With so little Kingdom Hearts News around and plenty of people wanting to get their hands on a Keyblade, I decided I should show you where to do so. Unfortunately, this only applies to people in the US (which means I can’t get any of this so I don’t know the true quality).

Although there are real swords on the market at very expensive prices, there are some very reasonably priced replicas of Keyblades around, and Amazon.com currently has them on sale cheaper than anywhere else, including their supplier “Top Swords”:

Sora’s Keyblade (14lb) Price: $25.49 All Metal Construction Hanging Chain Included 35” Overall Length Shipping Weight: 14lb

Sora’s Keyblade (12lb) Price: $24.49 Unknown Material Unknown Overall Length Shipping Weight: 12lb

As for other Kingdom Hearts Merchandise, there’s a site that has imported items from the Official Square-Enix Store, including some of the items that were available at the Square-Enix Party 2007, and has them available at reasonable US prices:

GKWorld

A translation of an anonymous description of the surprise “New Project” trailer seen at the Square-Enix Party 2007 has come up. The Italicised parts are words that came up on screen in Japanese.

Update: Some of you may know of the “Soulless” theory. This theory is basically that when a Nobody is destroyed, its soul is released to form a new being, which had been known as a Soulless. The reason behind the name was that Heartless have hearts and Nobodies have bodies. The reason this is relevant is because someone in a 2ch Japanese blog has apparently seen the word “Dis-Soul” nearer the end of the “New Project” trailer, which may or may not be a new type of creature, previously thought to be a Soulless. This is NOT confirmation in any way though.

If you missed them, the previous descriptions of this trailer were:

GameWatch: “The Movie had a scene of facing an eruption of smoke that becomes the heart shape logo that symbolizes the series. A short notification that the Movie was ending was with a scene of Sora and his two companions seen walking. The information “A new project was to be announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2007” was announced at the end of the Movie.”

Famitsu: “In addition, the new information on the surprise continues. The image of a new project of “Kingdom Hearts” was thrown onto the screen. The scene where the armored soldier who fights in the arena of warfare in 3-D graphics, which felt beautiful. Then the words appeared in English, “New information was scheduled to be announced in Tokyo Game Show 2007” was displayed at the end, although, it was a short image.”

Although I haven’t been able to find the video on GameSpot itself, a YouTube user has posted a GameSpot video about the Square Enix Shop at the Square Enix Party 2007, including the many Kingdom Hearts figures:

Gamespot have now reported on the Square Enix Party 2007, and you can see their videos below. Although nothing on Kingdom Hearts itself, see if you can spot the Kingdom Hearts reference…

Although there are also a few more videos around now, I was somewhat intrigued to see how long the line to get in on the Saturday was:

TheWertle has struck again! This time with an excellent interview with Tetsuya Nomura from Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ Ultimania called “Scenario Mysteries”, in which he confirms the Enigmatic Soldier’s name as Terra!

In Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+, many mysteries are answered but many new mysteries are also born.

In this version, things relating to additional scenes are included, but during the story there are some questions that pop up, so we’ll see if Nomura can point us in the right direction.

Question: In the original Kingdom Hearts, the King searches for a Keyblade in the Realm of Darkness, but when he meets Ansem the Wise, is the Realm of Light Keyblade he has the one that Sora is currently using?

Nomura: No. The King has the ability to use Keyblades from both the Realms of Darkness and of Light. This is an important point - There isn’t just one Keyblade from each world, but just as many as there are people with qualified hearts.

Question: During the meetings, the members of Organization XIII are sitting in chairs. Is the height of these chairs determined by things like their skills and abilities?

Nomura: No. The height of the chairs is not fixated - They move. That is to say that the height is up to each person. The leader, Xemnas, is always the highest, and to be at the same height as him would give that member a pretty bad feeling, so the other members wouldn’t do that. *Laughs*

Question: At the end of Sora and Riku’s stories in Re: Chain of Memories, Roxas looks back while Hayner and the rest are walking and eating ice-cream, and without seeming to care, Hayner and the others continue walking. Is this because they can’t see Roxas?

Nomura: Well it’s just because they don’t know Roxas that they don’t notice him, not because they can’t see him. At that time, right after Xemnas explains Roxas’ name, Axel says to leave things to him. Then, Roxas seems jealous of how Hayner and the others are enjoying themselves while eating ice-cream, and Axel interprets this as him wanting some ice-cream, so he is obliged to go buy him some.

Question: In the real Twilight Town, didn’t Roxas cross paths with Hayner and the others and make aquaintances with them?

Nomura: I suppose. You can think whatever you want about that.

Question: What triggered Roxas’ separation from the Organization?

Nomura: As he kept having recurring dreams of Sora, someone he didn’t know, he felt he needed to leave the Organization to find out who these people he didn’t know were. As Axel didn’t want him to go, he didn’t tell Sora about Roxas in Castle Oblivion, did he?

Question: In Riku’s ending in Re: Chain of Memories, could you tell us the meaning of the scene where the King and Riku are walking together and Riku suddenly plops down.

Nomura: That’s because Riku realized he couldn’t completely get rid of the Darkness inside of him. The King mentioned in Kingdom Hearts II that as Riku held Xehanort’s Heartless in his heart, he disappeared from the King’s sight. It’s a sort of foreshadowing. In this scene, the King’s face looks worried for a moment because he felt that Riku might eventually no longer be there. Riku headed towards DiZ in order to restore Sora’s memories to normal, but in the end, his departure from the King was so that he wouldn’t show his preparations to use the Darkness.

Question: Could you tell us at what point Riku covered his eyes?

Nomura: When he departed from the King. You don’t know after the scene, but in Riku’s ending in Re: Chain of Memories, when he comes to wherever DiZ is, he’s already covered his eyes.

Question: Please confirm some things about Castle Oblivion. In the additional event “The Truth about the Chamber of Sleep”, you can gather from Xigbar and Zexion’s conversation that Castle Oblivion existed in the Inbetween Realm before the birth of the Organization. The Organization then found it and used it for experiments about memories and to look for the Chamber of Awakening, right?

Nomura: Yes. Since their conversation was about Marluxia’s entry, they discovered the Castle before that. In fact, its use, according to Secret Ansem Report 7, was for only 13 Organization Members. Naminé awoke in Castle Oblivion, but as she and Roxas were born at the same time, half of the Organization moved to the Castle.

Question: In the additional event “To Put an End to Everything”, Sora says “It should have been easy to say thanks to Naminé, but I couldn’t say it”. At this point in time, does Sora remember the things that happened with Naminé?

Nomura: If he remembers, it’s because Naminé’s existence was made possible by Sora, and when Naminé and Roxas return to Kairi and Sora, many things were connected. Since Sora never got to say thanks to Naminé, please think of that as a hint.

Question: In the additional event “Farewell to a Friend”, there’s a scene where Axel tells Roxas “You really do have a heart, don’t you”. What is the actual case here?

Nomura: In this scene, it ends bringing up more mysteries about Roxas, so for the answer, maybe take care to follow your hunches well. It’s also related to Xehanort’s memories, but I can’t give any specifics now.

Question: We’d like to inquire about the new secret movie “Birth By Sleep”. In the new event “The Truth about the Chamber of Sleep”, Xigbar mentions a “group that wields Keyblades”. Is he talking about the 3 armored people in the movie?

Nomura: Yes, Xigbar witnessed them when he was a disciple to Ansem the Wise.

Question: The Lingering Sentiment (Enigmatic Soldier) is the same as the armored youth in the movie, but when he fights Sora he mentions “Aqua” and “Ven”. Are those the names of the other 2?

Nomura: Yes, the blue haired girl is Aqua.

Question: What is the armored youth’s name?

Nomura: His name appeared once in code in the 2006 Tokyo Game Show Promotional Video. Also, Ven is actually a nickname, but his real name is a little bit longer. Sora, Riku, and Kairi’s names can be seen as “Sky, Land, and Sea” respectively. The 3 armored people’s names take the shape of different properties of the world, “Water, Wind, and Earth”.

Statement: Ven looks an awful lot like Roxas…

Nomura: I can’t give any specifics about that. He may just resemble him, and if there is a connection, Sora may be related too. What I can say right now is that these mysteries are all connected to the story.

Question: In the beginning, the armored youth’s eyes are blue, but at the end they change to gold. Is this revealing a change in him?

Nomura: I can’t give specifics about this either… I think everyone’s imaginations are pretty capable so please try and anticipate a lot of things.

Translated by TheWertle. I edited and corrected spelling and grammar.

• In the photo below, it shows a screenshot of the code that flowed across the screen for a moment during the Promotional Video at the Tokyo Game Show 2006. It has been decoded as:

“Master Xehanort’s Avenger, his name is Terra.”

“Not yet awakened, he is connected to those two.”

Terra
Click to enlarge

YouTube member mirafi recorded many videos of the Square Enix Party 2007. Although none are Kingdom Hearts related, I thought you guys may be interested to see some of them. The first two are of the screens outside the Closed Mega Theatre, and then there’s one of a walk around the building:

Also, the official Square-Enix Party 2007 site has been updated with photos of the two days:

Well, the second day of the Square-Enix Party this year was based mostly around Dragon Quest, and therefore no new Kingdom Hearts news has arisen. Famitsu believes that the surprise and “New Project” were something to do with the short trailer seen at the party yesterday, which means we can look forward to the Tokyo Game Show 2007 (at Chiba City near Tokyo in Japan, 20th-23rd September) for more Kingdom Hearts related news!

Japanese Yahoo Blog member gemaga1985 has put a lot of different information about the various projects and exhibitions announced and seen at the Square-Enix Party. The pictures above show the queues at 11am, in which he had to wait 100 minutes to get in, and then how packed it was when he got inside. He found out from different people that the waiting times for some of the events were up to 3 hours! Feel free to look at the gemaga1985 blog for more screenshots of the day, and of some of the announced projects including the many Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy related ones.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a picture of Yoko Shimomura on the Saturday yet, but she was there signing CDs and shaking hands. I haven’t been able to find a video of the short Kingdom Hearts trailer either, but it probably won’t be shown to the public for a few months officially.

Below are the final visitor numbers for the two days announced by Famitsu. 38,632 people turned up on Saturday and 36,602 people turned up on Sunday giving a total of 75,234 people over the course of the weekend - A great improvement on the 46,981 people who attended the 2005 Party.

Big news! At the Square-Enix Party 2007, a very short video was shown of an Armored Knight fighting in a 3D battle arena, shortly followed by the words “New information is scheduled to be announced in the Tokyo Game Show 2007”!

Update: GameWatch: “The Movie had a scene of facing an eruption of smoke that becomes the heart shape logo that symbolizes the series. A short notification that the Movie was ending was with a scene of Sora and his two companions seen walking. The information “A new project was to be announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2007” was announced at the end of the Movie.”

Update: Famitsu: “In addition, the new information on the surprise continues. The image of a new project of “Kingdom Hearts” was thrown onto the screen. The scene where the armored soldier who fights in the arena of warfare in 3-D graphics, which felt beautiful. Then the words appeared in English, “New information was scheduled to be announced in Tokyo Game Show 2007” was displayed at the end, although, it was a short image.” - (You’d think that if it was in English, magazines would report the same quote, wouldn’t you?)

Forum member Aerith and I may hopefully be attending the Tokyo Game Show 2007 in September (20th to the 23rd), and I’ll get the most vital information to you guys! See the Tokyo Game Show 2007 News Post for more information.

Update: A screenshot of a Kingdom Hearts merchandise has appeared:

Update 2: “The Third Birthday” is apparently a sequel to Parasite Eve. Never mind about that lol.

Update 3: Although it’s not Kingdom Hearts related, there are some of the first videos from the Square-Enix Party 2007, including one of the short promotional video of Final Fantasy Versus XIII:

Well, the long and awaited Square Enix Party 2007 has began, and won’t plan on stopping until the very end (May 13th). For those lucky visitors who waited excitedly and anxiously for the party to start, at 3pm they were able to get an autographed CD from Yoko Shimomura!

When things started to look at their best, Square-Enix released a list of certain trailers that were to be seen behind closed doors (sadly Kingdom Hearts wasn’t on it, but anything’s possible). Interestingly enough, there was a new item seen on the list that is titled “The Third Birthday” - Could it have any connection to the “New Project”? (Riku Edit: Apparently “The Third Birthday” is a sequel to Parasite Eve. Never mind about that lol.)

Here’s the list of trailers seen in the Closed Theatre:

• 1. Final Fantasy Dissidia
• 2. Monotone
• 3. It’s a Wonderful World
• 4. Parasite Eve: The Third Birthday
• 5. Final Fantasy XIII Compilations
• 6. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete
• 7. Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis
• 8. Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus: Lost Episode
• 9. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core

In other news, a June/July issue of Disney Adventures has surfaced with information concerning the next Kingdom Hearts game. Credit goes to Tomogirl from KHN for the scan, which shows a small interview with Nomura discussing the idea of there being a “Kingdom Hearts III”. (Riku: As said, it was scanned by Tomogirl. Click the image to enlarge it: )

Question: Will there be a Kingdom Hearts III and when does it come out? Kingdom Hearts I and II are awesome, and I’m the game’s #1 fan. –Christopher D., 13, Miami, FL

Answer: We received a stack of letters just like yours, Christopher, with gamers everywhere wanting to know about Kingdom Hearts III. To get the inside scoop, we went straight to the games’ director Tetsuya Nomura! “Creating the Kingdom Hearts series has been such a joy for me - especially because fans like you enjoy the experience so much. We have made no announcements regarding any sequels. However, I can tell you that a new project related to Kingdom Hearts is in the works.” Be patient, Sora fans. It sounds like there will be a new game announced soon!

The line-up of the Square-Enix Party 2007 (taking place on the 12th & 13th May) has been revealed!

Update: More titles have been revealed on the official Square Enix Party 2007 website, and the map has been put on the site! Click the image to go to the official map. Putting your mouse over the circles will reveal the event or game associated on the site itself:

Videos/Announcements Only
- Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)
- Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3)
- Final Fantasy: Anniversary Edition (PSP)
- Final Fantasy II: Anniversary Edition (PSP)
- Dragon Quest Monsters: Battle Road (Arcade)
- Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete (Blu-Ray)
Updated - Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road (Arcade)
Updated - Dragon Quest IX (DS)
Updated - Final Fantasy XIII: Fabula Nova Crystallis (PS3, TBA)

Playable Demonstrations and Videos/Images
- Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (DS)
- Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS)
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War (PSP - Solo & Multiplayer)
- Itadaki Street DS (DS)
- Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen & The Tower of Mirrors (Wii)
- It’s a Wonderful World (DS)
- Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP)
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (DS - Solo & Multiplayer)
- Final Fantasy XI (PC, PS2, Xbox 360)
Updated - DS: Style (DS)
Updated - Final Fantasy Tactics: A2 (DS)
Updated - Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis (Mobile Phone, TBA)
Updated - Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus - Lost Episode (TBA)
Updated - Final Fantasy XII: International Zodiac Job System (PS2)
Updated - Monotone (TBA)
Updated - Seiken (TBA)
Updated - Friends of Mana (TBA)
Updated - SaGa (TBA)
Updated - Chocobo de Mobile (TBA)
Updated - Dragon Quest: Monster Mobile (TBA)
Updated - Dragon Quest: Dungeon Mobile (TBA)
Updated - Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Special Project: Final Fantasy (TBA)
Updated - Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Special Project: Final Fantasy II (TBA)

Update: Other Areas
- Square-Enix Official Goods Shop
- Square-Enix Music CD Shop
- Magazine & Comic Area (including playable demos)
- Star Ocean Museum

Regardless of the fact that it’s been previously announced that Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ will have a playable demonstration at the Party, it’s not in that line-up for some reason.

The “surprise” videos and demonstrations are obviously not shown, and considering Tetsuya Nomura has said about there being a surprise that may be related to Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts may make an appearance, even though the Party’s based mostly around Final Fantasy’s 20th Anniversary.