Hello readers, the latest edition of the Japanese magazine Degeki Wii + DS contains an extended interview with Kingdom Hearts Director Tetsuya Nomura. In it, Nomura discussed the three upcoming KH titles, a new website for fans, as well as some hints of what will be revealed at the Hearts Director Tetsuya Nomura! There is discussion on all three titles and hints of more to come from the Tokyo Game Show 2008.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS
The keywords of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days: “I can’t remember, something important.”

―― First let’s talk about KH 358/2 Days, it features the nobody Roxas as the main character?

Nomura: The KH series has consistently revolved around the theme of the “heart”, but now Roxas is the main character who joins up with Organization XIII who are said not to have hearts. Since the original KH, heart and memory are thought to be closely linked, therefore the theme drawn in this title is that of “memories”. So this time the catch copy of the title also becomes keywords: “I can’t remember, something important.”

―― Will the adventure of Roxas proceed the same as Sora did by traveling from world to world?

Nomura: It’ll be a little different. The main concern is the sticky situation with the worlds Sora has been since it can’t contradict with the story of KHII. This time the objective of the events happening in the Disney worlds is to influence Roxas, gradually producing some sort of change in him. For instance, in the Beauty and the Beast world, upon seeing the Beast and Belle, is Roxas able to recognize their love?

―― Will the content of such scenarios move the player to tears?

Nomura: I write the base scenarios for KH every time, but this time I think the surprising content is really being able to get a feel for their quiet everyday lives. (Smiles) Personally, I don’t want the contents to resemble that of previous developments. When I’m writing, I never think things like, “Oh, this’ll make the player cry.” That process is really up to the players, right?

―― Does the connection between the titles become a matter of concern?

Nomura: Naturally, there’s much to keep in mind. There are various parts to think about, like “this thing has to be connected with that kind of thing,” or fussing over things like the sea salt ice cream. (Smiles)

―― So we heard the lines spoken by the 14th member at the private event held in August.

Nomura: Really it was planned to reveal her voice in the scenes at the next event. (Smiles) It’s a curious thing, everyone is wondering which character her voice connects to. Already people are guessing she is the nobody of some character, but then who is Xion really? What becomes of her heart? This will be explored more at Tokyo Game Show this Fall, so please look forward to it.

―― Multi player mode is prepared for this title as well, what kind of concept were in mind?

Nomura: We wanted something simple that 4 players could communicate and enjoy together, but not be something that was just going to steal the game’s attention. The experience made in the main story can be utilized in multiplayer mode, likewise the experience made in multiplayer mode is useful in the main story, this system reflects them mutually.

―― Because the player can choose from the members of Organization XIII in multiplayer mode, it seems like an adjustment to balance them would be needed…

Nomura: Indeed. But growth among them will be a common element. In the multiplayer mode, the characters can be customized based on the progress made by Roxas in the main story. That growth is based on the parts of data being transfered, it’s a fairly bold thing to do.

―― Speaking of boldness, in the demo version, the player could operate the camera using the lower screen, that was also a bold idea.

Nomura: Moving the camera by directly moving one’s finger across the touch screen made sense, even for players who generally aren’t used to that sort of thing. It was also popular among staff, though it was their opinion that “it was difficult to operate with the stylus.” Therefore operating with the stylus is optional. (Smiles) Still, some people will resist touching the screen with their fingers. In the current version you could only survey left and right, I though that you wouldn’t need to look up or down, but the opinion of the staff was that “it’s inconvenient unless the player can look up.” Will there be room for improvement? (Smiles) The current demo is only one part of the game. At this time there are more cool things to do, so please look forward to it.

KINGDOM HEARTS MOBILE

Make an avatar in KH Mobile and it will become a resident of the world in the palm of you hand!

―― Kingdom Hearts Mobile starts on the mobile phone, what kind of service will it be?

Nomura: The portal site for KH Mobile will be crammed with KH related information and items. You’ll be able to look up information on the games of the KH series, mobile phone screensavers and ringtones will be available, the plan is to have this site contain everything related to KH so that it can easily be accessed on the mobile phone. But in order to keep it from being a dull general information site, users can create avatars. So when the user wants a new screensaver or ring tone, they take their avatar to the town shop and make a purchase (downloading it).

―― Will users be able to change their avatars after they’ve made one?

Nomura: As for that, they’ll be able to do it freely. (Smiles) Your avatar could have the face of Sora and body of Riku. With accessories and costumes, and customizing the face and hairstyle little by little, the users can create good variations. In order to do so they’ll have to go to the town shop and purchase these things (download them).

―― Other than the avatars, will site information and other buyable items be updated?

Nomura: It’s intended to be updated regularly. As the number of buyable items increase, hopefully event items for every season will become available.

―― Will contents of Kingdom Hearts Coded be available on KH Mobile?

Nomura: Well, KH Mobile will be the first out, so from it you’ll be able to choose to play KH Coded.

―― When does the service start?

Nomura: It’s announced for this Fall, but the portal site is earnestly being developed so that is ready in time for Tokyo Game Show. There isn’t a particular update yet, but it’ll be an fun place people will want to play at.

KINDGOM HEARTS CODED

The keywords of Kindom Hearts Coded: “A forbidden secret.”

―― KH Coded is the direct sequel of KHII, could you tells about it’s highlights?

Nomura: The content of KH Coded is similar to that of KH Chain of Memories (COM below). Even for players who aren’t aware of the previous story, everyone will be able to deepen their understanding
of the KH series. Therefore people who already fans of KH will really want to play this game by all means.

―― What kind of concrete development will it have?

Nomura: The story investigates the mystery message left inside Jiminy’s Journal, so like in COM the characters travel through the past. But like the case of COM, a new drama following KH unfolds, those intervals will enter as original episodes. In the case of KH Coded, they visit the same Traverse Town but something is different. Why is that? Examining those kind of parts close up becomes the content of this game.

―― A very deep story seems to unfold.

Nomura: It’s breadth is not so vast, but the inner part of the story becomes deep. At the private event last month the keywords “the forbidden secret” were compiled in the trailer, so generally speaking that becomes the image of this title.

―― In recent screenshots, depictions of arrows on the screen are shown, are these instructions for attacking?

Nomura: The arrows indicate the order of input for the direction keys. The system works by inputting the keys in order which results in a simple combo of attacks. Since it’s operations are suited to work on the mobile phone, it becomes similar to ordinary mobile phone operations.

―― Will KH Coded also be released via mobile delivery format?

Nomura: That’s right, but it won’t be released in it’s entirety. Because the KH series is based on moving through the worlds while advancing the story, I’m thinking that the new worlds for the title will be distributed gradually.

KINGDOM HEARTS BIRTH BY SLEEP

The keywords of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: “Connections of the heart.”

―― What kind of theme is drawn up in the story of KH Birth by Sleep (BBS below)?

Nomura: The theme seems to revolves between “connections of the heart” and “fate.” When it is played last, the player will understand that the KH story that take place afterwards is one “not of chance, but a story that becomes inevitable.” Unlike the tender atmosphere of the older games, this one is serious. Because it is a very sad story, people have asked “how do you manage it?” when involving Disney works. (Smiles) A painful story unfolds. Though KH “isn’t that kind of thing”, this time we’ll try to progress the story in that direction.

―― Terra, Ventus, and Aqua appear as the main three characters, but what kind of characters are each of them?

Nomura: Terra is the type who makes his goal’s his highest priority. But he’s not a bad fellow, though his stress on obtaining his goals causes conflict. The story of Ventus seems to feel closer to the ones of KH seen so far. He is able to make friends with the dwellers of the worlds he visits and is the type to blend into a world naturally. Aqua is a serious character, she has a steady mind and often worries about the other two. She is eyewitness to the recent events, therefore she takes that sort of a standpoint.

―― How does the story of these three advance?

Nomura: They advance by taking separate actions on the same time axis. For example, when Terra visits a certain world and the other two people have not been there yet. There by naturally the connection to the particular world changes too. Such story development will really be the charm of BBS.

―― As for the play order of each character, can the player decide?

Nomura: I assume that it’s being developed right now. Therefore depending on the order chosen by the player, if they have not played as Terra yet, and they choose Aqua and start visiting worlds with her, they’ll understand the actions of Terra early. (Smiles) That might not be what was expected or hoped for, but I think it will be a little interesting.

―― If all 3 characters come together in the ending, will the entire image of the story become clear?

Nomura: Indeed. For instance, the mysteries of Terra are revealed in Ventus’s story. Overall, it’ll have this type of composition.

―― Terra is power based, and the from the demo it’s obvious Ventus is based on combo + speed, but what type of character is Aqua?

Nomura: Aqua is special. As for the type, she is magic based, though it is considerably tricky. Fight while rotating like a spinning object, doing cartwheels, that sort of thing. (Smiles)

―― After grasping the feel of the game play, the combat system seems considerably based on powering up.

Nomura: Seems like it, with locking on to multiple enemies using the Shoot Lock System to attack and customizing the deck of skills. At the demo the deck of skills was already pre set, but in the actual game you’ll be able to edit it freely. At first BBS was expected to have a fighting system closest to the older games, but now it seems that KH 358/2 Days is and BBS’s system has evolved. The feeling is more like, “you can’t fight like Sora with this system,” therefore a real taste of managing the keyblade is shown.

―― Of the stories heard in these three titles, it seems BBS will probably be the last to release, are you thinking about future titles after these?

Nomura: Considering the nature the KH series, I do not intend to end it here. Even as BBS is being made, I am thinking about the future and how it connects. Thus, please continue to support the KH series.

Thanks to forum member Tidus-dude for the tip, and thanks to KH Insider for posting the interview. And a special thanks to Leno from Final Eclipse for taking the time to type up the interview, and to forum user RxS for making the images you see above.

September seems to be the Month Of Rumors right now. We’ve heard talk of KH: CoM being released on the Playstation 2, as well as Kingdom Hearts 3 being a Playstation 3 exclusive. However, we’re not done yet! PSX Extreme has posted a rumor about Kingdom Hearts: Coded being released on the PSP in 2009:

For now, Kingdom Hearts: Coded is only a mobile phone title (no, we have no idea why they continue to make those), but according to European game site PS3Life, the title is also coming to the PSP. Supposedly, they’re focusing on other more current titles in the hopper for now, which is why Square-Enix hasn’t revealed this as truth. Perhaps we’ll get the announcement at the Tokyo Game Show next month…. Of course, we would expect a more enhanced version on the PSP; owners won’t want the same thing mobile phone users played, right?

Since the Tokyo Game Show is just one month away, rumors are surfacing everywhere. While a mobile Kingdom Hearts game seems a far-fetched idea, it is also a bold move, releasing a popular title on a mobile phone. However, if KH: Coded is released on the PSP, will that hurt sales for mobile phones?

Make sure you stay updated and watch for our coverage of the Kingdom Hearts Titles being announced at the TGS next month.

Source: PSX Extreme

The Tokyo Game Show is just around the corner folks!!! It will be open to the press only October 9-10 and open to the public October 11-12. Click here for more information.
Square Enix has added a site of their own. Of course, the three newest installments to the Kingdom Hearts franchise have been listed. Square has also posted some information regarding each game:

• Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

“I can’t remember, something important.”

This latest title focuses on Roxas during his time in Organization XIII. Travel from world to world on missions in single player mode along with other characters, but the multi player mode is it’s greatest feature!

• Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep

This story of awakening marks the beginning of the amazing story of Kingdom Hearts.

In the series, this title involves the past. Three new characters each with their own characteristic battle systems, it’s three scenarios you can’t miss!

• Kingdom Hearts Coded

“A forbidden secret.”

In pursuit of the mysterious sentence written inside Jiminy’s Journal, Sora returns as the main character! Will the truth be explained in this innovative title? Kingdom Hearts Mobile is also planned to open this fall!

Kingdom Hearts III is not on the list, unfortunately, although feel free to cross your fingers and hope.

EDIT 2 Translations from TGS Website added

EDIT-

Hey guys, Kota here!
Now, currently we’re looking for Japanese translators.

The skills you must have with the Japanese language are;

Symbols, wording, and voicing.

As for communication tools you should have;

Windows Live Messenger

Basically I, myself or another content writer will give you a piece to translate and you present it back to us in a reasonable time period. I’ll go over the rest of the details and rewards in a private conversation.

You can either contact me over the forums (My username is Kaito) or email me at: laflin_blue@hotmail.com

That’s all for now, be safe!

Image made by forum user RxS

Hey guys, been awhile eh? Haha, sorry for the wait. I’ll make an attempt to keeping up with news. I’m a freshman in highschool so, no promises. Anyway, I looked over at KhI and found a pretty interesting translation it’s listed below but, before that I’d like to ask everyone to register at the forums. Kaito referred you. ;].

CODED INTERVIEW
–About the line, “their torment has been lessened”; whenever a mission is completed, does that wound heal?
Tabata: It’s not as simple as that.

Nomura: When you advance to the next stage, a movie event is shown. I think the beginning of the latest trailer reflected it, the lines “A forbidden secret――” are connected to it. Though it is on the mobile phone, it’s not to be taken lightly. The contents of it’s story draw near to the conviction of the series.

–Are it’s contents connected to the future of the Kingdom Hearts series?

Nomura: That’s right. It’s in a position similar to how Chain of Memories was. I think if you can play it, you’ll recognize it draws upon the mysteries of the entire series.

–What kind of story will it become?

Nomura: “Their torment has been lessened” is the foundation of the story, and the “forbidden secret” is connected to it.

–Being made from the data of Jiminy’s Journal, will it relive the first Kingdom Hearts?

Nomura: Even though it advances according to the story of Kingdom Hearts, the stages are different and each one slowly approaches the “forbidden secret”. Why did someone leave a message in the Jiminy Journal? The story will solve this mystery.

–Is there a connection to 358/2 Days and Birth by Sleep?

Nomura: Yes, they link in various ways.

–The arrow commands were revealed publicly, it seems the game could be played with only one hand?
Tabata: Now one can enjoy Kingdom Hearts quality gaming with the input buttons of their mobile phone, this will lead to other elements.

Nomura: Since the contents of mobile phone software has become outstanding, please anticipate this game.

358/2 DAYS INTERVIEW
–This time the trailer revealed the name and voice of the 14th member!

Nomura: The timing of revealing her voice to the public was a mistake. (Smiles) In fact, it was not intended to be released. It’s because her voice becomes a hint.

–Riku has officially seen the face of Xion, did he recognize it?

Nomura: Seems so, doesn’t it? Roxas is the hero this time, Sora doesn’t have any active involvement with the Disney characters. But for example, look at Belle and the Beast, they’re interested in discovering what love is; the players will learn about the character’s hearts. Roxas learns various things from the Disney characters and before long he becomes doubtful of the Organization.

–Axel yells at Xion, “I’ll bring you back no matter how many times it takes”, but why does the word “you” refer to multiple people?

Nomura: That’s still a secret as well. But Axel’s determination here of “bring you back no matter how many times it takes” is connected to when he said he would bring Roxas back in Kingdom Hearts II.

–The keyword “memory” also appears, but what in regards to this?

Nomura: The catch copy* of this game is “I can’t remember, something important”. Though in the original Kingdom Hearts the concept was to “illustrate the heart”. In regards to the relationship between one’s heart and one’s memory, it is intimate. In this game the main characters are nobodies who don’t have hearts, therefore the theme of memories is featured.
*A ‘catch copy’ is in copywriting, large text that appears in ads or brochures to catch the reader’s attention.

BIRTH BY SLEEP INTERVIEW
–In the recent trailer, their are lines alluding to Master Xehanort aiming for those with hearts of pure light. Is Master Xehanort’s goal also to take over the world?

Nomura: It certainly indicates what he’s interested in, but that’s the first of Master Xehanort’s intentions.

–The story follows the viewpoints of the three characters individually, but what happens when the three characters interact together?

Nomura: The three characters will start out together, and then afterwards each of their stories will begin respectively. Within the story, the main characters may encounter one another. The three share the main goal of chasing after Master Xehanort who has disappeared, though each character’s exact goal is subtly different.

–As for original masters, they who teach the methods of wielding the keyblade to their pupils, do they exist?

Nomura: Not just that, but also the role of keyblade users, since the thoughts of each master differs, it’s their spirit being taught. The reason why a master must train others to use the keyblade is explained in this game.

–The voice of Snow White is very quiet.

Nomura: Actually, we choice a voice that matched the old version of “Snow White” that was released in Japan (1950), so it’s the original one, so to speak.

About the Birth by Sleep Battle System
–The changes to the style of battling are an interesting idea.

Nomura: Some players might have wanted a change in strategy. Initially, the player was free to rearrange the commands, as proposed by the team in Osaka, now such a form has been expanded upon. They said, “We want a system different than the form changes of Kingdom Hearts II”.

–How about the Shoot Lock System?

Nomura: I asked, “is it difficult to implement?” when the system was being worked on, it was also written into the first planning stages. But for Birth by Sleep, there is still a lot hidden within the system.

–What of the enemies called “unbirths”?

Nomura: There is meaning in various ways, adding “un” creates the opposite meaning of “birth” thus the “unbirth”. With this, the “unborn” is given real meaning. Unbirths designate the feeling of this game’s motif. The kind of existence they have will be revealed soon.

–During a battle, there are various circumstances indicating commands.

Nomura: It’s the developed system of the ‘reaction command’. At first, the Birth by Sleep system was designed to be closer to the original series, but it has evolved a lot. Because it is considerably high speed, the first time players may be a bit surprised.

–Even the boss battles have been elaborated compared to the previous ones.

Nomura: The Osaka team has a lot of affection for the enemies. It was handed over to the staff and they were asked to please try it out. They were watched over as they played it. When the player had to be more offensive, they said things like, “It’s different! I really can be more of a kid!!” or “Ah, it’s strange…” (Smiles)

–Their affection is contagious. (Smiles)

Nomura: Anyways, I think that the testing of various things for the battle system is being finished.

Disscussion | Comment

Thanks to KhInsider for the info!

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