Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
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- Published on April 12, 2017 @ 03:42 am
- Written by Sign
Last week, Famitsu published a huge spread on the KINGDOM HEARTS 15th anniversary, featuring the results of an in-depth survey conducted on everyone's favorite game, characters, moments from the series, and much more.
Series Director Tetsuya Nomura left several comments on those results, and thanks to Saken, you can read translations of them.
1. I think the results of the title that people played first, as well as the ones people enjoyed most are as expected. It's quite something that the ratio of the people who answered is 50% male to female. Even from the data we gathered within our own company, unlike most of our other titles, there is a strong representation of the proportion of males to females, as well as the proportion of younger players. Comparing to our other titles, we can see many young and female players, which reminds me that this is truly a title with a connection to a healthy future.
2. The fact that "story" occupied the majority of responses in regards to fan's favourite parts of the series is a surprise. It occurred to me that most responses gathered this time must have been from pretty hardcore fans, seeing that the story is quite long and complicated. We always try our best to place our utmost effort into every aspect of our games, so I thought it would have been a more even spread.
In regards to the responses regarding favourite characters, most of the results were as expected, but I feel Riku ranked a little low. I think I have to do something about that. Maybe I should give him a little more opportunity to shine?3. As for enemies that left an impression on players, there's a split made by the memory of a tough battle, and the memory therein of a character as a whole. In regards to favourite Keyblades, the popular Keyblades from before once again take the limelight. Regarding favourite scenes and worlds, there's quite a few I didn't expect to see. The scenes that I personally wished I had put more emphasis on seemed to top the ranks. For example, when Sora turned into a heartless. I wanted to let players bask in this moment for longer, but I ended up putting priority in the pace of the story. As for favourite worlds, I was surprised that so many original worlds ranked the highest.
4. As for features players indulged in the most, as expected, the features we put particular effort in topped the ranks. I was unexpectantly surprised and happy to see the Dream Eater creation feature being popular. Regarding favourite music tracks, I'm relieved to see the tracks that I had pointed out to include into the Orchestra Concert's setlists being popular. Additionally, regarding the mysteries that fans are most eager to unravel, a lot of them seem to come from our latest work, KH2.8... I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Contained within those are a lot of the mysteries that originate from the plot of KHx, which was unexpected but welcoming. By all means then, please look forward to future developments in the renewed "KH Union Cross".
5. As for guest characters that fans would like to see the most, I'm a little worried. In the current state of the main story, it would be difficult to incorporate these characters. However, even in the responses regarding what fans are looking forward to most in the future of the series, numerous voices are heard expecting these guest characters to appear. I'll consider the voices of these fans very carefully and do my very best to meet the expectations of all other fans. As for the final messages received by fans, I can feel the same feelings and fond memories of the series that sprout forth from our overseas fans in our Japanese fans, however they are also patient. I could really feel the fire burning inside them.
In regards to KH3, being the 15th year anniversary, the tension is steadily rising so, to fans, we thank you for your patience and ask for your continual support as we work hard toward our mutual goal.
In addition, several celebrities and members of the voice cast left congratulatory messages for the KINGDOM HEARTS series:
Rena Matsui
Debuted as a member of SKE48, is now an actress after graduating in August 2015.
Congratulations on 15 years! Kingdom Hearts was the first game I completed on my own, and I've played it over and over ever since. Sora, Riku, Kairi, the characters just get more and more captivating as they're introduced. They're all characters I can't help but fall in love with. In KH2, Roxas' "My summer vacation... is over" is always so emotional that no matter how many times I watch it, I cry. It's my favourite scene. Even if KH3 takes another many years to release, I'll be eagerly waiting.Risa Uchida - Kairi and Xion
I'll never forget the day I auditioned for Kingdom Hearts. From that day on I've been captivated by it. From 13 years old meeting her, half my life has been Kairi. The one who taught me the true meaning of having heart, Xion. To them, and to the happiness I've been granted by Kingdom Hearts, I offer my utmost thanks. Happy 15th anniversary!Kouki Uchiyama - Roxas and Ven
I received mail from Megumi Toyoguchi (VA of Aqua), who attended the Orchestra World Tour concert in Tokyo, about how that went down. It's only Kingdom Hearts that's able to create and host such a huge, worldwide event. The effort of the staff, as well as the constant support of the fans piled up over 15 years is what I believe to have made such a thing possible.Megumi Toyoguchi - Aqua
Happy 15th anniversary!
I'm incredibly thankful to have been able to meet with the splendid Aqua! I'm looking forward to the day where Aqua escapes the Realm of Darkness, to the day where with overwhelming feeling and happiness I can cry out the names of Terra and Ven once again!Mamoru Miyano - Riku
During a period of time where I was yet to act with my voice, I was privelleged to have met with Kingdom Hearts. So, you could say that my voice acting life and history, and Kingdom Hearts', is one and the same. Being given the opportunity to experience and grow along with Kingdom Hearts has been a wonderous ride. And with ever increasing devotion, I'll continue to grow and live on as Riku! From the depths of my heart, congratulations on 15 years!Masahiro Sakurai - Director of Smash Brothers and creator of Kirby
Congratulations on 15 years, Kingdom Hearts! (Just around the same time, Kirby reaches its 25th)
Being the director of a collaborative title myself, albeit in a different direction, I wholeheartedly understand the difficulty of developing one so much that it hurts! However, I tip my hat to Nomura and his staff for constantly creating such flawless volumes of progression each and every time. And onward to the future, I'll continue to sit back and indulge myself in the entertainment you bring forward for me.
COMMENTS
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Thank you for the translations Saken! The last bits about the character cameos are interesting but hopefully they'll be able to add some new FF characters.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Fans: Riku is not our favorite character.
Nomura: Here's more Riku.
If CoM and 3D didn't do the job, stop trying! It's good he's analyzing this poll, but I'm worried he's looking at the results the wrong way. People said they liked Lingering Will more than Phantom. This doesn't mean you should re-introduce Phantom with an upgraded skill set. Atlantica didn't even place in the world section. Imagine if this makes Nomura bring it back with a new and improved rhythm mini-game.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
And Riku didn't do badly? He was in fourth place!! So what there's a tangible difference between him and the third place? If you need to focus on someone that did poorly, focus on Terra or Naminé. Not RIKU. He's a playable character in two games.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Oh, God, no. No, you should not do that.
God I hope he's being tongue in cheek.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Chain of memories and kh2 shows riku's development. And in DDD, riku has gotten so much spotlight that even there are people complaining he is stealing sora's spot and because riku ranked a little low , nomura have to give him more spotlight, is he sane ? I wonder what is with his obsession with riku and I think kairi is the one who isn't getting any attention not riku or am i the one who is strange for thinking like this ?
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Not gonna take that Riku comment too seriously unless we get a confirmation of Riku getting a huge playable section in 3.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Nomura mentions in another comment that he knows the survey was conducted on a biased party. You can see that just by looking at the results; obviously most people don't love the story/RAX/Days as much as the participants do.
Considering his tone in the Riku answer, he's being rather playful about it.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
You say that but you know outside of here I've actually never had any problem finding love for Days, it's actually a really loved game, trio, and story. Heck for many it was their first KH game making it as special to them as KH1 is to others, an advantage it has being the first KHDS game. In fact if you look at metacritic it scores quite well. Just 2 points below the entire 1.5 collection, tied with DDD, and above both Re:Coded and Re:CoM by a large margin. Oddly enough it's 1 point below GBA CoM which I think is more odd because of the sheer score difference between GBA CoM and Re:CoM. User score is pretty much the same as well, fact is Days is a well enjoyed game despite its flaws.
Anyway I really think he might be sincere about the Riku thing but I hope to all hope that he is joking.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Riku's the deuteragonist of the series, of course Nomura expected him to rank up high. I really do hope that Nomura provides an international survey soon so he can see a larger perspective of which aspects of Kingdom Hearts is favourable from a more objective stance.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
| Megumi Toyoguchi - Aqua I'm incredibly thankful to have been able to meet with the splendid Aqua! I'm looking forward to the day where Aqua escapes the Realm of Darkness, to the day where with overwhelming feeling and happiness I can cry out the names of Terra and Ven once again! |
Gaah, this hit right in to my feels. Gosh. We all hope that Megumi-san, and I am sure it will happen in the future!
Uchida`s comment about learning what it`s like to have a heart as Xion was really sweet too.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
That can't be good, it doesn't matter if Riku is the deuteranogist or not. Nomura is/will be trying to force characters down the throats of the players and that's simple not good. I'm not hating on Riku right now, but he has gotten so much attention in the series and he's still determined to give him more. Please Nomura, just stop it. Other characters need so much more.
I hope he really is joking.
Anyways, thanks for translating this.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
The way I'm reading him "giving" Riku more time to shine is showing off more of his and Mickey's story, if not being somewhat playable. Tbh, I'd be down for that and really, that should be in there. (And really, I'm still surprised myself Riku got fourth considering him and Aqua are the only properly developed characters in this series).
Kinda sad with his response about guest characters, tho. That is my main concern. It sounds almost like he had no plans in including any of the mentioned characters, which is a surprise - I thought Lightning and Noctis would be a given for KH3. Bartz would also be nice, buttttt I'd rather them hold Zidane for Neverland/PotC/Treasure Planet than any of the other worlds, tbh.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I'm okay with Riku being important. He has been until now and ending the saga with someone else as the deuteragonist now would feel awfully forced. Still wanna see more of the others and I'm a bit worried these guest characters (or any overall) come to him as sich a surprise.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
all these riku haters in this thread smh
ridic.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
all these riku haters in this thread smh
ridic.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
All these riku haters in this thread smh
Ridic.
Whether people like to admit it or not, official promotional material for Kingdom Hearts III state that Riku and Mickey are looking for the "Scarred Keyblade Wielder" (Aqua). In order to see where that narrative goes, there has to be moments dedicated to Riku because of this narrative element.
And besides, he's now a Keyblade Master who's overcome his fears of Darkness. He's not going to have an inferiority complex anymore. I'm intrigued as how his attitude will change now that he's more akin to his original Kingdom Hearts personality.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Whether people like to admit it or not, official promotional material for Kingdom Hearts III state that Riku and Mickey are looking for the "Scarred Keyblade Wielder" (Aqua). In order to see where that narrative goes, there has to be moments dedicated to Riku because of this narrative element.
And besides, he's now a Keyblade Master who's overcome his fears of Darkness. He's not going to have an inferiority complex anymore. I'm intrigued as how his attitude will change now that he's more akin to his original Kingdom Hearts personality.
According to 0.2, his attitude is more Sora-like now… make what you wish out of that
(he says he listens to his heart more now, instead of trying to be the role model)
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
uh, i wouldnt say he is closer to his kh1 characterization now.
he's a beautiful gay sap now, and not the rude closeted anger teen he used to be.
let him spread his wings.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Thanks for the translations! For a hot minute I thought the whole thing was forgotten after Union Cross and the other news.
The best part about this for me was probably the fact that introducing guest characters is gonna be difficult. I don't like them, nor I look forward to them.
About Riku... I'm also surprised about the reactions in the comments here. Then again maybe I'm the biased one, considering I now almost despise current Sora and hopped on the Riku train.
But it's not like I don't understand the fear, we saw what Nomura can and will do if he wants to shoehorn a character to the audience.
KH III is always at risk to be Days 2.0, a game featuring a lot of characters but focusing on 2-3 of them, because who cares about underdeveloped characters when you can have marketeable ones.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Tbh I think Kairi saying that Riku is like Sora was just a very bad way to have the players feel the awesome connection between those three. Other than that, sure, Riku might listen to his heart more but he's still not like Sora much. He's always cared for his friends a lot.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
According to 0.2, his attitude is more Sora-like now… make what you wish out of that
(he says he listens to his heart more now, instead of trying to be the role model)
That's doesn't mean to say that he's going to be a carbon copy of Sora.
The best part about this for me was probably the fact that introducing guest characters is gonna be difficult. I don't like them, nor I look forward to them.
I'd rather have the Fortellers, new Union leaders and the somebodies of Marluxia, Luxord, Larxene and Demyx be the "new" characters for Kingdom Hearts III. Honestly, there's way too many characters to count at this point, and adding even more new characters would bloat the narrative.
The original Kingdom Hearts was effective with letting all the original characters have their moments, because the original characters at the time were just Sora, Riku, Kairi and Ansem, Seeker of Darkness.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I'd rather have the Fortellers, new Union leaders and the somebodies of Marluxia, Luxord, Larxene and Demyx be the "new" characters for Kingdom Hearts III. Honestly, there's way too many characters to count at this point, and adding even more new characters would bloat the narrative.
The original Kingdom Hearts was effective with letting all the original characters have their moments, because the original characters at the time were just Sora, Riku, Kairi and Ansem, Seeker of Darkness.
Agreed, I think that's what Nomura is worried about too (maybe).
I can easily picture he'd want to give the main story all the spotlight, so there's not much time for FF characters shenanigans.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Whether people like to admit it or not, official promotional material for Kingdom Hearts III state that Riku and Mickey are looking for the "Scarred Keyblade Wielder" (Aqua). In order to see where that narrative goes, there has to be moments dedicated to Riku because of this narrative element.
And besides, he's now a Keyblade Master who's overcome his fears of Darkness. He's not going to have an inferiority complex anymore. I'm intrigued as how his attitude will change now that he's more akin to his original Kingdom Hearts personality.
I can't see the relationship of not wanting riku to have more screentime and hating riku. Personally, I don;t hate him, I am just worried that giving him more screentime will steal the spotlights of other people even the main character sora himself. If it is only about riku and mickey interaction, then it is fine, I just don't want it be " Oh, sora is in trouble again, I have to save him again " . Even if sora is in some real trouble there are still donald and goofy and even kairi but it is possible that riku will save sora himself since he is the center of attention and I really don;t want that to happen
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Tbh I think Kairi saying that Riku is like Sora was just a very bad way to have the players feel the awesome connection between those three. Other than that, sure, Riku might listen to his heart more but he's still not like Sora much. He's always cared for his friends a lot.
This.
Heck, in KH1 you could say Riku was manipulated by Maleficent BECAUSE of how much he loved his friends.
He saw Sora with new friends and got terribly mad at the though he might've been replaced, and he braved every dark step to find Kairi.
As friendliness goes he was on par with Sora, if not even a bit more. Perhaps too much.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I can't see the relationship of not wanting riku to have more screentime and hating riku. Personally, I don;t hate him, I am just worried that giving him more screentime will steal the spotlights of other people even the main character sora himself. If it is only about riku and mickey interaction, then it is fine, I just don't want it be " Oh, sora is in trouble again, I have to save him again " . Even if sora is in some real trouble there are still donald and goofy and even kairi but it is possible that riku will save sora himself since he is the center of attention and I really don;t want that to happen
Yes, how dare he save his friend.
Seriously though, I get where you're coming from and I partially agree about the spotlight -- but I'd take Riku saving Sora over Kairi saving him, simply because Kairi did NOTHING and it would just be weird when she suddenly saved Sora. I guess you could say she did it in KH1, too, but still.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I think that Riku deserves more love.
After Sora, Riku is my all time favorite character in the series and he deserves more love since his character has a lot of potential to being a total badass so im glad to hear Nomura is considering to let Riku shine more, at least storywise.
Also i think that all the other less important characters like Aqua, Terra and Ven had enough screentime in the last years so it is about time that Riku is the next in line to get more focus and that the series returns to its roots aka Sora, Riku and Kairi.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Also i think that all the other less important characters like Aqua, Terra and Ven had enough screentime in the last years so it is about time that Riku is the next in line to get more focus and that the series returns to its roots aka Sora, Riku and Kairi.
??????
Ven? What? He did nothing after BBS, he was sleeping the whole time. Why would you say Ven had enough screentime? And Terra? When was the last time we saw him? Yeah, in 0.2… he had like 8 lines.
Please, I get that you want Riku to get a even more prominent role, but other characters shouldn't get screwed over just because of that.
Look, I'm really not hating Riku, but he really had a lot of screentime in the last years. Give others some screentime now. Riku was the protagonist of DDD, one of the most latest entries (the other one being 0.2). He had lots of focus.
Also, why would you say Aqua, Terra, and Ven are less important than anyone? They are as important to the whole story as, say, Xion, Roxas, and Naminé are. TAV set Kingdom Hearts as we know it in motion. I just really don't understand
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Food for thought: If characters like TAV are seen as "less important", isn't that already enough proof that they desperately need more screen time?
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Of course Terra had his own share of screentime, being in the single game he was introduced and then as a sentient cameo for less than 5 minutes each time (in which he definitely didn't get introspection or something that adds to his character).
It's not like Riku has been a prominent character in every game outside of BbS and Re:Coded, after all.
I actually had similar discussions these days. I don't know if it's because they're numbered titles, or simple personal preference, but people seems to think BbS and its characters are inferiour relevance-wise to KH and KH II, while regarding KH III it's almost the opposite.
Ironically enough you'd lose more of the plot if you haven't played BbS and DDD rather than the two "main" titles.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Of course Terra had his own share of screentime, being in the single game he was introduced and then as a sentient cameo for less than 5 minutes each time (in which he definitely didn't get introspection or something that adds to his character).
It's not like Riku has been a prominent character in every game outside of BbS and Re:Coded, after all.
I actually had similar discussions these days. I don't know if it's because they're numbered titles, or simple personal preference, but people seems to think BbS and its characters are inferiour relevance-wise to KH and KH II, while regarding KH III it's almost the opposite.
Ironically enough you'd lose more of the plot if you haven't played BbS and DDD rather than the two "main" titles.
Even in Re:Coded, (Data-)Riku had his share of screentime. He 'is' the journal, remember? (well, a vessel, but you get it) In the coat? :D
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I concur, I just wanted to cement the main point home and avoid getting stuck into a "That doesn't count as Riku!" side.argument.
Riku IS one of KH's main pillars, that's also why Nomura was surprised.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Even in Re:Coded, (Data-)Riku had his share of screentime. He 'is' the journal, remember? (well, a vessel, but you get it) In the coat? :D
Ug I really hated that plot point because like it doesn't even make sense. KH1 Riku was hella corruptible and not all all a good form of protection so he was likely literally the worst person they could of chose. I mean like you can sorta accept it when you consider it's not even the actual data Riku just the journal cosplaying as Riku but then the whole vessel selection feels even more arbitrary. The most logical choice would actually of been Kairi but you know as in all things Kairi the plot is pretty adamantly against her doing anything.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I would have been up for fighting evil skirt Data Kairi.
And the thing with Riku is that... He was the protagonist of the latest full game. Let other characters have some spotlight now.
I mean, assuming anyone besides SDG will have meaningful screentime, and KH2 doesn't exactly inspire confidence there.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Well, I don't really know what I'm hoping from KH3 since basically all of it could be done either well or... not so well. I'm not really a fan of Kairi, so giving her more screen time could either be annoying, or make me like her more. I love Riku, and seeing his new self would be great, especially if he gets to interact with Sora and Kairi, but then again if his character development and the good things about him are suddenly negated like kinda happened with DDD Sora it can also be bad. I want to see more Namine, but I don't want any stupid asspulls to try and force her in, same with Vanitas.
So yeah, never know how it might turn out no matter what happens so I'll just... try to trust that Nomura knows what he's doing and see what happens xD
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Fans: Riku is not our favorite character.
Nomura: Here's more Riku.
If CoM and 3D didn't do the job, stop trying! It's good he's analyzing this poll, but I'm worried he's looking at the results the wrong way. People said they liked Lingering Will more than Phantom. This doesn't mean you should re-introduce Phantom with an upgraded skill set. Atlantica didn't even place in the world section. Imagine if this makes Nomura bring it back with a new and improved rhythm mini-game.
Yeah, sounds like Nomura really wants to make the characters he really likes, characters that other people like as well. I can get that, as he still knows stuff about Riku that he hasn't told us yet, so he wants to convey those feelings without giving away spoilers at the same time.
I'm glad they did a survey to gauge player interests.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Hmm, so it's just as I thought. It seems like Nomura never really expected X to be important or to really kick into high gear, but the success of it has made it a major part of the series. I like hearing that Union X [Cross] will answer questions related to 2.8, but I still would have liked not having so many unresolved plot points for those games. Was that all of his statement on Kingdom Hearts III, or is there an actual statement later in the article?
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Id' be down to play as Riku during the scenario where they possibly save Aqua, or just more cutscene exposure. I don't think Nomura will go to the extreme and make KINGDOM HEARTS III a two campaign experience between Sora and Riku.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
I never saw these survey results, pretty interesting stuff. Nice to see the love for Days in Japan, I always got the impression it was more well-regarded over there-- which makes sense, given that it's sort of a Disneyfied Banana Yoshimoto novel.
Ug I really hated that plot point because like it doesn't even make sense. KH1 Riku was hella corruptible and not all all a good form of protection so he was likely literally the worst person they could of chose. I mean like you can sorta accept it when you consider it's not even the actual data Riku just the journal cosplaying as Riku but then the whole vessel selection feels even more arbitrary. The most logical choice would actually of been Kairi but you know as in all things Kairi the plot is pretty adamantly against her doing anything.
I never even thought about how much more sense this would make in light of how little sense Riku's presence as the journal makes, and now I'm even less enamored of Re: Coded and grrr.
Also, gotta love how Nomura interprets polling. Considers rank 4 too low for Riku in the character poll, but interprets it as "being popular" where Dream Eater functions are concerned. I feel like there's a joke about the 2016 elections in there somewhere.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Yeah... I've always felt that way about Re:Coded. It woulda made a heap of sense for Kairi to be the journal. Pretty uncorruptable. Sought after by Maleficent and Pete for reasons. Bugs that "put her to sleep" and Sora has to sort it out or risk his life to fix it. Namine kinda being the secret "other side" of the journal to give Sora an important message. Would have played well with the Data Roxas/Data Sora thing going on too for Data Namine/Data Kairi. BUT ANYWAY, opportunity missed.
Kairi would have 100% fit into Re:Coded. It's not that Kairi couldn't have been written in or she doesn't fit, it's that they seem to purposely insert other characters in positions almost perfect for her.
I don't hate or even dislike Riku. I love how far he's come. He's come so far and he's in a great place. I'm happy for him. But other characters need that spotlight now.
As for how his attitude will be, it won't be KH1 Riku, it'll be baby Riku attitude levels. A big tease, very smart and observant, but also a big sap enough to touch Terra with his 100% pure tree sap.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Yup. It's frustrating how the devs themselves (devselves for short) seems to forget that she exists and you can do things with her character.
Even now, she got a role literally because there were so many empty spots that the usual crew wasn't enough to fill.
I also don't dislike Riku, quite the opposite, but I wish they would experiment more instead of going for the insta-win with already established characters.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
i ownder what ff charachter will be aded if any if so i hope to rinoa in kh3 and maybe lighting noctics and luna maybe a long shot now
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Just like the creator of Naruto, the guy who turns bad on the main character at some point is the creator's favorite...
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
It's quite something that the ratio of the people who answered is 50% male to female. Even from the data we gathered within our own company, unlike most of our other titles, there is a strong representation of the proportion of males to females, as well as the proportion of younger players. Comparing to our other titles, we can see many young and female players, which reminds me that this is truly a title with a connection to a healthy future.
That also surprised me. But I guess that's the beauty of KH.
In regards to the responses regarding favourite characters, most of the results were as expected, but I feel Riku ranked a little low. I think I have to do something about that. Maybe I should give him a little more opportunity to shine?
Honestly? If Nomura's wacky mind interpreted the poll results as a reason to want to give Riku even more development, which implies that he was already planning to do it in the first place and just used this as a trigger point, then I'd have to trust him. I'm not saying he shouldn't take any criticism, of course. I'm just saying that he should put what he wants to write as his first priority. But maybe I'm just biased because I've played several game series and read many books which ruin themselves because the creator was too occupied with satisfying the fans rather than actually doing what made sense to them. Media tends to drop several hundred gauges in quality and entertainment when the creator isn't enjoying what they're doing. It doesn't really matter if it was a smart decision writing-wise, anything supporting it just won't have as much care or thought.
That's probably in our best interest anyways. God forbid Nomura actually began listening to some of us, KH most likely would've been in flames a long time ago. (or at least, in more flames than it may or may not already be in)
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
...I really hope that Nomura's kidding about the Riku thing. Because if he's not, he might as well just push Sora aside, make Riku the main character and be done with it.
Like, there are so many people theorizing that Riku's the true hero of Kingdom Hearts now, and it's not hard to see why. This is turning into a writing flop, even, because Riku is:
The one chosen by Terra and the Keyblade, the deuteragonist (of the series) and antagonist in KH1 (who had a part in saving the day there, as well as in 2, Coded, and DDD)... the one with the most impressive writing and character arc in the series... Is playable in five of the games (where he has his own campaign in two of them. And was even the hero of one, that was originally just meant to star him alone) and a guest party member in two games... Like, F: Riku's been in ALL of the games except for Chi thus far, doing stuff [strike]and watch him end up in Chi somehow[/strike]: 1, CoM, 2, Days, BbS, Coded, DDD, 0.2, and is more active and present than the main protagonist! He also has his own Disney companion (like Sora does)... was chosen as the best fit to be the Journal, is now the new, true Keyblade Master (with a "new kind of power"), is going with Mickey to save Aqua (and do other stuff in the game, maybe?), when originally it was supposed to be Sora.
Seriously, STOP, Nomura. Stop.
And I'm worried that if they do continue with his character, they're going to ruin it like they did Sora's. Because now that Riku's big conflict from the rest of the series is out of the way (like Sora's conflicts were after 1 and CoM), I guess there's nothing left to do, then to turn him into Sora now! Oh boy!
And I'm also worried about what they're doing to Lea...
Ugh. Just when I begin to have hope in this series, and Nomura and his writing again, stuff like this happens:/
...
Also, I had the idea about Kairi being the Journal in Coded for a while now, so I'm glad I'm not the only one:) Such a missed opportunity there. Everything with Kairi is, really.
...
As for the Final Fantasy question... I feel like that was just Nomura's way of saying he doesn't think Noctis will be in it--probably because he can't be, or Nomura doesn't want him to be. But he probably realized he couldn't say that, and instead did what he did. Or at least that's what I'm getting from it all.
Maybe it's Nomura just trying to throw us off the scent of some of them already being in III, but it doesn't seem that way to me. Especially since Nomura already said there'd be new FF characters in the game somewhere, right?
And it just baffles my mind that they wouldn't have at least put Lightning in there, or thought about it, with how popular XIII is in Japan and how loved she is.
So it really seems like Nomura being about to say, "I'm uncomfortable adopting my son back", but then thinking better of it and instead saying, "All of this might be difficult."
Unless there just aren't going to be that many new FF characters in III, which could make sense, but I don't think that's what Nomura's getting at here. But I could be wrong.
...
And man, do I hope we get this survey. I would tell them what is up when it comes to Kairi (but not in a mean way, but a constructive criticism one)--the same way I want to with the FFXV staff about Luna.
I'd also say I want to know what Namine is;)
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
if we get this survey let's all agree to vote for gameplay, even if you prefer the story; if for no other reason than to offset the abysmal Japan results and make sure that the team gives a shit about making a fun battle system that actually works.
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
if we get this survey let's all agree to vote for gameplay, even if you prefer the story; if for no other reason than to offset the abysmal Japan results and make sure that the team gives a shit about making a fun battle system that actually works.
*After reading the international results*
"I feel the story ranked a little low. I think I have to do something about that."
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
Nomura's comment reminded me of the interview 6 years ago
https://www.khinsider.com/news/Nomura-Interview-in-Famitsu-Translated-1927
- From the survey, most fans like Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix the most.
[FONT='inherit']Tetsuya Nomura: Since I often hear that fans usually like one title in particular, it was a little unexpected to see that Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix was the top and that Kingdom Hearts II ranked second. Birth by Sleep is a subtitle, but since it’s a part of the main series, I’m happy to see that it ranked highly.[/FONT]
- The results of the survey show that the part people like most about the series is the story. You are write out the plot for all the titles of the series, so when writing up the story what do you focus on above all else?
[FONT='inherit']Nomura: Making it “surprising.†While I’m writing out the plot, if things seem that you can predict the outcome on your own, then I think of a different, unexpected development.[/FONT]
– Along those lines, looking at the age group of those who responded to the survey including the overseas fans, it seems the series appeals the most to a young generation.
Nomura:
[FONT='inherit'] There’s a sense that Kingdom Hearts appeals to wider age range of fans compared to Final Fantasy. Also that ratio wise, it seems more fans are female. I’m especially happy to see that there is strong support for the series from fans in foreign countries too.[/FONT]
- Sora was the top ranked favorite character.
Nomura:
[FONT='inherit'] It must be because he’s an uncomplicated guy. (Laughs) For the promotional trailers, we look for scenes with particularly good lines to highlight. But he gives us trouble finding lines that are suitable for the trailers; since Sora is a simple guy who doesn’t think too deeply about things, he doesn’t really say lines we can use. (Smiles wryly)[/FONT]
– Roxas ranked second, his heartrending destiny seemed to influence the top rated favorite scene.
Nomura:
[FONT='inherit']Roxas is someone the fans think a lot about, they say he’s like a Final Fantasy type character. Along with his friendship with Axel, they’re an impressive set, huh?[/FONT]
- What scenes left an impression on you?
Nomura:
[FONT='inherit'] The most impressionable scenes for me were the endings of KH1 and KH2, after that the scene in KH2 when Roxas’ summer vacation ends left a deep impression on me.
[/FONT]
Nomura:
[FONT="] [/FONT]
[FONT="] We really fussed over embodying the image of coming from school as the sunsets; it’s a world that left a deep impression on me too. As for the song, I gave Shimomura-san* a lot of trouble and pushed her to improve it. We had an image derived around another artist’s song, but it really worked out well, the result was a song with a completely different sort of anguish.
[/FONT]
Re: Nomura's comments on Famitsu KH15 anniversary survey results
- The results of the survey show that the part people like most about the series is the story. You are write out the plot for all the titles of the series, so when writing up the story what do you focus on above all else?
Nomura: Making it “surprising.†While I’m writing out the plot, if things seem that you can predict the outcome on your own, then I think of a different, unexpected development.
Call me new to KH and hence not knowledgeable on his interviews, but that's pretty much how I expected Nomura to answer when asked how he writes his stories. It's a shame too, because being predictable isn't always a bad thing. I would encourage having a mix of predictable and unpredictable elements.
...I really hope that Nomura's kidding about the Riku thing. Because if he's not, he might as well just push Sora aside, make Riku the main character and be done with it.
Like, there are so many people theorizing that Riku's the true hero of Kingdom Hearts now, and it's not hard to see why. This is turning into a writing flop, even, because Riku is:
The one chosen by Terra and the Keyblade, the deuteragonist (of the series) and antagonist in KH1 (who had a part in saving the day there, as well as in 2, Coded, and DDD)... the one with the most impressive writing and character arc in the series... Is playable in five of the games (where he has his own campaign in two of them. And was even the hero of one, that was originally just meant to star him alone) and a guest party member in two games... Like, F: Riku's been in ALL of the games except for Chi thus far, doing stuff [strike]and watch him end up in Chi somehow[/strike]: 1, CoM, 2, Days, BbS, Coded, DDD, 0.2, and is more active and present than the main protagonist! He also has his own Disney companion (like Sora does)... was chosen as the best fit to be the Journal, is now the new, true Keyblade Master (with a "new kind of power"), is going with Mickey to save Aqua (and do other stuff in the game, maybe?), when originally it was supposed to be Sora.
Seriously, STOP, Nomura. Stop.
And I'm worried that if they do continue with his character, they're going to ruin it like they did Sora's. Because now that Riku's big conflict from the rest of the series is out of the way (like Sora's conflicts were after 1 and CoM), I guess there's nothing left to do, then to turn him into Sora now! Oh boy!
And I'm also worried about what they're doing to Lea...
Ugh. Just when I begin to have hope in this series, and Nomura and his writing again, stuff like this happens:/
I don't really think of it like that. To me, Riku and Mickey being the ones to try to save Aqua make more sense than Sora being the one to dive in. Aqua is an old friend of Mickey's, and Riku serves as a nice foil to Terra which could really act as a catalyst for Aqua's hope in saving him. Plus, those two have traversed the realm of darkness for much longer. Sora's only been there for a few minutes to an hour at most, and god knows how useful Donald and Goofy would be. If anything, SDG saving Aqua would have less emotional weight and weaker storytelling than Riku and Mickey doing it.
And that's exactly it. I get where you're coming from. He hasn't made a lot of great choices, but there is a difference between "Nomura is destroying this series because what I want doesn't happen" and "Nomura is destroying this series because what he writes is inconsistent/pandering/shallow/etc." I agree that Riku should take a backseat, but if Nomura wanted to explore him even further and did a good job with it like he has been so far, then we can't really call him a crappy writer for that.
palizinhas
April 12, 2017 @ 04:54 amOffline