Famitsu Article Translated!

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Published on January 26, 2007 @ 08:40 pm

Written by .Oathkeeper.

The Famitsu Article containing new scans and info has finally been translated by Tomo of KH-2.net. Thanks for the heads-up! I cleaned up some of the unclear bits, and the article offers some insight on everything from Organization battles to the new areas we'll be able to visit in KH2:FM+. Click Read More below to see the translations!

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Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+

• There are 13 types of Organization Mushroom Heartless.
• The abilities from the first installment can now be used in a sixth drive form!
• The sixth form ---> "Limit form"
• Strike Raid (reaction command--> Judgement), Ragnarok (reaction command ---> Giga Impact), and Dodge Roll were all confirmed.
• All these KH1 attack techniques have gotten a boost in power.
• The Dodge Roll technique is now a "counter-offensive" (meaning a defensive AND offensive ability?).

The KH2:FM+ Trailer

• There was a theatre that was open to the public which featured the KH2:FM+ trailer.
• An Organization XIII member enters a basement concealed on the edge of a huge passageway.
• The word "Friend" appears, and it looks like he's talking to an armored person. The phrase, "It's been a while," is seen above the words, "Road to the White Room."

Organization XIII Invites Sora to a Battle Arena

• The Organization battles are in an additional arena close to a previously visited area.
• The Command Window now has a Nobody-themed frame.
• Marluxia, who a great many remember from CoM, is much stronger in KH2:FM+. He'll attack Sora with a new technique.
• In the screenshots, it appears there is a two-part reaction command.
• The reaction command to use for Marluxia, while in battle: "Aerial Spin" ---> "Rob Scythe".
• Sora steals Marluxia's scythe, and then attacks Marluxia with it.
• In Marluxia's new technique, a Nobody symbol appears when Marluxia disappears.
• While this technique is being executed, the figure comes appears above Sora.
• He is noted to be easily knocked down when he reappears.
• Lexeaus appeared only in Riku's chapter, and the battle is very easy in CoM.
• Lexaeus' most powerful attack doesn't vary much. He simply raises the tomahawk and attacks Sora.
• There's about 6 and 1/3 HP bars.
• There's a numeric display of 'POWER' in the upper part of the screen, which means it's a special, context-sensitive battle (much like Luxord). By the way, Lexeaus' power has gone from 20,000 to 40,000, while Sora is only 100, in power.
• Lexeaus uses a forcefield and Sora receives damage from the ground in one of the screenshots. Huge rocks are generated and hurled toward Sora.
• Lexeaus throws his tomahawk to the ground, so Sora must use "Reflect Guard".

The New Areas

• In KH2:FM, not only are there new enemies and cutscenes/events that are added, but there's also new maps.
• Where these new maps lead to are still uncertain, but there's an additional map in Hollow Bastion.
• Is there an important one for reaching the last part of the game?
1. If the level-up ability "Glide" from Final form isn't obtained, you can't advance to that "new place".
2. Heartless are still present in the new areas.
4. In one screenshot, Sora turns a valve/switch by attacking it. Does doing this lead to a new area? The valve appears to have more than one HP bar.
5. One screenshot shows Sora running along a hallway reminiscent of Castle Oblivion. The Command Menu's design window gives off a Castle Oblivion feel, as well.

Re: Chain of Memories

Quotes

• Axel (in Castle Oblivion's hallway):
"It's only the Keyblade Master."
• Vexen (in Castle Oblivion's hallway):
"We have no further use for you."
• Sora (Destiny Islands):
"It's because of my promise to Namine, that I'll always protect her."
• Namine (Destiny Islands):
"Did you want to meet somewhere and...?

• Gameplay has been made easier by a new map gimmick.
• Pillars can be destroyed. HP balls, Moogle Points, and a card also appear.
• Namine appears as she would in KHII.
• She's imprisoned in Castle Oblvion because she has the power to re-write memories.
• A boss battle comes at the end of each world.
• At the beginning of the boss battle, the enemy shows the stock technique.
• Any technique can be stopped, depending on the value and power of the card on hand.
• It is important to use both strategy and brute force to their full potential.

Tetsuya Nomura Interview

• Nomura isn't sure about the exact number sold, but, the KH series did exceed over 10 million units worldwide. He feels that it's because he's doing a favor for the huge fan base that's supporting the series. He thinks that those players who wanted to delve deeper into the game will appreciate this new installment, since there's a more difficult Proud mode in FM+.
• The numbers inscribed on the back of the Organization Mushroom Heartless correspond to the member they represent. Also, their abilities will relate to their respective members. In a (published) screenshot, there appears to be only 12 mushroom heartless, so will we see the 13th soon?
• Nomura knew there were players who wanted KH1 abilities included in KH2, and so, a new drive form was added to FM+. It is possible to use Dodge Roll in other forms too, because it is a ground ability (as opposed to an "air ability" such as Glide). By the way, the origin of the "Limit Form" name is from "Limit Break" in FFVII.
• As for battles with Organization XIII, the Coliseum rules are different than other tournaments. You cannot immediately choose from the thirteen members to fight. The fights are unique, and if you satisfy certain requirements, more members become available to battle against.
• The "POWER" numerical value of the Lexaeus boss battle is a degree of "Anger". It is released throughout the battle as it is accumulated.
• As for the scene where the Organization XIII member is talking to the person in armor, Nomura believes the development will be a surprise. He thinks that it adds even more mystery to the new Secret Movie that was seen. The mystery buried within KHII deepens a little more, and at the same time, a lot of new mysteries rise up too.

The rest of the interview is repeated info mentioned in another version of the interview.

• The year, 2007, becomes the year when the seeds sown last year are harvested.
• KH2:FM+ is one of those "seeds", as well as several related titles. Nomura-san is planning on releasing five works this year. However, it doesn't mean he will put them all out on the market this year, aand he plans to announce them soon.
• Are any of the projects related to FF? Nomura only responds with a laugh, and, "They very well may be..."
• It is recommended to clear Re:CoM before moving onto KH2:FM. This is "crucial".