Sorry for the late update. I’m rather broken at the moment.

First off, Kingdom Hearts Insider translated an interview with Tetsuya Nomura in the Re:Riplai book.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep

Q. Why does Maleficent know about “Kingdom Hearts”?
A. She is influenced by contact with a certain person. It’s a main part of the story to look forward to.

Q. Sora and company appear too!?
A. Though he is unrelated directly, please wait to see how the story leads to where Sora and company follow it up.

Q. The person wearing the full-faced helmet, have they appeared in the previous games?
A. Have they appeared… Have they not appeared… I can’t yet reveal their true character.

KINGDOM HEARTS coded

Q. It’s a matter of concern whether or not it’ll be released on a platform other than the mobile phone.
A. There are no plans to release it off the mobile at this stage. Since I want to continue introducing this specialized system on the mobile phones more in the future, I think that’s something to consider after the distribution of this title is finished.

Q. It look like it’d be fun even if you haven’t played Kingdom Hearts…
A. With this game as a start, people will become interested in the other Kingdom Hearts games.

Q. Isn’t it difficult to play an action game on the mobile phone?
A. It’s been tuned to be played by a simpler input method compared to the that of the normal Kingdom Hearts games. Additionally, this game comes preinstalled on the P-01A mobile phone, which can connect to a television with the appropriate cable, so it can be enjoyed on the big screen as well.

Q. Like with Before Crisis FFVII, can you communicate and play with other people?
A. This is different from BC, there are plans to play by an interesting communication.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days

Q. I’ve never played a Kingdom Hearts game before, so it’d be best to start from the first game?
A. This time it’s a new main character in a new story. If you’re not familiar with Kingdom Hearts, I think you can enjoy it from this main character’s point of view. Additionally, it’s full of content fans of the series will enjoy.

Q. I was interested in the system introduced in the demos.
A. I regret I can’t reveal all the details of it yet. Please expect more information to be revealed about it in the future.

Q. What kind of mode is multiplayer?
A. The multipart is basically pulled out of standalone gameplay and become missions on a higher degree of difficulty. Even playing on your own, you could choose whatever character you wanted and play.

Q. When playing as the various characters, do you gain experience points?
A. It’s not the sort of system where what you do in one play mode only influences that mode, but it’s the sort which shares levels and items mutually.

Q. Since it covers only a year of Roxas’s time, I worry that the volume of the single player mode will be small.
A. Most of the time the plot is taking place between the previous games. Since this story is independent and is elaborating from the time of Kingdom Hearts II, I think that after clearing all the missions you won’t feel that the contents were short lived.

New screenshots were featured in the march issue of VJump and were translated by bittermeat at KHI.

Also, Famitsu added some new screens. Roxas has a new keyblade! The Wind Maker!

Also, make sure you subscribe to our twitter RSS feeds so that you can be instantly notified when new news has been posted!

The first of the three newest installments to to Kingdom Hearts series is now available…in Japan, at least.

Thanks to Akira-san at The Light In Chaos for this first-hand report and thanks to KH Insider for the translation

I’ve begun to play Coded, even though there are only 2 features to check out right now. I didn’t have a lot of time today, so I only played the Olympus Coliseum feature. Oh and by the way, the phone contained an email decorated with a Kingdom Hearts Mobile motif which contained information about the Coded preinstallation. I am looking forward to Mobile very much!

OLYMPUS COLISEUM

Sora meets with Hercules and Phil. At first there is no one around, but then after wandering a bit, Phil appears. However he shows up in a hurried tone saying, “Help me out!” As you’d expect, there are Heartless needing to be dealt with.

This time it seems like the battles are consecutive mixed with a tutorial on how to play the game. (Though I didn’t see where they explained how to use Jump.) Feels like the Heartless steadily increased in a pattern like this as you defeat them: 1>3>5>(for a moment it went back to 1)>8>100… I forgot to mention here that the 9 key or pressing a directional button twice does Dodge Roll and the 6 key does Guard.

By the way, when it returned to 1, I was fighting against a Large Body, therefore attacking it from the front was useless. Since there are no Magic attacks, I had to attack it from the back. Also, since the Large Body summoned the bug blocks, breaking them and avoiding attacks was necessary in order to not be hindered by them. At first a few would appear at the same time, making it so you had to Jump more often to move about.

When enemies are defeated, they drop debug prizes which are rarely HP balls, and when you break the bug blocks, HP balls are dropped. 100 points were earned after battling and then there was an ending event scene.

At first I forgot what buttons to press, so I only could Guard. (I’m a fool ;^;) So I started it once again from the beginning and it was easier to clear after that. As usual, the Large Body still repel attacks, lol.

The sound quality wasn’t the best, but for the time being it looks better than Chain of Memories on the Gameboy Advance. By the way, there were battle voices. Sora said things like “Ha!” and “Take that!” during the battles, and then things like “Ugh!” and “Ahh!” when he took damage.

But, sometimes the movement became slow and would stop suddenly, which worries me. ;^; Oh the capacity… I feel there is no hope for it.

Overall it took about 20 minutes to do. (And then afterward write this guide.) I think I’ll practice here until I am used to it.

After the battle in the event scene Hercules comes out, then at that time Sora says something about bringing a “certain thing.” (It has to do with the previous Kingdom Hearts.) I try looking for it, thinking “Is it that? It’s not that! Was it dropped?!”

Well, then after that Phil seems to have discovered it… Seems to be that the flavor is “salty, but sweet.” It’s other meaning makes me smile. …Then at once Hercules disappeared! In every sense!

Since the Traverse Town feature is there too, I think I’ll give it a try tomorrow.

The Official Kingdom Hearts Coded website from Square Enix Japan was updated today. The site features which phone models it is compatible with and information on it’s preinstalled state. Keep in mind this is for the Japanese release only, as soon as there is news about a North American release, we will let you know.

Translation from KH Insider below

PHONE COMPATIBILITY – PAGE 1

NTT docomo PRIME series “P-01A” phones releasing after November 2008 will come with it preinstalled.

ABOUT THE PREINSTALL – PAGE 2

The preinstalled version contains the feature “Olympus Coliseum –Side Episode-“. By upgrading it, the various functions of this feature can be newly enjoyed. The other feature, “Traverse Town –Special Edit Version-“, contains a collection of particular cutscenes from the Kingdom Hearts series.

Additionally, the high spec computer functions have been utilized and the action elements, cutscenes, and other attributes unique to Kingdom Hearts return. Be the first to receive and enjoy this distributed title!

The episodes of Kingdom Hearts Coded as well as the main content of Kingdom Hearts Mobile will be distributed through the Kingdom Hearts series mobile phone portal site once it is opened. The plan is to begin distributing these titles next spring.

Famitsu Screens

It has been an exciting Show for the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Let’s recap and go over what was revealed this year!

First up,

Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days

We know that Square-Enix announced that Days will be released in Japan next year in February. In the new trailer, Xion’s face is shown completely; her hair is black and similar to Kairi’s, except for she parts it on the opposite site. Also in the trailer, Roxas, Axel, and Xion are seen on Destiny Islands that -according to reportors- resemble scenes between Sora, Kair, and Riku; Xion is revealed to be a Nobody with a “special birth”.
In the demo, according to a blogger, each Organization member is shown, but only six were available for game play. Does that mean that one needs to unlock the other members?

Here’s a trailer description by FF&KH Online and The Light In Chaos

358/2 Days Trailer Report From The Light in Chaos and FF&KH Online

Background Music: The Other Promise, drammatica version.

Twilight Town, the white room.
Xion has come to see Namine.
Namine: “I wanted to meet you, Xion.”

Xion removes her hood, completely revealing her face.

Destiny Islands, along the shore.
Roxas picks up a seashell.

Twilight Town, on the clock tower.
Roxas: “It is the 255th day since I entered the Organization.
Axel: “You’ve memorized the number of days?”
Roxas: “I want to remember that I was born.”

Twilight Town, in the forest on the edge of town.
Riku in the form of Ansem meets with the King.
For a moment he raises his keyblade in defense, he recognizes Riku.
When a blindfold is tied around his eyes, Riku’s figure returns.
His expression appears surprised.

Twilight Town, in the pod room.
Diz: “If he is lacking a few memories, will he have a problem waking?”
Namine: “In his case, it is an important key if he’s going to wake up.”
Diz: “Namine, what do you foresee?”
Namine: “If it’s connected to another memory, surely she can’t endure it.”
Diz: “She…?”

Destiny Islands, along the shore, near the paopu tree.
Roxas, Axel, and Xion talk while watching the sunset.

Xion: “Do I not exist?”
Axel: “What do you want to do, Xion?”
Xion: “I… I want to be together with two people.”
Roxas: “Well, then you should come back.”
Xion: “But I can’t return as it is now.”
Xion: “… How is it possible for two people to be the same?”

The World That Never Was, in the castle.
Saix orders something to Axel.

Saix: “Your worthless friendship or the extinction of Roxas.”
Saix: “Which is more important to you?”

Axel looks ticked off.

Destiny Islands, at the shore?
Blindfolded Riku and Xion are talking.
Xion: “Will you tell me about it? About Sora and the girl he’s always together with.”
Riku: “You mean Kairi?”
Xion: “Kairi… The girl looks like me.”
Riku: “She’s the girl Sora cares a lot for.”

Xion’s face looks flustered.

Xion: “I’m sorry… But… I can’t disappear now.”
Xion: “It’s because I have an important friend.”
Riku: “Is that so…?”

Riku places a hand upon her shoulder.

Riku: “In that case, think about it. You should really return to your original self.”

Footage of gameplay is shown.
With Xigbar in Halloween Town.
With Xaldin in Twilight Town.
With Saix in Olympus Coliseum.
Multiplayer footage was shown as well.

Twilight Town, tram plaza.
Roxas and Xion are shown engaged in a fight.

Roxas: “I’ve been searching this whole time with Axel――”

Xion, in silence and with a severe face, points the Kingdom Key toward Roxas.

Twilight Town, in front of the mansion.
Xion is in an argument with Axel, Roxas is to the side.

Xion: “Don’t go easy on me, Axel.”
Axel: “You’ve gotta be kidding! Don’t screw with me.”

Appearing in his hands are his chakrams covered in fire.

Axel: “I’ve decided. No matter how many times you escape, I will bring you back.”
Xion: “…”

Twilight Town, the pod room.
DiZ, Namine, and Riku stare at the pod Sora sleeps in.
Have the reproduction of Sora’s memories stopped…?

DiZ: “Has it stopped completely?”
Namine: “Yes.”
DiZ: “We have no time to lose.”

Destiny Islands, the shore.
Xion is lying down, worrying.

Xion: “Who am I?”

Releasing February 2009.

358/2 Days Demo Impressions From The Light in Chaos

Multiplayer mode
Playing as Marluxia.

He had the greatest HP and offensive abilities, a high critical attack percentage, but his movement is slower, especially in large areas. The stats can be read on the upper screen, while the selection is made on the lower one. I wonder if his fault is that his attack range is too wide and he hits the other players?

Because the levels were the same as last time, the contents of the demo felt slightly more polished. I attacked too aggressively and they were slightly sluggish, so I wasn’t able to use potions quick enough and suffered damage as a result. But as the offensive strength indicated, his attacks caused a large amount of damage.

358/2 Days Demo Impressions From The Light in Chaos

Singleplayer mode
Place: Halloween Town
Boss: Dual Blade

At first you start as Roxas and you must find Xigbar. You encounter him in the main plaza area of the level. There is an indication of where to approach on the map. If you go from the bottom of the stairs, toward the area around the coffin, you’ll find Xigbar. After that, Xigbar joins Roxas in the single player mode.

The next encounter is in front of the bridge leading to Oogie Boogie’s home. There is are big snow crystals inside ice cubes scattered about. You have to watch out because they are powerful and have a large attack range. After defeating them, the Dual Blade boss appears. It has powerful attacks, causing you to freeze if you’re hit, so avoid them and attack when it’s guard is down. The demo ended after defeating it.

Seems this time instead of being supported by Axel or Xaldin, the role is reversed and Roxas is supporting Xigbar. Well, at least Roxas wasn’t a “drag” again.

Next up,

Kingdom Hearts: Coded

KH: Coded had a playable demo, which was not expected, and according to reports, it possesses a nostalgic feeling similar to the first Kingdom Hearts. The demo had two playable puzzles.

Coded Trailer Impression from FF&KH Online and The Light in Chaos

Background Music: Destati, drammatica version.

“A forbidden secret――”

Traverse Town
The King holds out a hand to Sora coming out of the back alley.
King Mickey: “Sora, your journey began here.”
King Mickey: “What you don’t know is, that I was here on that day too.”
King Mickey: “I’m going to tell you the truth.”

Destiny Islands, the secret place.
A person wearing the coat of a Organization XIII member appears before Sora’s eyes.

Organization member: “This world is damaged.”
Organization member: “You’ll have to go if you want to heal it’s wounds.”

Battle screens are shown.

Traverse Town.
Sora receives something glittery (probably data) from the person in the Organization coat.

Traverse Town, first district.
The person in the coat stands in front of some stairs.
Bugs spread from under their feet, appearing as black and red blocks.
Sora confronts the person in the coat

Sora: “It’s you causing this catastrophe!?”

Disney Castle, the study/libary room.
The person in the Organization XIII coat appears in front of the King, Jiminy Cricket, Goofy, and Donald.
Again, the bugs spread from underneath their feet.

Kingdom Hearts: Mobile

Famitsu Interview with Nomura (KH Mobile)

──Seems like the start of the Mobile site service is quickly approaching.

Nomura: Indeed. It’s being gone over daily to make sure there are no bugs in it. The avatars are even more interesting than you could imagine. In the promotional video, if Sora is Sora, and Riku is Riku, they could rearrange their appearances so one avatar has the head of Sora and the body of Riku, and vice versa. Actually, every part will be able to be customized freely. The impression in the trailer we wanted to display is that te feature is packed with a wide variety of contents.

──Do you have your own avatar?

Nomura: Would you like to see it?

──Of course!

──It’s cute with a devilish nature. (Laughs) So can you play with it?

Nomura: I made a new type of heartless. (Laughs) There is a demo with playable mini games in the mobile corner, please stop by there if you get the chance.

Someone graciously recorded part of the Coded trailer

And last, but definitely not least,

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

The release for BBS is still planed for 2009 in Japan. The trailer shown at the TGS did not change much from the one shown at DΣS3713, as well as the playable demo. However, these scenes were added to the trailer:

Background Music: Fate of the Unknown

Castle of Dreams.
Aqua glances Cinderella running to her carriage, and runs after her.
Cinderella drops one of her glass slippers.

In the world of Snow White.
Aqua looks into a mirror and the figure of the evil witch is projected.
Aqua jumps for a moment and steps back, then plunges into the mirror.

Aqua’s battle scene.
Her fighting style seems like floating.
She does not hold the keyblade, the keyblade attacks as if it knows her intentions.
Sort of like Final Form from Kingdom Hearts II.
Her mode changed to something pink, but the name of it is unknown.

Trailers of game play can be found here and here.

Famitsu Interview with Nomura

──If 358/2 Days was emphasizing Xion, then was Birth by Sleep emphasizing Aqua?

Nomura: Aqua’s battle scenes were exhibited for the first time to the public, her movement is fast and easy to overlook. So that you don’t lose sight of her, concentrate and try to keep your eyes on her. Frankly speaking, since its hard to see clearly, she is teleporting in the battle scenes. Because the teleportation occurs instantaneously, it’s hard to catch sight of. (Laughs)

It was an exciting Tokyo Game Show this year. But before you go, here’s an artist’s rendition of what Xion will look like:

Make sure you join our Forums to discuss everything that happened with other members.

Square seems to be doing some last minute updates to the websites for the three upcoming Kingdom Hearts titles. The Kingdom Hearts: Coded and Kingdom Hearts: Mobile sites have been updated.

Kingdom Hearts: Coded official website
Kingdom Hearts: Mobile official web site

UPDATE: Translations by KH Insider
For those of you anticipating this game, please note that game play will be distributed as episodes through the Mobile Portal Site, which is a Japan only feature at this point. This fact makes the likelihood of Coded being released overseas very slim indeed, but that may change if Square decides to announce an overseas release at the Tokyo Game Show.

KINGDOM HEARTS CODED OFFICIAL SITE

STORY

There were 2 notebooks left recording their trips.
The first should have recorded a journey twice,
But instead there remained one line…

“Thank Namine.”

No, this line… For it to be recorded,
This duty must have been carried out…

＊

Jiminy has returned to Disney Castle
While sorting through the travel records, his eyes stopped upon a single page
A mysterious message was written there

(Page 1)

“We must return to free them from their torment.”

However, no matter how he tried,
He could not remember the meaning of it.
Therefore he went to the King to discuss it.

(Page 2)

“Trouble remembering that sentence…

“There is only one person who is qualified to solve this mystery!”

(Page 3)

rws

So the King turns Jiminy’s Journal into data,
and the investigation begins

In the world traced by Jiminy’s Journal A sleepy boy wakes up on Destiny Islands

This is how Sora’s adventure into a digital world begins…

(Page 4)

CHARACTERS

SORA

In order to solve the mysterious message left in Jiminy’s Journal, Sora is the main character active in the data world. He is even transformed into data himself.

INFORMATION

Title Name – Kingdom Hearts coded
Platform – NTT docomo FOMA, Model TBA
Genre – RPG
Release Date & Price - TBA
CERO Examination – Examination Scheduled
Copyright – ©Disney. Developed by SQUARE ENIX

KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE PORTAL SITE
The smallest Kingdom Hearts.

A gathering of everything Kingdom Hearts

In a few days the mobile portal site will open.

In the “Avatar Kingdom”, one can obtain avatar items,

Enjoy coordinating them in your own unique way!

Among the town shops, of course there are item shops for avatars.

Enjoy your free time at the game shop, invite your friends,

You can even participate in special events, it’s fully loaded with fun things!

Obtain expecting mail and decorated mail features from the art gallery

And ringtones from the melody shop are being prepared!

Also, the distribution of Kingdom Hearts Coded is planned from here!

Product Summary
Name – Kingdom Hearts Mobile (Portal Site)
Supporting Models – NTT docomo FOMA 703i, 903i Planned for this model and everyone after. （Some non-compatible models available.）
Opening Day – This Fall
Price TBA
Copyright – ©Disney. Developed by SQUARE ENIX ©SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to forum user Twilight_Riku for the tip