Square Enix's official website for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been updated. This update is an update to the Special tab, and adds both the Long Version and the Short Version of the Jump Festa 2012 trailer available for viewing. In case you missed them, here are our English-subtitled versions of the trailer.
Although we knew this was happening, it is still nice to hear a confirmation. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been confirmed for a release in both North America and Europe, and both sometime in 2012. An official European website has been opened, and this website states that a localized trailer will be coming soon. Can't wait to see the trailer in English!
Square Enix have also published a blog, as well as a press release, confirming the 2012 release of the games. Both the official Facebook and official Twitter for the series have been updated with this information as well. Enjoy!
Lastly, quotes from the series director, Tetsuya Nomura, from both the blog and press release.
Today we're announcing that the next game in the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], will be releasing in Europe on 3DS in 2012. The game will star series stalwarts Riku and Sora and will feature new Disney worlds to explore as well as all new gameplay elements. Not only that, but this marks the first time that the game will be playable in 3D, thanks to the 3DS.
Helping Sora and Riku to become true Keyblade Masters are Dream Eaters, which are recruitable allies which will fight alongside you. There are over 50 types to find and recruit as you explore new locations, such as La Cité des Cloches from The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] is the opening chapter of the final conflict, according to series creator Tetsuya Nomura, and marks the approach of the franchise's ten year anniversary.
LOS ANGELES and LONDON (December 20, 2011) — Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix Ltd., the publishers of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, Europe and across PAL territories, today announced fans of the popular Kingdom Hearts series will be able to experience a new 3–D adventure next year with the North American and European release of Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], specifically for the Nintendo 3DS™ system.
The new game's spectacular story promises to be a fun backdrop to the colorful cast of Disney characters making their 3–D debut on a handheld title. In addition to new worlds, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will feature never–before–seen gameplay elements for the series.
"With the tenth anniversary of the series on the horizon, the current KINDGOM HEARTS saga is approaching its climactic conclusion. The story of this game will serve as the opening chapter of the final conflict, and, as always, will be full of surprises. In order to best implement this element of surprise and discover new realms of possibility, we have chosen Nintendo 3DS as our platform. With its revolutionary new game system, this title will not only be a bold, exhilarating tale of adventure, but also a first look into the future form of the Kingdom Hearts series," said Tetsuya Nomura, director of Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance].
King Mickey and Yen Sid prepare for an impending threat by putting Sora and Riku through the Mark of Mastery exam. Sora and Riku are sent into the Sleeping Worlds, where they will face enemies and allies that have never been seen before. If they can successfully complete the task they are given, they will be deemed true Keyblade Masters.
Dual protagonists — Play as the two most popular characters of the franchise, Sora and Riku.
“Free-flow” action — Enjoy fast and effortless movements while interacting with the environment and performing acrobatic attacks.
Brand–new creatures — Dream Eaters inhabit the Sleeping Worlds, and are split into two categories: Spirits and Nightmares. Recruit over 50 different types of Spirits as allies to fight alongside Sora and Riku.
New Disney worlds — Beloved Disney worlds and characters, such as La Cité des Cloches (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), make their series debut.
Story progression — With updated looks for Sora and Riku, and the impending conflict made clear, this title is a big step forward in the series.
New scans have appeared online of an article featuring Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Although we're not sure what magazine the article is from, signs point towards the next issue of Famitsu Weekly, as Kingdom Hearts 3D is confirmed to be featured here with an article. You can see this scan below, in our gallery. Thanks to ArikaMiz for the tip.
Famitsu Weekly → January 5, 2012
Update 2: Both videos are now downloadable from our video archive: Long Version | Short Version Update 1: Both the long version AND the short version now have English subtitles.
Earlier, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared at Jump Festa 2012 with a new 8-minute trailer. Square Enix's YouTube channel has been updated with the trailer, and this trailer can now be seen below in HD 720p with English subtitles. The English were translated by sqexgal, edited by goldpanner, originally supplied by FF-Reunion, and put on top of the video by KH13.com. Please give credit if you use this video, and enjoy! Feel free to discuss on our forum.
Long version with English subtitles
Update: The trailer has finally appeared online!
Jump Festa 2012 has finished. As you know, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared with a new trailer and playable demo. This article will summarize everything we learnt at the event, and continue to be updated when more content surfaces.
What To Look Forward To
- Nomura has stated that the Kingdom Hearts 3D Jump Festa 2012 trailer will be posted on the game's official website "early in the week". This could mean today or tomorrow!
- Famitsu Weekly magazine will include an article on Kingdom Hearts 3D, detailing what we learnt at the event. This releases on December 22, 2011 and may contain a Nomura interview.
What We Learnt at the Event
- Kingdom Hearts 3D is set for a March 2012 release date in Japan
- Various details about the "Country of the Musketeers" world
- A world based on Tron Legacy will appear in the game (more on this later)
- A set of images explaining some gameplay features of Kingdom Hearts 3D
- Many photos of the game's display at the event & Wonder Meow plushie
- The trailer which appeared at the event was 8 minutes long. We have a complete translated transcription of this trailer, which reveals a lot about the game. Make sure you read this, it is very detailed and interesting!
- Various The World Ends With You characters, including Neku, Joshua, Beat, Shiki and Rhyme, all appear
- Many past original Kingdom Hearts characters will appear in the game. Since this is a pretty big spoiler, we'll let you read the trailer impressions to find out who
- Famitsu.com posted their own impressions of the trailer and demo
- FF-Reunion posted their own impressions of the game's demo
- elwijf2012 also posted their own impressions of the game's demo & trailer
We hope you enjoyed Jump Festa 2012, and continue to visit KH13 for the best Kingdom Hearts news and coverage! Keep checking back, as the trailer will be released very soon, and keep discussing Kingdom Hearts 3D on our forum.
Our coverage of Jump Festa 2012 has begun. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appeared with a new trailer, playable demo, and new world announcement, This article will remain pinned at the top and contains links to all news from the event. Please discuss any news on our forum.
Summary (This contains links to collections of all news so far)
- Kingdom Hearts 3D to be released March 2012
- Kingdom Hearts 3D, Country of the Musketeers details
- Photos of Kingdom Hearts 3D at Jump Festa 2012
- Instructional Kingdom Hearts 3D images
- Impressions of KH3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer & demo
Post event coverage
1:06PM EST: New photos of KH3D at Jump Festa 2012, from Famitsu.com
5:19AM EST: Better translation of Famitsu.com demo & trailer impressions
3:58AM EST: Four new photos from GAME Watch and 4Gamer.net
3:23AM EST: Jump Festa 2012 has concluded. However, stay tuned, as it is likely we'll see the trailer uploaded in the next day or two.
Day 2: Live event coverage
11:38PM EST: A new photo, with the trailer in the background
11:20PM EST: Another set of trailer & demo impressions from a Japanese blogger (Tron Legacy details & CGI scene details)
9:38PM EST: Much higher quality scan of Country of the Musketeers
8:15PM EST: Some interesting Tweets from ArikaMiz about the KH3D trailer & demo
1:01PM EST: Updated with FF-Reunion's impressions of the KH3D demo
7:30AM EST: More photos of KH3D at Jump Festa 2012
5:50AM EST: Added trailer impressions from Famitsu.com
5:25AM EST: Added new photos from Famitsu.com
3:38AM EST: Updated trailer impression to include more detail
Day 1: Live event coverage
11:21PM EST: A complete translation of the trailer
10:45PM EST: The trailer shows parts of the game's Opening, and Kairi/Naminé appear
10:01PM EST: The marks underneath Axel's eyes are gone
9:35PM EST: We have re-organized our news in a clear way. Please see the summary above, and the updated articles below.
9:18PM EST: Photos of Kingdom Hearts 3D at Jump Festa 2012
9:06PM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Country of the Musketeers details
8:35PM EST: In the trailer, Xemnas is shown aggressively approaching Sora. Axel/Lea is shown near a castle
8:30PM EST: Instructional Kingdom Hearts 3D images
8:10PM EST: Tron Legacy world! Sora appears in a gliding, shooting game
8:01PM EST: Rhyme from TWEWY, and both Xion and Roxas appear in the trailer. Pete and Maleficent also appear.
7:36PM EST: Shiki from TWEWY appears & Terra-Xehanort is wearing an Organization cloak
7:29PM EST: Square Enix will be selling Dream Eater plushies
7:18PM EST: Impressions of Kingdom Hearts 3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer (Axel, Terra-Xehanort and Vanitas appear!)
7:11PM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D to be released March 2012
11:24AM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Jump Festa 2012 trailer will be 8 minutes long
10:35AM EST: Kingdom Hearts 3D image showing touch screen functions
Keep reading for more news about Jump Festa 2012!
The following is a complete translation of the 8-minute Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer. It was translated by Oishii of KH13.
Master Xehanort, the skilled keyblade master form has changed. He stood in the way of keyblade wielders from before who fought to protect the light, and has yet to be stopped.
The screen is spit in half, left is Sora, and to the right is Riku.
Sora: This is...
Riku: This is...
Sora: Traverse Town?
Riku: Traverse Town?
Riku: My clothes changed...
Sora: My clothes changed!
Sora: Riku! Oi!
Riku: Sora!
Joshua: Well, it seems like we’ve both have been seperated when arriving in this world.
Sora to Neku: Noise?... What’s your name?
Sora: Neku... Sakuraba... That’s an interesting name!
Neku: I don’t think it’s so interesting.
Shiki and Riku
Shiki while holding Mr. Mew: You came to rescue weak little me, didn’t you? Mr. Knight!
Riku: Huh, Knight?! That’s not what I am!
Shiki: ...you seriously shouldn’t be so embarrassed.
Mickey: Maleficient, what are you trying to accomplish?
Maleficient: Do you know Xehanort?
Mickey: Why would I know him?
Maleficient: I found out from him, about the worlds 7 ones of pure light. With the 7 in my grasp, the worlds would be mine.
Go to the imprisoned Pinocchio
Pinocchio: Huh? My nose, what happened?!
Jiminy: It’s surely because you told a lie.
Pinocchio: That’s not true! There was a guy in a black coat. He was messing with Sora.
Notre Dome priest(?) approaches Quasimodo: It can’t be helped that you must leave here. It is for your own safety...
Hanging his head, Quasimodo turns over in his bed.
3 Musketeers World
Sora: This is a keyblade!
Mickey: Shh! I know. It came from another world. To be honest, that’s the reason why I’m in this world to be a Musketeer.
While inclining his head, Sora replies: You don’t remember being a king in your world?
Riku opens a large chest, and inside is Minnie!
Riku: Minnie!
Rhyme with a floating moogle.
Rhyme: My memory!... I have to go back right now.
Beat: Get out! Dream eaters!
A dream eater appears in front of the approaching Beat.
Sora: Neku, that’s a dream eater?
Neku: Ah, you can fight them too, right?
Suddenly, a man in a black coat and dream eaters appear.
Sora: You!
Neku: This isn’t the time to talk!
At his shout, the black coated man faces Sora and springs down at him. Poised to take the attack, Sora suddenly becomes drowsy and collapses
Sora: ...what, why did I suddenly become so... tired...
(In the next shot, Sora appeared in a world playing a shooting game. Then in a carriage, Sora attacks at the dream eaters)
(Yen Sid)
In the beginning, while the worlds engulfed in darkness were reborn, their rebirth was in complete and the worlds fell into slumber. Even though the worlds have gates to them, the heartless could never enter through them. Therefore, in the heartless stead and another threat from the darkness existed. Those were the ones who devour dreams; the dream eaters. Within them, there are the Nightmares that plant bad dreams, and the ones who eat the nightmares; the good spirited Spirits. These are the two creatures that exist in this world instead of the heartless. These creatures that live on the opposite side of the world’s gate, with the dream eaters guidance you can find the Key to Sleep.
(During this shooting game and battles were playing
(Pre-render movie) Fighting with Xemnas, Sora/Riku, Axel, Roxas, Xion, Kairi, Namine, DiZ
Sora and Riku in Destiny Island
Sora: Yen Sid said, the worlds that cannot wake from their dreams... if they can’t wake up, they won’t be able to be reborn.
Joshua: It’s the same, however, it may be different for other worlds, if it’s only one is impossible to say, get it?
Riku: Dream?
Scene of Pinocchio being swallowed by the whale.
In the 3 Musketeer’s world: Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Sora
Mickey, facing Pete onboard a steamboat: Over there is Pete!
Joshua: Didn’t Mickey give up on you? If he gave up one you, isn’t that the same as giving up on the worlds?
Riku: What the hell are you saying?
Axel, Ienzo, Eleaus are in sight
Axel (in black coat): I came here to look, because I always get stuck with the dirty work.
3 Musketeer world
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Sora collectively point their swords: All for one, and one for all!
Riku to Quasimodo: You can’t tell what a person is like just from looking at them. I have a friend too who can see right through me into my heart.
Sora to Joshua: It’s okay, because Riku heart and mine will always be connected. That’s why the feeling you had must be connected.
Riku before the dark hooded man: What are you?
The man lifts off his hood revealing that same face as Riku.
Riku: !! Me?!
Xemnas: Within a being with no heart, a heart dwells...
Sora: Even you guys can have hearts?
Axel, with his head raised: My name is Lea. Got it memorized? (He calls himself Lea, but he’s the black organization Axel)
Riku: You... Who are you?
In front of him is Terranort
Terranort faces Sora: Your heart also wasn’t trapped?
Sora: Your the guy from before! What did you just say?!
Terranort / Vanitas: You heart is the exception!
aibo_ac7 has viewed the new trailer for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance at Jump Festa 2012, and shared her views on the trailer. She says the video is amazing, and shares the following details.
- The trailer is 8 minutes long
- Axel appears in the trailer, but calls himself Lea. He is shown near a castle, and the marks underneath his eyes are gone
- Terra-Xehanort appears, wearing a black Organization cloak
- Vanitas, Roxas and Xion appear
- A younger form of Xemnas is shown aggressively approaching Sora
- Various The World Ends With You characters, including Joshua, Shiki and Rhyme, appear
- Pete and Maleficent appear
- There is a world based on Tron Legacy, where Sora will appear in a shooting game where he can glide
- The trailer shows some parts of the game's Opening. In the Opening, we see Kairi, and for a moment she turns into Naminé
Famitsu.com have posted their impressions of the trailer and demo. Translated by sqexgal.
Previously it was revealed that the main character from The World Ends with You, Neku Sakuraba, would be making a guest appearance. In this new trailer fellow friends Shiki, Beat, Rhyme, and Joshua will be joining him. They appear in Traverse Town, where we see Beat teaming up with a Kuma Panda Dream Eater. Joshua says, “This world is split into two parts.” There is profound meaning behind these words, perhaps Joshua knows something?
Other scenes presented included Quasimodo and Frollo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, a Tron world with a shooting-like stage where Sora seemed to glide across the screen, and a large number of scenes relating to the series. A screen where you can communicate with your friendly Dream Eaters was shown, displaying different colored Wonder Nyan and others. Maybe you can customize the colors of your partner Dream Eaters?
Also, King Mickey, Donald, and Goofy debut their roles in the new world “Country of the Musketeers”. It seems the motif of the world is based on the famous lines of the Three Musketeers, “All for one, and one for all!” But the reality of this world is different, King Mickey (Sora calls him Mickey) doesn’t seem to know Sora. It seems there must be some reason for him to be in this place? Moreover, the demo takes place in this level. The different stages you can go to include an opera house, tower, etc.
Fans of Organization XIII will be happy to know that I can confirm Axel, Zexion, and Lexaeus appear again. Zexion wears a white lab coat and Lexaeus wears his guard uniform, they seem to appear in their human forms. Axel is always shown in his Organization coat, in another scene he appears by King Mickey’s side when he’s in a pinch and says his famous lines, “My name is Lea, got it memorized?” Lea was his name when he was human. Perhaps his past will be revealed? Incidentally, it’s Maleficent who puts King Mickey in a predicament. Like Xehanort spoke of, Maleficent speaks about gathering 7 pure lights in order to rule the world…
Also, a movie scene is incorporated into the trailer, showing Sora falling through the center space of a spiral staircase, when he lands he becomes Roxas. There he thrusts a Keyblade at Xion who appears. From there various scenes are shown in succession, showing the characters in dramatic circumstances, composing a visual of impressive scenes from the series. There is a scene where Sora and Riku fight against Xehanort, but is it just for show? Also in the last part of the trailer, a young man wearing the Organization coat with the facial features of Ansem and Xemnas appears, he poses the question, “Sora, aren’t you too harboring hearts other than your own?” From the side, the face of Vanitas is exposed!
More than before the mysteries developing in this trailer make it irresistibly interesting. It will be uploaded to the official site soon, so by all means check it out when you can!
Demo Report
The demo I tried was the episode in the world called “Country of the Musketeers”. This world has a Three Musketeers motif where Sora along with King Mickey disguised as a musketeer, Donald, and Goofy. Here they protect Minnie who rides in a horse drawn carriage and are disciplined by Pete, who is captain of the musketeers. Reversely in Riku’s scenario, Riku fights hard to stop the plot aimed at harming Sora and company.
The most interesting part is the Drop Gauge displayed on the bottom right of the screen when you play. When the Drop Gauge hits zero, the characters are switched. There is a time limit on the gauge and it seems that it cannot be replenished. So in that way you play as Sora to Riku, then from Riku to Sora, being forced to switch every few minutes. Also, if you press the start button the game pauses and you can press “DROP” button on the bottom screen. Doing that drains the drop gauge instantly and you can switch characters.
Furthermore, when you switch (from here on out I will refer to switching as “drop”), a screen pops up that shows the prizes, points, etc. that you accumulated during play. From there you can prepare the characters to your advantage for the next stage. For example, you can consume a potion that Sora collected and upgrade RIku’s magic power. Furthermore it seems that you’ll be able to utilize HP prizes here.
Well, in reality, being forced to switch characters like this is sort of tense and exciting. For example, you are in a boss fight with Sora, but then you drop to RIku and advance his storyline, but then you switch back to the boss fight with Sora, and you have to deal with an entirely different battle situation. Moreover, Riku and Sora are each off on their own separate adventures, but like the aforementioned links, you really get the feeling of “being together even when you are apart.” Because of the method gameplay being used to tell the story, more than any of the other titles before this you can really feel the connection between Riku and Sora.
In battle, the new partners, the friendly Dream Eaters are confirmed. Sora has the Wonder Nyan, as well as Neko Cat, and Zou Elephant. Meanwhile Riku borrows the powers of the Dream Eaters that resemble a pegasus, frog, and goat. During battle icons of the three Dream Eaters are shown on the bottom screen, and on top two of them appear in battle. If you slide their icons around on the bottom you can switch out which partner Dream Eaters you want at any time. Also, Sora can do a cooperative action with Neko Cat where you press buttons in time like a rhythm game. Doing so makes them do a technique where they appear to dance together. Seeing Sora really get into the dance is worth seeing! Sometimes the message, “The Dream Eaters have noticed something!” will appear, and your partner Dream Eaters will stare at a specific spot. When they do that, they are indicating where you can find a hidden enemy. Along with helping in and out of battle, their accompaniment feels very much like having a friend around.
Also, enemies among other objects will display certain icons that when you press X + A buttons, you can invoke the Reality Shift ability. Playing on the bottom screen, you can use this system to make a special attack happen on the top screen. The Reality Shift feature also changes depending on the world. In the “Country of the Musketeers” world, the Reality Shift for Sora and Riku along with the three musketeers appear like a comic illustration. On a screen organized like a comic strip, you slide or touch according to the commands, and on the top screen the special technique occurs. Producing the comic strip, the animation looks like the original work, so the fans will be happy to see that.
When you press the Y button you invoke the Free Flow Action ability, during which you can slide, climb up walls or swing from poles, among various other techniques. It’s a bit difficult to become accustomed to the freedom of it. However, from the Free Flow Action ability, a wide variety of flashy special techniques are available. It’s especially fun to do when you have a large number of enemies on the screen and to just let it take over. Furthermore, using the Free Flow Action against a large enemy like the Zou Elephant you have an advantage, since you can do a spinning attack called “Blow Off” that lets you defeat it without using your hands. It’s a great feeling to let out these sorts of huge, flashy actions! In the demo when you played as Riku, you could spin off the equipment in the bottom stage of the opera house using the Free Flow Action. There is also a device that closes off the path, when you need to move in a hurry, dashing alone may not be fast enough so jumping and then going into the Free Flow Action might be better. Just for reference for those trying the demo tomorrow.
By the way, if you press the L + R buttons twice quickly, the camera switches to show behind the character, and you can check the area by moving the camera direction. This camera doesn’t move around on its own, and as soon as you press the button it returns to the regular view. Prior to this the processing seemed a little poor, but since the battle scenes are so intense in this title, it’s better not to waste space on fine tuning the camera actions. By pressing L + R and moving the control stick around you can get a good look with the camera. There is also a zoom feature which really stands out, for instance when you are doing the co-op technique with Neko Cat, the commands stand out in front of the player, or when you do the Action commands on the top screen with Sora and Riku which feel very intense. I’d like to use it to the extent that my eyes no longer become tired from looking at it.
With a simple game play and flashy techniques, the battles this time are nerve-wracking and, and refreshing. The action parts seem unlike that of a hand held gaming device and feel very dynamic. Along with a storyline that connects to Kingdom Hearts III, a trailer that features characters like Axel and Xion, I’m intrigued at what will happen to these characters “that should not appear”. I want to hurry and play it!
The following is FF-Reunion's impression of the KH3D demo. It was translated by Oishii of KH13.
This time you can play as either Sora or Riku! I should I play as Riku... Well, this time in the demo you couldn’t use Riku’s reality shift “Holy Rope” ／(^o^)＼ It has changed into “Wonder Comic” for the 3 Musketeers world? This action, while the dream eater is spinning around, you face the arrow in the right direction and quickly slide forward. With the right rhythm the action is possible and it’s quite fun. You unite with the original 3 musketeers which was fun, but the points are expensive! Thus, to compare to the TGS version, the reality shift appearance has been significantly reduced. Before, when the mark appeared, you could easily gain victory just using the reality shift, so to say this was only natural...
In this part, you may be thinking “What role does the free flow play?” To report, the attack / jump free flow is very easy movement to use. If you don’t use the free flow, working with your dream eaters magic abilities, you can do some serious damage which makes the battle that much more interesting. Also, when you “drop” into Sora, Riku’s character is replaced (when the drop gauge has accumulated) which is very amusing! With the two divided in the world, and having to switch between the two, I felt that there was some bigger meaning that was hidden from us. Are we waking from a dream? Are we not awake? This connection creates a large mystery.
ArikaMiz is currently Tweeting about KH3D at Jump Festa. She is playing the demo, here is what she's saying (summarized by Oishii):
- "Waiting in line for the demo, I can finally see the trailer being played"
- "I chose to play as Sora in the demo"
- "Ah, Tuesday?" (What's she talking about here? Maybe the release of the trailer on the website?)
- "I'm puzzled over the Drop Gauge because it would increase in the beginning but during battle it never increased again"
- "The world logo animation needs to be cleaned up"
elwijf2012 have given their own impressions of the trailer and the demo. Kingdom Hearts Insider have translated it, which you can read below.
From the blog, we've learned that in one of the trailers we see Riku in the Tron: Legacy world in what apparently is a lightcycle race on the Grid, while Sora is battling against Rinzler. Sora and Riku's costumes have also changed to match the style of Tron: Legacy, so look forward to all of the iconic "Tron lines" in this world!
The pre-rendered scenes are described to be similar to a "picture book", perhaps in the way that the scenes cut to each other and pop out to fit the 3D theme? It starts with Sora falling into Destiny Islands with Donald and Goofy there, then Kairi and Riku appear. Riku seems to be consumed by Darkness, then the scene changes to Sora and Kairi in the cave on Destiny Island, then to Xehanort extending his hand out. The scene switches to Sora in his dive into heart, then he is falling down the middle of a staircase. Kairi is staring out then she ripples into Naminé.
At the bottom of the staircase lands Roxas in his casual clothes with Xion there, then they both clash Keyblades. The scene changes into Roxas and Axel fighting like in Kingdom Hearts II, then the image of Roxas is overlaid with Sora. The next scene features Sora and Riku fighting against Xemnas, then King Mickey (?) against Xehanort in the Keyblade Graveyard. After the battle scenes, it shows Sora, Riku, and Mickey, then a series of pictures come on screen one of them showing Roxas (I would guess this is Ventus and not Roxas) landing in the Keyblade Graveyard waiting, then flutter away like paper falling which ends the pre-rendered scenes.
From the blogger's second look at the trailers, they say that somebody with Isa's hair in the Organization XIII coat is seen. Also, in the demo the blogger got to play as Riku and fight the boss of the Tron: Legacy world/sub-world. They comment that some of the music is familiar throughout the demo.
Update: We have a new scan with much higher quality.
The Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance demo at Jump Festa 2012 has a large focus on the new world based on Mickey · Donald · Goofy: The Three Musketeers, called "Country of the Musketeers". Due to this, a lot of details are appearing about this world. They mostly come from aibo and sqexgal, and the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine scan comes from All Games Beta. Thanks to Kingdom Hearts Insider for the tip.
- The Reality Shift ability changes in each world
- In the Musketeers world, the Reality Shift is called "Wonder Comic"
- Characters from this world appear randomly, and you can do a powerful finish attack with Donald, Goofy and Mickey
- In this world, Mickey doesn't know Sora but he does know about Keyblades and other worlds
- In the demo, you fight alongside Dream Eaters in a trio. Sora begins where Mickey was left behind and fights
- Mickey and Sora talk, and discuss other worlds including Tron Legacy
- Goofy and Donald come back after the fight
- The touchscreen looks like a comic strip
- After fights, you can upgrade Dream Eaters with DP
- In the demo, Sora teams up with Wonder Meow, Neko Cat and Zou Elephant
- Riku sees Pete in the opera house
- Backstage, Minnie discovers a treasure chest. Pete has lured Mickey and company into a trap set at the theatre
- The next map shown is covered in nothing but poisonous spots
- Riku's Dream Eaters were Yagi Horn, Frog Chef, and Poisonous Lizard
The release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance in Japan has been announced to be March 2012. Jump Festa 2012 has announced the release date to be March 2012. Thanks to aibo_ac7 for the tip.
Update: Some people are reporting that FF-Reunion states a March 31, 2012 release date. However, this is a mistranslation, FF-Reunion have only stated March 2012.
Update: We have some more instructional images for you! These ones show how the Drop Gauge works. Basically, once the gauge drops to 0, the character must "sleep". See below in our gallery.
An image has been released for Jump Festa 2012, showing some functions of the touchscreen in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. It is not clear what the source of the image is, but the tip comes from FF-Reunion. Translating the text, we can see that it explains that by connecting some Dream Eater icons on the touchscreen, the player will be able to use strong attacks.
An image of a Dream Eater plushie being shown at Jump Festa 2012 for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has surfaced online. The plushie being shown is of the Wonder Meow spirit, as you can see below. Thanks to Kingdom Hearts Insider for the tip.
According to a Tweet from Tetsuya Nomura, the Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance trailer for Jump Festa 2012 will be 8 minutes long! Nomura also says that the trailer will be available online early next week. Certainly, with a trailer of this length, we'll be getting a lot more new content. Please keep watching for the next couple of days in case the trailer appears.
Update 2: The two coming soon buttons on the website are named "System" and "Extra". What do you think will be added there?
Update: Oishii has translated the Story section of the website, and this translation can be read at our forums.
Square Enix's official Japanese website for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has been completely launched. The website contains various sections including "Story", "Characters", "World", "Spec", "Special" and of course it's "Top" page. There are also two sections "coming soon". We'll now go into the website in detail for you.
The website plays a new track from Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, specifically, a new version of Dearly Beloved. You can hear this below. You can listen to this song in our music section, here.
Under "Characters" and "World" are a large amount of screenshots and renders, a lot of which are new. These can be seen below, in our gallery. There's over 50 screenshots and renders, so we can't embed them all. You'll have to click the link below!
Screenshots → Kingdom Hearts 3D, Japanese website
Under "Special" are two new wallpapers, available in five different resolutions. These can all be seen below, in our gallery.
Update: Oishii from KH13 has translated the scan. In the screenshot, Beat is saying "This time I will protect Rhyme." The text next to the screenshot says "Neku's two companions want to return to their original world."
Scans of the January 2, 2012 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine are starting to appear online, and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance appears with an article. The article appears to contain the same information on the new world, "Country of the Musketeers", and also some additional information. Below, you can see both Joshua and Beat from The World Ends With You appearing in Traverse Town. Please click to see the image larger.
Weekly Shōnen Jump → January 2, 2012
