KINGDOM HEARTS III + HD 1.5 ReMIX Nomura Interview
- Details
- Published on June 11, 2013 @ 08:57 pm
- Written by Geir
Tetsuya Nomura was just being interviewed in the Square Enix Presents Live broadcast, about everything regarding about the KH series, including KINGDOM HEARTS III for the PS4 and Xbox One, along with other titles. We wrote a summary of what transpired:
First he was asked about the origins of the 'Kingdom Hearts' name and the series. Nomura explained (via translator) that the origins of the name lies in that they wanted to name it something close to the Animal 'Kingdom', but obviously that wasn't possible so they eventually decided to put in the name 'Heart' in the title and that's how they got the name 'KINGDOM HEARTS' for the whole series.
Then Nomura was asked about the HD remaster. He replied that the original data for the first KINGDOM HEARTS title was lost, so they had to resort to recreating a lot of its assets, based on scraps of information they could find. It was hard work, according to Nomura, but the final product turned out good enough in his mind.
Nomura continued about FINAL MIX and his intentions towards bringing it to the rest of the world. Eventually he could do so, but he didn't want to make too many titles on their own, so including at least two titles and a 'movie' in one package was, according to him, a good idea.
Then Nomura was asked about his favorite character in the series, and surprisingly he responded with Master Xehanort and his various incarnations, mentioning Ansem Seeker of Darkness from KH1 as his special favorite.
Asked about worlds in the KH series, Nomura mentioned Jungle Book and that they have numerous times tried to implement it in a number of games, but each time it gets cut, much to his dismay.
Regarding the worlds in KH3, Nomura wishes to have some "stable" worlds for story purposes, along with some surprising ones. He actually wants to implement a number of surprising worlds this time to KH3, so we should definitely anticipate them.
Next he's asked about the battle system in the game. He said that the KH1 and KH2 battle systems are "core" battle-systems, so he would like to evolve the KH3 battle system based on that. The battle systems in the "spin-off" titles might be lightly implemented as well, but we'll have to wait and see.
Nomura was then asked about potential FINAL FANTASY characters, and whether we might be able to play as King Mickey. He answered that KH3 will most likely include FF characters again, since they were absent in previous entries. Regarding Mickey, he will take it under consideration, though he wanted to clarify that Sora will of course be the main character.
Then he was asked about multiplayer in KH3, and Nomura said that next gen hardware had good online functions, so he will take that under consideration, but we will learn more at a later time.
Regarding summoning characters, Nomura said that in previous KH titles, we could summon Disney characters, but this will be different in KH3. He didn't say more on this subject though.
About the Organization and nobodies, we will definitely see more of the Organization, since Master Xehanort is behind it, but this will not necessarily be the end of nobodies. Meaning that we will see more of them in the future.
He was then asked if we would see the actual Kingdom Hearts in KH3, and he answered: "I think it will appear". Interesting.
Then suddenly Nomura said he remembered what he wanted to add, in regards to the worlds in KH3. For KINGDOM HEARTS III, if you noticed in the trailer, there are high quality shaders being used and the description of characters has changed. The textures for models have thus changed in order to make them better realized for the next generation hardware. In KINGDOM HEARTS III, they will change the shaders depending on the worlds.
The interview then continues about FINAL FANTASY XV, but as Nomura finished discussing XV, he said that when making both KH3 and XV, he's focusing on developing with DirectX 11 in mind, and not necessarily for a single platform.
COMMENTS
He is really rocking those pink headphones! Can't believe i didn't get the Animal Kingdom connection with the Kingdom Hearts title.
Is this being streamed? Or will it be released?
Ansem confirmed to be Nomura's favorite enemy. Go home Xemnas, you're beat. :wink:
Is this being streamed? Or will it be released?
Square Enix Presents Live E3 2013 Day 1 - YouTube
Here you go.
Thanks I don't want to miss this.
he laughed confirmed to be the real deal. SO DESU NE!
NOMURA. I can't beleive this!!!!!!!!! He is so cool. Such an amazing director. I laughed to hear he liked Xehanort and Ansem a lot.
And best part, he laughs! XD
So every time they wanted to use Jungle Book, it got cut.
So glad as well he is actually taking time to talk about kh3, even though they have barely formally announced anything about the game ^^.
Damn he was about to give more information! Damn presenter lol
Lol at Nomura switching his favorite characters in every interview, as he once said it was Sora, then Roxas, then for a short time Luxord, then Axel, and now it's MX and Ansem SoD, roflmao.
I'm also intrigued by this:
Nomura continued about FINAL MIX and his intentions to bringing it to the rest of the world. Eventually he could, but he didn't want to make too many remasters, so including at least two titles and a 'movie' in one package was a good idea. |
Does that mean there won't be a 2.5 with KH II FM and BBS FM now?
LOL he forgot what he was about to say.
Lol at Nomura switching his favorite characters in every interview, as he once said it was Sora, then Roxas, then for a short time Luxord, then Axel, and now it's MX and Ansem SoD, roflmao.
I'm also intrigued by this:
Does that mean there won't be a 2.5 with KH II FM and BBS FM now?
I took it more as like, he didn't want to create an HD version for each game so that's why he waited until they were ready to start with KH3, so that he can group them up instead.
Online.......? That would be cool.
Oh this is a good interview.
Looks like Online is in consideration, and Summoning is going to be different.
DIFFERENT SHADERS FOR EACH WORLD CONFIRMED
I took it more as like, he didn't want to create an HD version for each game so that's why he waited until they were ready to start with KH3, so that he can group them up instead.
I guess it can be read that way too, right.
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Also lol on them not asking about the main characters (except Sora and Mickey) but on the stupid Organisation instead. *ggg*
I guess it can be read that way too, right.
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Also lol on them not asking about the main characters (except Sora and Mickey) but on the stupid Organisation instead. *ggg*
I also felt that they asked him questions that were asked in previous interviews. Something like how did the name came to be and stuff.
They should have asked about Sora and Kairi's relationship.
It's an okay interview but I think the translator is doing somewhat of a "poor" job into translating it well. Why I say "poor" is because well.. that shit ain't easy, so I don't want to be hard on the translator. But yeah.
They should have asked about Sora and Kairi's relationship.
I think that would have opened up a can of worms that is best left closed for now lol
Damn, I missed the stream...meh.
And what exactly does he mean by 'shaders'? like shading of the levels? Whether they'll be vibrate or dark?
I think that would have opened up a can of worms that is best left closed for now lol
Damn, I missed the stream...meh.
And what exactly does he mean by 'shaders'? like shading of the levels? Whether they'll be vibrate or dark?
Good point but it would have been funny. :D
I would have asked about a release date!
I think that would have opened up a can of worms that is best left closed for now lol
Damn, I missed the stream...meh.
And what exactly does he mean by 'shaders'? like shading of the levels? Whether they'll be vibrate or dark?
Do you remember how different Port Royal looked in KH2? I mean I think that's what he means. They will try to make every world look like their counterpart movies I guess. Atleast that's what I think.
I also felt that they asked him questions that were asked in previous interviews. Something like how did the name came to be and stuff.
Yep, the questions in Famitsu or the Ultimanias are normally more up to the point in terms of the series content. *ggg*
They should have asked about Sora and Kairi's relationship.
Better not, Nomura would probably also have given an evading answer since he largely doesn't care about romance.
Edit:
Gosh, Youni, that new siggy spells cuteness overload.
Kiddo Noctis, huh?
In this day and age you would have thought someone would have made a portable auto translater for the issues we just saw in that interview, some interesting points were raised though.
Thanks for this interview.
@PunksNotDead
I think that a release in 2015/2016 is realistic.
The PS4 could be a bit cheaper till then.
I hope that there will be a Kingdom Hearts 3 PS4 bundle.
Thanks for providing the interview - I found it surprising to know that my second-favorite character is the same as Mr. Nomura's special favorite!
Yep, the questions in Famitsu or the Ultimanias are normally more up to the point in terms of the series content. *ggg*
Better not, Nomura would probably also have given an evading answer since he largely doesn't care about romance.
Edit:
Gosh, Youni, that new siggy spells cuteness overload.
Kiddo Noctis, huh?
how do you know nomura doesnt care about romance?
Why is everyone missing the fact that Normura mentioned a movie? I want to know about the movie!
@PunksNotDead
I think that a release in 2015/2016 is realistic.
Till then, the PS4 might be a bit cheaper so that more people can buy it.
I hope that there will be a Kingdom Hearts 3 PS4 bundle.
I heard that it had been in development since 2010 so if thats the case it could be 2014, 2015 at the lastest.
Do you remember how different Port Royal looked in KH2? I mean I think that's what he means. They will try to make every world look like their counterpart movies I guess. Atleast that's what I think.
Ohh, I see. But that's not really a new feature is it? Hmm. It must be the weird translating...(Although, I don't blame her for that...Japanese to English must be hard)
Edit:
Gosh, Youni, that new siggy spells cuteness overload.
Kiddo Noctis, huh?
Haha, yes! That scene literally melted me into a pile of mushy...peas ;_;
Why is everyone missing the fact that Normura mentioned a movie? I want to know about the movie!
a movie !? nomura mentioned a movie !?
Why is everyone missing the fact that Normura mentioned a movie? I want to know about the movie!
Replace the word "movie" with "trailer" in this entire interview.
Why is everyone missing the fact that Normura mentioned a movie? I want to know about the movie!
What he meant by 'movie' was 'trailer' i.e. he was referring to the trailer that had just been shown of ffXV. He just chose to use the word movie to describe it.
What an awful choice of words. Get my hopes up for nothing.
The Shaders part is certainly the most important to me I think. Just knowing that the lighting in each world will change and reflect on the main characters is a good thing really.
Also yes, Ansem Seeker of Darkness is the best Xehanort period. HAHAHAHA! DARKNESS!
Surprising worlds you say? Aw, hopefully he can get the Jungle Book into a future title if not KH3. Also, FF characters most likely returning, yesh! :D
Surprising worlds you say? Aw, hopefully he can get the Jungle Book into a future title if not KH3. Also, FF characters most likely returning, yesh! :D
Some Pixar Worlds? Marvel Universe? Maybe even planets in the Star Wars universe!
Some Pixar Worlds?
Probably.
| Marvel Universe? |
Highly unlikely
| Maybe even planets in the Star Wars universe! |
No.
*cringes at the thought of a Star Wars world in KH3* I can't imagine that all.
Some Pixar Worlds? Marvel Universe? Maybe even planets in the Star Wars universe!
Yes to the Pixar worlds. To everything else, NO. NEVER!!
Nomura wanted Pixar for a long time, so that may be a sure fire-bet.
The others, not so much.
Haha, yes! That scene literally melted me into a pile of mushy...peas ;_;
He looks like he's totally pouting there, lol.
Some Pixar Worlds? Marvel Universe? Maybe even planets in the Star Wars universe!
I'd lean more to the Pixar Worlds. And dose worlds with dose shaders....! X3
Probably.
Highly unlikely
No.
*cringes at the thought of a Star Wars world in KH3* I can't imagine that all.
Yes to the Pixar worlds. To everything else, NO. NEVER!!
Nomura wanted Pixar for a long time, so that may be a sure fire-bet.
The others, not so much.
I'd lean more to the Pixar Worlds. And dose worlds with dose shaders....! X3
Apologies all i got a bit carried away after seeing this on Tumblr lol
LINK
Don't expect too much for these "shaders" for the time being. Some translations sounded very basic so, yeah.. let's be cautios. Basically this will be a part of the past:
Sora's colors are more bright, whereas the whole PotC world is bit on the darker side. New shaders for every world would make sure that every character feels like part of that world... I think.
Don't expect too much for these "shaders" for the time being. Some translations sounded very basic so, yeah.. let's be cautios. Basically this will be a part of the past:
Sora's colors are more bright, whereas the whole PotC world is bit on the darker side. New shaders for every world would make sure that every character feels like part of that world.
I guess for the translation bits we may have to wait for krexia or goldpanner to try a throughout skim over Nomura's interview then.
It's a waste of their time to retranslate everything. It should have been expected to only get "basic" answers to begin with.
Surprising worlds you say? Aw, hopefully he can get the Jungle Book into a future title if not KH3. Also, FF characters most likely returning, yesh! :D
This is going to be the last KH game in the series though, is it not? What with talks about a final battle with Master Xeanhort being the end and all, so if they're going to stick The Jungle Book in there, it'd have to be this one.
This is going to be the last KH game in the series though, is it not? What with talks about a final battle with Master Xeanhort being the end and all, so if they're going to stick The Jungle Book in there, it'd have to be this one.
No. This is not the last game of the series. Tetsuya has said that Kingdom Hearts will continue past 3 and Sora will remain the protagonist. This is the end of the Xehanort Saga.
I didn't know they lost some of the data from the original game. Fascinating. Though it may have been the deep jungle stuff.
It's a waste of their time to retranslate everything. It should have been expected to only get "basic" answers to begin with.
Oops, I took it from king_mickey_rule's post that just the translations the guys from E3 made were somewhat basic so there could be misunderstandings, not that the answers themselves are that basic.
(Although I probably should have expected this, as the "story summary" is also pretty basic and general, not really revealing much beyond the ultimate goals which we knew since Blank Points).
This is going to be the last KH game in the series though, is it not? What with talks about a final battle with Master Xeanhort being the end and all, so if they're going to stick The Jungle Book in there, it'd have to be this one.
Think of it like the first season finale of a longer running series.
Nomura has stated that the multiple conflicts with Xehanort are/were just the beginning and that he has planned a tentative plot for after Xehanort's final defeat.
Diffrent shaders for each world. The Disney fan in me is screaming in joy! I mean KH has done a great job f representing the different art styles, but I always noticed room for improvement.
The KH fan in me, who wants consistency, is kinda worried about how jarring it may seem, compared to all the flat shading of the previous games.
Just wondering, but will Kairi be playable, or will she be a Toadstool again?
This is really good news. To think that Kingdom Hearts is skipping ps3 to come to ps4, it is going to be a world wide seller. I really hope they bring back the Olympic Coliseum battle where you can fight instead of 50 battles but 100 with online coop with other players and Player vs Player. I know I'm thinking aloud but anything is possible to make the series have more. Think of the expansion packs that could be added with DLC.
Then Nomura was asked about his favorite character in the series, and surprisingly he responded with Master Xehanort and his various incarnations, mentioning Ansem Seeker of Darkness from KH1 as his special favorite. |
Tee hee hee
This part was my favorite, because I share his exact same sentiments. Xehanort is a character that just as mysterious as he is prominent within the series, and I like how Nomura's gradually giving XH more importance to the overall plot. MX may be the one pulling the strings, but could XH be the true main antagonist?
| Next he's asked about the battle system in the game. He said that the KH1 and KH2 battle systems are "core" battle-systems, so he would like to evolve the KH3 battle system based on that. The battle systems in the "spin-off" titles might be lightly implemented as well, but we'll have to wait and see. |
This is the part that caught most of my attention. Does this mean we're getting our mp bar back? Will we loose the commands entirely? So many questions that I wont have answered for a long while, it makes my imagination soar~ 8D
So while Ethy and I were watching this interview go on, Toriyama and Kitase ran up next to us. Like ran, literally, to peak at Nomura through the curtains. And then they laughed, and peaked again, and then ran away. It's like watching two big brothers spy on a little brother, haha.
This is the part that caught most of my attention. Does this mean we're getting our mp bar back? Will we loose the commands entirely? So many questions that I wont have answered for a long while, it makes my imagination soar~ 8D
That part caught my attention too. After the last three games in the series using commands so well I was hoping that it would make the jump over to KH3, but I don't mind having the KH1/2 battle system being used as the core. Should have enough time to become reacquainted with it after playing through KH 1.5 and 2.5 before KH3 releases.
That part caught my attention too. After the last three games in the series using commands so well I was hoping that it would make the jump over to KH3, but I don't mind having the KH1/2 battle system being used as the core. Should have enough time to become reacquainted with it after playing through KH 1.5 and 2.5 before KH3 releases.
Honestly I'm glad their going back to the 'core' system of kh1/2. Enjoyed commands but I have grown tired of them.
Yeah and hopefully this means the traditional levelling system is back too. I love the commands but they'd need to be perfected before being a part of this game.
"Regarding the worlds in KH3, Nomura wishes to have some "stable" worlds for story purposes, along with some surprising ones. He actually wants to implement a number of surprising worlds this time to KH3, so we should definitely anticipate them."
I really hope by "Stable" he means relevant to the plot ;A; (probably means Radiant Garden/Twilight Town... AND NOW IM SOBBING OVER HOW THE RESTORED RADIANT GARDEN WILL LOOK)
I'm thinking that when Nomura says the shaders change, he means that maybe in a Disney world, Sora and co and the environment will look more cartoony, however in a world such as Radiant Garden, where the Final Fantasy crew is most likely to show up, perhaps it will look more realistic? Like the FMVs for the intros and endings of KH1 and 2.
So while Ethy and I were watching this interview go on, Toriyama and Kitase ran up next to us. Like ran, literally, to peak at Nomura through the curtains. And then they laughed, and peaked again, and then ran away. It's like watching two big brothers spy on a little brother, haha.
That's so funny. Were you able to run into Nomura afterwards? XD
I have to admit though, I felt the Japanese interview was much better than the English one only because Nomura seemed to laugh more and talk more. In addition the information he gave I felt was better. I guess in the English one it must have felt a little award for him not to be able to understand a lot. Still I feel so bad for him that he has a cold. Hope he gets better.
That's so funny. Were you able to run into Nomura afterwards? XD
I have to admit though, I felt the Japanese interview was much better than the English one only because Nomura seemed to laugh more and talk more. In addition the information he gave I felt was better. I guess in the English one it must have felt a little award for him not to be able to understand a lot. Still I feel so bad for him that he has a cold. Hope he gets better.
He remained behind the SE booth all day from what I understand, but we did get to see him in person during the Sqex Chan interview. And yes, definitely. Translating on the fly is very difficult, so perhaps the translator felt rushed or pressured and paraphrased heavily?
The part about the upgraded KH II gameplay truly worries me but he also said that they would incorporate mechanics from the spin offs (did he actually use that word because I think the translator said so) as well.
Hopefully we'll get something very similar to the command deck, maybe we place commands as shortcuts like the magic in KH I and II and they cost mp to use. I also ofcourse want some flow motion but much better executed then in 3D but if it's anything like the wall jump in the trailer I think it will be great
The part about the upgraded KH II gameplay truly worries me but he also said that they would incorporate mechanics from the spin offs (did he actually use that word because I think the translator said so) as well.
Hopefully we'll get something very similar to the command deck, maybe we place commands as shortcuts like the magic in KH I and II and they cost mp to use. I also ofcourse want some flow motion but much better executed then in 3D but if it's anything like the wall jump in the trailer I think it will be great
I think it is a great thing that he is vocalising his interest in returning to the core gameplay mechanics of the last two console titles. There is nothing wrong with the other titles being 'experiments' or different ideas and it would be great if he does what he has implied he will do which is take the best parts from bbs, DDD etc. and incorporate them into the core gameplay we are used to having on the console titles.
I'm thinking that when Nomura says the shaders change, he means that maybe in a Disney world, Sora and co and the environment will look more cartoony, however in a world such as Radiant Garden, where the Final Fantasy crew is most likely to show up, perhaps it will look more realistic? Like the FMVs for the intros and endings of KH1 and 2.
I kinda doubt it. Otherwise, why go with a cel shaded Destiny Islands?
I think it's more because most Disney movies have distinct looks, and the changing shaders are there to better represent them. So, for instance, a 101 Dalmatians world would utilize the retro modern art backgrounds, while Enchanted Dominion would be very flat graphic and highly detailed. Meanwhile, Dumbo world would appear simpler with a watercolor look.
I think it is a great thing that he is vocalising his interest in returning to the core gameplay mechanics of the last two console titles. There is nothing wrong with the other titles being 'experiments' or different ideas and it would be great if he does what he has implied he will do which is take the best parts from bbs, DDD etc. and incorporate them into the core gameplay we are used to having on the console titles.
Yeah. I loved the flowmotion and command melding in the previous games, but they were still mostly experimental and didn't always create the perfect gaming experience. You could meld abilities too early. Flowmotion was overpowered in battle(I relied on it about 90% of the time) and made finding chests too easy. I hope such is not the case in KH3.
Easily the best thing to come out of this interview is them explaining the artstyle. I think it's an absolutely fantastic idea. And the clearest image I saw of the picture of Sora, Donald, and Goofy had Donald and Goofy looking just like cartoons. I think the artstyle is absolutely perfect.
Still not keen on the idea of not using the Command Deck... it really is the more superior system, but I dunno. "More like KH2" is a little subtle of a description, so for all we know, it could just mean the return of Drive Forms and Reaction Commands, I dunno.
I kinda doubt it. Otherwise, why go with a cel shaded Destiny Islands?
Yeah. I loved the flowmotion and command melding in the previous games, but they were still mostly experimental and didn't always create the perfect gaming experience. You could meld abilities too early. Flowmotion was overpowered in battle(I relied on it about 90% of the time) and made finding chests too easy. I hope such is not the case in KH3.
Yeah that is another thing, I really hope he makes Sora as a character and his abilities scale well as the game progresses with enough to look forward to and level up to but also not making other abilities we have received redundant a bit like how flowmotion overtook too much how I beat nightmares and traveled around (yeah getting to chests and stuff was made too easy)
quick question guys do you think utada will come back to do one last song for kh3 since i don't think she will stay with series after this?
Depends what the money says. Things tend to get ugly when you're working with a company like Disney.
Depends what the money says. Things tend to get ugly when you're working with a company like Disney.
good point i just hope disney pay her this time she defintaly desarve it if she does indeed come back
Depends what the money says. Things tend to get ugly when you're working with a company like Disney.
good point let hope she does do it one last time and maybe disney will pay her this time she desearve and earn it
Didn't somebody on here say months ago that they even pay square poorly for these games? That wouldn't be surprising for me as they overprice lots of things and tend to spend as little as possible to make a profit. In other words, we're probably not getting Utada. However, we might get another vocalist at least for KH4.
i can't wait..
and i hope for a KH 2.5 remix annoucment soon too..
it's funny, i didn't think i'd see a KH 3 demo before hearing about 2,5 remix o.o
but i'm more excited for a new game than a remake anyways...though i do want those remixes!!!
Didn't somebody on here say months ago that they even pay square poorly for these games? That wouldn't be surprising for me as they overprice lots of things and tend to spend as little as possible to make a profit. In other words, we're probably not getting Utada. However, we might get another vocalist at least for KH4.
Pffft with disney we're more likely to get one last Simple & Clean remix for kh3 before anyone springs for a Utada or another vocalist again.
Pffft with disney we're more likely to get one last Simple & Clean remix for kh3 before anyone springs for a Utada or another vocalist again.
Or anyone is stupid enough to sign the contract.
Pffft with disney we're more likely to get one last Simple & Clean remix for kh3 before anyone springs for a Utada or another vocalist again.
I'd rather we keep Utada songs for the rest of the Xehanort saga, honestly.
They can find a new singer for the next saga.
I'd rather we keep Utada songs for the rest of the Xehanort saga, honestly.
They can find a new singer for the next saga.
Eh at this point I have to agree tbh, it'd be kinda weird to not have her songs after 10yrs of them and xehanort.
I think Nomura might have an amazing idea of what he wants KHIII to have and be. :)
Bobjam
June 11, 2013 @ 09:13 pmOffline