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This year's Tokyo Game Show has come and gone, and with it probably one of the strangest events as of late. Not so referring to the oddity of it, but this was the first year in many that no Kingdom Hearts title had been featured at the convention. No doubt many saw this coming; after all, Kingdom Hearts III had only recently begun development and likely didn't have anything substantial to show off to the public. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMix had just been released in the west the week prior to TGS, and with Square Enix's Osaka studio working on both installments of the franchise, it just wasn't in the cards for them this year.
But let's go over the event in full. After all, there was some good news to come out of it.
Available at the Square Enix booth was a pamphlet of the titles that were present in some way, shape or form. With the trailer playing at the Open Mega Theater, Kingdom Hearts III technically fit that description, and thus, Sora, Donald and Goofy left their mark.
(via @SQEXGAL)
Greeting guests as they approached the booth was the Kingdom Hearts III trailer, playing in rotation with other trailers showing off other titles currently available at their booth or were currently in development. There was only one difference between this trailer and the one from E3 2013, which was the replacement of the dialogue from English to Japanese.
(via @bKvEBVAvUq)
Also seen alongside the "new" KH3 trailer was the Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] TGS trailer. Narrated by Miyu Irino, this trailer showcased the latest story expansion made in the August 15th update, as well as various new cards and features added since then.
(via Square Enix)
Speaking of KHχ, guests received a code to redeem an exclusive card for use within the game. You may recognize the artwork, as it has been remade from an original promotional piece released for the first title over a decade ago.
(via ShardofTruth)
Available for purchase at Square Enix's merchandise section were various products for new titles. Among them were the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMix wall scroll and iPhone 5 case, as well as Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Sora and Riku Play Arts Kai.
(via @hidemi_mad_dog)
Although it required no confirmation whatsoever, Series Composer Yoko Shimomura confirmed it herself that she would be working on Kingdom Hearts III. Not only that, but she had been working on new music for Kingdom Hearts χ[chi] as well! Now that's dedication!
(via SQEX TV)
Despite the title only being present in trailer form, Kingdom Hearts III still received the Japan Game Award for Future Developments! Producer Shinji Hahshimoto proudly accepts the award at the ceremony.
(via Official KH Twitter)
Sadly, there were no further announcements regarding the series at the event. However, that doesn't mean there won't be any approaching soon. There are several things in store for us throughout the rest of the year.
First off, Shinji Hashimoto recently had an interview with IGN detailing their experiences and views with the series as well as its recently released and upcoming titles. Hashimoto states that those who were part of the original audience have a very special connection with it, growing up with the characters the series expanded further and further. As the focus of Kingdom Hearts III is on Sora and Riku's friendship, he believes that the growth of the players over the past decade will be heavily tied with the game, and that all of the fond memories they had playing when they were young will resurface. Nothing further could be revealed at this point in time.
That is why they released HD 1.5 ReMix; so they can relive their childhood memories and experience the adventure from beginning to end fully. Although he could not confirm anything regarding HD 2.5 ReMix, he hopes that players will support the title so that plans for the second remaster will be put in motion.
Next, as you may already know, the first D23 Fan Expo taking place outside of the United States will be held at the Tokyo Disney Resort on October 14th from 15:00-16:00. Key staff and voice actors will be talking about their experiences with the series, answering questions submitted by fans through Square Enix Members Japan and will be revealing new information about Kingdom Hearts III.
Director Tetsuya Nomura will also be discussing Kingdom Hearts III in a Playstation 4 [Conversations with Creators] video to be released in October as well. He had recently taken part in one focusing on Final Fantasy XV during TGS and revealed some interesting, though minor, pieces of information regarding development. Whether the KH3 video will contain any new tidbits, we'll have to wait and see!
Finally in December, we'll have Jump Festa 2014. Although this event does not focus on games, we generally receive more information and promotional media there. Many theorize that this is where the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix will be first announced and revealed to the public.
