Famitsu: Kingdom Hearts 3 development progress, Switch and Xbox
- Details
- Published on July 24, 2017 @ 05:16 pm
- Written by Cecily
Famitsu wraps up the latest batch of interviews with Nomura by clearing up some issues raised regarding KINGDOM HEARTS 3 on the Nintendo Switch, remasters on Xbox, and the game's development progress. They also address Jessie and Bullseye's absence in the latest trailer featuring the newly announced Toy Story world, and the different voice cast for Woody and Buzz.
Thanks to Saken, you can read the interview below:
-After showing the trailer, the whole arena burst into shouts of joy! It was amazing!
Nomura: When I showed the last trailer at the Orchestra concert in LA, I also got some wild applause, which is encouraging. I'm relieved that I was once again able to cause such a reaction throughout the crowd. I heard that it was sort of difficult to hear my voice over the live stream though, that's unfortunate.
-Well we heard it loud and clear throughout the arena. That being said, I believe that both fans in the arena and watching the live stream got pretty riled up.
Nomura: Thinking about last time, how because it was a sudden request I could only show 1 piece of concept art, this time I really wanted to show fans a lot more. So, it sorta came out on the long side (wry laugh). What I showed is actually a lengthy cutscene, so originally I tried a few things like splicing the cutscene up to a digestible size, while also considering the pacing, but even that was too long.
-I hear that you've sat countless interviews with foreign media related to the contents shown in the trailer.
Nomura: I've sat quite a few of those, haven't I. However, when what I say in those interviews is reported in Japan, oftentimes things I haven't even said are used as some "sensational" headline, which then propagate incorrect information.
-Are you talking about how there were reports that KH3 could release on the Nintendo Switch?
Nomura: In that interview, I was asked if we had any plans for KH3 on the Nintendo Switch, to which I replied: "Our utmost priority is on the consoles we have already announced, the PS4 and Xbox One. In regard to releases on other hardware, once we have released KH3 for the aforementioned consoles, then we may consider it."
-In other words, there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch release at this time. But also, you say "hardware", so we can't narrow it down to just the Nintendo Switch, right?
Nomura: That's right. I think the "we may consider it" got misinterpretated and became "there's chances for a release". Regarding the "other hardware", it's not restricted to just the Nintendo Switch but again, this may all be considered only once we are done with the PS4 and Xbox One editions.
-We've also been hearing that you've said that "an Xbox One release for the HD remasters is not needed in Japan". Is this another misinterpretation?
Nomura: I haven't said anything like that. I was asked if Xbox One versions of the remasters would come out, and like before, I answered that the utmost priority was to release them first on the consoles we had already announced them for (PS3, PS4).
I also said that now that the Xbox One X has been announced, also considering that if we were to make it, it would release after KH3's release on the Xbox One, it would be way too late and difficult to release in terms of timing. Especially considering the current market in Japan.-We also picked up that in the foreign interviews, you were saying that production is taking a long time. Is this an effect of, as you have mentioned in earlier interviews, the change in game engine?
Nomura: Okay, let me put it in a way that won't be misunderstood. The reason for the delays are because of things like changes in the company's objectives, modifications to the periods of time between staff rotations, and backtracking due to the switching of game engines. These things affect not only KH3, but all titles at Square Enix. I've already briefly touched on this topic several times before in interviews, but it seems to have not been properly understood. When there's changes from within the company, there's no other choice but to be affected by it, and these changes hardly have anything to do with the fans so I feel there's no need to talk much about it.
Sure, there were times where we weren't very blessed by the timing of these changes, but there was never really any direct problems. Through these changes, the company has established a cooperative and collaborative system, so there's no further need to worry
-I certainly do recall asking about these unexpected circumstances before, and you answering that they had to do with a change in company direction. So after the changes, you were able to commit fully to KH3, which made today's announcement possible?
Nomura: Even if I were to use the complete truth to answer these questions, it would just beg for more minsunderstandings. I'm not going to explain any further details, I hope that with what I've said things have become a little clearer.
-From here on out, I'd like to ask more about the details of today's announcment. You've said that you've wanted to have a Toy Story world from back in the KH2 days, can you explain what drew you sepcifically to Toy Story?
Nomura: Well firstly, Toy Story was a pioneer in the field of cartoon CG. Just that is enough to grab anyone's attention. Secondly, it is widely known as a film that is representative of Pixar. Finally, I thought that it would match well in the Kingdom Hearts universe. I always thought that the question of whether "a toy could harbour a heart" would make a very good Kingdom Hearts story.
-With the heart being a major theme in Kingdom Hearts, it definitely fits. The fact that this time, an original story is being prepared is also incredibly exciting.
Nomura: There was huge desire from the Pixar creators to have original stories for both Toy Story and Big Hero 6. So that's what we decided on. Up until now, Sora, Donald and Goofy have always been placed into a well known Disney setting, but this time I'm curious to see what will happen.
-You've said that the story of the Toy Story world will take place after the 2nd movie...
Nomura: I wrote the plot thinking it would slot between 1 and 2, but in the end it became a story taking place after the 2nd movie.
-So then, where are the characters that made their debut in the 2nd film, like Jessie and Bullseye?
Nomura: As well as Jessie and Bullseye, there will also be other characters that didn't appear in the trailer. It was explained a little in the cutscene, but when Andy went missing, so did some of the other toys.
-Ah, so that's part of the story... By the way, Woody and Buzz's Japanese voice actors are a bit different, can you elaborate on why?
Nomura: We don't decide on the casting for them. That's Disney's decision. Disney already has their own games with Woody and Buzz in them, and they use those voice actors, so they probably opted for the same with KH3.
-I see. Next, in this world, Sora will appear to be as a toy. There's a certain impact to seeing him like that.
Nomura: To get to his current state, the Kingdom Hearts team's art directors designed him after much discussion with Pixar. And so, just as with previous installments, there will be worlds where, upon visiting, Sora, Donald and Goofy's outfits will change.
-By that do you mean in existing worlds we've already played through in previous Kingdom Hearts games?
Nomura: I can't tell you where (laughs). I actually wanted to see Sora in outfits characteristic to those specific worlds, so I drew them up.
-We can't wait for you to unveil them. As for existing worlds, we still aren't exactly sure which ones will show up and which won't but, have you thought of ways to express them in a more KH3-esque style?
Nomura: For the already existing Disney worlds, we are preparing locations that will be completely different from before. Also, for already existing original worlds, like Yen Sid's tower, even in locations already explored, upon exiting the tower and looking outside you'll find yourself thinking "Wow, did the night sky with all the glistening stars always look that pretty?". You'll be surprised with these sorts of discoveries. Especially in Twilight Town.
Primarly, Disney worlds will be for gameplay progression, so there will be many new locations for you to enjoy playing around in, while the existing original worlds will be for story progression. In already visited locations, you will especially be able to indulge in our power to now properly express the location in all its glory.
-In regard to gameplay, in the Toy Story world, Woody and Buzz were both able to enter the party at the same time. Can you explain how this is possible in more detail?
Nomura: The maximum number of members able to enter your party have increased. I'll be announcing the details at a later date. And of course, you'll be able to perform link attacks with both Woody and Buzz.
-The announcement this time showcased a lot of different content all available within just the Toy Story world. From riding robots and fighing in an FPS style, to Keyblade transformations, to link attacks... so much content for just one world!
Nomura: Both in this world, and throughout all of KH3 in general, there's still a lot more coming that I think everyone will be pleased with. Just as this trailer's phrase dictates, imagination doesn't end in an idea, it can be manifested and experienced. That's what we want to show with KH3. I want everyone to "Dive in" and fully experience the world of KH3.
COMMENTS
Maybe Frozen?Have a hard time seeing Sora being fine walking through all the snow in his current outfit.
In Land of Dragons he was fine with it.
That was a very small portion of the world. Even acknowledging something like that would be stupid because of how small those areas were.
We're talking about a massive world full of snow now.
I don't think Sora and Co. clothes will change for just a weather related environment. It's more like physical changes; various animals, computer programs, toys, monsters. Not just their clothes but also their bodies change in some way.
I don't think Sora and Co. clothes will change for just a weather related environment. It's more like physical changes; various animals, computer programs, toys, monsters. Not just their clothes but also their bodies change in some way.
Uh, except they have and will? Their clothes did change in Christmas Town, because of the snow theme. And Arendelle is supposed to be in snow and just really freezingly cold. So he probably will change into a winter-themed outfit
Nice to see a confirmation that Jessie and Bullseye are in the game.
Uh, except they have and will? Their clothes did change in Christmas Town, because of the snow theme. And Arendelle is supposed to be in snow and just really freezingly cold. So he probably will change into a winter-themed outfit
Uh, except they have and will? Their clothes did change in Christmas Town, because of the snow theme. And Arendelle is supposed to be in snow and just really freezingly cold. So he probably will change into a winter-themed outfit
That wasn't just a change into winter clothes...
Sora turned into a Santa type being, Donald into a snowman and Goofy into a reindeer.
Edit: I'll just add that when the clothes changed it was in worlds where they associated with people not necessarily considered normal humans.
We've already seen glimpses of the confirmed worlds, so unless they change it, Sora and cohorts will have the same clothing throughout Mount Olympus, Corona and San Fransokyo.
So we can really only speculate at this point. But I am very eager to see what Nomura has conjured up!!
I can see Sora,Donald and Goofy getting hero themed outfits for BH6. Though when it comes to new viable worlds with actual transformations the only ones that come to mind now are Robin Hood and Princess and the frog.
I'm at a blank for anything else.
I could see a costume change for Sora, Donald and Goofy if they were to enter Wreck-It Ralph. Maybe have more of a pre Final Fantasy VII style with their outfits to represent Square's RPG roots? A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc. and Robin Hood are shoe-in's for transformations.
I could see a costume change for Sora, Donald and Goofy if they were to enter Wreck-It Ralph. Maybe have more of a pre Final Fantasy VII style with their outfits to represent Square's RPG roots?
That would be pretty sweet.
Monsters Inc. would be really cool now that I think of it. SDG as monsters? Hell yea!
Monsters Inc. would be really cool now that I think of it. SDG as monsters? Hell yea!
Better yet, Donald and Goofy are monsters but Sora's just in a monster costume. It'd be the biggest irony of visiting that world. It could make some comedic moment in which Sora blames Donald for his "world order" magic not working properly.
The only real issue with those worlds choices are they just aren't distinct enough from the other worlds, we have enough greenery and city/suburban areas.
Please no Monsters Inc., thanks
Better yet, Donald and Goofy are monsters but Sora's just in a monster costume. It'd be the biggest irony of visiting that world. It could make some comedic moment in which Sora blames Donald for his "world order" magic not working properly.
lmao that would be amazing! I NEED to see that!
Though I do agree that we already have a lot of worlds with a 'suburban' feel to them.
Please no Monsters Inc., thanks
Oh, would you lighten up? We're only speculating. It's not like Nomura's gonna walk in here and take notes...
...right?
So this confirms the original worlds will be small again.
I feel so bad for Nomura...He must have a really big pressure inside him and this interview shows it perfectly.
So this confirms the original worlds will be small again.
Um, not really? Nomura didn't mention anything about original worlds being small.
Um, not really? Nomura didn't mention anything about original worlds being small.
His comment about Yen Sid's tower.
Maybe Frozen?Have a hard time seeing Sora being fine walking through all the snow in his current outfit.
yes, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.
Sora's best design imo is the christmas town's one
it's been too long since we last saw nomura's design of winter clothes
| I always thought that the question of whether "a toy could harbour a heart" would make a very good Kingdom Hearts story. |
Yeah, this is what I figured Nomura was going for, and it reinforces my conviction that Toy Story would have been a better fit earlier in the series. At this point, we're rehashing information: we already know that hearts are a pervasive element of everything in the KH universe. Even if there is something more to be said on that front, why are we revisiting this concept in a game packed with content looking for a clear directive? Coded exists pretty much solely for the purpose of addressing this question with as little ambiguity (and grace) [SIZE=2]as possible.[/SIZE]
Maybe they should just outsource a 16 bit turn based version of KH3 nd release that to every platform.
Maybe they should just outsource a 16 bit turn based version of KH3 nd release that to every platform.
Exactly, then I could play it on my Phillips CDi! Screw console exclusives..
so it look like will change form again besides a toy any gueses
Frozen seems like a possible one, maybe he gets a costume in the BH6 world.
Btw, Nomura says that the number of party members has increased, but he never says the maximum, i wonder if the 5 heroes from BH6 will join us, but we have to choose between members?
Frozen seems like a possible one, maybe he gets a costume in the BH6 world.
Btw, Nomura says that the number of party members has increased, but he never says the maximum, i wonder if the 5 heroes from BH6 will join us, but we have to choose between members?
I feel that Big Hero 6 is the only world where we would probably have to switch party members because of how large the guest character slots are. And yes, I do believe that Hiro Hamada will be a solo character as it was shown in Disney INFINITY that he had control of his microbots again after the team defeated Yokai.
I feel that Big Hero 6 is the only world where we would probably have to switch party members because of how large the guest character slots are. And yes, I do believe that Hiro Hamada will be a solo character as it was shown in Disney INFINITY that he had control of his microbots again after the team defeated Yokai.
I feel like the reason they haven't shown BH6 world is this reason too.
Maybe Nomura wants to detail the party first?
We'll have 7 party members (or 8 if Hiro is separate).
I doubt we'll have 8 party members. That seems like a bit of an overkill.
Having Hiro and Baymax as party members would be dope, though. Even though I doubt Baymax would do much in battle...
I doubt we'll have 8 party members. That seems like a bit of an overkill.
Having Hiro and Baymax as party members would be dope, though. Even though I doubt Baymax would do much in battle...
Will Hiro be separate trough?
What do you mean, separate?...
What do you mean, separate?...
With his own party slot, i mean
Uh, yeah, I should think so? Why would they cram them into one party slot when they've made multiple slots possible anyway.
With his own party slot, i mean
Are you saying separate from Baymax?
I'm sure Baymax and Hiro will be different party members and Hiro will have his own slot.
Pls give Sora Keyblade Armour from the Big Hero 6 level.
His comment about Yen Sid's tower.
[/QUOTE]
Primarly, Disney worlds will be for gameplay progression, so there will be many new locations for you to enjoy playing around in, while the existing original worlds will be for story progression.[/QUOTE]
This just means the original worlds would most likely have new areas developed, like Olympus did, and original worlds would remain the same size as before, or maybe have slightly different or larger areas. It may "seem" smaller, due to how expansive Olympus is, but it's all fine.
Also, keep in mind that the worlds will be pretty much seamless, meaning the already existing areas will be largely expanded upon and will feel a lot bigger.
Also, keep in mind that the worlds will be pretty much seamless, meaning the already existing areas will be largely expanded upon and will feel a lot bigger.
I was thinking that while writing. As a kid I loved gliding from the top of the Twilight Town hill down to the area that lead to the Market area. Now we can glide from the Station, down through the hill, to the Market area in one go and I just <3
So does it mean that the disney worlds will have minigames,secrets and that stuff?
So does it mean that the disney worlds will have minigames,secrets and that stuff?
What? I mean, yeah, probably but... what does that have to do with anything? I think you're missing the point lol
Nomura:For the already existing Disney worlds, we are preparing locations that will be completely different from before
. Also, for already existing original worlds, like Yen Sid's tower, even in locations already explored, upon exiting the tower and looking outside you'll find yourself thinking "Wow, did the night sky with all the glistening stars always look that
pretty?". You'll be surprised with these sorts of discoveries. Especially in Twilight Town.
Does this mean we'll get more returning Disney Worlds aside Hercules?
(im annoying today)
I think/hope so. At least one or two.
I was thinking that while writing. As a kid I loved gliding from the top of the Twilight Town hill down to the area that lead to the Market area. Now we can glide from the Station, down through the hill, to the Market area in one go and I just <3
Maybe we can finally go on top of the clock tower!
Nomura:For the already existing Disney worlds, we are preparing locations that will be completely different from before
. Also, for already existing original worlds, like Yen Sid's tower, even in locations already explored, upon exiting the tower and looking outside you'll find yourself thinking "Wow, did the night sky with all the glistening stars always look that
pretty?". You'll be surprised with these sorts of discoveries. Especially in Twilight Town.
Does this mean we'll get more returning Disney Worlds aside Hercules?
This honestly worried me a bit. If we do, I hope it won't be more than 1 more. I want new worlds, don't personally want to go back to worlds we've been to unless the area will be completely different (example Lilo & Stitch from Space to Hawaii).
We already have less Disney worlds..i hope not. Maybe he was only talking about original worlds
Considering that KH3 is the final installment for the Xehanort Saga and 1 & 2 had Agrabah, I'm guessing Agrabah will be making a return as one of the original worlds since Aladdin 3 is the final film in that franchise as well. Tbh, I hope it does come back because I'd like to have a sendoff for Aladdin in KH3. The areas would be able to be done much better as well, even the town, considering Genie "redesigned" at the end of KH2.
We still also have the possibility of PotC, Lion King, Cinderella, and Neverland returning due to sequels. Hell, considering how much money Nightmare Before Christmas makes to this day, we may even see that return as well because it's a huge money maker.
I definitely don't think Olympus will be our one returning world. I'm sure we're going to have at least 2 more.
Nice to see a confirmation that Jessie and Bullseye are in the game.
This was my main concern with the world tbh, so I'm glad to see the others will be joining us, as well.
Hm... Since he already said that the game is going to have less Disney worlds, I would a little disappointed if we get too many old Disney worlds coming back. His comments do make it sound like they'll be a few returning, probably 3, I wonder what ones they will be, we already know of one (Hercules).
We still also have the possibility of PotC, Lion King, Cinderella, and Neverland returning due to sequels. Hell, considering how much money Nightmare Before Christmas makes to this day, we may even see that return as well because it's a huge money maker. I definitely don't think Olympus will be our one returning world. I'm sure we're going to have at least 2 more.
Nomura confirmed with a Korean outlet that Pride Lands is not returning.
https://www.reddit.com/r/KingdomHearts/comments/4qq79l/kh3_a_post_e3_2015_interview_with_tetsuya_nomura/
Ruliweb: "Nomura, what is your personal favorite world?"
Nomura: "My personal favorite world is the Lion King world. Sadly, we have already used too much content from Lion King and therefore could not put it in for Kingdom Hearts 3. While developing this game, in order to avoid overlapping with previous worlds, we have prioritized creating new worlds to use".
It can be argued that The Lion King II could have been used, but let's be honest, after the existence of The Lion Guard, I think they're going to try and retcon that sequel. Treasure Planet may overtake the return of Neverland and Pirates of the Caribbean as it's the most demanded pirate themed world. I too feel that The Nightmare Before Christmas will return, party because they'd want to show off the Kingdom Shader's attempt at producing stop-motion visuals.
Didn't he say that Hercules is the only returning one?
I think Treasure Planet is a bit unlikely, trough
I've been rereading that part and it just sounds like to me the interviewer asked it is a previous world we've been too that had SDG change outfits and Nomura just can't tell the interview where in KH3.(I mean obviously)
When he talks about already existing worlds it sounds like he's only talking about original worlds as he separates the two when he's talking about them.
Didn't he say that Hercules is the only returning one?
I think Treasure Planet is a bit unlikely, trough
You sure are pulling a lot of assumptions out of thin air.
There was data files for the Captain's ship from Treasure Planet in Kingdom Hearts 3D. If anything, that increases the likeliness of the world's inclusion because there were assets already implemented.
How in the WORLD can Nomura's favorite world be Lion King?
Oh well, to each their own i guess.
You sure are pulling a lot of assumptions out of thin air.
There was data files for the Captain's ship from Treasure Planet in Kingdom Hearts 3D. If anything, that increases the likeliness of the world's inclusion because there were assets already implemented.
i don't want to get my hopes up trough, disney hasn't used the movie in years, even if it was in KH3D i don't thnk it's likely ;(
How in the WORLD can Nomura's favorite world be Lion King? Oh well, to each their own i guess. |
Mine was Atlantica in KH1 ;)
gosoxtim
July 24, 2017 @ 05:59 pmOffline