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News ► Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu



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Chaser

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Your patience has been awarded because thanks to Goldpanner, we have a translation of Nomura's interview available for you now! Discussed below is the progress of Kingdom Hearts 3, possibilities of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5 ReMIX- and Kingdom Hearts -HD 2.5 ReMIX- being ported to the PS4, ways to make Kingdom Hearts χ more accessible to the players, a HD ReMIX for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] and the opening scene for Kingdom Hearts 3! We hope you enjoy this interview!

Interview with Director Tetsuya Nomura

 

>an even more universal game with HD remastering

 

---Were there any parts you were particularly attentive to during production of KH2.5?

Mr Tetsuya Nomura (hereon Nomura): Due to size issues, in the KH 358/2 Days (hereon Days) cinematic work included in KH1.5 we left out combat and just went with text intermissions that explained, but many fans pointed out that it was a shame, and that weighed on me. As KH Re:coded didn't have the volume of Days, we were able to follow-up on that part by creating cinematics for the battles and Disney world stories as well as adding some narration by Mickey. Mickey both opens and closes KH Re:coded, so he was the best choice for the narrator. Also, as KH Birth by Sleep (hereon BbS) was going from a handheld console to a non-portable one, we needed to adjust the controls and such. At first, we were also looking for a way to include the multiplayer section as it was. This wouldn't have been too difficult if we were only working on BbS, but as we had three titles' worth of work on our plates for KH2.5, we included it as reworked into a single player feature.

---What was it like to reexamine your own past work when producing KH1.5 and KH2.5?

Nomura: Replaying games made years ago often does let you feel their age, but I've never felt that way with KH games. I think perhaps the HD remastering has made them even more universal. Also, my impression from playing it after so long was, wow, I didn't think there were so many specialised worlds in here. Perhaps that's because they were easy to use game-wise when I included them. For Olympus Coliseum etc, we staff went along with our planning under the assumption that, while we still hadn't decided on whether to include something, there might always be a KH3 (laughs). There's also Sora's growth as a character. In KH1 I was incredibly conscious of keeping things 'Disney-like', but as the titles have added layers I think an originality has appeared.

[Interview Bits and Bobs: Guest Characters What are you careful with when it comes to guest characters? "On original worlds, that their outward appearance and personality is close to that of the original work, or I adapt them a little like with YRP. If they appear in Disney worlds, I match the aesthetic. I even made Zack's waist thinner to match with that world." (Nomura)]

---After your long involvement with the series, what do you think is the particular charm of Disney works?

Nomura: It is the extremely loving and careful way they show and handle their characters both inside and outside the works themselves. I think this is what makes Disney works top class worldwide. This is very important with games too, according to the type, and the whole thing can become good or bad depending on the way the characters are handled. I've learned a lot.

---Is that so. That's rather deep. Can you please recommend any Disney works, or talk about any you've seen recently?

Nomura: I think I've spoken about this before, but I like The Lion King, that hasn't changed. Recently, I was invited to the preview of Frozen, and I thought it was really good. Now that Pixar's Mr Lasseter has also become the chief creative officer at Disney, I expect that from now on there will be even more works that are even more challenging. As a fan I am really looking forward to Big Hero 6 which premieres in December.     

---Speaking of Frozen, there were reports that co-director Mr Tai Yasue made a statement regarding content with a point about 'if Frozen were to appear in KH'.

Nomura: That surprised me too. I checked with Yasue, because we haven't touched upon it at all, and there's been no talk about what we'd do 'if we put it in for now'. I do understand, though, because interviewers overseas do talk about their wishes for what they'd like to happen. In response, we Japanese don't give clear yes or no answers. Then sometimes they take it as as 'fact'.  It was misinformation that came from a difference in culture.

---So that's what it was. Now, how do you actually choose new worlds?

Nomura: The shape it's taking for KH3 is everyone sharing what sort of things we'd like to do on what sort of worlds, and then making decisions looking at that. A wide range of works fall within our targets so there are a lot of candidates, but we can't make them all, and in the end we also need the OK from Disney. But, the staff working on KH3 are pushier than they've ever been (laughs). They get highly passionate on the spot, elaborating to me exactly why we 'just have to do this!', so it's difficult to make choices.

[Interview Bits and Bobs: LINE Stickers How did the KH LINE stickers come about? "Disney spoke to me, and then I chose the characters and lines myself. I love Vanitas' 'Tch', but the one I use the most is Sora's 'OK'. I use it when responding to things I'm supervising with (laughs)." (Nomura)]

>The reason that enigmatic trailer was put out

 

---You used the opening section of KH3 in a recently released trailer for KH2.5, didn't you. The conversation between those strangers was rather enigmatic.

Nomura: I had received so many responses after releasing that play video previously, and I could feel that people were eagerly anticipating KH3. I really wanted to put out some sort of message, even though I couldn't show any content at that time. And, I wanted to show everyone that KH3 begins somewhere nobody is expecting, with speaking from new voice actors that haven't appeared in the series before. I really enjoyed seeing everyone try to guess who those two are.

---We definitely were surprised. We hadn't expected it to begin like that at all.

Nomura: I wanted to go with an introduction that wouldn't make fans be like 'yeah, we knew that' upon seeing the opening section, and that would have both fans who knew the series and fans who didn't be like 'what's this? What's going to happen next?' and start feeling anticipation. I do this every time, but I want to try and make things even for both fans and newcomers. By the way, the conversation between those two is actually a lot longer, it goes for over two minutes. When you hear their conversation, you'll understand the flow of everything so far.

 

[Interview Bits and Bobs: Likelihood of a PS4 version With the shift to the next gen consoles underway, especially overseas, would you say you want to release KH1.5 and KH2.5 on the Playstation 4 or the Xbox One? "Since we've only just finished work on KH2.5, we would need a little more time to look into the technical aspects of HD remastering for next gen consoles." (Nomura)]

---The phrase 'Lost Masters' appeared in the conversation…

Nomura: That may not necessarily deserve capitalisation. It just means what it says, 'Keyblade Masters who have been lost' (laughs).

---Oh, is that so (laughs). We are very much looking forward to KH3, but there will be a bit of a wait to go after KH2.5 is released. In the meantime, are there any new developments for the series?

Nomura: Counting the developments in PC browser game KHχ (Key), I'd like to think that fans will spend the least amount of time possible separated from works from the series.


---We do wonder how KHχ (Key) will turn out. Among the scenes added to KH Re:coded, there is a 'Tome of Prophecy' episode which is related to KHχ (Key), isn't there?

Nomura: The scenarios of KH3 and KHχ (Key) are intimately related, so they are being written at the same time. That's why the plot of KHχ (Key) has been on pause for a little while, and I am very sorry, but I have to ask you to please wait a little longer. We are also currently investigating developments that would allow more people to experience KHχ (Key).

[Interview Bits and Bobs: First is Comic Con! As Nomura said regarding Final Fantasy XV on page 18, 'it's up to the company. I can't say any more than that right now'. We fans can hardly wait for KH3 and many many other in-progress projects to be made public. But first, let's keep our eyes peeled at New York Comic Con!]

 

---By the way, what about KH3D? It's not in KH1.5 or KH2.5.

Nomura: Aside from KHχ (Key), which is currently still underway, KH3D is the only title in the series not remastered in HD. I personally don't like leaving it as the odd one out, so I think it's an issue that requires consideration.

>Sora's mobility is too high!?

---So, what is the current stage of development for KH3?

Nomura: It's moving steadily along the estimated schedule. However, we are having a lot of trouble with the image creating part of things due to the engine. While that's going on, we are carrying out the scenario writing and world selecting. I've also drawn new clothes for Sora and Riku and the others.

---Are Sora's action sections also evolving nicely?

Nomura: When I went to Osaka the other day and saw how development was coming along, Sora's mobility was too high. He'd reached a level where just moving around would probably make him invincible (laughs). Of course, he can't move like that from the beginning, but it looks like by the end he will be incredible. I'm looking forward to the next check. In a previous trailer Sora fought by transforming his Keyblade. The variations of those are also turning out to be amazing. It's close to the way the original Keyblade wielders fought in BbS.


---We want to get our hands on it ASAP! Now, we'd like to ask about your work outside KH3. You said previously that various jobs have fallen into your lap.

Nomura: I do have many projects other than KH3. For some reason, with this timing, I have received many offers from both inside and outside the company, and I will be responding to those first. There are things that were given to me individually, and there are many things related to games, things outside games, and things that are yet to be announced. The closest thing is that at in October I am going to Comic Con which is being held in New York. While I have been given those jobs, I do intend to keep moving my own projects forward.


[In the next issue (on sale 2nd October) we will include a special feature commemorating the release! We will also continue Mr Nomura's comments!] 

You can view the Famitsu scans this interview came from here.

Remember to follow Kingdom Hearts Insider on FacebookTwitter, and Tumblr for the latest updates on Kingdom Hearts -HD 2.5 ReMIX- & Kingdom Hearts 3

 

 

OathkeeperRoxas XIII

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

The wait was worth it. Interesting things to take in. Well we know the two men are, but are they in Land of Departure?

Some consideration on Chi, DDD HD, and the remasters on the PS4. And Yes Mickey will narrate a bit. October 2nd, come faster.
 

Bobjam

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

"I wanted to show everyone that KH3 begins somewhere nobody is expecting, with speaking from new voice actors that haven't appeared in the series before. I really enjoyed seeing everyone try to guess who those two are."

So the game will start off with two brand new characters then? Bit of a surprise that. Typical Nomura there!
 
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Antar

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

First off, thank you Goldpanner! This must have been a lot of work!
This interview was great! It's glad to hear that THe Lion King is still his favorite world (it might make a return for KH3). I'm really interested in where the intro to KH3 will be. Since many people including me think those two in the trailer were young Xehanort and Eraqus, it would be great to play as either of them when they were young. Making KHx more accessible sounds very interesting, the game looks pretty fun. But that news about Sora's mobility is amazing! I'm glad he won't have all of his mobility skills from the beginning like in DDD. I can imagine jumping, doing flips off walls and just flying around big open Disney worlds without loading screens...
 

gosoxtim

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

wait did normua said he will be at comic con new york?
 

Chaser

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

but the one I use the most is Sora's 'OK'. I use it when responding to things I'm supervising with (laughs).
I can just imagine Nomura getting a text saying "You've been kicked off FFXV" and he just responded with a sticker of Sora saying "OK".

With the shift to the next gen consoles underway, especially overseas, would you say you want to release KH1.5 and KH2.5 on the Playstation 4 or the Xbox One? "Since we've only just finished work on KH2.5, we would need a little more time to look into the technical aspects of HD remastering for next gen consoles." (Nomura)]
This I don't understand because they have had a team looking into the technical aspects of PS4/Xbox One remastering since 2012. Surely they could just look at Type-0 and go "oh, it actually is a pretty great thing. How did you do it", then they can just go.

Of course, this to me sounds like that question and answer from last September where I think Hashimoto was asked about whether or not a KH 2.5 was possible, and he responded saying that if people bought 1.5 then they'd consider a 2.5. About 2 weeks later KH2.5 was announced.

The scenarios of KH3 and KHχ (Key) are intimately related, so they are being written at the same time. That's why the plot of KHχ (Key) has been on pause for a little while, and I am very sorry, but I have to ask you to please wait a little longer. We are also currently investigating developments that would allow more people to experience KHχ (Key).
Here's a solution... Put it out on Vita. You have the support of Sony's servers, keeping a vita user-base happy, localising a game that's going to become more and more relevant in the lead up to KH3's release, and it will look gorgeous on OLED.

But first, let's keep our eyes peeled at New York Comic Con!
Nomura, you sly dog. What are you planning?

Aside from KHχ (Key), which is currently still underway, KH3D is the only title in the series not remastered in HD. I personally don't like leaving it as the odd one out, so I think it's an issue that requires consideration.
My solution to this would be to release it as a PSN/Xbox Live download on PS4/XBONE, like First Light is to Infamous Second Son.
Since this has been called "Kingdom Hearts 3: Part 1", what better way to get people up to speed for KH3 than to release this on the platforms KH3 will coming out for. Of course, if they go physical, they can always include a KH3 demo :p

wait did normua said he will be at comic con new york?
Yep! Nomura will be there :)
 

ShardofTruth

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

Among the scenes added to KH Re:coded, there is a 'Tome of Prophecy' episode which is related to KHχ (Key), isn't there?
That got he hyped, the Foreteller's Script (fandub) is really one of the more mysterious aspects of [chi].
 

Bobjam

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

Here's a solution... Put it out on Vita. You have the support of Sony's servers, keeping a vita user-base happy, localising a game that's going to become more and more relevant in the lead up to KH3's release, and it will look gorgeous on OLED.

I've never played Chi myself but wondering would the game translate well to Vita? It would be huge if they do this, especially with all the online elements still intact.
 

Chaser

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

I've never played Chi myself but wondering would the game translate well to Vita? It would be huge if they do this, especially with all the online elements still intact.
It would translate extremely well. Perhaps even better since you could then use the touchscreen to run, select enemies, modify the deck etc.
 

Oracle Spockanort

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

Nomura, we already know it is Xehanort and Eraqus stop being obtuse.
 

Face My Fears

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

---The phrase 'Lost Masters' appeared in the conversation…

Nomura: That may not necessarily deserve capitalisation. It just means what it says, 'Keyblade Masters who have been lost' (laughs).

So they're talking about Aqua, Terra, Ven and maybe even Roxas and Xion? I'm so excited to know what's next!
 

Oracle Spockanort

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

So they're talking about Aqua, Terra, Ven and maybe even Roxas and Xion? I'm so excited to know what's next!

How could Eraqus and Xehanort talk about TAV when they don't exist in that time? Also only Aqua is a master among those you listed.

Of course, if they go physical, they can always include a KH3 demo :p

The PR for that would be glorious. "Purchase Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] HD and get your hands on a demo download code for the highly anticipated title Kingdom Hearts 3! English voice over and there will be a surprise at the end that fans of the series will really enjoy!"

---We want to get our hands on it ASAP! Now, we'd like to ask about your work outside KH3. You said previously that various jobs have fallen into your lap.

Nomura: I do have many projects other than KH3. For some reason, with this timing, I have received many offers from both inside and outside the company, and I will be responding to those first. There are things that were given to me individually, and there are many things related to games, things outside games, and things that are yet to be announced. The closest thing is that at in October I am going to Comic Con which is being held in New York. While I have been given those jobs, I do intend to keep moving my own projects forward.

(I hope TWEWY2 was thrown at Nomura...) I wonder what he'll be showing at Comic Con? More merchandise designed by him? A game made in conjunction with another company? A comic book? AN ARTBOOK?
 
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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

We are also currently investigating developments that would allow more people to experience KHχ (Key).
Thank KH, I was really worried there. Sound like it's coming along though, in the next question he also said something about it being like a HD remake if I didn't misunderstand, and KH 3D is the only game that isn't planed for a HD remake which is a shame but we already knew that and it probably come out sooner or later, maybe in time to ship it with a KH III Demo (if they want to push it up that long).
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

I feel like if Chi is going to be relevant to the story of KH3, they would have to release it overseas. I would be very happy to have a KH game for my Vita. I think it would be a good idea as well.
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

They should, if they make Re:DDD, do what they're doing with Type-0. Include a KH3 demo as extra incentive to buy it. It's be perfect, since DDD is considered the prologue for KH3. Then you could buy DDD and beat it, which sets ups KH3 and then immediately go play the KH3 demo and it would actually make sense, since you just played DDD.

Also, hoping the fact that Nomura is going to NYCC means there's going to be some KH news coming up.
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

Nomura severely underestimates his fanbase when there are forums like ours where we're crazy and invert photos/look and compare hair styles to figure out who characters are, lol. YOU GAVE US TOO MUCH NOMURA.

I'm really excited that it seems the prospect of Chi reaching us is bigger than ever. I'm pretty much okay with however they choose to bring it here.

the staff working on KH3 are pushier than they've ever been (laughs). They get highly passionate on the spot, elaborating to me exactly why we 'just have to do this!'
This is just too cute. I love that everyone is getting to be really involved in the world selection.
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

[Interview Bits and Bobs: First is Comic Con! | As Nomura said regarding Final Fantasy XV on page 18, 'it's up to the company. I can't say any more than that right now'. We fans can hardly wait for KH3 and many many other in-progress projects to be made public. But first, let's keep our eyes peeled at New York Comic Con!]

Why do I get the feeling something kinda of important is going to be announced at the New York Comic Con?
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

This is totally weird, but I've never wanted to hug and kiss a person I've never met nor seen the face of as much as I do right now for Goldplanner...why?

Nomura: I do have many projects other than KH3. For some reason, with this timing, I have received many offers from both inside and outside the company, and I will be responding to those first. There are things that were given to me individually, and there are many things related to games, things outside games, and things that are yet to be announced. The closest thing is that at in October I am going to Comic Con which is being held in New York. While I have been given those jobs, I do intend to keep moving my own projects forward.

Goldplanner! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! 2014 is made (pending), now I just gotta hope I can see him even if it's only the back of his head from 50 ft. away as security drags me by my feet out of the convention because they think I was gonna attack him or something...pfftt...yeah, like I'd ever do that...no...pfftt...no way...me? nah...
 

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Re: Translated: Tetsuya Nomura's Interview with Famitsu

I do find the part about Nomura having offers from outside Square Enix very interesting, especially on the heels of being removed from FFXV. Has he ever done any work outside of Square before?
 
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