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Coded's Senior Planner Discusses Coded's Future

Ryusuke — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:05:37 +0000

Hey folks.

In a recent interview, featured in Japanese gaming magazine Otana Fami, Kingdom Hearts coded senior planner Jun Kato discusses the game's future. Note that it doesn't confirm anything about the localization of the game, but it does raise hope.

When asked about the future of the game, whose last episode has been out for a few weeks, Kato apparently confided his desire to be able to put the game to a larger audience, given that relatively few people can play coded on its current platform (NTT DoCoMo phones). Alas, it's not easy to understand what he means by that, whether it be that he wants the the game to be more available on a real console or simply on other phone models.

Click to read the full transcript.

That's all folks.

Source: KHInsider, Final Fantasy Ring

[Discussion and Comments]

Yoko Shimomura Interview

Ryusuke — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:25:34 +0000

Hey folks.

Rebirth:Wings has posted a small transcript of interview with Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura, which appeared in a recent Famitsu issue. Translation is by Heartstation.

I had originally joined the industry wanting to write RPG music, but when Capcom also dabbled in that industry with ‘Breath of Fire’, they only put me in charge of one piece of music. And so, I left Capcom and took Square’s company entrance test.

With Square, I worked on many collaborations such as those for ‘Live A Live’ and ‘Super Mario RPG’, but the most famous was ‘Kingdom Hearts’.

In Kingdom Hearts, there are pieces of music that were Disney originals, but there was still the pressure of writing new versions without wrecking the feel of that world.

On the other hand, Kingdom Hearts had a heavy story, with themes of dark and light. Mr. Nomura told me, ‘I’d like pieces in the style of Verdi’s Requiem.’ And so, I wrote ‘Destati’, but at the time I wondered whether I hadn’t made a mistake, it being Disney and all.

But, when I wrote the theme for Hollow Bastion in the latter half, it felt like suddenly the Disney worlds and the serious music were connected in one thread. I can’t really explain it in words, but inside me, there was a moment when I became very satisfied with it.

Read on for the full transcript.

That's all folks.

Source: Rebirth:Wings, Heartstation

[Discussion and Comments]

Kingdom Hearts Series: Confirmation of NEW Kingdom Hearts Game

Churro — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:36:46 +0000

FF-Reunion has put up the details of another Tetsuya Nomura interview which includes details about changes being made for the western release and also the future installments for the series!

– We’re anxious when it comes to the next title in the series.

Nomura: To start with, there is the overseas version of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. The general specifications for it have been settled. We intended to put in a “Critical Mode” in the battle system. The bosses we felt were a little weak have become stronger. We also thought that the attack “Mega Flare” was too strong so there are plans to regulate it as well. The various circumstances of the cutscenes will change too,they will return more to the original plan. They will be adjusted so that way the story is easier to understand and supplementary parts will be added.

– It seems like there are various changes being made. May we be expecting a Final Mix version?

Nomura: As for that, it depends on how much the domestic version changes. However, since we basically want to produce one title a year for the Kingdom Hearts series, I don’t plan on going several years without releasing news.

– In another 2 years it’ll be the 10^th anniversary of the series. How about Kingdom Hearts 3?

Nomura: Haha I can’t talk about that, it’s a secret! As I’ve said before, the next release relates to the mystery of the series.

– Do you see the complete series concluding in KH3?

Nomura: Kingdom Hearts has been Sora’s story, but the series is currently expanding, it’s also the story of another person. Right now, you could say “that person is the center of the series”.

– The series is currently expanding!?

Nomura: I can’t say anymore than that. (Laughs)

– Are there any other titles in the works?

Nomura: With everything going on, I can say there is one title being prepared for public announcement; the advertisement department is already discussing it with me. Please look forward to more about it.

Source: FF-Reunion & Heartstation (translations)

Famitsu: Birth by Sleep Staff Interview

Ryusuke — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:39:58 +0000

Hey everybody.

This week's Famitsu contains a four-page interview with Yoichi Yoshimoto, Tai Yasue, and the rest of the members of the Osaka-team that developed Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.The question of whether or not extras will be in the international version is raised, but the staff's responses were typically vague. Read on for the full interview.

That's all for now.

Source: KHInsider

[Discussion and Comments]

Birth by Sleep Ultimania

Ryusuke — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:32:43 +0000

Hey everybody.

The cover of the Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Ultimania, as well as the details of its contents, has been revealed.

Here is the information translated from Bent.co.jp:

Following the 3 main character’s scenarios, information on how to obtain their deck commands, details explaining the mini games, all sorts of data on the regular game play contents, beautiful 3D maps, as well as useful information for players.
Of course there are also must see content for fans of the Kingdom Hearts series. Inquiries about the many mysteries in the game will be explained, a large amount of illustrations are introduced, and furthermore, an interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura discussing the mysteries among other things not to be overlooked.
Out of the 7 Ultimanias released, this is the second largest with over 600 pages of content.
It release March 25th 2010 retailing at 1900 yen plus tax.

That's all for now.

Source: Heartstation, FF-Reunion

[Discussion and Comments]

Nomura Interview in Weekly Famitsu

Churro — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:48:48 +0000

A new Weekly Famitsu issue has been released featuring Sora on the cover as well as a new Tetsuya Nomura interview!

Tomogirl from Gamefaqs Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep message board has kindly translated the interview:

- First design of Sora was him being like a lion with a tail. (You know... "that artwork".) The reason for this is because Nomura wanted to design him as close to a Disney character as possible.

- The chainsaw was the first idea for a weapon before a keyblade.

- In the middle of working on "FFVIII", because there was a character in "FFIX", that had a tail, the tail was dropped from Sora's design.

- Then, when it came to the time of exchanging opinions with the staff on the Disney side, Nomura added corrections to Sora such as the shoes and pants. Where should the straight lines and the curves be. Then, it took him all night to put in the finishing touches to get the Sora, we know today.

- Nomura believes that the re-appearance of Sora, in the BbS Secret Movie, is highly anticipated. He says that, from now on, we should look forward to Sora's activities in the future.

- Nomura says that it's not possible to declare what that future work will be (for now).

- Nomura wants us to wait for that future development, because he thinks this (Birth By Sleep) is proof that the same KH Osaka team, who is currently working on "FFVersusXIII", has the same ability (/quality) to put it into the next KH game.

- Nomura wants all the fans, and everyone else to know, who are still demanding for a "III", that it'll be implemented as soon as possible.

Source: Rebirth Wings & Tomogirl (translations)

Discussion and Comments

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days: Novel (Vol. 2)

Ryusuke — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:23:01 +0000

The KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (volume 2) novel cover has surfaced on the Square-Enix Game Books Online website, which features Riku and Xion in a new artwork design for the title. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days: (Vol.2) Go to the Sea is set for January 28th 2010.

Source: Chaotic-Gaming, Square-Enix Gasme Books Online & FF-Reunion

Happy Birthday Utada Hikaru!!

Churro — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:05:54 +0000

On January 19th it was our beloved Kingdom Hearts theme song artist Utada Hikaru's birthday! She turns 27 this year and for her birthday she will be in Hollywood, California performing for her fans as part of her In The Flesh tour. If you happen to attend that concert, please sing her a happy birthday and drop me an email about the experience!

If you want to wish her a happy birthday, you can post it on her official Myspace!

[Utada's Official Myspace Page]

[Discussion and Comments

Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Shounen Gangan

Churro — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:30:43 +0000

The February issue of Shounen Gangan contains an interview with Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep's director Tetsuya Nomura.

What kind of existence is the Keyblade? I think the mysteries involving that part are rapidly deepening!

[Click link to Read More]

Source: Heartstation

Discussion and Comments

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep - Secret Boss & "Last Episode"

Pete — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:59:25 +0000

Continuing our on-going Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep coverage, two more additional elements of the game have been unveiled.

Once you complete the game to a certain requirement, you will unlock and be able to playthrough "Last Episode" which is an extra part of the game that features additional cutscenes, a new Final Boss and the Secret Boss. Please click below to see videos of all of these.

[CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEOS **MAJOR SPOILERS!**]

For more KH: Birth By Sleep coverage, scroll down for the Secret Ending & Cutscene Videos
Thanks to LikeICareUseWe for the Videos!

View: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep - Extra Cutscene (YouTube)
View: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep - Extra Boss: Part 1 (YouTube)
View: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep - Secret Boss (YouTube)
Import & Buy: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep (PlayAsia)

That's all for now!

Discussion and Comments