Tetsuya Nomura answers fan questions about Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts χ[chi], and Kingdom Hearts III

[Toominator 916]

After the release of the new trailer featuring Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III, many fans had questions circling around in their heads. The folks over at KHInsider had the incredible opportunity to formally relay fan questions to Tetsuya Nomura himself. His answers to some of the questions can be read below, and you can read the blog post in its entirety here.

 

1. Since you were at the Kingdom Hearts 2.5 Launch Event in Burbank, how did it feel to finally have the Kingdom Hearts Premium Theater in Japan?

 

Nomura: What sets KINGDOM HEARTS apart from other titles is that this is a title in which we have been sharing a connection with our fans for many years. So rather than being a one-time relationship like a festival, it does feel like we are partners or friends that have spent a long time together, but I do cherish these kinds of events as there aren’t very many opportunities like this where we can interact with our fans. Japanese fans are more shy than fans overseas but I was very happy that I was able to feel that the Japanese fans were having fun this time too.

 

2. The Kingdom Hearts Premium Theater event was very well received in Japan. If the opportunity for future events is presented, would they follow a similar format? If not, what would you like to do differently?

 

Nomura: The content of the event would change depending on the location and timing, so the format would most likely depend on those two factors. Also, as for D23, location becomes restricted as there are rules set by the host. Since we had more applicants than the amount of participants that we could accommodate this time, if we did have another opportunity to hold an event like this one, I think I will first consider the capacity of the venue instead of the format of the event.

 

3. The newest update to Kingdom Hearts X [chi] introduces a new world, Beast’s Castle. Why was this world chosen to be added to the game?

 

Nomura: We are prioritizing the worlds of the seven princess’s based on the “fairy tale era” concept in KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi].

 

4. Is there any significance in the timing of Beast’s Castle’s introduction to Kingdom Hearts X [chi]? After so many main story updates, it was surprising to travel to a new world rather than continuing to investigate Ephemera and the Foretellers.

 

Nomura: There is no significance to the timing. We had already made a decision on which worlds to select a while ago, but because new world additions are the most time consuming, we were finally able to implement it this time.

 

5. In one of the recent updates of Kingdom Hearts X [chi], the term “unchained” was officially introduced and has caused quite a bit of speculation among the fans. Does this play a role in how you previously said that X [chi] and Unchained X were not exactly the same game?

 

Nomura: I cannot explain this without any spoilers but there is a connection between the two. Who is trying to do what will be depicted in KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] or KINDGOM HEARTS Unchainedχ, and the reason behind it would be told in KHχ Back Cover (included in 2.8).

 

6. In 0.2, Yen Sid tells Riku and Kairi that it is imperative to rescue Aqua, Terra and Ventus, prompting Mickey to tell them of his recent visit to the Realm of Darkness. Is he referring to the time in the first Kingdom Hearts when he ventured in to find the Kingdom Key D?

 

Nomura: It is an episode that I was waiting for a long time to tell. Please wait for KH0.2 for that answer.

 

7. Did Mickey meet Aqua during his time in the Realm of Darkness? If so, why did he refrain from speaking of such an important matter until this moment?

 

Nomura: This will also be told in KH0.2 so please wait for it.

 

8. The conversation between Young Xehanort and Eraqus, first shown at E3, is the opening scene of Kingdom Hearts 3. Since then, more and more of the scene has been revealed through the trailers and at D23, we were able to view it in its entirety. Why was the decision made to show the scene in this manner?

 

Nomura: There are many reasons for this, but one of them is that we are prioritizing the creation of new worlds in KH3, and we would have to consider the reveal timing of those worlds, making sure that we discuss with Disney. That opening scene is very versatile, since it doesn’t involve those new worlds, plus it’s a great asset to use as a prologue to build up excitement towards KH3.

 

Also, the scenes that we have currently have released is not the final product so please look forward to any changes that we may make in the future as well.

 

9. We learn from Xehanort and Eraqus’s conversation that Eraqus is under consideration for masterhood, but what about Xehanort at this time?

 

Nomura: I’m sure that you can sense that there is some kind of thought behind Xehanort’s expression and tone of voice at the end. Xehanort’s interest is something other than a title of honor.

 

10. It was surprising to see the return of Nobodies in the recent Kingdom Hearts 3 footage. What sort of role will they play in the game? Can we expect to see any more enemy types besides Nobodies and Heartless?

 

Nomura: I want to make it so that you can tell who had come to that world by the enemies that appear there. I am thinking of the enemy types as a part of the total production this time.

 

11. The new Kingdom Hearts III trailer featured a new Nobody design with a scythe and flower petals, is this particular Nobody alluding to a certain former Organization member?

 

Nomura: I think that it’s easy to imagine but I do believe that it will appear in promotional materials sooner or later so please wait for that.

 

12. Mickey was seen at the Premium Theater wearing his Kingdom Hearts 2 clothing holding the Kingdom Key D Keyblade, is there a chance we can see this Mickey at Disney Parks?

 

Nomura: As far as I know, there are no plans right now, but I think it would be really neat if they did one day!

What intrigues you most about this surprise interview? Let us know in the comments below, and have a wonderful holiday season!

 

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[2 quid is good 2,209]

Finally, some good questions are actually being asked, but I haven't learned much, seems like Nomura's been taking a leaf out of Steven Moffats book when it comes to spoilers!

[Exiblade7 1,917]

number 10 is pretty interesting, so does that means that Marluxia is going to return in kingdom hearts 3 since there are nobodies in tangled world that represent him? 

Edited December 25, 2015 by Luke Fon Fabre

[itsDON 66]

I feel the questions could have been a bit "better" but I'm happy for we've got.

[AaySquare 445]

Good Interview. But they didn't ask the million dollar question: When will KHUX release outside Japan?

[KingdomHearts3 2,591]

This was interesting. It would have been nice if they did ask about KHUX for outside of Japan, but we might have been given a vague answer. Oh well.

[TheKingdomkid 1,194]

You know because of this I was reminded that in the D23 trailer the whole conversation between Young Xehanort and Erauqs was shown or was heard and we didn't get that in the Jump Festa trailer either, but then again that was probably just the KH3 trailer while the Jump Festa trailer was just 2.8.  Some of the questions could have been a lot better and they could've asked when Unchained was coming out outside of Japan but whatever nice to get a little of something

[KH4Real 749]

I was first expecting the question for west release of KHx wtf.

Who knows it may still be a New Year release ^^.

[Gwynbleidd 551]

Marluxia confirmed? Marluxia confirmed.

[Kaweebo 3,617]

Marluxia confirmed? Marluxia confirmed.

Marluxia's footprints, anyway. Though Nomura's comment about how different Nobodies appearing in different worlds is a sign that the actual corresponding Org. members have been there. I guess that should be obvious but I never thought about it like that.

Edited December 25, 2015 by Kaweebo

[Gwynbleidd 551]

Marluxia's footprints, anyway. Though Nomura's comment about how different Nobodies appearing in different worlds is a sign that the actual corresponding Org. members have been there. I guess that should be obvious but I never thought about it like that.

Indeed. I too, only just thought about it now once he mentioned it. You know, I'd like to think that one day we will get either Luxord of Xaldin back. Edited December 25, 2015 by Jon Snow

[Kaweebo 3,617]

Indeed. I too, only just thought about it now once he mentioned it. You know, I'd like to think that one day we will get either Luxord of Xaldin back.

Well Xaldin is basically confirmed in the form of Dilan since he's one of the ones who re-emerged in Radiant Garden in DDD. I doubt he'll return to Organization XIII but you never know.

Edited December 25, 2015 by Kaweebo

[Gwynbleidd 551]

Well Xaldin is basically confirmed in the form of Dilan since he's one of the ones who re-emerged in Radiant Garden in DDD. I doubt he'll return to Organization XIII but you never know.

Oh, of course that's right! We could see Dilan then, but I wouldn't anticipate it at all to be honest. If I am not mistaken, at the time of awakening for the several organisation members, there were several members there including Axel who woke the first. However, three members we did not see there were Marluxia, Luxord, and Larxene.

[outbackjim21 83]

yeah, title should change to nomura dodges fan questions that actually matter while half answering questions that have been asked already.

[Jake 1,488]

Just to let you guys know, these questions were made on November 5th, after D23 and correspond closer to the time of the Premium Theater event.

[Hero of Light XIV 2,381]

The Princess of Heart worlds eh? Well I believe there were already assets confirming/suggesting Enchanted Dominion eventually becoming included, but would this also hint at or confirm Castle of Dreams and Radiant Garden as well, being the only two princess worlds not yet featured? Or would there be some other fate for Radiant Garden? Well either way hopefully we can start getting more info about the Western release of Unchained X not too long after the new year starts, cause I really can't wait to get my hands on that. Still this was a nice Christmas present.

[Churro 132]

Just to let you guys know, these questions were made on November 5th, after D23 and correspond closer to the time of the Premium Theater event.

 

All these questions were based on everything we learned from the trailer from all the translated Japanese tweets before we even saw the trailer. 

 

People asking why didn't we ask about the English Unchained X release is because release date questions get answered with "Cannot talk about it". Nomura doesn't really have a say when it'll get released outside of Japan. That's all the local branch teams working on localization and QA with the games. Also Square tells me whenever I meet with Nomura to not ask for release dates, spoilers, or anything else related. 

[Jake 1,488]

All these questions were based on everything we learned from the trailer from all the translated Japanese tweets before we even saw the trailer. 

 

People asking why didn't we ask about the English Unchained X release is because release date questions get answered with "Cannot talk about it". Nomura doesn't really have a say when it'll get released outside of Japan. That's all the local branch teams working on localization and QA with the games. Also Square tells me whenever I meet with Nomura to not ask for release dates, spoilers, or anything else related. 

 

Ah yeah. It's still an honor to talk and meet with the man at all honestly. 

 

These questions were good. If you tried asking anything else, more than likely it will be answered with "Cannot say" or "Please wait later".

[GroovingOnUp 163]

Marluxia being back and as a boss in tangled fits so well that i'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen.

[The Transcendent Key 12,109]

Aaaaand...BAM!  Before this year's end, we got an interview from Nomura!  What a pleasant surprise!  I found this interview most exciting!

 

I have to say that what intrigued me the most was when he said that the scenes shown so far are not yet the final product, so that means we might see some slight changes in scenes we've already seen in trailers past...most interesting indeed!  What I also find most interesting is that bit about the Flower Nobodies and their resemblance to a "certain" Organization member from the past!  Is he alluding to the fact that Marluxia may return!?  Good God, what if that's the case!?

 

MARRRRLLUUUXIAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

But yeah, this was an awesome interview!  But darn it all, why didn't KHInsider ask Nomura about the international release for Unchained X?

[Green Sparrow 795]

5. In one of the recent updates of Kingdom Hearts X [chi], the term “unchained” was officially introduced and has caused quite a bit of speculation among the fans. Does this play a role in how you previously said that X [chi] and Unchained X were not exactly the same game?

Nomura: I cannot explain this without any spoilers but there is a connection between the two. Who is trying to do what will be depicted in KINGDOM HEARTS χ[chi] or KINGDOM HEARTS Unchainedχ, and the reason behind it would be told in KHχ Back Cover (included in 2.8).

Random thought: Does this mean that KHX will hold up 2.8's release? I mean, I know there are multiple things preventing 2.8's release in the near future (like the fact that it's not finished), but does Nomura's answer mean that KHX Back Cover cannot be released until KHX has reached a certain point in its story? Otherwise major spoilers will be revealed?

[Endless Thundaga 533]

I don't understand what Xehanort would want with Marluxia. He was a traitor in the original Organization XIII, so why would Xehanort put up with someone on his side, possibly wanting to plot against him? Perhaps his Nobodies were turned loose after his defeat.

[Komali 594]

I don't understand what Xehanort would want with Marluxia. He was a traitor in the original Organization XIII, so why would Xehanort put up with someone on his side, possibly wanting to plot against him? Perhaps his Nobodies were turned loose after his defeat.

Well there is still the possibility that Marluxia/Lumaria isn't part of the organisation.If yes, then Xehanort could control him against his will. But to be honest, I don't want his hair to turn white, because it looks beautiful as it is. ;_;

[Guest]

I don't understand what Xehanort would want with Marluxia. He was a traitor in the original Organization XIII, so why would Xehanort put up with someone on his side, possibly wanting to plot against him? Perhaps his Nobodies were turned loose after his defeat.

 

I had the same thought... until I came to realise that Sora would have been a Xehanort vessel in Dream Drop Distance. Not all the members that were "nort"ed consciously chose to do so (Isa).

[Bruce Void 13]

Worst interview ever