View the Kingdom Hearts III Box Art!
- Details
- Published on September 18, 2018 @ 05:05 am
- Written by Joey
Ahead of Kingdom Hearts III's Tokyo Game Show stage event, Square Enix have released the box art for Kingdom Hearts III!
Square Enix released a statement about the box art:
The official box art, featuring artwork drawn by series director, Tetsuya Nomura, was also revealed at [Tokyo Game Show]. The artwork showcases a variety of characters from the KINGDOM HEARTS series against the endless sunset, including some familiar Disney favorites, King Mickey, Donald and Goofy.
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COMMENTS
It’s GORGEOUS!!! Omg Namine is on there?! She must have a pretty important role and she hasn’t even been shown yet!
Is that a Darkling???!
OMG I CANT TYPE!!! Y'ALL ITS HERE!!! OMG!!!
Oh its beautiful :). Would be cool if they were in the final world.
Xion!!!!!!!!!!!! 10/10
just perfection
Wait did Mickey and Sora switch keys? Mickey's is silver and Sora's gold.
Phooey, Kairi still has the same keyblade.
Mickey has that new Keyblade Aqua was wieldinf in all the trailers.
I love this cover, it's so amazing!!!
We've come full circle, lads.
Wait did Mickey and Sora switch keys? Mickey's is silver and Sora's gold.
Nah, Sora has the same and Mickey got a new one ;).
Nah, Sora has the same and Mickey got a new one ;).
Cool, glad Mickey upgraded. Anyway I'm happy all of the trios get to be on the cover. Feels fitting.
Suddenly!
life has new meaning to me!
there's beautiful up above, that you take notice of!
you wake up and suddenly, you're in love!
*clears throat*
i love it
Oh my gosh. That gargoyle statue from KH Boxart. I love it. It is here. It is time. We made it everyone.. Now nothing but love and confidence for what they are doing is coming from me. WOO!
Man, it looks SOOOO good. I am definitely going physical now despite the crap preorder bonus for NA
AHHHHHHH ITS A REFERENCE TO KH1
But now its sunrise or sunset? Rise implies better things, so its probably that. All of my friends are here too ;w;
Out of everything that's been revealed about Kingdom Hearts 3, this is the number one thing I was waiting for ...
..and OMG ITS SO FREAKING GORGOUES. I CANT HANDLE IT. THE TITLE SCREEN BETTER HAVE THE SAME ARTSTYLE OR I WILL CRY!!!
The sky reminds me somewhat of the one from the Keyblade Graveyard.
On other topics, I'm really satisfied that they put all the important characters on it.
This time, they're also all facing into the same direction.
That's probably the best boxart I've ever seen. Hopefully they don't change the US's boxart.
I'll echo everyone else's statements and say it's absolutely stunning and connects well to the first game, but I'm really REALLY hoping they have shiny versions of this box art like KH1's box art had.
Oh my gosh. That gargoyle statue from KH Boxart. I love it. It is here. It is time. We made it everyone.. Now nothing but love and confidence for what they are doing is coming from me. WOO!
That’s not the Gargoyle, that’s a Darkling from UX
So I thought about it and this is arguably the best cover art in the series, beating KH1 as my favorite.
Also did anyone else notice the little kitty statue next to Ven :D
This is honestly so much to take in. It echoes 1 so hard but shows how far its come. Damn.
I really like it, I didn't expect a direct echo of KH1's design but I'll take it. 100% my phone wallpaper as soon as there's a version without the KHIII logo available.
You're gonna give me the Lux, right?
Also did anyone else notice the little kitty statue next to Ven :D
Nomura's cat makes a cameo LOL, good eye
Oh my god I’m crying. I’m ded it’s so good. I was afraid they were going to mess up the box art with a modern game cover. It’s just as good as the box art for the first two games. Just wow.
I can't stop crying the artwork and the trailers its so beautiful!!! Thank you nomura
Kairi weilding that keyblade....yes, yes seems good :p
I love it! Kind of sad how Namine is alone instead of standing with a group, lol. She's also down with the Birth by Sleep cast, shouldn't she be on Roxas on Sora's level? Maybe the conversation from the concert with Namine speaking with Terra grows into something more and she becomes close friends with them throughout this adventure? Just a cover meant to look cool, prolly shouldn't read too much into it. Just wondering.
The high rises and the starry sky are definitely the best features.
Also, since Xion and Namine are on the cover, can we expect them in the game as well?
The high rises and the starry sky are definitely the best features.
Also, since Xion and Namine are on the cover, can we expect them in the game as well?
I always expected them in the game, but this gives me hope they will be a bit more active that I initially thought? Maybe, at least lol.
And so after literally years of waiting we finally have the box art. Pinch me, am I dreaming? The art is absolutely gorgeous, my jaw gaped when I saw it. The colors are well done, giving it a light yet somber feel to it, fitting for one of the biggest finales ever. Seeing everyone together here really encapsulates much of what we love abou the series. Scuse me while I go shed a tear.. this will be my new wallpaper for the forseable future.
I haven’t seen this mentioned yet, but there’s thirteen people on the cover...
I always expected them in the game, but this gives me hope they will be a bit more active that I initially thought? Maybe, at least lol.
I take this as 100% confirmation that they will show up.
All of the main cast of characters from the Kingdom Hearts series, with most of them facing to the front and not one of them looking down or facing the opposite direction.
Them tributing KH1's box art validates my lifelong obsession with this franchise... I could not be more satisfied. My heart is full and my wallet will be empty.
This definitely seals the deal on my buying the standard edition of the game so I can put this next to the original box and KH2.
Also, are the high-rises from San Fransokyo? I'm trying to think what other worlds have high-rises..
Best boxart to date. How come nobody ain't talkig about that sky? Gives a northern lights vibe.
Yeah nice cover, but does the steelbook have the same drawing? I hope so, Hope Squaare doesn't screw up
Wait a second... Did Mickey get a new Keyblade?
This boxart encapsulates how far we've come. From the mysterious fantasy-like location of the very first game's art, with odd characters that we had yet to know and a night sky with just a single heart shaped moon...to the high rises of a city bathed in light and stars, with the same characters we've met in 2002, and ones we've met throughout the years. All staring straight ahead for the final battle. ASSEMBLE
also this is what i see when i look at it
AVENGERS
[SIZE=7]
Wait a second... Did Mickey get a new Keyblade?
Why yes indeed he did. Matches that purty sky mighty fine.
I don't think it's one of the better covers, but it's okay. Sora and Riku look great, the background is pretty, and I'm glad Namine is on the cover.
Interesting that the tower has a--clock?--that numbers to XIII, naturally, but not in order.
If Mickey did get a new keyblade then I'm guessing the keyblade Aqua took was a fusion of Star Seeker and KKD.
Also, are the high-rises from San Fransokyo? I'm trying to think what other worlds have high-rises..
I feel like it must be an original location, the question is if its just sorta made up like the KH1 cover art's town or if we actually go to it.
If Mickey did get a new keyblade then I'm guessing the keyblade Aqua took was a fusion of Star Seeker and KKD.
Its definitely that Keyblade, the hq artwork makes it more obvious. And yes, I agree it is just his two Keyblades fused. Dunno how that occurs though lol. I think this have been pointed out before, but its the same shape as those exclusive Xbox and PS skinned Keyblades as well.
I don't think it's one of the better covers, but it's okay. Sora and Riku look great, the background is pretty, and I'm glad Namine is on the cover.
Interesting that the tower has a--clock?--that numbers to XIII, naturally, but not in order.
Omg wow I just noticed that the clock has 13 numbers and it’s not in order. I wonder what that could mean!!
If Mickey did get a new keyblade then I'm guessing the keyblade Aqua took was a fusion of Star Seeker and KKD.
If that's the case I wonder if characters will start regularly fusing keyblades together. Aqua would probably want to fuse Stormfall and Master's Defender together.
Something like this happened before when I think about it. You can create Two Become One in Days.
I feel like it must be an original location, the question is if its just sorta made up like the KH1 cover art's town or if we actually go to it.
I always thought KH1's artwork was based on Traverse town. I could be wrong though.
Omg wow I just noticed that the clock has 13 numbers and it’s not in order. I wonder what that could mean!!
I believe it goes by Organization XIII's member ranking. The hands are point at VII and XIII for 7 lights and 13 darknesses!
I always thought KH1's artwork was based on Traverse town. I could be wrong though.
I believe it goes by Organization XIII's member ranking. The hands are point at VII and XIII for 7 lights and 13 darknesses!
There are definitely structures that aren't really in Traverse Town, maybe like concept art Traverse Town? It has a similar feel, but a bit darker as well, imo.
It's so beautiful I'm in tears! I need a poster of this NOW!
Maybe it's the digital Twilight Town, having received a new corrupted design? The possibilities are endless, but we all know it's actually just artsy fartsy cover design and could mean nothing
Here's the promotional artwork for 1.5 back from 2013. At the bottom, it says "Trav" which is definitely for Traverse.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT AND MY LIFE IS FULFILLED
Here's the promotional artwork for 1.5 back from 2013. At the bottom, it says "Trav" which is definitely for Traverse.
I mean, all that does is make me wish we could have Traverse Town in a game like this so it could actually look that good lol. Cuz its never looked like the same place to me since I was 10 lol.
On that note, it just sorta confirms to me this is probably some new world then. Cable Town? Something we haven't had name dropped maybe as well?
All we need is a reveal of the collections for Xbox One & I'm set!
Crazy crackpot theory
The city on the boxart is Insomnia and Nomura delivered a final jab at XV.
Here’s the full image untagged :)
I guess they won't be giving Ven that KhuX haircut to make him look more different than Roxas.
I guess they won't be giving Ven that KhuX haircut to make him look more different than Roxas.
The hairstyle he has in X is to make and show him looking younger. Logically he shouldn’t look different from Roxas.
I just love all the elements that echo KH1's design. Just like that one, it's so moody for a Disney game and absolutely intriguing.
Why are the numbers on the clock not chronological?
Listen... You know I had to do it to 'em.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Why are the numbers on the clock not chronological?
They are in order of the Organization member's ranking. The ranking does not go from I to XIII.
It is better than anything I could have ever imagined.
It is better than anything I could have ever imagined.
Donald: "I can't believe it....I'm on Chaser's lock screen!"
Donald: "I can't believe it....I'm on Chaser's lock screen!"
He knows what he did to get cut off >_>
They are in order of the Organization member's ranking.
Why would Xehanort rank the darknesses in a random order?
A gorgeous paralel, I share the awe of everyone before the box art's beauty
but I want to look more into that clock tower thing
If we go with the old Organization XIII's ranking, starting with where there'd be 1 o'clock, clockwise we get (I) Xemnas, (VI) Zexion, (XI) Marluxia, (IV) Vexen, (XI) Demyx, (II) Xigbar, (VII) Saix, (XII) Larxene, (V) Lexaeus, (X) Luxord, (III) Xaldin, (VIII) Axel, and finally (XIII) Roxas.
It isn't the order in which they "died", I also don't think it's the order they [strike]went Hollow[/strike] became Nobodies, so this order pretty much must refer to the Real Organization, which will... meet its end with the 13th Darkness-candidate? Maybe? And the order could be... the order in which we encounter each member? *still thinking*
Too bad we still don't know the Real Organization's ranking with all members, but actually that's better for hype-maintanance till the game is out
Oh, it’s beautiful. So one, I need the best most HD version of this artwork there is, and two: how the hell am I going to be able to resist buying the physical copy when my PS4 probably only has room for the digital game? :(
Years ago I made a mock up of the cover where the Xehanorts were the ones on ledges looking up at the sky with Sora’s gang up front, and this is even better.
Oh, it’s beautiful. So one, I need the best most HD version of this artwork there is, and two: how the hell am I going to be able to resist buying the physical copy when my PS4 probably only has room for the digital game? :(
Why would you need the physical and digital game installed at the same time?
I think it's pretty good; the detail, shading and background etc. BUT I do feel they could do a better job at making it look like the final entry of the trilogy; make it look more epic rather than too moody (again). Also, why do I feel like Sora and Riku got squished in this pic :P Also also, Sora's hand in his pocket seems unnatural, as if someone drawing it did make such a position for the 1st time.
Looks like Chaser and I are Darkling buddies now.
Looks like Chaser and I are Darkling buddies now.
We rep the only good character on the box art 8D
I'm not sleeping because I don't want to wake up from this dream.
You've been in a coma for 6 years. The doctor's are trying a new approach. If you can read this message, please.
Wake up.
Stunning artwork.
Gotta admit though, that Sora holding his left hand in his pocket looks a bit off.
Sora having his left hand in his pocket symbolizes Team Light having a hidden ace card to play when everything else has failed.
There we have it. What is in the Box? Nope, wrong question. What is in Sora's pocket? Find out next winter
ok shitposting aside, I really do think it's a bit symbolical for him to have that pose, we'll find out I guess :']
Okay, if I wasn't already planning to buy the physical copy anyway, this would be the reason to.
Just noticed that Goofy is looking up and Xion seems to be looking down
Just noticed that Goofy is looking up and Xion seems to be looking down
Goofy will rise above anyone's expectations, and Xion will sink to lower levels of depravity than previously considered. Nomura doesn't make mistakes in his art.
Just noticed that Goofy is looking up and Xion seems to be looking down
Now that you mention it, if we're really zooming in and looking for it, some characters look straightly forward, others look straightly upward/to the sky, and then there's Xion looking kinda downward. I assume some look at the sky or very top of the tower, some look forward either to Sora or the clock/tower itself, and Xion... is looking at the... star/paopu the Darkling is holding.
If I observe right, then we have:
- looking at the sky/upward: Kairi, Roxas, Goofy, Aqua, Namine (note that Roxas can be looking at Sora actually)
- looking at Sora/forward: Sora, Riku, Donald, [strike]Axel[/strike] Lea, Terra, Ventus (maybe Aqua and Namine are also looking just forward)
- looking at star/downward: Xion
Mickey could be looking downward too but I think he's looking at Sora. Maybe Kairi is looking at Sora too, given she and Riku are slightly behind Sora. Goofy can be looking at Mickey too. Also, Aqua could be looking at the Darkling and man could that imply something
We have exactly 13 characters in the box art
Goofy seems less goofy now... he is becoming... wiser? He's looking up to find his guiding key...
I think the cat is Chirity in disguise and will save everyone!
Really hope this is a new world or some form of The World That Never Was merging with Traverse Town. Seems a cool place to play. I want a world with the KH1 Secret Trailer vibe... the darkness all around... the rain... the heartless everywhere... would prefer this to Keyblade Graveyard desert...
Think this is Cable Town or a new place altogether?
​I wonder if the game will have a Glossy finish to it in the UK at least like KH 1 and 2 had. Whatever the case that's a great cover.
You can tell how different forums are when this thread is still pretty much unanimous in its opinion on the boxart while on ResetEra its split between people loving it and other people suddenly becoming art critics.
You can tell how different forums are when this thread is still pretty much unanimous in its opinion on the boxart while on ResetEra its split between people loving it and other people suddenly becoming art critics.
Remember that we are a dedicated KH forum and fans tend to be a bit more forgiving, whereas anyone who signed up to ResetEra, whether they are fans or not, can give their opinion.
That being said, it's the most gorgeous piece of art I've ever seen *U*
You can tell how different forums are when this thread is still pretty much unanimous in its opinion on the boxart while on ResetEra its split between people loving it and other people suddenly becoming art critics.
I mean, I get that KHi sometimes becomes a praise chamber, but come on.
It's the best deep cut any of us could ask for. It harkens back to the first game's box art, whilst somehow managing to squeeze in anyone who could be considered a main character.
I'm going to be honest.. I don't like it, sry. I hope it grows on me. Everyone looks somewhat sloppily drawn in comparison to the other cover arts. Goofy's face looks particularly off model, and that sky is giving me Lisa Frank, 90s Trapper Keeper cusp of 3D art vibes.
Just looks rushed. Everyone looks kind of miserable. :E
Mickey is my favorite part. EDIT: And that Heartless sconce..
I'm going to be honest.. I don't like it, sry. I hope it grows on me. Everyone looks somewhat sloppily drawn in comparison to the other cover arts. Goofy's face looks particularly off model, and that sky is giving me Lisa Frank, 90s Trapper Keeper cusp of 3D art vibes.
Just looks rushed.
I kind of agree. Some of the faces look off, like Ventus. The curve for his face looks too steep. Some of the coloring on the characters also look a little off. I’m pretty sure the box art will grow on me but it’s not like “wow this is the best thing ever!â€
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember that we are a dedicated KH forum and fans tend to be a bit more forgiving, whereas anyone who signed up to ResetEra, whether they are fans or not, can give their opinion.
That being said, it's the most gorgeous piece of art I've ever seen *U*
I mean, I get that KHi sometimes becomes a praise chamber, but come on.
It's the best deep cut any of us could ask for. It harkens back to the first game's box art, whilst somehow managing to squeeze in anyone who could be considered a main character.
also i tried sending this three times wtf
OH MY GOD
IT'S BEAUTIFUL
IT'S AMAZING
KAIRI IS SO PROMINENT
SHE HAS HER KEYBLADE
EVERYONE IS THERE
Is that a cat I spot in the background? Will unnamed cat get his own keyblade?! (prolly just a hint at Nomura and his love for cats I guess)
So what's up with that clock tower? Kinda reminds me of Twilight Town, but because it has the "body" of a skyscraper it reminds me of the World that Never Was. A fusion between the two if anything.
So what's up with that clock tower? Kinda reminds me of Twilight Town, but because it has the "body" of a skyscraper it reminds me of the World that Never Was. A fusion between the two if anything.
It looks like the same clock tower that was in the box art for KH1. In fact, the structure everybody is standing on looks the same, too.
It looks like the same clock tower that was in the box art for KH1. In fact, the structure everybody is standing on looks the same, too.
Hmm, I would disagree with that assessment. The structure they're standing seems to be the same, but then bigger I guess. But I don't think the clock towers are the same. The tops do look kind of similar but looking at the bodies they really are different I'd say.
Different topic but isn't the artwork on the tshirts you'll be getting at TGS the 15th Anniversary artwork? I really thought this was going to be the box art tbh. They even (probably purpously) covered the part with the fox/cat again and all the previously blurred picture frames are empty now. Maybe we'll be getting the full artwork reveal at TGS? I was always wondering if the picture frames might show all his friends or all the Disney worlds maybe??
Different topic but isn't the artwork on the tshirts you'll be getting at TGS the 15th Anniversary artwork? (...)
Yes, it's the 15th anniversary artwork we never saw in full-image before and WILL THIS BE OUR CHANCE TO SEE THE FOX? ; 7 ;
It seems, though, that in the background of the tshirt artwork all the frames are empty, while in the anniversary artwork the frames had pictures in them. Too bad :<
Also, Sora's hand isn't fully visible in the tshirt artwork, it's changed a bit so that his boot too big for he goddamn feet covers it
Still reacting. Kindof a gas how prominent the tower is compared to the other blips in the bg (the one to the right of it reminds me of this Chase building we have here in D-town Dallas). Like, we get it, it's cute, it's time for the 13 vs 7. It'll be interesting to see if the rest of the sequence has any bearing, clues.
XIII I VI XI IV XI II VII XII V X III VIII. The first half of the numbers are aesthetically mirrored, somewhat fitting when you thinkof the Org members / Nobodies and their original counterparts. Great now I'm seeing recusant sigils in the Roman numerals. Time to stop for now. @_@
Also, kindof love we have an NPC in the form of a cat on the cover.
I do have to say that the KH2 art is still my favorite of the series. However, I do think it has an unfair advantage for me since that was the first game in the series I played, plus that art has had 10+ years of nostalgia buildup on its side AND I am not a kid like I was when I first got into the series. The me who fell in love with KH in 2006 is not the me that is currently comparing KH3's cover to KH2's. So, taking all that into consideration, I am floored by how beautiful the KH3 cover turned out. I expected it to be a bit more flashy in its composition in the way KH1 and 2 are, but I think the more subtle tone actually works with this one. This cover feels like it encapsulates so many different things at once.
- It's nostalgic in the way it calls back to the original KH1 cover.
- KH1 was dark-themed, KH2 was light themed, KH3 is a perfect mix of the two
- All the main protagonists are showcased beautifully here
- There's a sense of "this is the final battle" to the piece but also "this is the end of an era" captured here.
- This is one of the most unique looking boxarts I've ever seen. It stands out from the crowd so well.
For those who are interested, I've upscaled the image to print quality (300ppi) and digitally removed the legal info from the bottom right corner.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
I just want to take a moment to thank Nomura for sticking with 2D art. Please let the title screen be the same.
I just want to take a moment to thank Nomura for sticking with 2D art. Please let the title screen be the same.
I'm almost positive the reason that 0.2 and Back Cover had 3D title screens was because neither of them had proper cover arts. I do wish they had just taken the drawings from the 2.8 cover art and used those, but perhaps they wanted to show off Unreal? Regardless, with KH3 having its own proper boxart, I'm sure we'll see the traditional title screen.
I'm going to be honest.. I don't like it, sry. I hope it grows on me. Everyone looks somewhat sloppily drawn in comparison to the other cover arts. Goofy's face looks particularly off model, and that sky is giving me Lisa Frank, 90s Trapper Keeper cusp of 3D art vibes.
Just looks rushed. Everyone looks kind of miserable. :E
I'm really glad someone pointed this out, I had this same feeling but I'm not an art geek so I didn't want to talk about it since I couldn't be sure it wasn't just my untrained eyes playing tricks on me. The faces feel so off and I pretty much just have to ignore them, and then rest of the cover I'm OK with. The sky doesn't bother me, it kind of symbolizes the messiness of the series I guess, haha. But I really wish the expressions our protagonists are wearing were a little more evocative, everyone's got the faded face from the 2.5 Remix cover art. Yeek.
For those who are interested, I've upscaled the image to print quality (300ppi) and digitally removed the legal info from the bottom right corner.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]I Really really loved, specially the collor pallete.
I don't think everyone is looking to the same place.
Made something quick to represent what I'm seeing:
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, and Donald are looking at the Tower's Clock.
Axel and Roxas are looking at the Darkling statue.
And Aqua, Ventus, Terra, Namine, and Xion (who I forgot to mention in the image) are looking to the bright star the statue is holding.
And Goofy apparently is the only one looking up, at Mickey's face lol
I Really really loved, specially the collor pallete.
I don't think everyone is looking to the same place.
Made something quick to represent what I'm seeing:
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, and Donald are looking at the Tower's Clock.
Axel and Roxas are looking at the Darkling statue.
And Aqua, Ventus, Terra, Namine, and Xion (who I forgot to mention in the image) are looking to the bright star the statue is holding.
And Goofy apparently is the only one looking up, at Mickey's face lol
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think Roxas and Kairi are both looking to the front.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think Roxas and Kairi are both looking to the front.
I thought that at first too but after zooming in it seems they are looking in the same direction as most of the others.
Also like the little touch of Mickey whistling.
Beautiful... It's so much better than I imagined it would be!
I've always been curious about what location is being depicted on these box art covers, specifically the one made for 1.5 that similarly depicts the Destiny and Twilight trio's. I wonder if it's the world Nomura's been so excited on revealing. Honestly, I reeeaally hope it is!
This is so beautiful. I mean I think this might be my fave box art of Kingdom Hearts. No one is left out.
I'm really glad someone pointed this out, I had this same feeling but I'm not an art geek so I didn't want to talk about it since I couldn't be sure it wasn't just my untrained eyes playing tricks on me. The faces feel so off and I pretty much just have to ignore them, and then rest of the cover I'm OK with. The sky doesn't bother me, it kind of symbolizes the messiness of the series I guess, haha. But I really wish the expressions our protagonists are wearing were a little more evocative, everyone's got the faded face from the 2.5 Remix cover art. Yeek.
This. The cover to me is alright when it's zoomed out and you can't see the details of the faces. Looking at it up close, I'm not crazy about it. SRK + Mickey/Donald/Axel are the only ones who look decent (and that's being nice, since Kairi's hair looks like a mushroom). If I had to rank all the covers the series has had thus far, this one would probably end up around the middle.
I wonder if the CE gives this case as well as the steelbook cause i want this one too :(
The boxart is colorful and looks pretty great! Also all the trios plus Namine and that 7:13 on the clock! Also love how they're all facing in the same direction! Also referencing back to KH 1 cover, yesss! Kairi holding the keyblade is amazing too! Also the cat too! :)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Avatar.
If there was one merch that I needed from these games it would be a poster of this framed on my wall. This is probably my fav. cover art. I love how it pays homage to kh1's design and it includes all the main protagonists. Plus the colors used are beautiful and everything just stands out. It's also tempting me to buy a standard edition for the game even though i'm likely going to download it digitally.
I'm really glad someone pointed this out, I had this same feeling but I'm not an art geek so I didn't want to talk about it since I couldn't be sure it wasn't just my untrained eyes playing tricks on me. The faces feel so off and I pretty much just have to ignore them, and then rest of the cover I'm OK with. The sky doesn't bother me, it kind of symbolizes the messiness of the series I guess, haha. But I really wish the expressions our protagonists are wearing were a little more evocative, everyone's got the faded face from the 2.5 Remix cover art. Yeek.
Also poor Namine looks like she's about to slip off.
Not that I don't love the boxart but it gives me MAJOR fan boxcover mock-up tease. Like it doesn't look official idk lmao
This is such an odd complaint, but it feels like they should leave the logo where it is and lift the rest of the image up; it's good in the first image of this thread, but on the actual cover the focus is very weird.
The image itself is obviously stunning.
For me, I find the faces themselves to be just fine, however my issue is some characters are just starting off into nothing, especially Sora and Kairi. Them and Riku are also just in ya basic standing pose like Nomura just had no idea what to do with them, unlike pretty much everyone else. Would it have hurt him to have Riku leaning on the wall like a cool guy? And what's up with Riku's arm? It looked fine from a distance, but up close there's something seriously wrong with it.
Also poor Namine looks like she's about to slip off.
Ironic how that "leaning against the the wall and actually looking at something" stance was given to Goofy and not Riku , lol.
Honestly, now that the hype's gone down a bit, Kairi in particular does look really stiff.
Alright, you soggy sea-salts! It's edit time!
I only had time today to do Sora. (I missed some spikes I forgot to edit out oh no! I'll fix it later. lol)
Tune in next time on Dragon Ball Z to find out who gets edited next!
Ironic how that "leaning against the the wall and actually looking at something" stance was given to Goofy and not Riku , lol.
Honestly, now that the hype's gone down a bit, Kairi in particular does look really stiff.
I think part of it was I just wanted it to call back to the styles on the previous games box art. Even Re:coded had smooth, clean linework and coloring. These look sketchy and muddy, which isn't really a problem when you're doing promo artwork, i.e. "Hey! Here's a doodle for chi's anniversary!" (Naminé's dress looks particularly dingy here because of it.) But Nomura has just fully transferred to this style, I suppose; we've seen it with the ReMIX art, so I probably shouldn't be surprised. I like drawing loose sketches too, but this was a little underwhelming for the finale. I wish he'd opted for that tighter style. Zooming in you can see where the coloring has gone out of the lines and stuff. It just looks like he's put much more effort, more care into the previous work (sans aforementioned ReMIXes).
I'm really glad someone pointed this out, I had this same feeling but I'm not an art geek so I didn't want to talk about it since I couldn't be sure it wasn't just my untrained eyes playing tricks on me. The faces feel so off and I pretty much just have to ignore them, and then rest of the cover I'm OK with. The sky doesn't bother me, it kind of symbolizes the messiness of the series I guess, haha.
I mean, I do illustration, but you don't have to know squat to enjoy or dislike different art. It's subjective, but I do heartily disagree with the exaggerations that this is the best piece of art ever. :)
I think my stance on the sky's coloring is okay now. "One sky, one destiny, " and all that. We're getting the kaleidoscope of what our friends used to sit under, and I can appreciate that to an extent (doesn't mean it looks fantastic). The composition is also just kind of off. Everything is cluttered on the right, and then this one spire on the left is hanging out amid an otherwise empty skyline.
| But I really wish the expressions our protagonists are wearing were a little more evocative, everyone's got the faded face from the 2.5 Remix cover art. Yeek. |
Yeah. Examing each of there expressions, Sora, Axel and Naminé are fine. They seem genuinely pensive rather than vacant. Roxas looks straight dead, and TAV look too pissed to be enjoying such a sight.
Ugh. It's fine. It's fine. Honestly, my expectations were probably higher than most, so I'm just a little bummed. This is truly one of the reveals I look forward to most with each release. I keep waiting to see what he's slaved over, if he does. I was so enraptured by the first game's conceptual box art. I just don't think anything will top it for me.
I Really really loved, specially the collor pallete.
I don't think everyone is looking to the same place.
Made something quick to represent what I'm seeing:
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, and Donald are looking at the Tower's Clock.
Axel and Roxas are looking at the Darkling statue.
And Aqua, Ventus, Terra, Namine, and Xion (who I forgot to mention in the image) are looking to the bright star the statue is holding.
And Goofy apparently is the only one looking up, at Mickey's face lol
A lot of that is not actually anatomically possible, unless our heroes have eyes in the back of their head. They're skewed towards us the audience, and the clocktower is behind them, even peripherals can't strain that much. Mickey is really the only one capable of seeing the clock. Donald is facing the right way, but would have to be able to look around a stone wall. The bottom tier are technically not directly facing the star to their right. Their heads are looking to the left, but the light source indicates TAV are getting a little bit of the glow on the right sides of their faces.
I mean, I like Nomuras sketchier style but this does indeed look a little rushed and messy. It's almost as if he didn't have ample time or didn't want to work on this. Or maybe it's just an off-artwork, it happens. To me, some of the characters seem a little off model from previous artworks and the facial highlights could be blended out a little more. Another thing that may be making it off to me is the overall duller color pallet for the main cast, whereas previous artworks used more vibrant and catchy colors.
I didnt read the full topic, sorry but the mickeys keyblade is the same aqua is using in the trailers isnt?
I didnt read the full topic, sorry but the mickeys keyblade is the same aqua is using in the trailers isnt?
Yes, we don't know what it is yet, is it a fusion of Star Seeker and Kingdom Key D?
Yes, we don't know what it is yet, is it a fusion of Star Seeker and Kingdom Key D?
Honestly, I just thought it was Yen Sid's keyblade. It matches his aesthetic
I would of loved to see this art in the deluxe edition steel case.
A lot of that is not actually anatomically possible, unless our heroes have eyes in the back of their head. They're skewed towards us the audience, and the clocktower is behind them, even peripherals can't strain that much. Mickey is really the only one capable of seeing the clock. Donald is facing the right way, but would have to be able to look around a stone wall. The bottom tier are technically not directly facing the star to their right. Their heads are looking to the left, but the light source indicates TAV are getting a little bit of the glow on the right sides of their faces.
Yeah, but considering this is in its core a 2D Art, I abstracted reality to convey best what I think Nomura had in mind when making this kind of perspective and detailing/posing.
It just occured to me that every major character is on the box art except for Data Sora and Riku. Maybe there wasn't enough room or because it would exceed the symbolic number 13. I just realized this now.
Square are you really trying to make me get the regular edition instead of the deluxe edition?
Yeah, but considering this is in its core a 2D Art, I abstracted reality to convey best what I think Nomura had in mind when making this kind of perspective and detailing/posing.
It doesn't matter whether the art is a photograph, 2D, or 3D; correct anatomy and fundamentals would always be used (by professionals at least). If Nomura wanted characters to be looking at the clock tower, they would be looking directly at the clock tower. Whether it be moving it forwards or everybody facing away from the front. The characters are just simply staring off into space/the audience like most of the other cover arts. I'm sorry if I sound blunt or rude, but that's how art generally works.
I just love it! It's honesty better than I could have imagined!
Honestly, I just thought it was Yen Sid's keyblade. It matches his aesthetic
I kinda doubt he has a version of the Kingdom Key myself lol. Since the keychain is still the same as the Kingdom Key D, I feel like it is made of that keychain. And since it also looks like the Starseeker, Mickey's other Keyblade...well, yeah.
It doesn't matter whether the art is a photograph, 2D, or 3D; correct anatomy and fundamentals would always be used (by professionals at least). If Nomura wanted characters to be looking at the clock tower, they would be looking directly at the clock tower. Whether it be moving it forwards or everybody facing away from the front. The characters are just simply staring off into space/the audience like most of the other cover arts. I'm sorry if I sound blunt or rude, but that's how art generally works.
*takes her art BA degree in hand* *inhales* Art is and should be free, the anatomy pretentiousness is just a mostly European tradition of thinking that made life unbearable for anyone who dared defy respecting "correct" anatomy and proportions a few centuries ago, when art realized "hey I'm not society's slave I guess". This is a Japanese anime style box art, manga/anime-sque art isn't known for realism, but it is known for heavy stylization of anatomy and often a heavily personalized style in general.This is what we have here. Anatomy by Euro-American old-fashioned art views is a criteria we shouldn't be asking too seriously from here.
I cut out the artwork so we could have a BG-less version in the gallery, and let me just say, this looks REALLY NICE on a dark background.
[spoiler=big pic]
[/spoiler]
I cut out the artwork so we could have a BG-less version in the gallery, and let me just say, this looks REALLY NICE on a dark background.
[spoiler=big pic]
[/spoiler]Holy shit. That's fantastic. Really puts it on a whole other level.
Have the old box arts ever been released in high resolution?
[SPOILER]
 |
I cut out the artwork so we could have a BG-less version in the gallery, and let me just say, this looks REALLY NICE on a dark background.
[spoiler=big pic]
[/spoiler]Thank you for this! Updating my avatar when I get back on my computer after I eventually fall back asleep xD.
Ah unpopular opinion here but the cover for KH1 is still my favourite. The buildings in that one just seem to have more character and I adore it. Also I honestly prefer Nomura's older style, it was more cleaner and less blurred. But the cover still looks amazing. So happy that everyone is on it, even Namine. I'm really hoping that the SOD or at least some of the more major villains would be on the back since it would fit pretty well aha.
Also not going to lie, the anatomy (those legs of Namine and Kairi, and Kairi would be like 140cm according to this since Sora is 160) and some other design choices like how clunky Sora's jacket looks (dat hood) I cant help but be bothered by despite it not really needing to abide by realistic standards lol. Guess I'm still not used to Japan styled legs. xD
Xion and Roxas are looking at Ven, guys!
For the forum's consideration: I felt like there was one pivotal character missing from the cover art.[SPOILER]
[/SPOILER]
For the forum's consideration: I felt like there was one pivotal character missing from the cover art.It IS a little odd without a heart motif on the front of the numbered title, right?
*takes her art BA degree in hand*
That was pretentious. ;)
| *inhales* Art is and should be free, the anatomy pretentiousness is just a mostly European tradition of thinking that made life unbearable for anyone who dared defy respecting "correct" anatomy and proportions a few centuries ago, when art realized "hey I'm not society's slave I guess". This is a Japanese anime style box art, manga/anime-sque art isn't known for realism, but it is known for heavy stylization of anatomy and often a heavily personalized style in general.This is what we have here. Anatomy by Euro-American old-fashioned art views is a criteria we shouldn't be asking too seriously from here. |
It's a little silly to think anatomy and proportion conventions can't be applied to cartoons, anime or manga or that it's "strict" to do so. We've seen them applied consistently in anime before when a studio puts in the investment . It's fair to critique it here, especially since we've seen stronger box art work from Nomura himself throughout the ages. It doesn't need to look like real life; art can still be heavily stylized and work applying some basic fundamentals. It's not like he's going for impressionistic forms here. Even compared to the standards of its own genre, not next to paintings done by masters (which I would never do for KH anyways), the proportions just seem inconsistent here, again, especially compared to his own larger body of work.
Ah unpopular opinion here but the cover for KH1 is still my favourite. The buildings in that one just seem to have more character and I adore it. Also I honestly prefer Nomura's older style, it was more cleaner and less blurred. But the cover still looks amazing.
Nah. You're not alone. I've warmed up to it a bit. I'm just not blinded by it. I am glad he incorporated various callbacks, the whole gang (they deserve to be there), and some of the architecture. It just still looks kind of sloppy. :{
That was pretentious. ;)
Hey, I need to find at least ONE use of the damn thing, right? lol
I agree though, just wanted to write a reminder that we shouldn't take the anatomy thing too seriously here with Nomura, he always did that kind of thing, and well, compared to some of the mutant necks the Organization members had here, I think we're still somewhere good xD
It doesn't matter whether the art is a photograph, 2D, or 3D; correct anatomy and fundamentals would always be used (by professionals at least). If Nomura wanted characters to be looking at the clock tower, they would be looking directly at the clock tower. Whether it be moving it forwards or everybody facing away from the front. The characters are just simply staring off into space/the audience like most of the other cover arts. I'm sorry if I sound blunt or rude, but that's how art generally works.
Well, that's how you see art working, actually. Art is completely subjective and what I interpret from one piece of art definitely won't say what you see either. What I see is a bunch of characters in a 2D environment looking at different points in the scenery.
I agree that correct anatomy would always be used, but I really do think the perspective here makes a huge difference in how you can interpret this cover. Nomura chose to do it this way because he wanted to look this way exactly, with this idea on mind. You can't set rules on the artist(s) by saying that 'anatomy wouldn't work that way' when you don't even know if Nomura was even thinking about giving a damn about anatomy haha he wanted the cover to look pretty and that's it (from my point of view, of course)
Also, almost all 2D games are like that - the characters are always facing forward but its body's angle is definitely facing to the audience as well. So you'd say that basically all these 2D games are wrong in anatomy?
For the forum's consideration: I felt like there was one pivotal character missing from the cover art.[SPOILER][/SPOILER]
Yeah I noticed that and was really upset xD the only reason I could imagine why there is no KH on the cover is that the city is within KH itself hahaha
Xion and Roxas are looking at Ven, guys!
They gotta keep an eye on their roommate lest he gets hurt.
Holy shit. That's fantastic. Really puts it on a whole other level.
Have the old box arts ever been released in high resolution?
A few of them. Square Enix is horribly inconsistent with the quality of their promotional assets. Even the KH3 boxart we have is just a comp created from the packshots and Nazo's up-res.
BBS, Re:coded, 1.5, and 2.8 have hi-res boxart, although 2.8 was never released logo-less.
Edit: I'm also going to call out whoever put together those KH3 packshots for creating a seam on the XBO version and resizing the PS4 version which ruined the image quality.
Well, that's how you see art working, actually. Art is completely subjective and what I interpret from one piece of art definitely won't say what you see either. What I see is a bunch of characters in a 2D environment looking at different points in the scenery.
Nobody, besides maybe Mickey is actually looking at the clock tower. I understand what you mean about there possibly being some subliminal messaging, clues being dropped into the work here by the creator, but let's not go overboard with presumption (as if to know his intent). If you say you see SRK are looking at the clock, I could effectively say they are looking at Naminé. Eyes, heads, necks don't just work the way you want them to just because it's art. The clock tower doesn't change from background to foreground just because you "see" it like that. Art can be abstract in all forms, not just 2D, but this isn't abstract.
| Also, almost all 2D games are like that - the characters are always facing forward but its body's angle is definitely facing to the audience as well. So you'd say that basically all these 2D games are wrong in anatomy? |
It's been said before, but you can have a genre of art and still blend core fundamentals and stylization. A lot of those side-scrollers pivot the characters, so we can see who we are interacting with, but we the audience knows that the person's not actually walking sideways. They're limited by that particular form of expression/art direction, and that's fine. KH isn't a side-scroller though, and this is a piece of art based off of a game that isn't 2D, so no such cheating out has to be applied in this case. Perhaps I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at though.
At the start, I got a strange feeling of "I liked but this new Nomura's style is strange" but now that i'm getting used with this style, i'm kinda liking it more. Before especially the faces of them people, were just kinda "argh" but now, i'm seeing they are cute.
Nobody, besides maybe Mickey is actually looking at the clock tower. I understand what you mean about there possibly being some subliminal messaging, clues being dropped into the work here by the creator, but let's not go overboard with presumption (as if to know his intent). If you say you see SRK are looking at the clock, I could effectively say they are looking at Naminé. Eyes, heads, necks don't just work the way you want them to just because it's art. The clock tower doesn't change from background to foreground just because you "see" it like that. Art can be abstract in all forms, not just 2D, but this isn't abstract.
What I really mean is that it is possible for them to be looking at the tower's clock when you consider that not everything must be ground to anatomy rules and perspectives. From my understanding of this piece of art, which is one that abstracts reality a bit, SRK and Mickey are all looking to the clock tower. I'm not saying that they definetely are, but that is what I'm seeing and what I can interpret, and it is definetely not impossible to see that way (or I wouldn't even think about that possibility in the first place).
| It's been said before, but you can have a genre of art and still blend core fundamentals and stylization. A lot of those side-scrollers pivot the characters, so we can see who we are interacting with, but we the audience knows that the person's not actually walking sideways. They're limited by that particular form of expression/art direction, and that's fine. |
Exactly what I mean - this piece of art right here can be one example of that choice of 2D perspective often used in side-scroller games - which the characters are facing a bit to the audience, but we can abstract that and actually understand that they're looking at what is in their front.
| KH isn't a side-scroller though, and this is a piece of art based off of a game that isn't 2D, so no such cheating out has to be applied in this case. Perhaps I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at though. |
Just because the game is 3D, it doesn't mean that all of their concept art and/or illustration must be too. That's an illustration, it shouldn't be taken literally.
I am bored. Take these avatars
I am bored. Take these avatars
Ooooooo gurl! With og quotes and color schemes! We don't deserve you. =p
They gotta keep an eye on their roommate lest he gets hurt.
Actually, Ven is late on his rent payments and Xion and Roxas are PISSED. You can feel their scornful stares from here.
This feels like half a poster and on the other side will be the 13 darkness canidates
^ ooohhhh maybe the other side will be on the back with the villains???
Is there something special about the number 5?
I may be looking too deep into things, but looking at the clocktower "order" of numbers, it starts from a low digit number and adds 5 until the reaching the highest number achievable before exceeding 13.
1
1+5=6
6+5=11
4
4+5=9
2
2+5=7
7+5=12
5
5+5=10
3
3+5=8
8+5=13
Then looking at the pattern between the starting low digit numbers:
1
1+3=4
4-2=2
2+3=5
5-2=3
That probably means nothing, but I like the consistency.
Edit: Or for conspiracy theory reasons, either Seekers of Darkness or Guardians of Light will gain 3 members from the opposing side and lose 2 members from their own. Really stretching it here.
I noticed the +5 thing too, but didn't think of the +3/-2 thing, wow iLeen! That's super interesting indeed. The only thing that pops into my mind is the five-point star we see in KH as the paopu fruit, the wayfinders, Kairi's wayfinder, and the symbol for Lux.
As for +3/-2, I love your interpretation even if it's a stretch, but it does make things really spicy >:'D Maybe for each trio reuniting, there then will be a duo fading. Terra, Aqua, Ven reunite but then the Ven-Vanitas duo has to clash. Roxas, Xion, Lea reunite, but then the duo Lea-Isa will have to clash. This is my stretch lol of course I don't actually believe it'll happen like this, but imagining is very entertaining
I am bored. Take these avatars
wished there was one for my girl aqua lol, but those looks great.
What I really mean is that it is possible for them to be looking at the tower's clock when you consider that not everything must be ground to anatomy rules and perspectives. From my understanding of this piece of art, which is one that abstracts reality a bit, SRK and Mickey are all looking to the clock tower. I'm not saying that they definetely are, but that is what I'm seeing and what I can interpret, and it is definetely not impossible to see that way (or I wouldn't even think about that possibility in the first place).
Nah. They're in the foreground looking forward. There's no spinning that. Unless there's a giant mirror in front of them, they can't see what's behind them. lol
[spoiler=avvies]
[/spoiler]Oooh~ I see what you did there with the katakana! *u*
There is something that can be interpreted as "special" about the number 5, although not in the same way as 3, 7 and 13.
There are supposed to be 5 sides/factions in the original Keyblade War and both Ira and Aced call the Foretellers as a whole the "five lights".
The new Union Leaders in Union X are also supposed to be five in number and there are five different types of creatures/mooks so far:
- Heartless
- Nobodies
- Unversed
- Nightmares
- Spirits.
If one wants to count the spirits and nightmares as the same species, the fifth could also be Replicas as they have some special properties as well.
Have the old box arts ever been released in high resolution?
As Sign mentioned, Square is pretty inconsistent with releasing their own proper uploads of the full res cover arts. That being said, I spent a bit of time back in the day searching for the highest quality version of every cover art in the entire KH series and I have them all gathered in this zip file here, and I just added KH3 to it the other day:
Cover Art
If you get to Mickey, Donald, and Goofy can their quotes just be a series of "O boy"s, incoherent quacks, and hyucks?
I honestly wonder if Nomura will give Namine her own trio. I don't care much for her but seeing her by her lonesome while the others are grouped in their trios, makes her look pretty pathetic to me.
I am bored. Take these avatars
If you get to Mickey, Donald, and Goofy can their quotes just be a series of "O boy"s, incoherent quacks, and hyucks?
@iLeen: Wow, I wouldn't have noticed the +5 thing. I definitely think that 5 must have some meaning for the way the clocktower is numbered. The foretellers do seem important to the plot (as if KH3 needed more packed in there) and 5 factions is probably what the number is referring to.
As far as the second part, who knows, but that's more likely random. I guess it could have something to do with the other thread in this forum talking about how there are more than 13 possible options on the plate. Maybe throughout the game, before you reach the endgame with the 13 v. 7 battle wherever that will take place, one or both sides of the equation gain three people, lose two (either because they're defeated throughout the Disney levels or they betray their side). *shrug* Who even knows.
omg nomura why did you give namine 7 stars on her shoe. not everything has to be 7 and 13 >:c
i don't know where to dump this so here you go (edited from attendee pics like the other one)
i don't know where to dump this so here you go (edited from attendee pics like the other one)
Ahhh when I first saw that image I kept seeing his right arm (our right) as like some super flexible bendy thing and it took me ages for my eyes to see it's his glove. Now I can't unsee it, I blame the top seam on it and they got rid of the dog. :c
EDIT: I'm glad i'm not the only one who saw that too. xD
you're welcome :)
Wait why did they remove the Fox? Avoiding possible spoilers?
Wait why did they remove the Fox? Avoiding possible spoilers?
idk maybe nomura decided he didn't like the fox
idk maybe nomura decided he didn't like the fox
I mean, maybe? But I sorta find it suspicious as well. Maybe I'm just disappointed the most interesting part is suddenly gone lol. I mean this looks super nice colored, but it was everything around Sora that was sparking our conversations and now thats all gone lol.
I mean, maybe? But I sorta find it suspicious as well. Maybe I'm just disappointed the most interesting part is suddenly gone lol. I mean this looks super nice colored, but it was everything around Sora that was sparking our conversations and now thats all gone lol.
i mean, this display stand of sora was set up in front of frames filled with renders of his friends. it’s specifically for attendees to take pictures
i’m not trying to dismiss concerns because there is the chance that shenanigans are afoot, but assuming there’s some kind of plot-related conspiracy because the original artwork was changed for an event booth is rather lacking
idk if you guys have seen the pics but this was on display? so sora was set up as a stand and there were generic frames behind him filled with renders of his friends. it’s set up specifically for attendees to take pictures
i’m not trying to dismiss concerns because there is the chance that shenanigans are afoot, but assuming there’s some kind of plot-related conspiracy because the original artwork was changed for an event booth is rather lacking
Oh, I have seen that and the picture frames, I mean, I guess yeah maybe discussing the removal of the frames that were all covered in the original image wasn't ideal lol. Maybe they were just placeholders for this display idea? Dunno.
I guess, the Fox always seemed too related to Ava/UX in general so I thought maybe it was removed to not confuse anyone or give a "hint" (I have no idea what that hint would be lol). But I realize that there is really no backing for that. Just that the fox being there just cuz he thought it looked nice, and then removing it because he didn't like how it looked after all seems anti-climactic to me lol.
Chaser
September 18, 2018 @ 05:07 amOffline