News ► Kingdom Hearts 3 Famitsu Scans + Translation!

[Oracle Spockanort]

 
Full scans of the 7/4 Famitsu Weekly released last week have surfaced thanks to True Gaming! 

Last week's issue of Famitsu Weekly covered all of the newest game announcements at E3 2013 like KINGDOM HEARTS III and FINAL FANTASY XV, and contained a Q & A interview with KINGDOM HEARTS series director Tetsuya Nomura where he discussed the possibilities of playing as Riku and Kairi in the long awaited title, the "Kingdom Shaders" created to give each world an authentic Disney look, and more.

KINGDOM HEARTS 3 will be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr for all of the latest news on KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5 ReMIX- and KINGDOM HEARTS 3!

 
Click to enlarge!

Thanks to Zephyr for translating the scans!

At E3 2013, the production of the latest entry of the series KINGDOM HEARTS III is announced!

STORY

In the KINGDOM HEARTS series so far, Sora learns that Master Xehanort is mercilessly plotting to start a war between the Darknesses and the Seven Guardians of Light. King Mickey and Riku are searching for Keyblade wielders who fought in an intense battle before and Sora, Donald, and Goofy are searching for the “Key to Return Hearts”. They will once again travel to various Disney worlds.

In KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep, Eraqus passed down his Keyblade to Aqua and now Sora is holding it. They’re traveling to search for the “Key to Return Hearts”?

Sora challenges Master Xehanort in the final battle!!

KINGDOM HEARTS II was released on the Playstation 2 on 2005 and several spin off games were released on portable devices therefore thickening the story and the world settings in the KINGDOM HEARTS series. In the latest game, KINGDOM HEARTS III competes this story. Earlier, we revealed the visuals for Sora and friends. We have comments from the director, Tetsuya Nomura.

~*~

Director Tetsuya Nomura Q & A Part 1

Q: The story this time will start after KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]?

A: Yes, we are currently deciding on selecting new worlds. It continues the Seeker of Darkness saga as the last chapter. The final battle between Master Xehanort draws near.

Q: Seeing how the story flowed in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], is there a possibility that, along with Sora, Riku and Kairi will be playable?

A: I cannot say no the possibility.

Q: What was the intention behind the heartwarming and unique visuals?

A: This is what a next generation KINGDOM HEARTS should look like... in the recent years, we questioned whether it should go a realistic route or a different one and we continued to work on these models. Originally for the KINGDOM HEARTS characters, we aimed for a texture that resembled Disney illustrations and that is how it came to be. We asked Nozue to keep testing and as a result of testing thoroughly, we developed the KINGDOM SHADER, which is the name of the visuals. While it may seem like a sudden change, this is what I’ve wanted to show you. It has evolved into something rich.

Director Tetsuya Nomura Q & A Part 2

Q: How has the action in KINGDOM HEARTS evolved?

A: Currently, I have a demo version where you can actually move around and it is rampant (laughs). In every world, NPCs can participate in battle with flashy moves. Enemy and friend AI can become more elaborate as you progress through the game. For example, I’m already working on plenty of enemies whom are like vehicles that you can ride and fly during battle.

Q: Sora became a Keyblade Master in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Like Aqua and the others, they can change their Keyblades?

A: Yes. During the Mark of Mastery Exam, they already have the ability to change their Keyblades.

[Editor's Note: It is known at the end of KH3D that Sora does not, in fact, become a master. This is an error on the part of Famitsu]

Q: Finally, do you have a message to say to your fans?

A: The development teams of FINAL FANTASY XV and KINGDOM HEARTS III have a friendly competition between each other. In the sneak preview, I feel like a little bird has spread the information already but to a low degree. In KINGDOM HEARTS III, online elements are being considered for the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Please wait for more information in the future. In such timing this year, Tokyo Game Show and a Disney event, D23 Expo Japan, held in October will reveal more information.

~*~

These are Sora and his friends in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The CG renders feel like heartwarming illustrations. You will see characters such as Riku and Kairi soon.

Sora

A Keyblade Master who is the protagonist of the series.

Donald Duck

A little short tempered but he is a court magician of royalty.

Goofy

A royal court knight who has a gentle strong heart that thinks about his friends.

Source: True Gaming

 

 

[rac7d]

Q: Sora became a Keyblade Master in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Like Aqua and the others, their Keyblades have changed?
A: Yes. During the Mark of Mastery Exam, their Keyblades have already changed.

Thats a mistake right?
Yay new upgraded keyblades

 

[Luap]

but sora didn't become a keyblade master and we never saw kingdom key or way to the dawn change what

 

[Sorarocks93]

Well obviously the Sora being a master is a mistake...

But what does he mean that the keyblades have changed?

Edit: Are the changes similar to how the Earthshaker changes to Ends of the Earth or something like that?

 

[Oracle Spockanort]

but sora didn't become a keyblade master and we never saw kingdom key or way to the dawn change what

I'm thinking it wasn't a physical change but a...metaphysical thing...but the kanji implies the physical.

Q: Sora became a Keyblade Master in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Like Aqua and the others, their Keyblades have changed?
A: Yes. During the Mark of Mastery Exam, their Keyblades have already changed.

Thats a mistake right?
Yay new upgraded keyblades

It is what the interviewer asked. Most interviewers and people who didn't paid attention to the ending of the game missed the fact Sora didn't become a master.

Well obviously the Sora being a master is a mistake...

But what does he mean that the keyblades have changed?

Lol new power I guess. It literally says "Keyblade transformation"

 

[Zettaflare]

are the "keyblade wielders who fought in an intense battle in the past" TAV? or an entirely new group of keyblade wielders

 

[Sorarocks93]

These are Sora and his friends in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The CG renders feel like heartwarming illustrations. You will see characters such as Riku and Kairi soon.

Can't wait for that. Hope they show their new costumes too.

 

[Sign]

are the "keyblade wielders who fought in an intense battle in the past" TAV? or an entirely new group of keyblade wielders

Very obviously referring to TAV.

 

[Zephyr]

Well obviously the Sora being a master is a mistake...

But what does he mean that the keyblades have changed?

Edit: Are the changes similar to how the Earthshaker changes to Ends of the Earth or something like that?

Hmm I'm not entirely sure but the text says Keyblade Master in the question and his character bio. Perhaps the term is more loosely interpreted in JP releases?

ソラは、「KH3D」で：キーブレードマスターになりました。
キーブレードマスターになったシリーズの主人公。

 

[Ruran]

These are Sora and his friends in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The CG renders feel like heartwarming illustrations. You will see characters such as Riku and Kairi soon.

Assuming that Riku and Kairi are getting new outfits as well I'm wondering if the new renders of them will be in their new duds or will be like Sora's and depict them in their KH2 attire. I'm eager for new outfits but it'd be nice to get their old ones in upgraded graphics as well.

 

[Chaser]

Q: Seeing how the story flowed in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], is there a possibility that, along with Sora, Riku and Kairi will be playable?

A: I cannot say no the possibility.

Please look forward to playing as these two.

 

[Lnds500]

Weird interview. Nomura seems to be repeating the same things but adds small details.

Thanks for the translations!

At E3 2013, the production of the latest entry of the series KINGDOM HEARTS III is announced!
STORY
In the KINGDOM HEARTS series so far, Sora learns that Master Xehanort is mercilessly plotting to start a war between the Darknesses and the Seven Guardians of Light. King Mickey and Riku are searching for Keyblade wielders who fought in an intense battle before and Sora, Donald, and Goofy are searching for the “Key to Return Hearts”. They will once again travel to various Disney worlds.
In KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep, Eraqus passed down his Keyblade to Aqua and now Sora is holding it. They’re traveling to search for the “Key to Return Hearts”?

These are Sora and his friends in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The CG renders feel like heartwarming illustrations. You will see characters such as Riku and Kairi soon.Sora
A Keyblade Master who is the protagonist of the series.

I guess that concludes that we will be searching Aqua and the Key to Return Hearts is the Master Keeper (?). I guess Sora should find it and Aqua in order to find Ven and return his heart.

Excited about the Riku/Kairi renders.

KH3 sounds more like HP7 Part 2 by the minute. Excellent!

 

[Theart]

Please look forward to playing as these two.

You forgot the "*laughs*", amigo~

But yeah, very excited for all of this!

As far as the whole "Master Sora" thing is concerned, I'm guessing that Sora is in a situation sort of like what Terra was in during BBS: his power and skill matches that of a Keyblade Master, but he failed the official Exam. However, it could also very well be that KH3 will open up with Sora's Mark of Mastery Test like BBS did. Heck, it could even be Kairi's exam too, if we do end up playing as Sora, Riku and Kairi.

 

[Zettaflare]

You forgot the "*laughs*", amigo~

But yeah, very excited for all of this!

As far as the whole "Master Sora" thing is concerned, I'm guessing that Sora is in a situation sort of like what Terra was in during BBS: his power and skill matches that of a Keyblade Master, but he failed the official Exam. However, it could also very well be that KH3 will open up with Sora's Mark of Mastery Test like BBS did. Heck, it could even be Kairi's exam too, if we do end up playing as Sora, Riku and Kairi.

I could easily see a scenario were sora is awarded the title of master by yen sid at the end of kh3 for stopping xehanort once and for all. That would mirror eraqus` decision to award the title of master to terra if he stopped the unversed threat

 

[rac7d]

I wish they asked about time, I'm hoping a month or 2 went by. Gives kairi time to train and then kids would all be officially on year older

 

[Sephiroth0812]

Very obviously referring to TAV.

Makes sense too since Mickey and Yen Sid were already searching for them beforehand, and while they may know Aqua is in the RoD, they don't know where exactly. Same goes for Ventus' body and soul since Mickey said in Re: Coded he has only an idea about where his heart might be.
And about Terra they know closely to nothing.
I wonder if Lea will support them during their quest.

Weird interview. Nomura seems to be repeating the same things but adds small details.

Thanks for the translations!



I guess that concludes that we will be searching Aqua and the Key to Return Hearts is the Master Keeper (?). I guess Sora should find it and Aqua in order to find Ven and return his heart.

Excited about the Riku/Kairi renders.

KH3 sounds more like HP7 Part 2 by the minute. Excellent!

It is a bit strange, especially the bit about Sora being a Master and "changing"? Keyblades. There didn't happen anything to both Sora's and Riku's Keyblades during DDD.
Except, maybe they're referring to the power to awaken sleeping hearts which they gained from unlocking the seven sleeping Keyholes?
Maybe that's like a new "ability-unit" added to their Keyblades and that's what it means.

Why would the Master Keeper be the Key to Return Hearts? If it would be, Aqua could have already used it back in BBS.

 

[Zettaflare]

Makes sense too since Mickey and Yen Sid were already searching for them beforehand, and while they may know Aqua is in the RoD, they don't know where exactly. Same goes for Ventus' body and soul since Mickey said in Re: Coded he has only an idea about where his heart might be.
And about Terra they know closely to nothing.
I wonder if Lea will support them during their quest.



It is a bit strange, especially the bit about Sora being a Master and "changing"? Keyblades. There didn't happen anything to both Sora's and Riku's Keyblades during DDD.
Except, maybe they're referring to the power to awaken sleeping hearts which they gained from unlocking the seven sleeping Keyholes?
Maybe that's like a new "ability-unit" added to their Keyblades and that's what it means.

Why would the Master Keeper be the Key to Return Hearts? If it would be, Aqua could have already used it back in BBS.

Maybe eraqus didnt tell aqua the true power of his keyblade

 

[Ruran]

I wish they asked about time, I'm hoping a month or 2 went by. Gives kairi time to train and then kids would all be officially on year older

We don't know enough about how much time has passed since the events of KH2 ended to deduce something like that.

Why would the Master Keeper be the Key to Return Hearts? If it would be, Aqua could have already used it back in BBS.

Could be she doesn't know. Aqua didn't exactly have enough time to settle into her new master position before she had to go world hopping because of MX's shenanigans, or even enough time for ME to explain things to her properly either. Or Hell, maybe even ME himself didn't know, the MK seems to be a really old Keyblade passed down from master to master so assuming that it in fact is the KtRH the history behind it may have been lost over time.

 

[Zephyr]

I'd love to see the Dream Eaters appear again in the beginning of the game. Imagine Meow Wow in those graphics.

 

[Mog]

Why does it say Sora became a master in KH 3D? Pretty sure he didn't.