura: Since this is also involving the final stage, I can't say how much yet, but it will be talked about more than it has before so far.

 

--Please tell us more about the “Kingdom Hearts Premium Theater” event in this year's D23 on 11/3.

Nomura: Before we've used the concept of a “stage,” but this time, since it is a “theater,” please look forward to a theatrical production.

 

KINGDOM HEARTS DREAM DROP DISTANCE HD

 

The prologue game to [KHIII] starring Sora and Riku

An HD release of [KH3D Dream Drop Distance], which was originally released in 2012. It relays a story in which Sora and Riku serve as the protagonists and journey to “sleeping worlds.” The game comes right before [KHIII] on the timeline, and it serves as the final prologue for that title. Sora and Riku take their Mark of Mastery exam, members of Organization XIII return to the picture, and several other not-to-be-missed special events occur. Before playing [KHIII], be sure to learn more about this story first.

 

KEY POINT

After passing the Mark of Mastery, Sora and Riku head for the final battle!!

 

Sora, who up until this point had been using the keyblade with a self-taught method, and Riku must take the Mark of Mastery in order to learn the correct way to wield, as well as build their strength. In the sleeping worlds that serve as the stage for the exam, they fight against monsters called Dream Eaters and gain maturity along the way. The strength that they build during the test will surely serve them well in the battle awaiting them at the conclusion of [KHIII]. It's worth paying attention to.

 

(timeline)

The connection between [KHDDD] and [KHIII]

KH ReCoded

Yensid talks about the revival of Master Xehanort. In order to battle against the forces of darkness, he calls upon Sora and Riku.

 

KH DDD

In preparation for the coming battle, Sora and Riku take their Mark of Mastery exam. They travel the seven sleeping worlds and unlock the seven sleeping keyholes.

 

KHIII

Opens right after the events of [KHDDD]. An older Sora and his companions face Master Xehanort in an all-out final battle.

 

(red text)

The two who journey through sleeping worlds

< Sora and Riku “dive” into the sleeping worlds' dreams. On their journey, they also encounter characters from [The World Ends With You]!

 

 

SORA

In order to gain new strength, he sets out to complete his Mark of Mastery exam. During the test, he reverts back to his 14 year-old self.

 

RIKU

Sora's best friend and a keyblade wielder. In order to test his worthiness, he participates in the Mark of Mastery exam.

 

Gain great strength by fighting with Dream Eaters!

^ While fighting the Dream Eaters in the sleeping worlds, Sora and Riku aim to unlock the keyholes. The fight at the end of the story is also quite startling!

 

KEY POINT

Organization XIII members once again appear!

One of the members of Organization XIII closes in on the King and his friends!

Organization XIII has a connection to Sora and his friends. Their dispute was settled in [KHII], but they appear once again in [KHDDD]. A portion of the members return to their human forms, and Lea (formerly known as Axel) and the others move toward a new objective. How they behave in [KHIII] will likely not be a plot point we can overlook.

 

<Lea approaches the King and the others with a new goal. We should pay attention to what he's up to in even the final chapter of the series.

 

LEA

Organization XIII's No. 8, Axel, who has returned to his original human form. He was best friends with No. 13, Roxas.

 

PICK UP

You can see the results of the test in [KHIII]

 

After overcoming many trials and battles in the sleeping worlds, Sora and Riku completed their exam. The two matured as a result, and you can see the fruits of their labors in [KHIII]. As a result of the strength gained on their journey up to this point, what kind of changes will we see with them?

 

^Is the power to change the keyblade's form something Sora learned on his travels? Also, we're hoping to see the same kind of growth in Riku after taking his test.

 

PICK UP

What about the whereabouts of No. 9 through 12?

 

A portion of the original members of Organization were revived. We still don't know the whereabouts of the remaining members, but perhaps this is something that will be revealed in [KHIII].

> Ansem the Wise's research assistants returned to their original human forms.

 

(line at the top of the page)

Stories that hide the key connect to the final chapter

 

[KH2.8] continues toward the final chapter, [KHIII]. Let's investigate those connections.

 

KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 BIRTH BY SLEEP -FRAGMENTARY PASSAGE-

Follow the story of Aqua as she passes through the darkness

This production involves the aftermath of [KH Birth by Sleep], the battle and tragedy of three keyblade wielders. Aqua serves as the protagonist as she explores the dark realm. It reveals many details that were not previously known about the realm of darkness, and a new truth may unfold!? There are portions that are closely connected with [KHIII], and it's something that you'll need to check out as a fan.

 

KEY POINT

Help for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua?

The three protagonists of [KHBbS] were met with a cruel fate and disappeared from the worlds. Their situation doesn't change in [KH0.2BbS], but on Aqua's journey in the dark realm, there is a possibility that she will discover a way to save them. As for what will save them in the end, it's still a mystery, but that too should be made clear in [KHIII].

 

TERRA

A sincere young man who possesses an earnest heart. Under his master's orders, he set out to travel the worlds.

CURRENT STATUS

As a result of Master Xehanort's schemes, Terra lost his body, and his heart has disappeared somewhere.

 

VENTUS

A boy full of curiosity. He chased after Terra, who he regards as an older brother figure, and he too set out to travel the worlds.

CURRENT STATUS

At the end of a fierce battle, his heart was shattered, and now he is someplace where he sleeps without ever awakening.

 

AQUA

A wise young woman with a strong sense of justice. She goes out on a journey to track down Terra and Ventus.

CURRENT STATUS

In [KHBbS], she fell into the realm of darkness, and even now she is still trapped somewhere in there.

 

The connection between [KH0.2BbS] and [KHIII]

 

KINGDOM HEARTS BBS

The story of three young people's journeys. At the end of the battle, Aqua is trapped in the realm of darkness.

 

KH~KHDDD + KH0.2BbS

The story of Aqua's journey and battles in the dark realm. In the outside worlds, the story from KH to KHDDD progresses, but the link between these two lengths of time is not clear.

 

KHIII

We are told that, before the journey begins, the King meets with Aqua in the realm of darkness once more.

 

KEY POINT

What about the missing 0.3?

The number [0.5] appeared in the secret episode of [KHBbSFM], but according to Director Tetsuya Nomura, “We thought to tell the story of 0.5 with all three characters, but instead we decided on 0.2 with a focus on Aqua.” Will the dropped [0.3] scenes be discussed in [KHIII]? If we play [KH0.2BbS], will the content for [0.3] become clear!?

 

What was it that Aqua saw in the realm of darkness...?

< How will Aqua's experiences in the dark realm influence the final chapter!?

 

PICK UP

What happened in the the dark realm

The realm of darkness that Aqua traverses is a place that has only been discussed in fragments. In the secret episode, the Castle of Dreams shown, as well as King Mickey receiving a keyblade from the dark realm, etc. still remain as large mysteries. Whether or not these happenings will be disclosed in [KH0.2BbS] or not is a point of discussion.

 

^ A supplement to [KHBbSFM]'s secret episode. The story of [KH0.2BbS] will begin right after this.

 

Master Xehanort is possibly involved, too!

The content for the remaining [0.3] is unclear, but there is a real possibility of the mastermind of the series, Master Xehanort, appearing as well.

 

Creator's Voice [KINGDOM HEARTS] -- Tetsuya Nomura

--As a continuation to [KHIII], in [KH3D] you touched on the “seven protectors of light” and the “thirteen darkness,” but will these be made clear?

Nomura: Not including who has already been disclosed in [KH3D], their identities will be concealed until the end of [KHIII], so please enjoy waiting for the reveal.

 

--What kind of changes happen once you become a keyblade master?

N: Because it's just a title, there's not really any large differences, but more of a matter of becoming an heir. You inherit the destiny of becoming a mentor, and you are passed down the wisdom of what makes a master a master.

 

--While Aqua is wandering the realm of darkness, the story from [KH] to [KHII] occurs in the outside worlds. Is the link to these events in [KH0.2BbS]?

N: Since it's a title linked to [KHIII], it will obviously makes those links clear.

 

--Who was speaking during the most recent trailer for [KhxBC]?

N: It was Chirithy.

 

KEY POINT

The story of a generation older than [KH]

This story is the oldest in the series' timeline, and it takes place in the past, long before Sora was a wielder. The worlds were protected by “Kingdom Hearts” and its counterpart, the “χ-blade,” but then darkness began to spring up all over the worlds. In order to fight of the darkness, the χ-blade created a model of itself, the Keyblade, and a journey around the worlds began. The player is one of many wielders of the Keyblade.

 

The influence of darkness on worlds overflowing with light......

^It was a world filled with light before, but then darkness began to run rampant. In order to stop the overflow of darkness, the player journeys out with Keyblade in hand.

 

KEY POINT

The stage is set in the worlds just before the Keyblade war

The story of [KHUx] unfolds just before the “Keyblade war” of the distant past. At this time, there were many Keyblade wielders, and many of them were thought to have participated in the war, but the truth is not clear. A huge point of the story will be whether or not the details of the Keyblade war will be revealed.

 

PICK UP

The differences between the three titles marked with [χ]

There are three titles with [χ] in them. The worlds are connected, but [KHχ] and [KHUχ] are from playable productions told from the Keyblade wielder's perspective. [KhχBC] will be a story focused on the Foretellers and is a theatrical production.

 

KHχ

Browser game

PC

Service started in 2013. You can enjoy the game by collecting cards and customizing a deck to build your strength.

 

KHUχ

Smartphone appearance

iPhone/Android

Service started in 9/2015. The system for [KHχ] was remade to be playable on smartphones, and the player can enjoy casual battles.

 

KHχBC

Theatrical production

PS4

Will appear in [KHHD2.8]. The setting is the same as the other two games, but the story is told from the Foretellers' perspective.

 

PICKUP

That battle will soon become a legend...

The Keyblade war caused by the Keyblade wielders is passed down as a legend in later worlds. Also, the site of the battle is known as the “Keyblade Graveyard.” In the “Keyblade Graveyard,” the Keyblades used in the war are still left there, lined up just like gravestones.

^The Keyblade war was later told as a legend, but the main details of who or what caused the war were not really left behind.

 

Worlds in which great numbers of Keyblade wielders existed

^ Keyblade wielders existed far and wide to dispel the darkness. Are they who started the war?

 

Five unions are at the story's core!

< The five unions that the Keyblade wielders belong to also serve as keywords. Each union's goal seems a little different...

 

Novice Keyblade wielders' must-see play guide to [KHUχ]

An explanation of points for the players just starting or planning to start [KHUχ]!

 

POINT: Actively gather medals with “draws”

The key to battles are medals. Use draw and gain stronger medals. The 10-fold “raise draw” you can earn with 3000 jewels is great for getting five-star medals in one go.

 

^> By using other medals as mixing ingredients, you can raise the potential strength of your medals. Try making rare medals and boost your strength.

Gain strength by synthesizing the medals you earn!

 

POINT: Actively aim for a 1-turn finish!

Battles are turn-based. If you finish off the enemy in one turn, they won't be able to fight you back and you can proceed. In addition, you'll greatly restore your ability gauge, so you're killing two birds with one stone. The trick to using a 1-turn finish is in the screen flick and counterattacking with abilities. It's a good idea to set up several medals that can counterattack with a single ability gauge.

 

You can also use medals with a partner!

^While out on a quest, you can select and carry one partner medal. If you use the power of a strong medal, it's easy to deal out 1-turn finishes!

 

KINGDOM HEARTS UNCHAINED χ

iPhone/Android

Currently in service

Basic gameplay: free (extra items at a charge)

The series' first smartphone app. It's simple gameplay for a smartphone, and you can enjoy the action battles while traversing Disney worlds.

 

(top text)

The series' oldest story connects the worlds

Here, we pick up with the currently-in-service smartphone app, [KH Unchained χ]. Let's take a look at the important points of the story, a players' guide, and more.

 

KEY POINT

Introducing characters who hold great meaning for the KH series going forward

In this game, brand-new characters are introduced. The Foretellers, who hold an importance place in the lore, Chirithy, who guides the player, etc., are characters full of mystery who deepen the story. The Foretellers especially will be an important factor in the series going forward, even more than they are now. It's best to think along the lines that they are connected to [KHIII] as well.

<The actions of the new characters are an important part of the story.

 

PICK UP

There's a traitor amongst the Foretellers!?

In the new production [KhχBC]'s most recent trailer, the Foretellers' dialogue mentions a traitor in their ranks. The Foretellers' relationship with humans is a mystery, but it does not seem like an amicable one. Also, the Foretellers' unions are also not organizations with the same goal. The actions of the Foretellers from here on will become an important point!

 

(red text) The five Foretellers who created unions

^Five mysterious entities who wear hoods. They each lead their own unions, and they act based on their search for the light.

 

(red text) Chirithy acts as the players' guide

<A mysterious creature, Chirithy received orders from “a certain someone” and helps out on the player's adventure.

 

Of course, Disney Characters also appear!

As per usual in this series, Disney characters also appear in this game. Players meet them when they first visit their respective worlds.

(Names are Mickey Mouse, Alice, and Aladdin)

^In certain worlds, Donald and Goofy also appear. Are they traveling to different worlds on their gummi ship?

 

KEY POINT

The story of many battles have been passed down to Xehanort and Eraqus

The Keyblade war that waits at the point of [KHUχ] is later passed down as a legend throughout the worlds. Young Xehanort and Eraqus have even heard of the legend, and the two have a conversation about it. Then, after many years, Xehanort, who became a Keyblade Master, aimed to bring about the second coming of the Keyblade war. The Keyblade war that happened in legend is now about to happen again by the hands of the seeker of darkness.

 

(red text) Xehanort and Eraqus discussing the war

<The opening scene of [KHIII]. A young Xehanort and Eraqus discuss the keyblade war. Even at this time, Xehanort appeared to already hold interest in the war...?

 

PICK UP

The mysterious “Lost Master”

In the scene where a young Xehanort and Eraqus discussed the war, they mentioned a term we had never heard before, the “Lost Master.” If we determine “lost” to mean “someone or something lost,” then according to the timeline, it's very possible that it involves someone in the universe of [KHUχ]. This person was formerly one of the Foretellers, but will this mystery really be solved in [KHIII]!?

 

POINT: Increase the number of medal slots to strength your weapon!

You start out with three medal slots on your keyblade, but if you strength the weapon, the slots increase. However, the material needed to increase slots, Orichalcum, is very rare and hard to come by.

Put your focus on one weapon and collect raw materials for it--that's the way to strengthen it.

 

Keyblades you can get in the beginning of the game

Starlight

A weapon with a balance of all three attributes.

 

Rock Splendor

Raises the power attribute's medals.

 

Last Resort

Raises the speed attribute's medals.

 

Desire Lamp

Raises the magic attribute's medals.

 

(red text) You can open the medal slot twice

<If you open the slot twice, you can set a maximum of five medals per one weapon.

 

Creator's Voice [KINGDOM HEARTS] -- Tetsuya Nomura

 

--Please tell us more about the new characters Chirithy and Ephemera, as well as the Foretellers.

Nomura: Chirithy is the player's guide in the [χ] series. There are a number of players, but the series is one full of mysteries, and I'm often asked even by the staff members who are in the middle of playing if Chirithy is an enemy or an ally. As for the Foretellers, what I can say now is that they are the people who became the origin of the Keyblade Master. The world of [χ] is unfolding beyond their expectations. Ephemera is like the players, a wielder who is gathering light, but he feels a great amount of doubt towards the unions formed by the Foretellers, and he is looking into the mysteries of the worlds by himself.

 

--In the most recent trailer for [KhχBC], words like “Master of Masters,” “Six Apprentices,” “Traitor,” etc. appeared. Please tell us more about each of these.

Nomura: Master of Masters refers to the teacher of the six apprentices and the person who created Chirithy. This person is quite eccentric but is greatly praised by the six apprentices. As I answered in a previous interview, five of the six apprentices created unions, and they instruct Keyblade wielders. The one remaining apprentice hasn't been talked about at all yet, so please wait for [KhχBC]. “Traitor” becomes a keyword of [KhχBC]'s story, so I think it will all become clear with its release.