Hey folks, the official Square-Enix Members Site has been launched for the North Americans! You may pre-register for news, and a bunch of other bonuses by clicking the image below. If you’d like to represent Kingdomhearts3.net list it as your favorite site!

Also, don’t forget to join the forums! Whoever hasn’t joined is missing out on alot of fun and action!

Be sure to say Kaito refered you!
Join us today!

Source - Square-Enix

Hey guys, TheKingdomHearts is looking for new content writers and news updators!

What do you get?
Apart from the pride of having your very own articles published on a website receiving in excess of 10,000 unique visitors every day, you will be able to earn your way up the Thekingdomhearts.com staff ladder; posters having many articles approved by the TKH administration will be promoted to higher and higher positions, and you could potentially gain the prestige of become an administrator of the site or forums. You will also be able to use your experience for future jobs; the owner of this website, Alex, gained admittance to university in part by referencing his knowledge of the internet and experience in managing web sites.

If you are interested contact me on the forums(Username is Kaito) or email me at Dakota@Thekingdomhearts.com

Also, be sure to join the FFNet forums and the KH3 forums!

The Keyblade Lords, Hearts Entertwined, Emptiness Twilight and, Hollow Bastion Restoration Comittee.

Who will win the fight for advantage in the next war? You’ll have to register to get involved! There’s a perlious fight going on right now! Register to participate!

Check it out here!

New scans from the French Magazine, Role Playing Game No.7 have been made available. Scroll down below the images for the Translation of the Scans.

Thanks to KHIsland.info , KH-Network and to Riku for translating the Scans!

Riku Edit: Very well, here we go with the translation. There is some new stuff in here so do read it. Only took 7 hours:

Page 10

“Kingdom Hearts quickly became a top franchise of Square Enix; it was therefore logical that this series would arrive on the two main portable consoles of the market. The DS will follow the short life of Roxas in 358/2 Days, while the PSP will be entitled to the prequel Birth by Sleep. Which, of the small nomad of the double screen of Nintendo or of the technological animal of Sony, will hold the most responsive reception with this mixture, which was still unlikely a few years ago, of Disney films and Final Fantasy?”

—————————

BIRTH BY SLEEP

Realisation
“Birth by Sleep, co-realised by Tai Yasue, is developed by the same team that was in charge of Re: Chain of Memories; although its production had begun first, it will be the last of the three new projects to be released. Technically, the name Birth by Sleep is therefore a bluff, and the graphics should appear as beautiful and animated as well as Kingdom Hearts II! Aspects dedicated to the PSP will include new Disney worlds, such as those of Sleeping Beauty, Snow-White and Cinderella (the remaining Princesses of Heart it seems), as well as surprising training courses… Birth by Sleep being held a few years before the first adventures of Sora, certain worlds will take this into account; for example, one can expect to see an adolescent Hercules in Olympus Coliseum.”

Gameplay
“Following the example scenario, the gameplay will differ according to the character: Terra will impress us with his power; Ven will be the most agile, while Aqua undoubtedly proves the specialist of forces/magic. The combat menu conceals a new gauge, Command, which fills up by attacking and is executed by pressing Circle or Triangle (the actions associated with this button are modifiable) and gives access to additional techniques; for example, Terra will be able to enter into Fatal Mode to carry out combos and then finish with devastating move. Another change, the MP disappears; certain magic will require a time of loading and can be launched only when their gauge is full. The progression system (which is still quite mysterious) and some of the enemies will also be new…”

Music
“Once more, Yoko Shimomura will compose her memorable, melancholic music to accompany the journeys of Terra, Ven (which has been said to be an abbreviation of the name of this character, who is undoubtedly called Ventus) and Aqua. As new software for creating the music is a priority, including only a few elements of the previous software, the majority of the pieces should be new. It would be logical that the theme of the secret ending of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+, precisely entitled Birth by Sleep(Riku: Or Fate of the Unknown I think they’ll find), would be the primary theme of the new soundtrack… Moreover, one will discover doubtless arrangements of the melodies representative of each new Disney world - unless, as for The Lion King in Kingdom Hearts II, the artists (Riku: Disney composers) offer compositions of their own.”

Scenario
“This dark and complex adventure will be divided into three scenarios which you will be able to make in the order of your choice. You will therefore follow the destinies of the three main friends, each able to wield a Keyblade: the warrior Terra, Ven, the double of Roxas (this mystery will be explained in the game), and Aqua, the young girl with the blue hair. The epic story will proceed well before the events of Kingdom Hearts I, when Sora, Riku and Kairi, were still children. Terra is seen overseeing them with Ven, and in the company of Yen Sid, Donald and Pluto. This chapter will raise the subject of the War of Keyblades, the capacities of their owners and, undoubtedly, the origins of the amnesic disciple of Ansem the Wise…”

Page 11

358/2 DAYS

Realisation
“Conceived by the studio h.a.n.d. Inc. (Chocobo Tales) and co-directed by Tomohiro Hasegawa (Final Fantasy VIII, Kingdom Hearts), Nomura obviously heading all the projects related to its series, 358/2 Days profits from a fine and detailed realisation all in 3D, with fluid animation. As for the cut-scenes, they do not diminish in comparison with those of the second episode. Definitely, the DS will not finish astonishing us… The keys L and R will make it possible to direct the camera in order to better locate enemies and to explore the locations; the latter accurately take on the environments of the preceding worlds, such as the World That Never Was, Twilight Town, Agrabah, Olympus Coliseum or Wonderland - As a priority, the title will not accomodate a new universe.”

Gameplay
“As a great innovation, the DS will comprise a multiplayer mode where one can direct the members of Organisation XIII! These missions with the varied objectives will be independent of the scenario, and each character will possess their own forces and weaknesses. The lower screen will post the chart, but a chat system may also be included; on the other hand, the tactile functionalities of the console do not appear to be exploited. In solo mode, Roxas will have as a daily task to fight the Heartless in various worlds and then to return to the World That Never Was. The combat menu and the actions are the same as the previous games, like jumping and gliding, blocking, etc… Lastly, Nomura promises that the systems of level-up and personalisation will allow great freedom.”

Music
“Like the other epic chapters of the Kingdom Hearts saga, the music of 358/2 Days will most likely be written by talented Yoko Shimomura which, definitely, often works with Tetsuya Nomura - moreover, the great woman also occupies the position of composer for much-awaited Final Fantasy Versus XIII. On the other hand, even because of the scenario, there will be few new pieces, while it will often be more likely to hear the themes of the Organization and Roxas… which won’t displease us! New worlds are also quite unlikely with the program as it is, so there are strong chances that the music of the Disney worlds visited in Kingdom Hearts I and II will be brought back, as that had been the case in Chain of Memories.”

Scenario
“Imagined by Daisuke Watanabe, like that of PSP games, the history of 358/2 Days reveals a year in the life of Roxas, his establishment in Organization XIII, his escape and his fateful duel against Riku. These events remained covered with mysteries or were only seen briefly; the fans waited impatiently for more on Roxas and his relations with his former colleagues. The plots of the charismatic members of Organization will therefore be presented in more detail. We will also discover what makes the Organization change the name of the group… (Riku: Referring to the mysterious 14th member) The story will therefore show many revelations on some of the most important characters of the series.”

—————————

“You have to like these two episodes of a series which doesn’t cease growing : an enthralling scenario, promising gameplay, a technical realisation of impressive actions and attractive characters. However, the DS game of Kingdom Hearts will not really quench the thirst for innovations of some players, as its worlds, its music and undoubtedly the majority of its characters are already known. On the contrary, the PSP game brings on the innovation and will finally clarify some of the enigmas which have puzzled us since the first chapter; for this reason, it is even more awaited than the adventure of Roxas.”

Page 14

KINGDOM HEARTS: CODED

“Fans of the lovable trio made up of the brown-dishevelled-haired Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy should be delighted, as episodes of Kingdom Hearts go portable and the series attacks mobile phones (Riku: I’m still fairly sure this will only be available in Japan). A digitised version of Sora will be thrown into a virtual world to eliminate all the bugs which cover its memory like dust; the game will include a mixture of 2D and 3D and may support vibrating when performing certain actions, following examples of other mobile phone games. Kingdom Hearts: Coded should logically be released this year, and there’s a rumour of there being a new world; we’ll see…”

Special thanks to Kota and Aerith

Providing you a detailed analysis & transcript of the new Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep trailer that is being screened at the event.

“Sleep gives birth to the concealed fate of the past.”

Conversation between Ven and Terra in Destiny Islands
Terra: “Wasn’t there a time when you was saving me?”
Ven: “Back then it was probably because we were friends.”
Terra moves his hand to rests it on Ven’s shoulders.
Terra: “Thank you, Ven.”

Scene changes to Terra and Master Xehanort in the Place of Gathering
M. Xehanort: Did you believe about reaching forward to grasp that last glimmer? The wall of light and darkness exceeded each other, creating the original me, and Terra waited for me impatiently.” (While M. Xehanort is talking he opens one of his hands in a greeting fashion, enraging Terra.)
Terra: “I have a ‘Friend’.. What you have done has given me hatred to Xehanort.”
Terra then summons his keyblade

We then see Ven meeting Xehanort in Olympus Coliseum.
Ven: “Who a-…I’ve met you before. (Ven is surprised as he is remembering something.)
Xehanort: “It seems you have lost something. However unless what you have lost is put back into your hands, it will be an eternal lost. Once you obtain it, grip it and understand the truth.”
Xehanort is soon holding his hand out, as it begins to glow, Ven is watching with an expression of fear and confusion.

Trailer now shows a montage of gameplay featuring both Terra & Ven as playable characters

Scene cuts to Yensid’s Tower
Mickey is shown defending himself with the keyblade. However soon he begins to fumble with the keyblade and it vanishes. Goofy, Donald, and Yensid watch Mickey. Mickey soon looks back up to the Wizard, and summons his Keyblade once again.

Fade to Sleeping Beauty world
Maleficent is looking around the castle where vines are everywhere. Then, a crow lands on Maleficent shoulder and she turns towards Terra. Terra looks at Maleficent, as she begins to laugh doubtfully.

Trailer switches back to the Place of Gathering
Ven is facing off against the Dark Soldier, and knocks off his helmet, however his face is not shown. The scene soon switches to Terra holding an unconscious Ven, with Master Xehanort looking desperate, and apologetic.

Xehanort: “The person who has wrapped himself in the darkness does not have the qualification to wield a keyblade. He is a demon who has been taken by the darkness. Please correct my mistake…”

Trailer Ending
Ven is on the Destiny Islands coast looking towards a young Sora & Riku who are playing at the beach. At the same time Ven is at Twilight Town watching the Coast. He is looking down, and appears to be sad.
“I don’t want to be depended on, you are my ‘Friend’ ..just erase me.”

Apologies for the translation, it’s a little rough in parts. Either way, it’s good to get a nice insight into this game currently marked as a ‘Work in Progress’. If you didn’t know already, both KH: 358/2 Days & KH: Coded are set for a Summer 2008 release.

Jump Festa 2008 has officially kicked off and the first bits of information regarding the presence of Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, Birth By Sleep & Coded have trickled in.

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
Playable Demo Report
• Roxas, Axel, Xigbar or Saix are all playable in a Twilight Town based mission
• Each playable character differs, Axel can use his fire attacks etc.
• Enemies in the demo included Small Wizards, Shadows & a Fat Body.
• After exploring the stage, you have to defeat a familiar boss, a Dark Side.
• Upon mission completion, the user can view statistics on how they did.
• Game has a planned release date of Q2/Summer 2008
Each forthcoming game also has a new trailer being screened behind closed doors at the event. Firstly, the 358/2 Days trailer features the still-secret Organization member, XIII, helping Roxas & Axel after being surpised by Heartless. Also, King Mickey (in Organization attire) is shown looking towards the Twilight Town forest. Lastly, there is brief scene of Roxas with Aladdin & Jasmine in Agrabah.

During the Birth by Sleep footage is noted that combat scenes with Terra are shown alongside a scene with Ven conversing with Aladdin (of Agrabah). Regarding the KH: Coded trailer, there are a few quick glimpses of Kairi & Riku alongside a mysterious annoucement of something called “High Speed” mode.

Thanks to www.kh2.co.uk for all this info. Good work ;]
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Eh? Check this out.

In an interview with CNET Japan, Square Enix president Youichi Wada talked about his company’s future strategy and the state of the overall game industry. Wada apparently is content with the industry’s current state, saying all segments (software, hardware as well as the arcade business) are performing very well. Asked about the three next-generation consoles, Wada explained the Wii was so successful, because it was different from PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Wada considers the Xbox 360 exactly the opposite of the Wii, namely a game machine targeting the hardcore audience. As for PlayStation 3, the Square Enix president said he still wasn’t sure yet where Sony Computer Entertainment wants to position the system. Therefore, he wants Sony to clearly define, whether PlayStation 3 is marketed as a game machine or a high-powered consumer electronics product.

Asked about downloadable content, Wada argued that it would become a standard feature in the future, as a shift from purchasing content in a real store to buying it online is occurring. While he views this shift as irreversible, he seems convinced that it won’t be the end of the retail business. While Wada apparently believes it would be difficult to offer downloadable content for the DS, given the handheld’s current lack of storage space, he apparently has high hopes for the future of downloadable content on PlayStation Portable.

Wada disputed his interview partner’s suggestion that Square Enix had recently released a lot of sequels and remakes, by saying both sequels to existing IPs and original games were necessary to grow the business. He explained 60% of Square Enix’s profits came from existing IPs, whereas 40% were generated by original titles. He also refuted the common held perception that Square Enix was overly dependent on its flagship Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series, saying they accounted for less than 50% of the profit. And while the company was trying to further reduce its dependence on these franchises, he remarked people kept asking about new installments of either series.

He was also bullish about Square Enix’s position in the game center business. Through its ownership of struggling Taito, the company has gained a strong foothold in this sector and after some initial restructuring, the future apparently looks bright, as Wada sees a widening gap between Taito and its competitors.

Looking ahead, Square Enix’s top executive wants to establish Square Enix as the top company in the game business. While he admitted it would be difficult to achieve this goal within a five year time period, he was confident that the company will belong to the top 3 in five years.

Let’s hope Sony gets it’s genre of players figures out.

Source: http://japan.cnet.com/

Excuse me for my abscence. It seems as if I’m the only active one here at the moment.

No worries. My friends at the kingdom hearts forums will help me out with the info. We’re going to keep this site going till Alex gets back from whatever he is doing.

=) I’ll post some info tommorow. Alot of info I suppose.

Kota~

This is nothing new, but there’s been no news for a while now; so I compiled this together from the Tokyo Game Show to use on the forum. I’m sure you know all of this already. I’ll edit this tomorrow as there’s still a lot more that should be added.

KINGDOM HEARTS NEWS AT THE TOKYO GAME SHOW~

The past month has been abundant with Kingdom Hearts news, what with the highly anticipated Tokyo Game Show 2007 taking place. There were quite a lot of interesting announcements given regarding the future of Kingdom Hearts. Here are the main stories which have got people talking:

NOT ONE GAME… BUT THREE~

Prior to the Tokyo Game Show this year, there were a lot of Kingdom Hearts fans hopeful that Square-Enix would announce a continuation of the popular series - a Kingdom Hearts 3 for the next-gen - but they had bigger plans for us.

Tetsuya Nomura had earlier given an interview stating that Kingdom Hearts fans should expect to see a side-story on the DS, PSP or mobile phones, giving the option of three characters and left us to guess what would happen and debate about which would be the better game to play – well, we needn’t have bothered because Nomura planned on releasing all three! I don’t think many people anticipated him meaning all three, but it was a nice – if not surprising – announcement. Square-Enix showcased off three trailers of these games, unfortunately in a private screening. All we had to go by were written up descriptions of the trailers, and here they are along with all of the other important information we have already.

BIRTH BY SLEEP~

WHAT DO WE ALREADY KNOW?

☆ The unseen trailer~

Here is a description of the Birth by Sleep trailer:

Scenes of the ending of Kingdom Hearts 1 flash by on the screen, and two phrases are seen clearly onscreen. One reads “Deep Past” and the other “Shut-Eyes gives birth to the concealed fate.”

We are then confronted by a young boy who looks like Roxas conversing with another young boy with black hair. Their surroundings seem to resemble Hallow Bastion (Radiant Garden). The name “Ven” is thrown outward, referring to the boy who looks like Roxas.

The scene change various times before stopping at an iamge of the Old Man from the KH2FM+ secret ending. He is called “Master Xehanort” by Terra. Soon after, Terra summons his keyblade and the screen changes.

Various worlds are shown, and one of which is familiar to us all. “Olympus Colliseum” is making another comeback, followed by a brand new world, that of which resembles Sleeping Beauty.

The video then changes back to Terra battling against a dark figure, whom you can tell is male. This is the same man from the Secret Ending of KH2FM+, the one who the Old Man creates. Terra is able to forceably get the man’s helmet off, but his face is concealed.

King Mickey is shown summoning kis keyblade, and then the scene changes very quickly to Terra on a beach. He seems to be watching two boys play in the ocean. After he rests his weapon into the ground, the two boys he was watching are clearer and they look like Sora and Riku. Soon after, Terra says “Please don’t depend on me, just erase me… friend.”

The phrase “Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep” arises.

–

☆ The scans~

High quality scans of Birth by Sleep can be found in the following links:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/09da0145.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/947c4974.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/43613330.jpg

–

☆ The plot

Taking place in the past, this game will focus on the scenes we have already witnessed from the secret endings found in Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+. Three apprentices go in search of their missing master.

–

☆ The characters~

Terra - Already seen previously in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix as a boss, he is now one of the three playable characters you can control in a choice of three different scenarios.

Master Xehanort - A mysterious old Keyblade Master, also resembles Xehanort’s Heartless a lot, but I wonder if this means anything?

Aqua - Shares a connection with Ven, although we do not know what kind of relationship they have. So far, her role in this game is undefined, as she hasn’t been mentioned a lot.

Ven - His true identity will be explored in Birth by Sleep.

–

☆ The confirmed worlds

So far, there have been a few new worlds confirmed - and some not-so-new. Here is the full list so far:

• Sleeping Beauty

• Olympus Coliseum

• Cinderella

• Hollow Bastion

• Destiny Islands

• Sunset Horizons (A fan-name as far as I’m aware)

–

☆ The console~

Birth by Sleep will be released for the PSP.

–

☆ The release date~

So far, unknown. All we know is that this game has been planned to be released last out of the three games.

–

☆ The timeline~

This game is set before the events of Kingdom Hearts 1.

–

☆ The gameplay~

An improved version of the deck system used in CoM will be used in Birth by Sleep. However, instead of cards, the user will choose from commands, which will be implemented into their menu.

–

358/2 Days~

WHAT DO WE ALREADY KNOW?

☆ The unseen trailer~

Here is a description of the 358/2 Days Trailer:

We are introduced with the scene where Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories had came to an end, and are then confronted with the phrase “The other side attached to Sora still sleeps”, along with “The mind comes back whenever they touch.”

The video then focuses upon Roxas and Axel, sitting atop the clock tower in Twilight Town. This seems to be the same scene from Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix+. Soon after, the video shows Roxas being invited into Organization XIII. He is being greeted by all, and introduces himself, and they do the same to him. Then the scene fades into Roxas actually joining the Organization.

Following this is a short clip of Mickey talking about Axel, and Saix near Roxas. Roxas is shown pulling out both of his keyblades, and it moves into gameplay. The gameplay confirms indifenatley that you may play with Roxas, Axel, Saix and Xigbar.

Xemnas then mentions something very interesting. He explains that a 14th member has joined their Organization, and that this member is female. This scene is quickly followed by the title of the game: “Kingdom Hearts 358/2 days” and a whsipering Roxas saying “I will disappear from this world in 151 days”

–

☆ The scans~

High quality scans of 358/2 Days can be found in the following links:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/5b0cdb65.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/642a0e82.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/5f333379.jpg

–

☆ The characters~

Every Organisation 13 character WILL be playable, according to Tetsuya Nomura. We also know that a 14th member will be introduced - a female member - but nothing is known about her yet, except that she ISN’T Naminé and that she wasn’t present in Kingdom Hearts 2.

-

☆ The confirmed worlds

Not many worlds have been confirmed so far, but Wonderland is making a return.

• The World That Never Was

• Twilight Town

• Wonderland

-

☆ The console~

358/2 Days will be released for the DS.

–

☆ The release date~

So far, unknown. All we know is that this game has been planned to be released first out of the three games.

–

☆ The timeline~

This game takes place from Roxas’ birth, (in KH1), his entrance and time in the Organisation, into the events of CoM, and when he leaves to find more about himself and his TRUE self, and then eventually, when he gets taken to the digitised Twilight Town.

–

☆ The gameplay~

There will be single and multiplayer options in this game, and Tetsuya Nomura has revealed that there is a bonus to using both modes:

“The character’s growth is shared between the two modes,”

Also during multiplayer mode, the bottom screen of the DS can be used as a chat system, if you wish. Players will be able to communicate with each other as they play the game; by drawing pictures on the screen! Although not official yet, Nomura and his team are planning to add some further plans to this feature.

–

CODED~

WHAT DO WE ALREADY KNOW?

☆ The unseen trailer~

Here is a description of the Coded trailer:

When the video begins, we are introduced with a series of images, followed by the words “Kingdom Hearts: New Concepts and Game Titles.” Right after this, the ending to Kingdom Hearts 2 plays, followed by the phrases “The secret ending has been dealt with, and the worlds extend once again” and “flow”.

The screen fades back in to Jiminy Cricket and the phrase “Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories”. He is peering into his journal, noticing a phrase he cannot remember writing. It reads “You need to return, to heal the wounds”. This phrase seems to alert Jiminy in some way, as he runs off to report the finding to King Mickey. The king is startled by the discovery, but only replies with “Only he is the one who can solve it.”

We fade in and out to Sora standing on the beach at Destiny Islands. He is wearing his Kingdom Hearts 1 style clothing, but he is only shown as computer data being transmitted.

When the image of Sora dissapears, a battle scene commences. As Sora is moving blocks around to finish a puzzle game, heartless are attacking from all angles. The gameplay mechanics seem very odd. After the puzzle is finished, a command called “Debugging” appears on the screen. After being activated, Sora moves extremely quickly and then vanishes.

The last scene includes Sora and Mickey in Traverse Town. Mickey says to no one in particular “I was here on that day.” and “Let’s speak truly”.

We are then presented with the name of the game: Kingdom Hearts: Coded.

-

☆ The scans~

High quality scans of Coded can be found in the following links:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/b0511241-1.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/bekkiglittz/Pictures/b0511241.jpg

–

☆ The plot~

After finding an entry in his journal that he didn’t write, “we must return to free them from their torment,” Jiminy confronts King Mickey about it and so he digitizes the contents (along with himself and Sora), and they go and investigate.

–

☆ The characters~

So far, we only know about Sora, King Mickey, Jiminy Cricket, Donald and Goofy.

–

☆ The confirmed worlds~

Not many, but Traverse Town is coming back.

• Traverse Town

• Disney Castle

• Destiny Islands

-

☆ The console~

Coded will be released on the mobile phone.

–

☆ The release date~

So far, unknown. All we know is that this game has been planned to be released second out of the three games.

–

☆ The timeline~
This game apparantly takes place after the events of Kingdom Hearts 2.

–

☆ The gameplay~

Half puzzle game, half action/RPG. There will also be something called ‘Debugging mode’ in Coded, and basically this means that Sora will confront bugs (the type found in your computer, not insects) when he approaches normal enemies. Sora will need to clear the bugs (that look like blocks) in order to fight. We have already seen a screenshot of this. The bugs also have other purposes too. They can be used to help Sora get higher up, and they can be used in puzzle games.

–

We should expect to see the trailers at this year’s Jump Festa - December 22nd-23rd - but nothing is confirmed yet. Let’s hope, anyway.

Tetsuya Nomura has given some new information regarding the three new games and hinted at a Kingdom Hearts 3 in monthly Japanese magazine Gemaga! 

In this interview, Nomura revealed that all three games are already in development, and that we shouldn’t expect to see them released simultaneously, as previously thought. He also let slip of the possible order they are to be released: 

358/2 Days – the DS instalment – released first, followed by Coded – the mobile phone game. As already stated in an earlier interview with Famitsu, Birth by Sleep – the PSP instalment – is due to be released last.  

Now to some information on the three games; starting with 358/2 Days: The magazine gives the pronunciation of this game, and it is “Three Five Eight Days Over Two.” 

We already know that Disney worlds are set to appear in this game, (following the scan showing Wonderland,) but there was quite a lot of confusion on how they would feature in this game. Nomura clears this up for us by saying: “They (Disney Worlds) will appear in the game, but in a slightly different form. KH is generally a story where you set out on a journey with a goal in mind. However, Roxas is a member of Organisation XIII, so he always returns to the home base. So, this is not a story about a journey. Also, Roxas’s personality is such that he does not actively attempt to come into contact with other characters. So, the relationship to Disney characters will be different from before.”  

The big talking point of this game is the multiplayer mode. In this mode, gamers will be able to select any Organisation XIII member and progress through unique missions. Examples of the mission’s gamers will face are, looking for specific items, defeating certain enemies, and duelling with other Organisation XIII members. 

There is a bonus for your choice of character if you decide to play single and multiplayer mode. “The character’s growth is shared between the two modes,” Nomura informed the magazine.   

Also during multiplayer mode, the bottom screen of the DS can be used as a chat system, if you wish. Players will be able to communicate with each other as they play the game; by drawing pictures on the screen! Although not official yet, Nomura and his team are planning to add some further plans to this feature. 

It seems as though Nomura won’t be taking advantage of the many possibilities the DS can offer a gamer. Unlike for his other DS game ‘Wonderful World’ where he used them to its full potential. He goes on to explain his reasons. “Wonderful World is a game where we fully used the DS’s functionality, however, this time, we’re not really using the DS functionality. In order to not break the Kingdom Hearts control feel, we’re not using the stylus. Also, we’re planning on using the bottom screen for something.” This ‘something’ I have mentioned earlier; the multiplayer chat system.

Moving onto the mobile phone game, Coded: 

Nomura made sure to confirm that Coded is NOT Kingdom Hearts 3. Although this is the only instalment set after the events of Kingdom Hearts 2, and the main character Sora is used again… Or so it seems. 

Infact, the Sora we have seen in the screenshots is only a data version. So is King Mickey.

In Coded, a data-made Sora and King Mickey explore the pages of Jiminy’s Journal in search of a secret message left by Jiminy. They have to investigate the events of Kingdom Hearts 1.  

There will be something called ‘Debugging mode’ in Coded, and basically this means that Sora will confront bugs (the type found in your computer, not insects) when he approaches normal enemies. Sora will need to clear the bugs (that look like blocks) in order to fight. We have already seen a screenshot of this. The bugs also have other purposes too. They can be used to help Sora get higher up, and they can be used in puzzle games.  

In another interview with Famitsu, Nomura said that Coded was having “technical problems”, and those problems are due to Coded being developed for a mobile phone not even in existence; that’s right. But this is due to the fact that mobile phones in places such as America and Europe aren’t as powerful as Japanese mobile phones. There has even been talk that Coded will be FREE to play, or on the other-hand really cheap. Probably not as much as the previous KH mobile phone game. 

Lastly, what did Nomura have to say about Birth by Sleep?  This game is being developed by the team that worked on Musashi Samurai Legend and Re: Chain of Memories. Infact, it was this very team that contacted Nomura and requested that they work together on a side-story of Kingdom Hearts, during the time when Kingdom Hearts 2 was being developed.  Nomura goes on to say, “The project was for the PSP from the start of planning.” 

As we all know, this game will feature a ‘multi-scenario’ system. Not many people seem to have understand what Nomura meant by this, so he explained it for us:

 “The game will have three scenarios, and you’ll be able to play from which ever one you like. You’ll even likely be able to stop mid way through and start a new scenario.” 

There isn’t a scenario more important than the other, apparently. So you can choose whichever you like. 

Bad news for gamers that didn’t enjoy the deck system on Chain of Memories – it is being brought back for this game; however, it will be an improved version. This is how it will work: Before battle commences, the player sets up a card deck which will feature the commands you wish your character to possess in their command menu.    

So that explains Terra’s unusually big list of commands we saw him with in Cinderella’s world.  

And finally, fans eager to hear more information about Kingdom Hearts 3, more hints about it have been made in this interview with Nomura. Explaining the connections the three handheld games have with the future of the Kingdom Hearts series, this is what Nomura replied: 
 

“They do have some connections to the future third entry in the series, though I can’t say specifically. But there was a message along those lines in the trailers. Something about these three titles being connected to a story that is to come. I believe you’ll be able to foresee things through these three games.” 

(Note: Credit to advo on LJ for giving me the basic Japanese-English translations, and I will add anything else she can give me from the interview when I get it)

The official North American Square-Enix site has been updated with information about the Japanese versions of the 3 upcoming games:

A New Chapter in the KINGDOM HEARTS Series Delivers Three Brand-new Titles to the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and Mobile Phones

Square Enix, Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and services, announced three new titles in the award-winning KINGDOM HEARTS series at the Tokyo Game Show 2007 held in Makuhari Messe. The new titles are KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days for the Nintendo DS™, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and KINGDOM HEARTS coded for mobile phones. These titles are currently only confirmed for release in Japan. Release in other territories will be determined at a later date.

KINGDOM HEARTS is a fresh and original series of role-playing games created by the collaboration of The Walt Disney Company’s game development affiliate, Disney Interactive Studios, and Square Enix. The first installment, released in 2002, has been followed up by two chart-topping sequels. The immense popularity of the series has earned worldwide shipments of over 11 million copies in only five and a half years.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. / h.a.n.d. Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

The untold story of another hero.
Organization XIII, Number 13, Roxas

In KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, you will explore a variety of Disney worlds in not only single-player mode, but also in multiplayer missions made possible by the unique networking features of the Nintendo DS.

-Twilight Town-
Roxas and Axel were watching the sunset from their usual spot on the station’s clock tower after a long day of collecting “hearts” from the Heartless, as ordered by their organization. When their daily work ended, they often spent their evenings there. They talked about the day’s work and other things over ice cream.

“Do you know why the sun looks red as it sinks below the horizon? It’s because among the countless colors comprising light, red travels the greatest distance.”

“You’re just trying to show off, Axel!”

It was idle chatter between two boys without hearts.
This is the untold story of Organization XIII’s Roxas.

Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)

Co-director: Tomohiro Hasegawa (FINAL FANTASY VIII, X, KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Producer: Patrick Chen (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: PSP
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

It was an awakening that would signal the beginning of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the tale of a new trio of heroes, told across three scenarios utilizing the groundbreaking technology of the PSP. Exciting new features will be introduced on top of the traditional controls, game system, and visual style of its predecessors.

The Keyblade is said to hold phenomenal power.
One legend says its wielder saved the world,
while another says that he wrought chaos and ruin upon it.
—from Ansem’s Report (KINGDOM HEARTS)

Long before Sora took up the Keyblade, there were other Keyblade masters. One of these masters, Xehanort, disappeared one day along with his apprentice. This event proved to be a foreshadowing of great disaster to come. Aware of the threat, another master ordered his three apprentices to seek out Xehanort and his cohort.

Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)

Co-director: Tai Yasue (KINGDOM HEARTS Re: Chain of Memories)

Producer: Patrick Chen (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Co-producer: Yoichi Yoshimoto (Musashi Series, KINGDOM HEARTS CHAIN OF MEMORIES)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

KINGDOM HEARTS coded
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Mobile Phones (devices/carriers TBD)
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

A Disney universe as vast as the mobile network awaits you.

In KINGDOM HEARTS coded, you will journey through a variety of Disney worlds on an exciting adventure brought to life by advanced mobile phone technology and gorgeous graphics never before seen on the platform. This marks the first collaboration between Square Enix and the Walt Disney Internet Group.

After the events of KINGDOM HEARTS, Jiminy Cricket returned to Disney Castle to organize his journal. While he arranged his records, his eyes fell upon a page with a mysterious message.

We must return to free them from their torment.

However, no matter how hard Jiminy tried to recall the source of the text, he couldn’t remember. So the King digitized the contents of the journal and started an investigation. Within the world traced from the contents of Jiminy’s Journal, a boy awoke on Destiny Island. It was the beginning of a new quest for a virtual Sora.

Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)

Co-director: Hajime Tabata (BEFORE CRISIS –FINAL FANTASY VII–, CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII-)

Producer: Kakuko Obinata (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Associate Producer: Kousei Itou (BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

*All of the above information applies only to the Japanese version of the games announced.