Update 4: Both Oishii and Sora Keyblade no Yuusha from KH13 have worked together on a complete translation of the article. You can read this below.
“Kingdom Hearts 3D”, the Sorcerer Mickey Introduced in the Awaited World “Symphony of Sorcery”. Also, a Follow-up on the Dream Eaters, Enemies and Companions Alike.
From Square Enix, the firm behind the the 3DS game “Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]” going on sale in March of 2012, we reveal today (1/25) the latest information. This time, along with the follow-up on the enemy and ally “Dream Eaters”, we also report news on the new worlds announced.
First of all, if we review briefly the story synopsis of this production, this work combines Disney characters with an original story making the newest addition of the “Kingdom Hearts” series very popular for its friendly and deep action. This story will depict the new adventure of the familiar boys Sora and Riku.
From Sora’s experience from his “first journey”, Sore traveled to save the world “consumed by darkness”. This objective he accomplished commendably and many worlds were restored. However, the worlds that were not completely restored remained in a world in the state of sleep. In these worlds, it is not possible for anyone to come through their gates. If thought of like the “World of Darkess”, it is a place where the heartless that Sora and others have fought repeatedly against cannot for some reason pass into.
But in that “world plunged into sleep” there exist another dark creature different from the heartless. Those called “Dream Eater”, a name to monsters that eat dreams. For the sake to admirably obtain the power to face against opposition, Sora and Riku will travel into this world plunged into sleep with their eyes set on becoming “Keyblade Masters”.
The Monsters that Eat Dreams “Dream Eaters”
Handsome Pegasus (Spirit)
A Dream Eater who possesses lovely wings. He can glide, deliver a body blow onto enemies and attack with a cutting wind.
Tsunoceratops (Spirit)
With a big body and gigantic horns, charging attacks are his specialty. He also can become a spiky ball and attack enemies by jumping or running over them.
Hasami Kuwagata "Scissors Beetle" (Nightmare)
With a tough defense, his specialty are far distanced attacks. When the enemy is far away, he sets land mines and shoots bullets that seal the commands. He has many troublesome attacking methods.
Obake Pierrot "Ghost Clown" (Nightmare)
He blows cold air and bites many times while floating. If he licks you with his long tongue, you'll be paralysed and unable to move.
The Link Attack activated using only one Spirit is called "Single Link". But there also exists the Dual Link, activated using two Spirits. Its power is far stonger than that of the Single Link, and depending on the pair of Spirits used, different effects may appear.
What's more, the Spirits are deeply influenced by Sora and Riku's growing. The commands Sora and Riku use in-battle can be learned by opening the Abillity Links of the Spirits who have become your partners.
When the Link Gauge of the two Spirits that accompany you becomes full, the Spirit Mark will be displayed on the screen. Touching it will activate the Dual Link.
Dual links
Comet: A Dual Link activated when using two Spirits wich possess the power of Fire. Sora and the Spirits get on a Comet and fall onto the ground, causing a huge explosion.
Wonder Jamboree: A Dual Link activated when using two unique Spirits, starting with Wonder Cat. Wonder Cat absorbs the other Spirit and becomes giant. He then jumps and creates a shock wave arround him.
Union Rush: A Dual Link activated using two Spirits of the Physical Attribute. Sora and the Spirits make a line and charge Awards some enemies while flying at high speeds.
Through the Ability Link new commands are learned.
"The worlds that await for Sora and Riku and the Reality Shift."
The Kingdom Hearts Series' charm comes from Diney's worlds made motif, turned into worlds of fantasy which you can adventure. Of course that isn't different for Dream Drop Distance.
The three worlds announced so far were "Mickey, Donald and Goof, The Three Musketeers" as motif for "Country of the Musketeers", "Pinnochio" as motif for "Prankster's Paradise", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" as motif for "Le Cité des Cloches".
These are all famous worlds that we miss and have seen at least once in our childhood.
This time, the existence of the world "Symphony of Sorcery", having "Fantasia" as motif, is very clear. In this world, Mickey's role will be an apprentice of Sorcerer. In addition, a well-known world from the series, "Traverse Town" will reappear. There, charming boys and girls are waiting for Sora and Riku.
There is also an interesting Special Skill related with each world, the "Reality Shift". Its effects change depending in what world it is activated.
With "Wonder Comic", the Reality Shift for Country of the Musketeers, we can see a pleasant comic book-like play where Mickey, Donald and Gooffy appear. When it is activated, a Touch Action is required. Input them correctly in order to deliver the enemies a huge damage.
Reality Shift, Wonder Comic (Country of the Musketeers):
A Skill where Mickey, Donald and Gooffy's comics show up and attack. If the touch manipulation is suceeded, the characters from the comics respond to it attacking. When Riku activates this Reality Shift, he participates of the play as well.
Cutscenes
The Mickey in this world isn't the King that Sora knows, but an aprenttice of sorcerer. Strangely Sora feels superior to this mickey!?
Why is Darkness coming out from the music score?
He tries to use magic in order to clean, but with so much water he fails!?
Mickey feels he knows Riku even meeting him for the first time. Maybe both of them can be friends wherever they meet?
Mickey displays a magnificent spell that spouts water up high.
Even having just met, Mickey feels the strong bound between Sora and Riku.
Riku confronts a giant black demon with wings.
A man in black coat talks to Sora in riddles. Can Sora understand what his words mean?
Traverse Town
Beat: He is searching all over Traverse Town for his partner, Rhyme. He hates losing and is very vigorous.
Rhyme: Beat's partner. She has lost her memories and doesn't know why she is in Traverse Town.
Shiki: Neku's partner. A very cheerful girl. She is always walking around with a black cat plush.
Joshua: A friend of Neku's. It seems like he knows some details about this world.
Cutscenes
Beat: "Shiki told me! That guy is the one who arranged it!"
Who is "that guy" who stands before Beat?
Joshua: "That means these two worlds are not simply occurring together."
Joshua is investigating this world and seems to know more than Sora and Riku.
Sora: "I'm sure your feelings can reach him!"
Joshua smiles at the pure Sora unnintentionaly.
Shiki: "My dear Knight!"
Shiki doesn't show any timidity even towards Riku, who she meets for the fist time.
Rhyme: "It's all right. My memories will come back when they have a chance."
Rhyme isn't very worried about her lost memories and behaves cheerfully.
Riku: "What? A black coat?"
A person in black coat also appeared in Traverse Town?
Joshua: "In short, that is a Gate that links the worlds."
What may be this "Gate" that links the worlds?
Joshua: "Thank you."
Joshua thanks Neku with a lonely face. What lies in his heart?
Other Worlds
The three gaze grimly at the scheming Maleficent
Maleficent proposes to possess the 7 lights of the world. What is she scheming this time...
The person who calls himself Lea is...?!
More and more new places to be revealed!
Update 3: Famitsu.com have posted their own article containing the same screenshots. However, 4Gamer.net's version below do not contain watermarks, so please check them out.
Update 2: Sora Keyblade no Yuusha from KH13 has also translated the article, and the text accompanying various screenshots. You can read this below. Check out "Update 4", which is an even more complete translation.
Update 1: andriasang.com has translated a majority of the article. You can read this below.
DREAM EATERS
Depending on the type, Dream Eaters serve as either your companions -- Spirits -- or your foes -- Nightmares. Square Enix showed art and screens for two of each today.
On the Nightmare side are Obake Piero (Ghoul Clown) and Hasami Kuwagata (Scissor Beetle). Obake Piero can lick you to make you immobile for a while. Hasami Kuwagata is good with guarding and long-range attacks. If you get caught up in the explosions from his mines, your commands are locked out.
On the Spirit side are Handsome Pegasus and Tsunoceratops (Horn Ceratpos... that's like "ceratpos" as in triceratops). Tsunoceratops attacks its foes with its big horns. Handsome Pegasus uses the power of wind for her attacks.
LINK ATTACKS
Spirits have link attacks which they perform with your character once you've built up your link gauge. Tsunoceratops turns into a spiked ball, which you ride to deal damage to the enemy.
In addition to solo link attacks, you can also have your two Spirit Dream Eaters team up for a Dual Link. The actual attack you get depends on the Spirits in your party at the time. To unleash the attack, you tap the spirit mark which appears on the bottom screen when both Spirits' link gauge has filled up.
Dual Links shown below include Comet, Wonder Jamboree, and Union Rush.
Riku and Sora can also unleash special Ability Links with their Spirits. These are unlocked as you advance in the game.
REALITY SHIFT
Finally, a look at the game's Reality Shift system. Reality Shifts are world specific skills. Below are some screens from "Wonder Comic," the Reality Shift from Country of the Musketeers. Input the proper commands, and comic book Micky, Donald and Goofy will attack for you.
4Gamer.net have posted a set of new screenshots and renders for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. There are 56 images in total! Most of them have been seen before, either in the Jump Festa 2012 trailer, or the latest Famitsu Weekly, however, this is the first time we've seen them in this amazing quality! You can see everything below, in our gallery.
4Gamer.net → January 25, 2012 #1
Update 2: Square Enix have created a placeholder website for the album. The website confirms all of the information we have learnt, that is, the April 18, 2012 release date, and the ¥3,800 (approximately US$48.86) price tag. It plays the Kingdom Hearts 3D version of Dearly Beloved in the background. Also, Famitsu have posted an article with what appears to be the cover art, or at least a placeholder cover art, of the album. You can view this below, in our gallery. 4Gamer.net have posted the cover art, but without the watermark. Enjoy!
Update 1: Square Enix have added the soundtrack to their e-STORE.
The soundtrack for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been announced to be released in Japan on April 18, 2012. It can already be pre-ordered on Amazon, at a price of ¥3,800 (approximately US$48.86). It is a 3-disc soundtrack, where songs from Yoko Shimomura and also from The World Ends With You composer, Takeharu Ishimoto, will be avaliable. Thanks to Exodaze from KH13 and KHInsider for the tip.
Richard Epcar, the English voice actor for Xehanort and Ansem, Seeker of Darkness in the Kingdom Hearts series, has confirmed on his Facebook page that he is voice acting for "the latest KH game". Previously, Epcar hinted at being aware of the "next" version of Xehanort. So, it is highly likely that he is voice acting for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. You can see a screenshot of his post below. Thanks to KHSoraKeyBlade from KH13 for the find.
Play-Asia.com have updated their pre-order page for the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and created a page for the Nintendo 3DS bundle, or as they call it, "Nintendo 3DS (Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Edition)". Both of these are said to be in stock on March 29, 2012. The game by itself is available for pre-orders at US$75.49, while the bundle price has not yet been announced. We definitely recommend this if you want to own the Japanese version of the game!
James Patrick Stuart, the voice actor for Xigbar and Braig in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, has confirmed via his official Facebook page that he has begun recording for a future Kingdom Hearts title-- most likely, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Thanks to madammina from KHInsider for the find, and Lady Dreana from KH13 for the tip.
Make sure you read about the March 29 release date, the Nintendo 3DS bundle and the 10th Anniversary Box, if you haven't already. Also, everything below is updated. Make sure you see the HQ scans and re-read the translations.
Famitsu Weekly magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, where details about the Fantasia world, "Symphony of Sorcery", are revealed, and an interview with the series director, Tetsuya Nomura, is featured.
Update 3: High quality scans, uploaded by KH13.com. Make sure you read the interview below, it is now 100% complete.
Update 2: sqexgal is doing a full interview translation. This is now 100% complete. You can read it below.
Influenced by Final Fantasy Versus XIII!?
—In December of last year, the 8 minute long trailer was released. Along with that and the other information being announced, it seems you are gearing towards the release date?
Nomura: Partly because it’s a title we’ve been working on for a few years and the release date for KH3D is after the New Year, we had to deal with refraining from exposing too much. This time the trailer had parts that were withheld up until now; we tried to make the contents of it attention grabbing. The phrase displayed at the beginning of the trailer, “Darkness becomes light, light falls into darkness” becomes the catch copy of this title.
—I’d like to ask about the contents of the trailer. It seems Sora and Riku awaken in Traverse Town simultaneously?
Nomura: What about that? (Laughs.) Incidentally, the screen of the trailer is split to show both parts. In actuality, the event scenes won’t necessarily be composed in that way.
—In Traverse Town, Neku and other characters from The World Ends With You appear, but besides them, where are the Reapers?
Nomura: The Reapers aren’t there, just the Players, however there is a reason they are in that town.
—The conversations that Sora and Riku have with TWEWY characters are quite comical, like Shiki being harsh to Riku.
Nomura: For Sora and Riku who have grown up on the island, Neku and his friends who grew up in a modern city contrast quite a bit. Since I’ve been writing the scenarios for Final Fantasy Versus XIII concurrently as I work on KH3D, maybe some of that has had an influence.
—It has a very youthful tone, huh?
Nomura: The personalities of the Versus characters and their situations are so serious, to the point that I can’t stand it so I need a break from the constant serious conversations. (Laughs.)
—It looks like Neku and co. teach Sora how to handle the Dream Eaters.
Nomura: That’s the case. It’s because this is the first world they visit.
—Other worlds shown in the trailer included Pinocchio and Tron: Legacy.
Nomura: In Pinocchio’s world, there are new areas like the circus tents and other places from the original work introduced. Here Sora explores before Pinocchio is swallowed by Monstro, but after they are swallowed is when Riku’s side of the adventure takes place. I’ll tell you more details about Tron’s world in a later update, so please look forward to it.
—It looks like there will be a shooting type mini game where the characters scroll into the center of the screen this time.
Nomura: That’s the part we call “Dive”. In order to go to the next world, they “fall” into the dream of the next world. It sort of replaces the Gummi Ship sequence of the past games.
The truth about Lea’s appearance in the trailer!
—The scene where King Mickey confronts Maleficent caught our attention. At what time period does that scene occur?
Nomura: It occurs after Re:Coded, during the KH3D period. Since King Mickey is in possession of the “Data Worlds”, Maleficent is demanding that he hand them over. This scene occurs in between intervals of Sora and Riku’s adventure.
—Maleficent tells Sora and co. about the enemies with “hearts of pure light” and releasing the “seven keyholes of sleep”. Do these have some sort of connection with one another?
Nomura: You’ll see what she means when you play it, so please look forward to that. (Laughs.) The connections of the various mysteries and truths are what it builds up to.
—Well, can you tell us about “Lea” who interrupts the confrontation between the King and Maleficent?
Nomura: That’s Axel as he has returned to being human. In the same place are Zexion and Lexaeus too, they have also returned to being human.
—Do they have their memories of being Nobodies?
Nomura: They do.
—So their Heartless, you’re saying they were defeated somewhere along the line?
Nomura: Well Sora has defeated many Heartless before now, hasn’t he? To say that they returned to being human, their Heartless was probably included among those, huh? (Laughs.) Even when Sora became a Heartless, he was a normal Shadow type. The details of their Heartless aren’t really that important.
—I see. By the way, it seems Xigbar or any of the others were not present in that place…?
Nomura: In that scene, those guys had just been revived as humans. It’s not shown in the trailer, but there are other Members there, they have a conversation about what happened to the Members who are not there. They are in the place where they originally disappeared… In other words, they were revived in the place where they lost their hearts; everyone should be in the research lab. However there are Members who don’t appear there for some reason.
—After their conversation, Axel says he is leaving to search for something.
Nomura: That’s right.
—Will KH3D’s story be concerned with Organization XIII at all?
Nomura: Concerning Organization XIII, the secrets about what specific Members were up to during certain time periods will be revealed.
On the bottom screen of the opening…
—Axel and Roxas among other characters from the past titles appear in very impressive movie that displayed familiar scenes in a spectacular manner.
Nomura: That will be the opening movie of this title. Just like with a number of titles, Visual Works was used to render that movie.
—When Roxas lands as well as in other parts, it looks as if paper swirls and is dispersed. What is the relevance of that?
Nomura: During the KH3D opening, a 2D animation is streamed on the bottom screen. It’s a cel animation, the silhouette of Mickey moves so smoothly it may look like CG. (Laughs.) In it, Mickey takes on the appearance of the Sorcerer’s apprentice. While the movie streaming on the top screen is occurring, it influences the Mickey on the bottom screen. Still on the bottom screen sheet music swirls and disperses in pieces that are used to direct back to the upper screen.
—It seems Mickey will be appearing as the Sorcerer’s apprentice in the Fantasia world.
Nomura: I’ve wanted to have a stage based on Fantasia for a while. In the early stages of planning with Co. Director Yasue, he suggested that if I were to use Fantasia, I needed to split the numerous stories told in that one work in a way that applied to Sora and Riku’s adventure so that is the way it was implemented.
—In KH3D, it seems not only in Fantasia, but in the Three Musketeers world as well Mickey appears in a form that hasn’t met Sora yet.
Nomura: Those worlds are set during a time Mickey was in the pursuit of knowledge, like “in a dream of the world of the past”.
—In Fantasia as well as other worlds, a golden eyed person wearing a black coat appears, who is he?
Nomura: He is the mysterious man who appeared in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix as a boss who manipulated time. Just who he is will be told in KH3D. Everywhere he goes, a few people of the darkness turn up, like how Vanitas came out in the trailer.
Various abilities to use in battle!
—I was able to try the demo, and I found that the sudden character swapping was quite interesting. Since you are suddenly thrown into a different situation, there is a high level of tension in the gameplay.
Nomura: Now you are able to switch between Sora and RIku at will, but at first you weren’t able to switch at your own discretion. Since it was switching in such an irrational form, it was unpopular with us too. (Wry smile.) When you switch, you can prepare the next character you play by applying earned bonuses which is a benefit, so you can still enjoy it while dealing with the tension.
—In the demo, regardless of who defeated the boss, whether it was Riku or Sora, the level would complete, but would that character be the only one who advanced in the storyline?
Nomura: No, that’s not how it works. If one of them advanced too far, then they would be limited to a point where they could no longer progress.
—As for the exploring part, I felt that the judgment of the Free Flow Action ability was quite severe…
Nomura: It is still under adjustments even now. By only changing its judgment a little, the Free Flow Action often surpasses the intended direction or action, so it’s being repeatedly debugged and regulated.
—Has the Reality Shift technique of each world been decided upon?
Nomura: That’s right. Basically, it’s different in each world and in the same world how you use it and its effectiveness varies. The Reality Shift introduced last time in the Three Musketeers world was implemented to resemble the comic strip style of the original work.
—The Dream Eaters seem to take on different personality traits, like “wise” or “narcissistic”. Are they influencing anything in some way?
Nomura: It’s a component of their upbringing. Not only are their different kinds of Dream Eaters, but depending on the individual as well their characteristics are varying. Since we decided from the beginning that KH3D would have an upbringing system introduced, we were excited to do something with emotion and attachment. Also, in this way Sora and Riku do not become strong on their own, but when they release the abilities of their Dream Eaters, they become even more strengthened. Being able to release abilities like that is a similar system to that of Re:Coded.
The Ending of KH3D
—So will KH3D will be equipped with a system that utilizes wireless transmissions?
Nomura: There is a mini game where you can compete against other player’s Dream Eaters via ad-hoc wireless to upgrade your Dream Eaters. These competitions occur differently than normal battles. It’s a system that we’ve wanted to try before.
—The expectations are rising for fans who want to know the release date and whether or not there will be a special edition release.
Nomura: Please wait just a little while longer for a formal announcement.
—Will the ending of this title also be a heart wrenching one?
Nomura: The ending for KH3D is a little unusual, the plan up until now had been different… But every once in a while I think, it’s good this way. In fact, the first ending I thought up quickly became no good due to various circumstances, but now the ending is something that I worry quite a bit about. As a result, we tried to do something unique for the ending this time. Incidentally, the secret movie will be shorter. Though it is short, like the Re:Coded secret movie, it will connect to the next shocking developments in the series, so please look forward to it.
How are the other upcoming titles coming along?
—The sale date for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is February 16th, can you tell us more about its upcoming release?
Nomura: It seems that the distribution of the trial version was very popular, so I’m not worried about its release. Since it’s been well received and we’d like to give players more opportunity to experience it, we’ll be releasing a 2nd demo about 10 days into February before its sale date.
—A second demo!?
Nomura: Yes (laughs). The plan is to distribute 2 more songs. The game is very addictive, so we’ve prepared the 2nd demo so players can get a real feel of how fun it is.
—By the way, after the game’s initial release, will more songs be distributed for download?
Nomura: That’s the plan. We’d like to make the game as enjoyable for as long as possible.
—There is one more title which you are the director of, would you mind sharing the production status of Final Fantasy Versus XIII?
Nomura: The other day we announced that we did the first graphic check for this title the other day. Compared to the trailers we released last year, the expressiveness has really improved.
—You previously mentioned that Final Fantasy Versus XIII would not have cutscenes, but rather there will be two types of scenes, pre-rendered movies as well as real time movies that the players can control to some extent.
Nomura: Yes. As far as the ratio goes, about 70% of the cutscenes occur in real time while about 30% are pre-rendered scenes managed by Visual Works.
What did you mean by the expressiveness has been improved?
Nomura: I’m talking about the real time technology. The drawn expressions of the characters have rapidly improved. What the players can control in real time varies by scene, like I mentioned before “not everywhere” but there is still a lot of variation in that. In some pre-rendered scenes, the player’s intervention is not necessary; in other cases intervening will not have an effect. Because of that reason, the scene we previously introduced where Noctis and Stella meet has been switched to a pre-rendered one.
—Are there not plans to release a public trailer at a 1st Production Department private event like last year?
Nomura: Right now there are not plans for such an event. We’d like to do some sort of presentation this year, but the details like where etc. haven’t been decided yet. However, the next time we do a public event, I intend to show the true status of the game, since you can’t really fathom how unbelievable the current status of it is from a trailer alone.
—We can’t wait to see it! Lastly, tell us about your outlook for 2012 and your message to the readers.
Nomura: Well first off, I’d like to thank you in advance for your interest in Theatrhythm Final Fantasy which is our commemorative title celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Final Fantasy series as well as KH3D which is in its final stages of production. Considering 2012 is the 10th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series, it’ll be good if we are able to do something special for it. Additionally there are the announcements regarding Final Fantasy Versus XIII we are considering, and the HD release of Final Fantasy X as well from the 1st Production Department to look forward to. There is also a secret team working on an unannounced title, so there is a chance that some information about that will be announced this year too, please continue looking forward to these announcements.
Update 1: Oishii from KH13 has translated many screenshots and pieces of text from the article.
Mickey Scans Mickey to Riku: “I think how Sora can be and act so freely is thanks to you, Riku.”
Riku to Mickey: "Ah, I have it"
Sora to Mickey: “It’s rare that I can save Mickey”
Young Xehanort Scan Blue Star: The black coated character appearing before Sora is the latest character introduced in the trailer. This boy with gold eyes does not appear to be an ordinary person.
Blue Text: The dark skinned boy with gold eyes
What is he planning in the world of sleep?
Young Xehanort: “However, that too will end soon.”
Tron Scan Sora: “Ah!This appearance! I know this place!" **
Riku's guard: “It’s a stray program.”
**Note: Sora doesn't literally say he "knows" the place, but it's implied. It would sound terrible in English translated any other way
The World Ends With You Scans Joshua to Sora: “In short, it’s the gate to *illegible* this world.”
Riku to Joshua: “What..?! A black coat?”
Joshua to Riku: "To say, these two sides aren’t simply occurring at the same time."
Pink Star: Sora and Riku each speak to Joshua about this world.
Does he know the truth?
Beat: "You heard it from Shiki. I heard that guy is heroic.”
Blue Text: Beat wishes to be stronger to protect Rhyme. With Beat saying “this time for sure”, we may get a peak into what happened in their past.
Joshua: “Thank you”
Blue Star: Why is it with a lonely smile Joshua gives his thanks?
New Dream Eaters
- The new Spirits are called Handsome Pegasus and Horned Cricket Tobusu (Tsunokera Tobusu)
- The new Nightmares are called Hasemi Stag Beetle (Hasemi Kuwagata) and Monstrous Pierrot (Obake Piero)
Famitsu Weekly → January 19, 2012
Update 2: Square Enix have updated their official website for the game, with the only update being that the March 29, 2012 release date is now shown.
Update 1: Both Amazon.com and the Square Enix e-STORE have created pages for the game. If you live outside of Japan, then Amazon.com will allow you to pre-order the game for ¥5,177 (approximately US$67.46). Lastly, Square Enix have created an official placeholder website for the bundle and 10th Anniversary Box.
4Gamer.net have posted an article about Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, which confirms that the game will be released on March 29, 2012 in Japan, with a retail price of ¥6,090 (approximately US$79.35). A limited edition of the game will be released, with an AR card as an extra which unlocks a rare Dream Eater that would otherwise be difficult to unlock.
Also, a special edition Nintendo 3DS will be released at the same time. You can see this below.
The article also states that a "10th Anniversary Box" will be released at the same time, with details about this box to be released later. Lastly, many screenshots from the game were released along with the article. Some of these are new, and you can see them below, in our gallery.
4Gamer.net → January 19, 2012
Thanks to aibo_ac7 and _KINGDOMHEARTS for the tip.
Chapter 14 from the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days manga can now be read in English thanks to j00yoo and Justice42 from Shounen-Gangan. You can see this below, at our gallery.
Manga → 358/2 Days → Chapter 14
The 14th chapter from the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days manga can now be read in English thanks to j00yoo and Justice42 from http://shounen-gangan.livejournal.com/23935.html#cutid1.
Manga → 358/2 Days → Chapter 14
The publishers of Famitsu Weekly magazine have confirmed on their website that the next issue of the magazine will contain an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The article is said to contain the announcement of a new world (which probably refers to the Fantasia world, "Symphony of Sorcery") and an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, the director of the series. The issue releases on January 19, 2012, however, scans often appear up to two days early-- so we may see scans on January 17. We hope you look forward to it.
Update: Thanks to Oishii from KH13, we have a translation of the website's system section.
Basic Action
Character Movement with 【Slide Pad】
If you tilt the slide pad in the direction you want to go, the character will move in that direction.
General Attack with 【A Button】
If you press the A button, you will perform a basic attack. It is possible to perform a combo by pressing the A button consecutively. *The A button will change into this command only under certain circumstances
Jump with 【B button】
At different elevations it is possible to jump up to them. After jumping into the air, if you press the A button you can perform a mid air strike. Also, while dangling off of a ledge, tilt the slide pade upward to make him climb, or the B button to come down.
Free Flow Action
By a wall or pole 【Slide Pad + Y Button】
If you press the Y button near a wall or pole, you will activate the Free Flow Action causing the character to either kick off the wall or swing around the pole.
While performing Free Flow Action 【A Button】→ Free Flow Attack Activates
If you press A while perform Free Flow Action, you will activate the Free Flow Attack. If you strike an enemy you can inflict a large amount of damage.
Action: Wall Kick → Attack: Kick Dive
You can move quickly by kicking off the walls. A button → you will rush toward a target and swing the keyblade to the ground causing an attack wave at surrounding enemies.
Action: Pole Spin → Attack: Turn Cutter
While swinging around a pole, surrounding enemies will be dragged in. A button → while winding around the pole, you will attack the enemy.
Action: Pole Spin around an enemy → Attack: Blow Off
Activate by facing a rather large enemy and you will spin around the target giving them damage. A button → While revolving around the enemy, you can throw the enemy with the rotating force. In addition, various other Free Flow Actions and Attacks exist. (T/N: Yay!)
Link System
With the Lower Screen Touch the Dream Eater’s Icon
When the link gauge of your Dream Eater companion reaches MAX, if you touch the Dream Eater’s icon on the screen below, you will activate their cooperating technique.
Sora’s Case: Link Action
Together with the Dream Eater you can let out their cooperating technique. Depending on the Dream Eater you companion the technique will be different.
Riku’s Case: Link Style
The Dream Eater’s power will envelop the body making you stronger. Depending on the Dream Eater you companion the style will be different.
Dream Eater Training
Touch you Dream Eater Companion on the Bottom Screen
By training your Dream Eater companions their affinity with Sora and Riku will improve and can gain EXP and link points.
Training Toy
Also, by using training toys like balloons and a treasure scope to connect with your companion, you can enhance you Dream Eater.
Square Enix's official Japanese website for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been updated with a new "System" section. This section explains some gameplay aspects of the game, and provides new screenshots and videos. You can see these below, or download and watch all of them in our video archive.
Screenshots → Kingdom Hearts 3D, Japanese website → System
Update: Thanks to Oishii from KH13, we now know that the world based on Fantasia is called "Symphony of Sorcery".
The latest issue of V Jump magazine has featured an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. The article features the new Tron Legacy world and also announces a new world based on the Disney movie, Fantasia. Thanks to sqexgal for the tip.
Update: Amazon.co.jp have created a page where you can pre-order the plushie (but only if you live in Japan, unfortunately). Interestingly, they list the release date as March 9, 2012. Could this also be the release date of the game, Kingdom Hearts 3D? Let us know what you think at our forum.
Earlier at Jump Festa 2012, we were shown a plush toy of a Dream Eater appearing in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Wonder Meow. This plush toy has now appeared on Square Enix's official online shop. You can see images of the Wonder Meow plushie below, in our gallery. Thanks to SQEX MD ONLINE SHOP on Twitter for the tip.
Photos → Square Enix Online Shop → Wonder Nyan
Release date: Spring 2012 (sometime between March and May 2012)
Price: ¥3,800 (approximately US$49.22)
Size: 155mm wide, 300mm tall, 170mm high
Weight: 235g
Play-Asia.com have created pre-order pages for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts title, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Play-Asia.com will allow you to pre-order the North American version of the game for US$44.90, or the Japanese version for an unannounced price. We definitely recommend this if you are hoping to get Kingdom Hearts 3D from another region. Thanks to Nikolasvanitas for the tip.
Update: It appears that the page on Amazon is actually for the German version of the manga. This suggests that the release date might just be a placeholder date, however, it also suggests that the German publisher might know something about the progress of the Japanese manga.
As many of you will know, the manga series for Kingdom Hearts II was discontinued after Volume 5, which released on August 22, 2009. However, Volume 6 of the manga has now been announced, and a page for the manga has been created on Amazon.co.jp. Volume 6 will release in April 2012. It will be available at a price of ￥677 (approximately US$8.82). We hope you look forward to this, and in the meantime, feel free to read the first 5 volumes of the manga at our gallery. Thanks to Karysonson from KH13 for the tip.
