KHDestiny & KHisland Interviews Tetsuya Nomura at Japan Expo!
- Details
- Published on July 8, 2013 @ 08:27 am
- Written by Sign
Our good friends at KHDestiny and KHisland had the opportunity to interview Series Director Tetsuya Nomura at Japan Expo this past week about the upcoming HD remaster, KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, the long awaited KINGDOM HEARTS III, as well as development on the series thus far. With permission, we've translated their interview for you to read below, and hope you enjoy!
• We are very happy to meet you and we want to thank you for this interview.
Nomura : The pleasure is mine.
• Last year, you were not able to attend Japan Expo and instead drew up an exclusive promotional image for KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] for the French fans. Tomorrow you'll be on stage to talk about KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX-. I think many fans will be delighted to see you in France! How do you feel about the conference tomorrow?
Nomura : At the moment we can not reveal tomorrow's presentation in detail, but I think what you'll see will be very exciting. Yesterday I was in the audience at the Final Fantasy conference and it was really busy. So I was a little nervous, imagining that so many people at the KINGDOM HEARTS conference tomorrow.
• Ten years after his first adventure, Sora is back in HD on PlayStation 3. How do you feel seeing Kingdom Hearts, the first game of the series, appearing in high definition?
Nomura : When we first announced the HD remaster, the audience thought it was simply an update of the game, but it's not so easy to create a game in HD. KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 REMIX- took several years to rebuild the game so it's not an easy task. When I saw the final product, I really thought it was beautiful, much more than what I expected, so I'm very proud of this HD version. Even if the original game was released more than 10 years ago, the end result gives the impression that this is a new game that players will genuinely enjoy. I'm sure they will not believe it is a 10 year old game. This is why we decided to create this remaster, but also to pay tribute to the team that accompanied me during the development of the first KINGDOM HEARTS, comprised of talented and clever people. I can still feel their passion and I am very proud.
• KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix and KINGDOM HEARTS Re: Chain of Memories are finally arriving in Europe. Regarding KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, did you intend from the beginning to offer these two new games to Western audiences?
Nomura : As you said, KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix was released in Japan, and Re: CoM in the U.S. but not in Europe. But the last 10 years I've been thinking about how to make these new games available in other regions. Of course, the KINGDOM HEARTS series has many fans outside of Japan, so we took the opportunity to offer players the Western Final Mix version of KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS Re: CoM. Since the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released over 10 years ago, this means that some fans have never played the original version. So it was a great opportunity to allow all players to play the same version of the game and take the story in its infancy.
• We know that you would have liked KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days to be completely remade, as was CoM with Re:CoM. In the end, the game is told in the form of videos. Was it your goal to increase the intensity of the story through expressions with more detailed characters?
Nomura : The KINGDOM HEARTS license has already existed for 10 years, and my goal with this remaster was to allow all players to better understand the history of the series and how the games are linked together, which is the reason we added the plot of KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days. I really wanted to offer a playable version of this game but we announced the development of KINGDOM HEARTS III last month at E3, and it became our priority at the moment. Instead, we opted for a narrated version of the story of 358/2 Days.
• KINGDOM HEARTS HD is a link between the previous KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS III. Do you plan to expand the work to include HD remasters of other titles within the KINGDOM HEARTS series, such as Birth by Sleep, KINGDOM HEARTS II and Re:coded, seen in the credits of KINGDOM HEARTS HD?
Nomura : Of course, we will spend some time working on them before the release of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can say on the subject at this time.
• The Cloud Service system of the PlayStation 4 will allow players to experience titles originally released on PlayStation 1, 2 and 3. Are there any plans to utilize this system to allow owners of the PS4 to play KINGDOM HEARTS HD?
Nomura : We did not even think about the issue because our priority at the moment is the development of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Additionally, we are working on the next KINGDOM HEARTS HD remaster, which is our second priority. We have nothing planned about it for now.
• You created the surprise by announcing KINGDOM HEARTS III at E3. Concealed in the credits of KINGDOM HEARTS 3D, there was a message that read - "This leads to KINGDOM HEARTS" with the figure III formed by Sora and Riku - was this intentional to create a teaser for KH3?
Nomura : Of course, it was our goal! (Laughs)
• You said that the announcement of KINGDOM HEARTS III was necessary but may be premature. How far along is the game development on this title?
Nomura : This is the first next-gen game developed in our studios in recent years by the team in Osaka who have been working on titles for portable consoles. This is a whole new experience for this team working on next-gen consoles and it takes some time to master. However, with that said, it's not as if we just started development.
But contrary to what you can imagine, we have no playable build of the game at the moment because it will take some time to test all the new features that will be in Kingdom Hearts III. Again, the team so far has worked on titles on portable console with limited capacity, but they already have many interesting ideas for Kingdom Hearts III, and it is difficult to test each of these elements to determine which will ultimately be retained. So for now, we are more in a test phase.
• The press release for KINGDOM HEARTS III unveiled by Square Enix discusses the search for the "Key to Return Hearts." Is there anything you can tell us about that?
Nomura : There are two possible meanings of the "key." One of which is the “hardware” key, which opens doors - this is what keys are in general (laughs), and the other is the “light” key, that opens something else. In this case, it is currently unknown as to which type of key Sora must find. This is the main storyline of KINGDOM HEARTS III - Sora must go on an adventure to find the "key" without knowing what or where it is. But as you know, we can’t really say anything else on the subject (laughs).
• In the trailer for KINGDOM HEARTS III, we saw an EX gauge. What can you tell us about it? Is it a final element of gameplay or just an early concept?
Nomura : The gameplay seen in the E3 trailer has not been finalized. As I said earlier, we are in the testing phase and this version of gameplay was one of the features being tested at that time. What you have seen in the KINGDOM HEARTS III trailer was a more successful version of a test version. but the final elements of gameplay depended on the "Kingdom Shader" greatly change the game according to the environment in which progresses the characters. You will see the differences in each world, it will be really interesting.
• In KINGDOM HEARTS 3D, Sora does not become a Keyblade Master. Because Sora is one of your favorite characters, was it difficult for you to put him in this position or choice due to KINGDOM HEARTS III? And with Kairi, will she and Sora ever achieve the Mark of Mastery?
Nomura : I thought a lot about whether Sora was to become Keyblade Master or not. But because I always wanted Sora to relate to the players, if he became Master, it would have meant he would have really reached a very high level and it is not yet ready for it, and we do not want that to happen. The decision to not make Sora a Keyblade Master was not really difficult, but I thought it was better that he remains an ordinary boy to be closer to the players.
About Kairi, we really considered the question but we can not say anything about it yet. During the summit announcement at E3, we did not mention Kairi at all. We will share information when we are ready, so please be patient during the wait (laughs). And of course, there is the matter of the other Keyblade Bearer at the end of KINGDOM HEARTS 3D. Unfortunately we are not allowed to disclose the details of this character presently.
• Currently, Sora and Riku have developed many skills. In every KINGDOM HEARTS title, you have always managed to explain why the main characters like Sora are starting from scratch in terms of their skills. Do you have an idea for why this would occur in KINGDOM HEARTS III?
Nomura : As I said, we are currently doing a lot of testing on KINGDOM HEARTS III. There are many amazing things that you still have not seen, as the actions that the main characters will perform. It will be really exciting and impressive. As you know, we have developed many new features in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D with very fast movements. It was sort of what we were hoping for KINGDOM HEARTS III, and with that you could say Dream Drop Distance was a test for this game. The gameplay of KINGDOM HEARTS III will be an improved version of the KINGDOM HEARTS 3D. This is truly amazing and never seen in any existing action game.
• What is the creative process in choosing worlds for KINGDOM HEARTS? Do you start development with some worlds already in mind, or are there guidelines to follow for consistency with the previous games, or possibly requests from Disney?
Nomura : Several factors come into play. First off, Disney will sometimes offer us ideas of worlds to integrate, and then there are the worlds that I really want to include personally in KINGDOM HEARTS III. I also think of the worlds of the previous games in order to maintain consistency in the story. My team will not hesitate to provide suggestions for their own ideas. After deciding what worlds will be present, we start planning the conduct of the story in these worlds but also to make them interesting and fun for the players.
• In selecting worlds, are you interested only in Disney movies that have already been released or do you also consider future productions, such as "Frozen"?
Nomura : Of course, it is possible to include the worlds from future Disney productions. We currently have some ideas for the worlds of KINGDOM HEARTS III that we cannot speak about. Until the game’s release, new Disney productions will continue to emerge and we'll see in time with Disney for the possible integration of these films.
• The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One offers interesting features such as voice recognition, motion detection or the use of touch with the PSVita and Xbox SmartGlass. Do you plan to exploit these opportunities for your games? What is your opinion on these technologies?
Nomura : We would like to incorporate these features in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The one that we find most interesting is the voice recognition. I think it would be great to be able to control Donald and Goofy through voice command to tell them what to do. Wouldn’t that be nice? (Laughs).
• Has the collaboration with Disney evolved over the last ten years? We recently saw John Pleasants, Co-President of Disney Interactive, at the Future of Final Fantasy conference held by Square Enix at E3, and KINGDOM HEARTS III will be present at D23 Expo Japan. Disney seems to be well involved in the development process of the KINGDOM HEARTS series.
Nomura : Regarding D23 Expo Japan, this is the first time that Disney holds such an event outside the U.S., so it is a great honor for us to be invited. I’m very happy that we have the opportunity to hold a special conference for KINGDOM HEARTS. I really want to make a surprise announcement for this event but it is currently under discussion, so we’ll see (laughs). Since we announced KINGDOM HEARTS III at E3, we cannot make another announcement for the same game. Hopefully you will see soon enough.
I'm very shy; I do not like being on stage in front of lots of people and will usually say “no” to this kind of opportunity. But for this event, which promises to be important, I am very honored to be on stage. Concerning the Japan Expo, I do not have a habit to speak to the fans, even in Japan. I've never done before, so this will be the first time in Europe that I will deal with European fans. And it will be my first time addressing the Japanese fans at D23.
• When the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released, we did not know that the series would continue over the years to reach its tenth birthday. The story chronicles the Seeker of Darkness has it developed progressively games, or did you have in mind an idea of the overall story of this saga from the beginning?
Nomura : When I created the first KINGDOM HEARTS, I did not have a clear vision of the history of the Seeker of Darkness, but I was already thinking of the KINGDOM HEARTS II and Chain of Memories. I knew at that time that there were two additional games after the first KINGDOM HEARTS. Later, when I finished KINGDOM HEARTS Chain of Memories, I had other plans: Birth by Sleep, 358/2 Days and coded. This is kind of what happened in the history of the series: I did not have a clear idea of the whole story from the beginning, but it is built over time.
About the history of the Seeker of Darkness, I knew long ago that it would end in KINGDOM HEARTS III, and also, I've always wanted so KINGDOM HEARTS III on a console. The reason for the announcement of this title took us so long, is that some things that we wanted to add in the game asked us some time to think before making a decision. More details will be announced shortly.
• In KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, we have the pleasure of discovering re-orchestrated versions of original music. What motivated this choice?
Nomura : This is not something I asked for, but rather a request from the musical team and Yoko Shimomura. Since the graphics have been improved in high definition, the musical team wondered, "Why don’t we also make an improved version of the music?"
• Do you have a final message for the fans?
Nomura : First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. Also for KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix, there are new scenes connecting with the rest of the story, so again, I apologize to European and American fans. My apologies also cover additional battles found within Final Mix, including the fight against the unknown black coat you have not benefited. I'm sure you're wondering why you have not had the opportunity to enjoy this version, I'm really sorry again.
But this time, the visual aspect is reworked, the graphics are high definition, and the soundtrack was re-orchestrated. As I said at the beginning of this interview, it's a game out there for over 10 years and yet we do not feel like it’s been that long. I'm sure fans of the series and new players who have never played the first game, KINGDOM HEARTS, will enjoy this HD 1.5 ReMIX. And most importantly, before the release of KINGDOM HEARTS III, I wanted all players to be able to enjoy the story of KINGDOM HEARTS as a whole. This really is the purpose of this remaster and I really hope the fans will enjoy playing.
COMMENTS
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD is a link between the previous KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS III. Do you plan to expand the work to include HD remasters of other titles within the KINGDOM HEARTS series, such as Birth by Sleep, KINGDOM HEARTS II and Re:coded, seen in the credits of KINGDOM HEARTS HD? Nomura : Of course, we will spend some time working on them before the release of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can say on the subject at this time. |
| Additionally, we are working on the next KINGDOM HEARTS HD remaster, which is our second priority. We have nothing planned about it for now. |
Bring on KH 2.5 at TGS!
| The press release for KINGDOM HEARTS III unveiled by Square Enix discusses the search for the "Key to Return Hearts." Is there anything you can tell us about that? Nomura : There are two possible meanings of the "key." One of which is the “hardware” key, which opens doors - this is what keys are in general (laughs), and the other is the “light” key, that opens something else. In this case, it is currently unknown as to which type of key Sora must find. This is the main storyline of KINGDOM HEARTS III - Sora must go on an adventure to find the "key" without knowing what or where it is. But as you know, we can’t really say anything else on the subject (laughs). |
I bet it's Kairi :P
| What is the creative process in choosing worlds for KINGDOM HEARTS? Do you start development with some worlds already in mind, or are there guidelines to follow for consistency with the previous games, or possibly requests from Disney? Nomura : Several factors come into play. First off, Disney will sometimes offer us ideas of worlds to integrate, and then there are the worlds that I really want to include personally in KINGDOM HEARTS III. I also think of the worlds of the previous games in order to maintain consistency in the story. My team will not hesitate to provide suggestions for their own ideas. After deciding what worlds will be present, we start planning the conduct of the story in these worlds but also to make them interesting and fun for the players. • In selecting worlds, are you interested only in Disney movies that have already been released or do you also consider future productions, such as "Frozen"? Nomura : Of course, it is possible to include the worlds from future Disney productions. We currently have some ideas for the worlds of KINGDOM HEARTS III that we cannot speak about. Until the game’s release, new Disney productions will continue to emerge and we'll see in time with Disney for the possible integration of these films. |
This is beautiful insight into the world selection process. Glad to see we'll get some more recent movies in there *cough*Tangled*/cough*
| • The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One offers interesting features such as voice recognition, motion detection or the use of touch with the PSVita and Xbox SmartGlass. Do you plan to exploit these opportunities for your games? What is your opinion on these technologies? Nomura : We would like to incorporate these features in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The one that we find most interesting is the voice recognition. I think it would be great to be able to control Donald and Goofy through voice command to tell them what to do. Wouldn’t that be nice? (Laughs). |
I would be abusing Donald with that.
"DONALD diddlyING HEAL ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT. OH MY GOD YOU DID NOT JUST DIE AGAIN"
| Nomura : When I created the first KINGDOM HEARTS, I did not have a clear vision of the history of the Seeker of Darkness, but I was already thinking of the KINGDOM HEARTS II and Chain of Memories. |
That at least answers a dozen "Did Nomura have everything planned when making KH1" threads.
| In KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX-, we have the pleasure of discovering re-orchestrated versions of original music. What motivated this choice? Nomura : This is not something I asked for, but rather a request from the musical team and Yoko Shimomura. Since the graphics have been improved in high definition, the musical team wondered, "Why don’t we also make an improved version of the music?" |
I love this. Yoko wanted to remaster her music just because she wanted to ;A;
| Nomura : First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. Also for KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix, there are new scenes connecting with the rest of the story, so again, I apologize to European and American fans. My apologies also cover additional battles found within Final Mix, including the fight against the unknown black coat you have not benefited. I'm sure you're wondering why you have not had the opportunity to enjoy this version, I'm really sorry again. |
Apology accepted Nomura. After all, you're only human ;A;
[strike]And we get the games on the PS3.[/strike]
This interview has several very interesting tidbits, as Nomura practically indirectly confirmed HD 2.5 ReMix, spoke again of his usual shyness about attending big events, he officially recognizes the European fanbase (yay) and again also how developing the story was a gradual process and not something that was done all in advance just as a few examples.
Although I have to admit that his statement that he thought already about Birth by Sleep, Days and Coded when finishing Chain of Memories is new news for me. I was previously under the impression that he planned the "handheld"-trinity while working on KH 2 and not already right when he was done with CoM.
Thanks for the provided info, Master Spockanort and whoever was it that translated the interview. ^__^
Glad to see someone finally asked him about 2.5. From his answers, it sounds like he is dodging until TGS or D23 Japan (when it will probably be officially announced at one of those.)
Neat that the hints in 3D (specifically the "This leads to Kingdom Hearts III") were in fact the hints fans thought they were. Good job us.
Cool that Nomura would give an interview to a Kingdom Hearts fansite especially one that isn't from Japan. A Kingdom Hearts fansite (especially one from the West) would probably tend to be more direct in their questioning then an outlet that covers all video games.
so he confirmed 2.5 without confirming 2.5
gotcha
so he confirmed 2.5 without confirming 2.5
gotcha
not like no one knew about it beforehand
| Nomura : [FONT=Arial] We would like to incorporate these features in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The one that we find most interesting is the voice recognition. I think it would be great to be able to control Donald and Goofy through voice command to tell them what to do. Wouldn’t that be nice? (Laughs).[/FONT] |
"DONALD! CURE!" i can already see me screaming at my tv lol
"DONALD! CURE!" i can already see me screaming at my tv lol
Add a few expletives to that and that will be me to a T.
This is all very exciting!!! And the fact that he's hinting at a lot of the things people have been discussing in the forums gives a lot of reassurance. I'm just excited for more information coming. He's kept his promise about that.
| And of course, there is the matter of the other Keyblade Bearer at the end of KINGDOM HEARTS 3D. Unfortunately we are not allowed to disclose the details of this character presently. |
what???? Another keybearer?? I wonder what side she/he fights for. There's already 7GoL, unless some of the 7 discussed aren't casted for the part.
As I said, we are currently doing a lot of testing on KINGDOM HEARTS III. There are many amazing things that you still have not seen, as the actions that the main characters will perform. It will be really exciting and impressive. As you know, we have developed many new features in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D with very fast movements. It was sort of what we were hoping for KINGDOM HEARTS III, and with that you could say Dream Drop Distance was a test for this game. The gameplay of KINGDOM HEARTS III will be an improved version of the KINGDOM HEARTS 3D. This is truly amazing and never seen in any existing action game. |
This is really nice because the fighting preBBS was kind of slow and getting boring. It will be nice to utilize the air, objects and surroundings to fight with. I'm still hoping for more variety in attacks and the return of command styles.
We would like to incorporate these features in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The one that we find most interesting is the voice recognition. I think it would be great to be able to control Donald and Goofy through voice command to tell them what to do. Wouldn’t that be nice? (Laughs). |
I would just verbally abuse them.
jk
But this is also really cool. Like instead of pushing a button for a spell you could just say it, or command them to do a certain type of attack style or role in a fight. I kinda think it would be cool if they did incorporate a motion option in a mini game. You could get a key blade skin for a PSmove wand or something. idk just a thought.
Also the bit about re-orchestraing the soundtrack is really great news. KH already had a wonderful sound track but i feel like the updated version will just bring more emotion and intensity into the game.
| Nomura : First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. Also for KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix, there are new scenes connecting with the rest of the story, so again, I apologize to European and American fans. My apologies also cover additional battles found within Final Mix, including the fight against the unknown black coat you have not benefited. I'm sure you're wondering why you have not had the opportunity to enjoy this version, I'm really sorry again. |
mmhmm
As I said, we are currently doing a lot of testing on KINGDOM HEARTS III. There are many amazing things that you still have not seen, as the actions that the main characters will perform. It will be really exciting and impressive. As you know, we have developed many new features in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D with very fast movements. It was sort of what we were hoping for KINGDOM HEARTS III, and with that you could say Dream Drop Distance was a test for this game. The gameplay of KINGDOM HEARTS III will be an improved version of the KINGDOM HEARTS 3D. This is truly amazing and never seen in any existing action game. |
PLEEEEEASE let this mean that the final version use the Command Deck...... PLEEEASE!!! ;_;
what???? Another keybearer?? I wonder what side she/he fights for. There's already 7GoL, unless some of the 7 discussed aren't casted for the part.
I'm pretty sure he's talking about Lea. Because he DOES say "at the end of KH3D."
Add a few expletives to that and that will be me to a T.
Haha, just looked back the page to find other members mention the same thing. i guess everyone was thinking of the same thing we all read that XD
Very very good interview, thanks for the translation and thanks to the guys who made such a great questions.
If you guys have twitters, send a shout out to KHDestiny and KHIsland for their great interview! Easily the best I've seen in a very long time, it's fantastic!
I would love to see some console features used. The gyroscope in the controllers used in mini-games. No Kinect or eye stuff. The touch pad might be cool, not sure what they would use it for though. It would be nice to be able to direct the party members battle strategy. "Trinity" for all out attack on one enemy and such. *laughs
i just want a vita version of 1.5 kh i would love that so much but at least i have a ps3 to enjoy it
Between better AI, building on 3D's gameplay, and [hopefully] commanding party members, I think Donald and Goofy are going to be pretty helpful in KHIII. It would be nice if Link Attacks and Styles appeared in some way as well; maybe Summons will work something like that.
Very awesome interview! Best one I've seen in a long while, actually!
Also nice from Nomura to apologize for Re:CoM and the Final Mix games, seemed really genuine. Can't wait to see what this "surprise announcement" is. 2.5, maybe? Or Chi for other regions?
Wow... :biggrin: This interview is amazing. The questions were spot-on. They touched upon a lot of topics that caused confusion (at last). Very "calming" answers as well.
I always thought games with party members should utilize voice-commands, it would be a life saver. Basically it's gonna use the same principles from the Δ command in KH1 and expand upon it. I missed that feature.
[FONT=Arial]KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 REMIX- took several years to rebuild the game so it's not an easy task.[/FONT] |
Several years?? :confused: I'm wondering if it cause of the missing data or because of management issues.
[FONT=Arial] I really want to make a surprise announcement for this event but it is currently under discussion, so we’ll see (laughs). Since we announced KINGDOM HEARTS III at E3, we cannot make another announcement for the same game. Instead we will announce something else, which you will see soon enough.[/FONT] |
Kingdom Hearts 2.5 or something different? Probably the first.
[FONT=Arial]When I created the first KINGDOM HEARTS, I did not have a clear vision of the history of the Seeker of Darkness,[/FONT] |
Well that didn't show at all. :rolleyes:
[FONT=Arial]First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. Also for KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix, there are new scenes connecting with the rest of the story, so again, I apologize to European and American fans. My apologies also cover additional battles found within Final Mix, including the fight against the unknown black coat you have not benefited. I'm sure you're wondering why you have not had the opportunity to enjoy this version, I'm really sorry again.[/FONT] |
Apology accepted :redface:
Even though this interview answered some, I still have some questions that need answering.
1. Will Lea, Aqua, and others be playable through the game's story?
2. Has the option of Final Fantasy summons become available in KH3?
3. Will there be a possibility of main villains who don't where black coats, and are in no way involved with Xehanort and Maleficent?
I hope you have the time to answer these soon Mr. Nomura.
1. Will Lea, Aqua, and others be playable through the game's story?
Right now only Sora is playable, however he is looking into having multiple characters be playable.
| 2. Has the option of Final Fantasy summons become available in KH3? |
Nothing has been said on summons, other than the summoning technique will be different in KHIII.
| 3. Will there be a possibility of main villains who don't where black coats, and are in no way involved with Xehanort and Maleficent? |
Probably not until the next Saga.
| I hope you have the time to answer these soon Mr. Nomura. |
KHInsider is not affiliated with Square Enix Japan, nor do we have any means to contact Tetsuya Nomura.
He is such a great human being.
"DONALD! CURE!" i can already see me screaming at my tv lol
Funny thing is I'm already screaming that, now I just won't look like a idiot while doing it (as much)
This was a very good interview and a perfect way to start my day as well. I'm glad that he more indirectly answers or hints at if you will our questions pertaining to future announcements such as 2.5 Re:MIX and of course some lingering plot points about KH3. I'm glad to hear that they are working on another HD remake that will most likely come out next year or some time before KH3 and it is cool to see him apologize for the lack of support or shipments even though I'm not European I just thought it was cool and nice of him to do so. The one thing that does concern me after sort of absorbing all of this is about the whole Gaikai or cloud based technology supporting PS1/2/3 games on the PS4. I know they don't have any current plans as mentioned in the interview, but I REALLY wish they'd at least consider utilizing the technology because they would make a lot of money off of it for people transitioning to next gen consoles. Overall though it was a really good interview and I highly anticipate hearing more from Mr. Nomura in the future. Thanks for the upload!
Sorry guys, a mistake on our part! It's actually that they can't announce anything else because they revealed KHIII at E3, so we can expect more info about III at D23 Expo Japan.
Huge thanks to KHDestiny's RedWizard for clearing it up.
This was a very good interview and a perfect way to start my day as well. I'm glad that he more indirectly answers or hints at if you will our questions pertaining to future announcements such as 2.5 Re:MIX and of course some lingering plot points about KH3. I'm glad to hear that they are working on another HD remake that will most likely come out next year or some time before KH3 and it is cool to see him apologize for the lack of support or shipments even though I'm not European I just thought it was cool and nice of him to do so. The one thing that does concern me after sort of absorbing all of this is about the whole Gaikai or cloud based technology supporting PS1/2/3 games on the PS4. I know they don't have any current plans as mentioned in the interview, but I REALLY wish they'd at least consider utilizing the technology because they would make a lot of money off of it for people transitioning to next gen consoles. Overall though it was a really good interview and I highly anticipate hearing more from Mr. Nomura in the future. Thanks for the upload!
Gaikai won't have anything to do with Nomura or Square Enix, I don't know what he meant. The only problem that might arise would have to b something related to licencing.
Sorry guys, a mistake on our part! It's actually that they can't announce anything else because they revealed KHIII at E3, so we can expect more info about III at D23 Expo Japan.
Huge thanks to KHDestiny's RedWizard for clearing it up.
i don't get it, which was the mistake?
i don't get it, which was the mistake?
We originally said that "because they announced III at E3, they can't announce the same game again," implying that the reveal at D23 would be that of another title. We misinterpreted and said the opposite of what he actually said.
We originally said that "because they announced III at E3, they can't announce the same game again," implying that the reveal at D23 would be that of another title. We misinterpreted and said the opposite of what he actually said.
Ah, okay :) 25 characters
Ah, okay :) 25 characters
Apologies for the confusion!
I'm happy to see that he all but announced 2.5. It will more than likely be officially announced at TGS. When he apologized for the exclusivity of the series, it seemed genuine. Great interview, thanks for the work guys!
• KINGDOM HEARTS HD is a link between the previous KINGDOM HEARTS and KINGDOM HEARTS III. Do you plan to expand the work to include HD remasters of other titles within the KINGDOM HEARTS series, such as Birth by Sleep, KINGDOM HEARTS II and Re:coded, seen in the credits of KINGDOM HEARTS HD
Nomura : Of course, we will spend some time working on them before the release of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can say on the subject at this time.
| • The Cloud Service system of the PlayStation 4 will allow players to experience titles originally released on PlayStation 1, 2 and 3. Are there any plans to utilize this system to allow owners of the PS4 to play KINGDOM HEARTS HD? Nomura :We did not even think about the issue because our priority at the moment is the development of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Additionally, we are working on the next KINGDOM HEARTS HD remaster, which is our second priority. We have nothing planned about it for now. |
| The press release for KINGDOM HEARTS III unveiled by Square Enix discusses the search for the "Key to Return Hearts." Is there anything you can tell us about that? Nomura : There are two possible meanings of the "key." One of which is the “hardware” key, which opens doors - this is what keys are in general (laughs), and the other is the “light” key, that opens something else. In this case, it is currently unknown as to which type of key Sora must find. This is the main storyline of KINGDOM HEARTS III - Sora must go on an adventure to find the "key" without knowing what or where it is. But as you know, we can’t really say anything else on the subject (laughs). |
i think the key to return hearts is Kairi because in kingdom hearts 3d the secret ending said something about the last key could the last key be the key to return hearts and Kairi was the key all long
Yeah, voice commands would be a miracle. Considering how often Donald dies, I'd love to give him commands that would make him save himself.
Good to know that he pretty much confirmed that 2.5 is happening. I get that he won't announce it so that they could focus on KH3, but there should be something in the meantime to keep us waiting. At least give people enough time with 1.5.
• The Cloud Service system of the PlayStation 4 will allow players to experience titles originally released on PlayStation 1, 2 and 3. Are there any plans to utilize this system to allow owners of the PS4 to play KINGDOM HEARTS HD?
Nomura :
We did not even think about the issue because our priority at the moment is the development of KINGDOM HEARTS III. Additionally, we are working on the next KINGDOM HEARTS HD remaster, which is our second priority. We have nothing planned about it for now.
This is the most disheartening thing ever. I was banking off of SE using Gaikai for me to be able to play KH1.5 on the PS4, but I don't know what to do anymore. :(
This is the most disheartening thing ever. I was banking off of SE using Gaikai for me to be able to play KH1.5 on the PS4, but I don't know what to do anymore. :(
You should still have your PS3....
This is the most disheartening thing ever. I was banking off of SE using Gaikai for me to be able to play KH1.5 on the PS4, but I don't know what to do anymore. :(
do you not have a ps3? And no worries, they could always add it to PSN later. I would be surprised if they didn't. You may jst have to wait a minuet though.
I still think it's interesting that they have already been working on KHIII for a few years now. It was smart to divide up the teams. As long as the KH2.5 remaster doesn't take as long as kh1.5 (hopefully they didn't loose any of the old data this time) then the team developing the HD games should direct their attention KHIII. Perhaps making for a faster release????
I'm pretty sure he's talking about Lea. Because he DOES say "at the end of KH3D."
Thats what I thought at first, then I thought Kairi. But if we know its Lea, why was he being so sketchy about it?Like, we know he's training to be a master. Kairi was the last one we saw in the secret movie.
I still think it's interesting that they have already been working on KHIII for a few years now. It was smart to divide up the teams. As long as the KH2.5 remaster doesn't take as long as kh1.5 (hopefully they didn't loose any of the old data this time) then the team developing the HD games should direct their attention KHIII. Perhaps making for a faster release????
Where in the interview did he ever say that they already worked on KH III for a few years? It was the KH HD 1.5 which they have done work already for several years.
On KH III Nomura admits that they have announced it probably a bit too early and that they are mostly in a testing stage right now to see what can work and what not.
The very last thing I want is a rushed KH III that doesn't properly address all the unresolved issues and Disney worlds just being filler again.
They really should take all time they need to make the game as long as it doesn't take as long as Versus/FF XV.
Thats what I thought at first, then I thought Kairi. But if we know its Lea, why was he being so sketchy about it?Like, we know he's training to be a master. Kairi was the last one we saw in the secret movie. [/COLOR]
But he already mentioned Kairi separately, prior to bringing up this other mystery wielder. If they were one in the same, he wouldn't need to specify between them.
Where in the interview did he ever say that they already worked on KH III for a few years? It was the KH HD 1.5 which they have done work already for several years.
On KH III Nomura admits that they have announced it probably a bit too early and that they are mostly in a testing stage right now to see what can work and what not.
The very last thing I want is a rushed KH III that doesn't properly address all the unresolved issues and Disney worlds just being filler again.
They really should take all time they need to make the game as long as it doesn't take as long as Versus/FF XV.
So I went back through the interview to find his statement on splitting the teams and developing the gaMes for a few years because I was certain that I read it early this morning...but it's not there. I must have misread or dreamed it. idk. But I did see this
| Nomura : This is the first next-gen game developed in our studios in recent years by the team in Osaka who have been working on titles for portable consoles. This is a whole new experience for this team working on next-gen consoles and it takes some time to master. However, with that said, it's not as if we just started development. |
Which may alude to the idea that it has been in development for a while (possible years?) idk. Still kinda sketchy on that topic. Maybe thats where I got it from...
But he already mentioned Kairi separately, prior to bringing up this other mystery wielder. If they were one in the same, he wouldn't need to specify between them.
Fair enough.
So I went back through the interview to find his statement on splitting the teams and developing the gaMes for a few years because I was certain that I read it early this morning...but it's not there. I must have misread or dreamed it. idk. But I did see this
Which may alude to the idea that it has been in development for a while (possible years?) idk. Still kinda sketchy on that topic. Maybe thats where I got it from...
I see where you come from, the "recent years" bit can give off that vibe, although that would bring up the question for how long Square already has access to hardware for the next gen-systems, which I reckon they could not have had earlier than 2012. Don't forget that the Osaka team was also busy with developing Dream Drop Distance while Tokyo is still tied up mostly with FF XV, so any development done on KH III can be only between six and eight months I'd say.
I see where you come from, the "recent years" bit can give off that vibe, although that would bring up the question for how long Square already has access to hardware for the next gen-systems, which I reckon they could not have had earlier than 2012. Don't forget that the Osaka team was also busy with developing Dream Drop Distance while Tokyo is still tied up mostly with FF XV, so any development done on KH III can be only between six and eight months I'd say.
Good point. Thats an impressive 6-8 months. I guess it does justice to the new gen hardware.
I see where you come from, the "recent years" bit can give off that vibe, although that would bring up the question for how long Square already has access to hardware for the next gen-systems, which I reckon they could not have had earlier than 2012. Don't forget that the Osaka team was also busy with developing Dream Drop Distance while Tokyo is still tied up mostly with FF XV, so any development done on KH III can be only between six and eight months I'd say.
They don't have to have the devs kits in order to start development. The industry knows years before a console launches what it will be capable of doing. Not specifics of course, but they have a pretty good idea. Besides, if it was in active development for years, they would have decided on a lot of key things on which they haven't. I take Nomura's development to mean "we've started throwing around ideas, doing visual tests, thinking about words etc years ago" and not refer to actual game development.
You should still have your PS3....
Never owned one in the first place.
do you not have a ps3? And no worries, they could always add it to PSN later. I would be surprised if they didn't. You may jst have to wait a minuet though.
I'm not so sure about that as you are, but that's the only chance I have left at playing KH1.5.
Good point. Thats an impressive 6-8 months. I guess it does justice to the new gen hardware.
Yep, although the fact that Nomura himself said that they may have announced it to early and how he speaks about what has been done yet in this interview would lead me more to the assumption that if we're lucky we'll see a late 2015 release for Japan/Spring 2016 for the west in the best case, maybe middle 2015 Japan/late 2015 in the west if they're really fast with development.
They don't have to have the devs kits in order to start development. The industry knows years before a console launches what it will be capable of doing. Not specifics of course, but they have a pretty good idea. Besides, if it was in active development for years, they would have decided on a lot of key things on which they haven't. I take Nomura's development to mean "we've started throwing around ideas, doing visual tests, thinking about words etc years ago" and not refer to actual game development.
I guess that would also beckon how one defines "development", as from what I took from Nomura there might have been pre-development planning stages and they're now one step further and already "testing their tools" just as you also point out.
Meaning this I would slate at least two years more development time at the least, meaning the rest of 2013, the entirety of 2014 and a big chunk of 2015 as well if everything goes well.
I wonder how they'll squeeze in HD 2.5 in that, but I would say that if there isn't as much data lost (Re: Coded and BBS are pretty recent and with a bit of luck they may still have the data of KH 2 FM) they can delegate a skeleton crew to it while still having not too much of an impact on KH III.
A key of light? Interesting.
Also i'm calling a Frozen world.
That's a really good interview. We really got lot of good information out of it. I love how he confirmed KH2.5 without really announcing it, can't wait until he actually announces it.
I wonder what his plans for Kairi are. He kind of gave me the impression he has big plans for her, that he doesn't want to reveal just yet and that could mean she won't just be training off screen like I'm fearing will be the case. Though I'm probably just being optimistic on this one.
Wow. Him apologizing at the end, kind of made me sad. Seems like he really feels bad about it, but I'm pretty sure most of us can easily forgive him for it.
Although I have to admit that his statement that he thought already about Birth by Sleep, Days and Coded when finishing Chain of Memories is new news for me. I was previously under the impression that he planned the "handheld"-trinity while working on KH 2 and not already right when he was done with CoM.
Isn't that almost the same thing. I'm pretty sure he was working on them around the same time so the end of CoM's development could be the early to middle stage of KH2's development.
Basically it's gonna use the same principles from the Δ command in KH1 and expand upon it. I missed that feature.
I really miss that feature, in KH1 i kept pressing that button in high risk situations and it usually helped quite a bit. Now we might be able to tell them by voice command, that will be useful and a little awkward. I just hope they understand what I'm saying or it could really backfire on me.
Sorry guys, a mistake on our part! It's actually that they can't announce anything else because they revealed KHIII at E3, so we can expect more info about III at D23 Expo Japan.
Huge thanks to KHDestiny's RedWizard for clearing it up.
So I guess that means no announcements for new games at D23? Though based off of what he said he seems to really want to do something big, I wonder what that will be.
I wonder how they'll squeeze in HD 2.5 in that, but I would say that if there isn't as much data lost (Re: Coded and BBS are pretty recent and with a bit of luck they may still have the data of KH 2 FM) they can delegate a skeleton crew to it while still having not too much of an impact on KH III.
Yeah, I kind of expect them to utilize a skeleton crew, maybe even the same that worked on KH1.5. I don't see these ReMixed versions of the games really impacting KH3 all that much.
I wonder how they'll squeeze in HD 2.5 in that, but I would say that if there isn't as much data lost (Re: Coded and BBS are pretty recent and with a bit of luck they may still have the data of KH 2 FM) they can delegate a skeleton crew to it while still having not too much of an impact on KH III.
Kingdom Hearts 2 FM was released in 2007, with Re:CoM. If they still had the file data for Re:CoM, they still had the data for 2FM and all the games since then.
| • Do you have a final message for the fans? Nomura : First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. Also for KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix, there are new scenes connecting with the rest of the story, so again, I apologize to European and American fans. My apologies also cover additional battles found within Final Mix, including the fight against the unknown black coat you have not benefited. I'm sure you're wondering why you have not had the opportunity to enjoy this version, I'm really sorry again. |
Ahh Nomura recognizes overseas fans get left out of Final Mix/Re:CoM. I mean with the ReMIXs they're releasing so far, I can easily apologize him for it.
I wonder what his plans for Kairi are. He kind of gave me the impression he has big plans for her, that he doesn't want to reveal just yet and that could mean she won't just be training off screen like I'm fearing will be the case. Though I'm probably just being optimistic on this one.[QUOTE]
I really hope he has plans for her. After leaving us off where we did in DDD, I hope giving her a keyblade isn't just a random drop in the bucket. Many have expressed how she desperately needs character development so I would hope she plays a pretty large role, enough to really expand her as a character.
[QUOTE]Now we might be able to tell them by voice command, that will be useful and a little awkward. I just hope they understand what I'm saying or it could really backfire on me.
This is why I was pretty "oh god no" to the voice command feature. Don't get me wrong, it's often a funny gimmick in some games, but I haven't played a game where voice commands work flawlessly. The last thing I need is to say "Donald Cure" and then he wastes all of his MP doing his special moves.
This was a great interview. Finally someone asked some new questions and we got some new info. Sounds like 2.5 is in the making and 3 is being worked on hard. Can't wait to see a trailer shortly. I'm sure we get something at D23, even if it's a short clip.
I really hope he has plans for her. After leaving us off where we did in DDD, I hope giving her a keyblade isn't just a random drop in the bucket. Many have expressed how she desperately needs character development so I would hope she plays a pretty large role, enough to really expand her as a character.
Yeah, but she's been side lined so often I wouldn't be surprised if it happened again. Though I guess that would make the ending in DDD a little pointless. Let's hope they'll finally give her some development.
| This is why I was pretty "oh god no" to the voice command feature. Don't get me wrong, it's often a funny gimmick in some games, but I haven't played a game where voice commands work flawlessly. The last thing I need is to say "Donald Cure" and then he wastes all of his MP doing his special moves. |
Yeah just imagine, saying "Donald cure Sora" and he uses Fantasia instead or uses cure on a different party member. I wonder how precise the commands can be. Maybe we won't even get the option to tell them what to use, but only what function they should fill.
This is why I was pretty "oh god no" to the voice command feature. Don't get me wrong, it's often a funny gimmick in some games, but I haven't played a game where voice commands work flawlessly. The last thing I need is to say "Donald Cure" and then he wastes all of his MP doing his special moves.
Hear, hear!
Honestly, I don't think KH3 is going to end up utilizing any of the features on either console. Especially since it's supposed to be an easy port to both systems. You can't exactly add a crucial game mechanic to the PS4's touch pad, in which the XBOX ONE cannot use. And you can't exactly have voice commands for the ONE when the PS4 doesn't have Kinect.
I would be very surprised if they actually decided to use some of the exclusive features of each system.
Hear, hear!
Honestly, I don't think KH3 is going to end up utilizing any of the features on either console. Especially since it's supposed to be an easy port to both systems. You can't exactly add a crucial game mechanic to the PS4's touch pad, in which the XBOX ONE cannot use. And you can't exactly have voice commands for the ONE when the PS4 doesn't have Kinect.
I would be very surprised if they actually decided to use some of the exclusive features of each system.
Of course you can. The feature is not that crucial. If you don't have voice commands, your party members will behave as usual. With voice commands you just add a layer of control over your party.
Now, we don't know how these voice commands will work. Will they work only with they Kinect, can they work with another headset etc? "Voice commands" doesn't necessarily mean "voice commands through the Kinect/PS Camera". Depending on which device does the voice recognition/analysis, they could support any number of headsets etc. Depending on how smart the voice recognition is, they could either have a set of simple commands ("Donald, heal"/ "Goofy, attack") or they could offload the voice recognition to the cloud and make it more natural. The crucial factor in the equation is that every XB1 user will have a Kinect and hence voice recognition capabilities. So you cover that demographic and then, after you've done all the R&D and implementation of the feature, why not port it on the PS4 version? The PS4 has the headset/PS Camera after all.
I'm not talking about just voice command, I'm talking about console exclusive features in general since that was what the question and answer were based on.
Ohhhh I smell KH 2.5 ReMix HD... i smell it soooooo badly! XD
Gaikai won't have anything to do with Nomura or Square Enix, I don't know what he meant. The only problem that might arise would have to b something related to licencing.
Yeah I figured that much, but I still hope they end up porting both HD Re:Mixes to PSN. I don't currently own a PS3 and was planning on buying all kinds of HD collections KH included once I get a PS4 and as a veteran KH fan it would be so cool to have all of them on one console. Sort of like why they made the remakes in the first place so that the games wouldn't be as scattered. At this point though I highly doubt they won't in the future they probably just can't talk about certain things due to NDA's and what not at the moment. That and next gen consoles aren't even out yet so it's WAY to soon to tell. It just seems like a bad business move is all. To not port them that is.
| Nomura : First, I really want to apologize to European fans not being able to offer them KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories for so long. I'm really sorry about that. |
On behalf of Europe, apology accepted.
Now come visit more European countries. Please? :)
Hear, hear!
Honestly, I don't think KH3 is going to end up utilizing any of the features on either console. Especially since it's supposed to be an easy port to both systems. You can't exactly add a crucial game mechanic to the PS4's touch pad, in which the XBOX ONE cannot use. And you can't exactly have voice commands for the ONE when the PS4 doesn't have Kinect.
I would be very surprised if they actually decided to use some of the exclusive features of each system.
Thinking about it now, it's true that they could have exclusive to each system, but if they do, it won't be anything major. It will be like with DDD and the Circle Pad Pro which gave you a second analog stick. You could use it, but it didn't drastically impact the game. If that's the case, I'm fine since I will definitely be getting the PS4 and thus won't be using any voice commands :)
YIt just seems like a bad business move is all. To not port them that is.
The bad business move was either not releasing KH3 on the PS3 or not starting the HD collections until the PS4 lol I wouldn't put it past SE to not end up releasing the HD collections on Gakai. It's a sad thought since you are no doubt alone, but I won't put it out of the realm of possibilities. KHBbS was never put on PSN so those with the PSP Go (that atrocity lol) never were able to get it :(
wait... "order to maintain consistency"...what about the worlds in KHII? like, The Land of the Dragons, the Pride Lands, and other? those worlds were ever used again (as far as i can tell)!
wait... "order to maintain consistency"...what about the worlds in KHII? like, The Land of the Dragons, the Pride Lands, and other? those worlds were ever used again (as far as i can tell)!
Those worlds have not been brought back again...yet. They could easily be brought back into KH3. You have to remember that in KH2, at least for certain worlds like Land of Dragons and Port Royal, during KH2 is when Mulan became Ping and the Curse of the Black Pearl storyline started.
We don't know what happened before those 2 events (since Disney has never made prequels to either movie) so SE couldn't have used those worlds for any game except KH2 (Coded was not that journal and DDD was sleeping worlds, we obviously know that those worlds weren't sleeping since we went to them in KH2). If we had visited either world before KH2 that that means SE would have had to craft a completely new storyline that Disney never allowed them to.
Great interview! :D Good to hear that they're keeping the gameplay from 3D and improving upon it. And woo indirect KHII FM confirmation!
so wait let me get this straight there prioty right now is kingdom hearts 3 followed by kingdom hearts 2.5 was that mistranslation or something because the way it sounded to me it sounded like kingdom hearts 3 going to come out first before 2.5 by the way awesome intierview
so wait let me get this straight there prioty right now is kingdom hearts 3 followed by kingdom hearts 2.5 was that mistranslation or something because the way it sounded to me it sounded like kingdom hearts 3 going to come out first before 2.5 by the way awesome intierview
KHIII is the first priority, and 2.5 is the second. However, due to the nature of both these titles (one being developed on the PS4 with entirely new content and the other as a remaster of existing titles), obviously 2.5 will come first.
KHIII is the first priority, and 2.5 is the second. However, due to the nature of both these titles (one being developed on the PS4 with entirely new content and the other as a remaster of existing titles), obviously 2.5 will come first.
thank you sign that was confusing how it was phrase anyway can't wait for kingdom hearts 3 then
Wow. They literally made everything from scratch with this..This is how you remaster a video game tbh.<3
Wow. They literally made everything from scratch with this..This is how you remaster a video game tbh.<3
They actually didn't since of course they must have had backups in some way, shape or form, even if they just extracted old assets from the game itself.
Not to diminish their efforts because it is amazing~
thedairyfairy
July 8, 2013 @ 07:36 amOffline