Square Enix have posted a list of their games that will be appearing at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Kingdom Hearts coded and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep are said to make an appearance. Coded will feature a trailer, and Birth by Sleep will feature a trailer and playable demo. The pages for the games included a few screenshots and renders, and these can be viewed below, in our gallery.
Tokyo Game Show (2009)
All images are from the official website.
IGN have updated with a preview for the English version of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. This preview, which can be found at their page for the game, includes new screenshots, videos, and information about the game. The screenshots can be viewed in our gallery below, and the videos can be viewed below, or downloaded from our trailers section for the game.
IGN (358/2 Days)
All screenshots are from IGN.
The latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine has included an article on the upcoming Kingdom Hearts game for PSP, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article includes information about each character, and new screenshots of the game. A scan of the article was uploaded onto the official website, and this scan can now be seen below, in our gallery.
Dengeki PlayStation (August 2009)
All images are from the official website.
Famitsu.com have updated with an article concerning the upcoming Kingdom Hearts game for PSP, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article includes previously seen screenshots in higher quality, which you can view below, in our gallery. Also, KH-Vids.Net have translated this article, and you can read their translation below.
Famitsu.com, 27.07.09
All images are from Famitsu.com.
Birth By Sleep is the latest project for an action RPG game titled as "Kingdom Hearts" to boost the worldwide popularity. Three characters/heroes (Terra, Ven, and the Aqua) can be operated wit their own kind of story. They are chasing Master Xehanort while moving around worlds. In order to complete the game, you must play as each character. Once you beat the game as each character, the puzzle will connect.
Terra: A Young person to have a sword as the shape of the keyblade. Terra seems to fight for a friend, but keeps it a secret. This character is very calm. Terra is able to shoot a powerful blows in battle and to prevail over one's enemies.
Ventus: The pet name is Ven. Ventus excels in the speed of the movement and the attack, and moving around makes the best use of the speed that becomes a key in battle. Ventus appears to be smaller then the other two.
Aqua: This is a character that is very serious, and it is the best when it comes down to trustworthy in the three main characters. Aqua seems to always worry about the other two. In battle, a magnificent action to make the keyblade and magic cooperate is shown.
Tera is the one that is searching for Master Xehanort. Ven is the one that is running after him and, Aqua is the one that worries about the two of them. The three of these characters are not together, and act basically separately. However, when they meet again on the way, information and clues are exchanged.
The worlds of the Disney must become part of the story in the "Kingdom Hearts" series. The world of Cinderella becomes the series first appearance and "Castle of Dreams" are seen in this Composition.
Guarding is also something that takes place in Cinderella. In the world of 'Cinderella', Terra defends Cinderella in a mission. After Terra moves from Cinderella momentarily, the enemy is swept away by "Last dance" when succeeding in inputting the command.
Stich was first active in Kingdom Hearts: II as a summon, but now his world "Deep Space" has made the final cut for the game. "The prototype Number 626" is Stich's name before meeting the girl Lilo by Terra.
"Kingdom Hearts" The most refreshing battle system in history. The battle system of this work is the one that "It is an easy operation and refreshing battle." this is also where the concept of the series was developed further. You can enjoy the battle that changes variously only hitting the button repeatedly. The "Command style" changes, and a big feature according to those who fight the technique etc, can show changes.
In "Base command", a basic attack such as "Fight" can be used. Continuous tricks to the style are added when the command style changes and when the style doesn't change, the finish command is added.
The technique of magic can be moved with the button that's called "Deck command". It' possible to use it again in the time, though it becomes impossible to show the technique by entering the state of the charge if the command is used once.
The "command" gauge under the left of the screen rises when the enemy is damaged by using the deck command and the base command. It diverges when the gauge becomes the maximum to whether the command style changes or "Finish command" moves it.
The command used in the process where the gauge collects influence the change in the style. The style changes only when the command used meets the requirement because of the change into a certain style, and after the style changes, it comes to use a technique and etc.
As for the kind of the command style, a lot of performances are also different. There seems to be one unique performance for one character and another common one to two or three people. In "Felt-tipped marker wish" in the photograph, are the command styles only for Terra.
A strong finish command can be moved when the gauge is not filling it with the condition of the style change when it is the maximum. It evolves to the finish command stronger when it meets a certain requirement. It also has the technique with special effects to stop the enemy movement and etc.
Famitsu magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article reveals more characters and enemies from the Castle of Dreams and Deep Space, as well as explaining the battle system of the game. Kingdom Hearts Insider have translated this article, and thanks to them, you can view the translated scans below.
>Famitsu (October 2009) *translated*
All images are translated by Kingdom Hearts Insider.
A recent issue of Famitsu magazine included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, and included in this article was an article with the game's director, Tetsuya Nomura. Here, he discusses the command battle system, the way the game will work with three stories, and reveals the English name of the Unbirths. Kingdom Hearts Insider have translated this interview, and thanks to them, you can read it below.
KH BbS is going to be over 50 hours long?!
-- About controlling each of the three characters: how does that work?
Nomura: At the start you'll choose who you want to control, and you'll use that one character until you clear their story. Depending on which character you play with, you'll uncover facts that you can't learn with the other characters. Each world has scenarios for all three, each has different bosses, so it's like there are three separate games included. If you play alongside a friend, the contents the way the story advances will be different depending on the character you choose, so watch out for spoilers.
-- I see. So how long is the play time for each character?
Nomura: According to our current estimates, about 15 hours. Customising your deck will also take up time, so if you play with all three characters the game's length may exceed 50 hours.
-- The three characters move about completely separately?
Nomura: Usually, yes, but occasionally two or three of them will have a scene together. There's Ven looking for clues about Master Xehanort and chasing after him, and also Aqua who's looking for Ven but worried about Terra. On top of the main storyline, each one's timeline is different.
-- Not much information has been released about Aqua so far. What kind of person is she?
Nomura: She's incredibly serious. She's a strict honour student. She's a little bit shy about some things that she's done. She puts up a cold front, but she's kind to her friends. She's the most level-headed of the three.
-- Aqua has some movements a little like floating or gliding, and some characteristic moves in battle, too.
Nomura: Her movements are that of a so-called "magician girl" (laughs)
-- I think fans of the series are wondering about the true nature of Ven, who resembles Roxas, and what lies in Terra's future...
Nomura: We've given a lot of hints in that area, so I think there are some people who can figure it out. As usual there are a lot of riddles in this game, but all the fine details will be explained. Ven has bits of Roxas, and the traditional protagonist Sora in him. His positive personality is close to Sora's, but Sora doesn't usually worry about anything, whereas Ven can be serious. So maybe he's half Sora and half Roxas. But because of things like the way he holds his Keyblade, it will be a different feeling to play him compared to Sora or Roxas.
-- What can you tell us about the "Unversed"?
Nomura: The English name will be "Unversed". The meaning is "those that are not well-versed in existence/life" and they grow out of negative emotions. You'll understand the meaning of this when you play the game.
Great expectations for new worlds
-- Two new worlds have appeared.
Nomura: This time, we're weaving a more complicated story than before. Not just for the story of "Birth by Sleep"; there will also be deeper connections to the stories of the Disney titles.
-- In "Cinderella" you're even delving into the scene with the glass slipper.
Nomura: We particularly wanted to include that event. When you say "Cinderella" you think of the glass slipper, right? (laughs) Also, like with Ven and Jack, this isn't the whole story, but there are scenes where you follow sub-characters too.
-- And the "Lilo and Stitch" world is something you can be satisfied with, too.
Nomura: It's a story from before he was called Stitch, so this time instead of Hawaii the spaceship will be the main setting. He's a very popular character, and setting it in a spaceship should make things interesting.
-- And we'll also learn about the origins of the "seven princesses"...?
Nomura: It's connected to the idea of "hearts of light, without darkness". But this isn't about the princesses' birth, it's to do with "something" that awakens in people who have hearts where light resides. It's a condition the three protagonists are investigating.
Exhilirating battles that can be played without thinking
-- What about the battle concept?
Nomura: More than "358/2 Days" or "coded", "Birth by Sleep" is an evolution of "Kingdom Hearts". Each of the protagonists has very individual movements, so it will feel totally different to playing as Sora. This game might just be the most exhilirating in the whole series. The new battle system with its Deck Commands and Shoot Lock really adds to the exhiliration.
-- What are the characteristics of a battle using Deck Commands?
Nomura: I think that rather than thinking very carefully while fighting, it's more about fighting using your reflexes. I think you'll be able to sense when to press buttons, that your body will naturally learn to go "triangle next".
-- So you can set up the Commands in your Deck yourself?
Nomura: That's right. So that you don't have to manage complex things during battle, you customise various things beforehand. Like "Chain of Memories", you construct your Deck beforehand, and during battles just use techniques one after another. They don't run out like cards, but you need to charge them. With the inclusion of Decks, the system of growth has more or less turned into a system of change. Maybe a bit like a minigame... it's very different.
-- It's something we haven't seen in the series so far.
Nomura: I wonder if we went too far (laughs). It's a system we've been preparing up for some time now, and from now on we'll be putting out constant information, so look forward to it.
-- Can you change the the Command style into whatever style you want?
Nomura: For techniques that can change style, each has a specific set of conditions that must be met. So once you understand that system you'll be able to get the style you want. However, the aim was so that people don't have generally have to think too hard when playing.
-- So with styles, it's easier to use a walkthrough for the ones that change?
Nomura: Of course, there are walkthroughs that will tell you certain enemies are weak to fire, and about increasing damage. But changing styles also make it easy to have fun using lots of different attacks.
-- The Finish Commands can also evolve, making for rich variety in battles, right?
Nomura: There really are all sorts of conditions that change commands, and you can connect them to the "D-LINK" system that we haven't released much information about yet. "Kingdom Hearts" doesn't really aim for difficult action; there are a lot of users who play by mashing the same button. That's what this is based on. Things won't get boring if you mash the same button, it's a system that changes to stay fun. You can use a Command with just one button, and even playing simply it's an action game where you can enjoy a wealth of variety. The only thing is that by incorporating too much of this new system, the three protagonists are too strong and the importance of tricks to defeat bosses has faded a bit (laughs). We're going to work on balancing that out.
And the next game that everyone's wondering about!?
-- The Tokyo Game Show is coming up, will there be any demos?
Nomura: At the moment we're giving priority to development in order of release dates, so there won't be anything big, just a small space for demos. We can't show videos in a closed megatheatre every year. For those who play the "Birth by Sleep" or "Final Fantasy XIII" demos, we plan to have a small screen with special trailers for those two titles and "Dissidia FF Universal Tuning". That's the company's plan at the moment, and we probably won't prepare any new trailers for "FF Versus XIII", "FF Agito XIII" or "The Third Birthday".
-- So, what about the release date for this title?
Nomura: We're trying to adjust it in relation to the release date of "FF XIII". In terms of actual development "FF XIII" has proceeded further, so "FF XIII" might be first. But I think we'll be able to let you play it without making you wait too long.
-- Do you think people will want to replay the first title after clearing this one?
Nomura: Hmmm, I think there are a lot of puzzling elements, so maybe they'll want to play the next game... and there'll be a secret movie too.
-- The next game!? Do you mean "III"!?
Nomura: The next game will be the next game (laughs)
Famitsu magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article reveals more characters and enemies from the Castle of Dreams and Deep Space. Thanks to FF7AC reunion, you can view the scans below.
>Famitsu (October 2009)
Thanks to FF7AC reunion for the images.
Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article confirms Stitch as a party character, and shows off Aqua's ability, "Diamond Dust". Thanks to Kingdom Hearts Insider, you can view the scan below.
>Weekly Shōnen Jump (August 7, 2009)
Images are from Kingdom Hearts Insider.
Earlier in the week, a scan of a V Jump article featuring Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep surfaced online. The scan confirms a world based on Lilo & Stitch, and also showed us new screenshots of Aqua gameplay. Kingdom Hearts Insider have uploaded a higher quality scan of this article, and thanks to them, you can view it in our gallery. Also, Kingdom Hearts Insider have translated the article, and thanks to them, you can read the translations at our forum.
A recent issue of Famitsu has included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. This article displays various screenshots and renders from the game, including that of never before seen Aqua gameplay, and a confirmation of a world based on Lilo & Stitch. Wii @ Everyday have scanned pages of this article, and thanks to them, you can view the scans in our gallery.
KH-Vids.Net have been working on a "fan production" of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. This production, using high quality cutscenes of 358/2 Days recorded by KH13.com, will have English voice overs recorded by members of KH-Vids.Net. They have recently released a promotional video of the production, and this can be seen below.
New evidence has surfaced to suggest that Pinocchio's world will be included in the English release of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. BradyGames have updated their website with a page for the strategy guide of the upcoming North American release of 358/2 Days, and included in the list of world's is Pinocchio. Pinocchio's world was not included in the Japanese release of the game, however, people have found that sprites for the world were included in the game's code. It is possible that the world may be included in the English release.
The September 2009 issue of Game Informer magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. This article, concerning the North American release of the game, discusses the battle system, story, and mission and multiplayer aspects of the game. Thanks to Kingdom Hearts Ultimania, who scanned the article, you can view it in our gallery.
The latest issue of V Jump magazine has included an article on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. Although no scan is available yet, FF7AC reunion have posted a summary of the article.
The article reveals that Birth by Sleep is scheduled to be released during Winter 2009, which, in Japan, is between December and February. It also includes new information on Cinderella's world, and reveals that Terra will visit a world based on Lilo & Stitch, called Deep Space. Also included is new information involving Aqua's attack system.
Square Enix have opened their European website for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. The website confirms the October 9, 2009 release date for PAL regions, including Europe and Australia, includes screenshots of the game in English, and a previously seen trailer, the E3 2009 trailer. This trailer can be seen in our trailers section for the game.
