Hey everyone, Kota here bringing you a contest like no other.

For the Theory Contest you have to send a theory about any Kingdom Hearts game(BBS, Coded, 358/2 days) to Laflin_blue@hotmail.com

It should be YOUR theory no one else’s.

The winner of the Theory contest will get they’re theory posted with its very own page so be sure to send as many theories!

Thanks for reading! Hope you send some good theories.

Dakota~

Hey Guys!

We’ve got a quick update today!

Firstly, Square Enix has recently updated their site with two Keybalde Keyholders. Those being Oblivion and Oathkeeper. The price for both of them, separate, is 1900 Yen ($16.50) and can be ordered off of their website.

 Secondly; The Jump Festa site is up and has been dated for December 22nd-23rd. Jump Festa(Jump Festival) is an event where game companies show off new and old games’ trailers, demos, and more… You can kinda call it the afterparty or “the aftershock” (as KHV’s Xaldin put it). Also, here is where game companies show off the trailers that they had shown in the Closed Mega Theater at TGS so we can expect a trailer for the New KH games at Jump Festa!

Jump Festa 2008 Official Site

Tetsuya Nomura has given some new information regarding the three new games and hinted at a Kingdom Hearts 3 in monthly Japanese magazine Gemaga! 

In this interview, Nomura revealed that all three games are already in development, and that we shouldn’t expect to see them released simultaneously, as previously thought. He also let slip of the possible order they are to be released: 

358/2 Days – the DS instalment – released first, followed by Coded – the mobile phone game. As already stated in an earlier interview with Famitsu, Birth by Sleep – the PSP instalment – is due to be released last.  

Now to some information on the three games; starting with 358/2 Days: The magazine gives the pronunciation of this game, and it is “Three Five Eight Days Over Two.” 

We already know that Disney worlds are set to appear in this game, (following the scan showing Wonderland,) but there was quite a lot of confusion on how they would feature in this game. Nomura clears this up for us by saying: “They (Disney Worlds) will appear in the game, but in a slightly different form. KH is generally a story where you set out on a journey with a goal in mind. However, Roxas is a member of Organisation XIII, so he always returns to the home base. So, this is not a story about a journey. Also, Roxas’s personality is such that he does not actively attempt to come into contact with other characters. So, the relationship to Disney characters will be different from before.”  

The big talking point of this game is the multiplayer mode. In this mode, gamers will be able to select any Organisation XIII member and progress through unique missions. Examples of the mission’s gamers will face are, looking for specific items, defeating certain enemies, and duelling with other Organisation XIII members. 

There is a bonus for your choice of character if you decide to play single and multiplayer mode. “The character’s growth is shared between the two modes,” Nomura informed the magazine.   

Also during multiplayer mode, the bottom screen of the DS can be used as a chat system, if you wish. Players will be able to communicate with each other as they play the game; by drawing pictures on the screen! Although not official yet, Nomura and his team are planning to add some further plans to this feature. 

It seems as though Nomura won’t be taking advantage of the many possibilities the DS can offer a gamer. Unlike for his other DS game ‘Wonderful World’ where he used them to its full potential. He goes on to explain his reasons. “Wonderful World is a game where we fully used the DS’s functionality, however, this time, we’re not really using the DS functionality. In order to not break the Kingdom Hearts control feel, we’re not using the stylus. Also, we’re planning on using the bottom screen for something.” This ‘something’ I have mentioned earlier; the multiplayer chat system.

Moving onto the mobile phone game, Coded: 

Nomura made sure to confirm that Coded is NOT Kingdom Hearts 3. Although this is the only instalment set after the events of Kingdom Hearts 2, and the main character Sora is used again… Or so it seems. 

Infact, the Sora we have seen in the screenshots is only a data version. So is King Mickey.

In Coded, a data-made Sora and King Mickey explore the pages of Jiminy’s Journal in search of a secret message left by Jiminy. They have to investigate the events of Kingdom Hearts 1.  

There will be something called ‘Debugging mode’ in Coded, and basically this means that Sora will confront bugs (the type found in your computer, not insects) when he approaches normal enemies. Sora will need to clear the bugs (that look like blocks) in order to fight. We have already seen a screenshot of this. The bugs also have other purposes too. They can be used to help Sora get higher up, and they can be used in puzzle games.  

In another interview with Famitsu, Nomura said that Coded was having “technical problems”, and those problems are due to Coded being developed for a mobile phone not even in existence; that’s right. But this is due to the fact that mobile phones in places such as America and Europe aren’t as powerful as Japanese mobile phones. There has even been talk that Coded will be FREE to play, or on the other-hand really cheap. Probably not as much as the previous KH mobile phone game. 

Lastly, what did Nomura have to say about Birth by Sleep?  This game is being developed by the team that worked on Musashi Samurai Legend and Re: Chain of Memories. Infact, it was this very team that contacted Nomura and requested that they work together on a side-story of Kingdom Hearts, during the time when Kingdom Hearts 2 was being developed.  Nomura goes on to say, “The project was for the PSP from the start of planning.” 

As we all know, this game will feature a ‘multi-scenario’ system. Not many people seem to have understand what Nomura meant by this, so he explained it for us:

 “The game will have three scenarios, and you’ll be able to play from which ever one you like. You’ll even likely be able to stop mid way through and start a new scenario.” 

There isn’t a scenario more important than the other, apparently. So you can choose whichever you like. 

Bad news for gamers that didn’t enjoy the deck system on Chain of Memories – it is being brought back for this game; however, it will be an improved version. This is how it will work: Before battle commences, the player sets up a card deck which will feature the commands you wish your character to possess in their command menu.    

So that explains Terra’s unusually big list of commands we saw him with in Cinderella’s world.  

And finally, fans eager to hear more information about Kingdom Hearts 3, more hints about it have been made in this interview with Nomura. Explaining the connections the three handheld games have with the future of the Kingdom Hearts series, this is what Nomura replied: 
 

“They do have some connections to the future third entry in the series, though I can’t say specifically. But there was a message along those lines in the trailers. Something about these three titles being connected to a story that is to come. I believe you’ll be able to foresee things through these three games.” 

(Note: Credit to advo on LJ for giving me the basic Japanese-English translations, and I will add anything else she can give me from the interview when I get it)

Well guys when Square put their info in black and white we know they mean business! The Square Enix American site has been updated with information on the three new KH games!  

A New Chapter in the KINGDOM HEARTS Series Delivers Three Brand-new Titles to the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and Mobile Phones

Square Enix, Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and services, announced three new titles in the award-winning KINGDOM HEARTS series at the Tokyo Game Show 2007 held in Makuhari Messe. The new titles are KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days for the Nintendo DS™, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and KINGDOM HEARTS coded for mobile phones. These titles are currently only confirmed for release in Japan. Release in other territories will be determined at a later date.

KINGDOM HEARTS is a fresh and original series of role-playing games created by the collaboration of The Walt Disney Company’s game development affiliate, Disney Interactive Studios, and Square Enix. The first installment, released in 2002, has been followed up by two chart-topping sequels. The immense popularity of the series has earned worldwide shipments of over 11 million copies in only five and a half years.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. / h.a.n.d. Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

The untold story of another hero.
Organization XIII, Number 13, Roxas

In KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, you will explore a variety of Disney worlds in not only single-player mode, but also in multiplayer missions made possible by the unique networking features of the Nintendo DS.

-Twilight Town-
Roxas and Axel were watching the sunset from their usual spot on the station’s clock tower after a long day of collecting “hearts” from the Heartless, as ordered by their organization. When their daily work ended, they often spent their evenings there. They talked about the day’s work and other things over ice cream.

“Do you know why the sun looks red as it sinks below the horizon? It’s because among the countless colors comprising light, red travels the greatest distance.”

“You’re just trying to show off, Axel!”

It was idle chatter between two boys without hearts.
This is the untold story of Organization XIII’s Roxas.

Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)Co-director: Tomohiro Hasegawa (FINAL FANTASY VIII, X, KINGDOM HEARTS series)Producer: Patrick Chen (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: PSP
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

It was an awakening that would signal the beginning of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the tale of a new trio of heroes, told across three scenarios utilizing the groundbreaking technology of the PSP. Exciting new features will be introduced on top of the traditional controls, game system, and visual style of its predecessors.

The Keyblade is said to hold phenomenal power.
One legend says its wielder saved the world,
while another says that he wrought chaos and ruin upon it.
—from Ansem’s Report (KINGDOM HEARTS)Long before Sora took up the Keyblade, there were other Keyblade masters. One of these masters, Xehanort, disappeared one day along with his apprentice. This event proved to be a foreshadowing of great disaster to come. Aware of the threat, another master ordered his three apprentices to seek out Xehanort and his cohort.Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)Co-director: Tai Yasue (KINGDOM HEARTS Re: Chain of Memories)Producer: Patrick Chen (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Co-producer: Yoichi Yoshimoto (Musashi Series, KINGDOM HEARTS CHAIN OF MEMORIES)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

KINGDOM HEARTS coded
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Platform: Mobile Phones (devices/carriers TBD)
Genre: RPG
ESRB: TBD
Ship Date: TBD

A Disney universe as vast as the mobile network awaits you.

In KINGDOM HEARTS coded, you will journey through a variety of Disney worlds on an exciting adventure brought to life by advanced mobile phone technology and gorgeous graphics never before seen on the platform. This marks the first collaboration between Square Enix and the Walt Disney Internet Group.

After the events of KINGDOM HEARTS, Jiminy Cricket returned to Disney Castle to organize his journal. While he arranged his records, his eyes fell upon a page with a mysterious message.

We must return to free them from their torment.

However, no matter how hard Jiminy tried to recall the source of the text, he couldn’t remember. So the King digitized the contents of the journal and started an investigation. Within the world traced from the contents of Jiminy’s Journal, a boy awoke on Destiny Island. It was the beginning of a new quest for a virtual Sora.

Staff

Director: Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V-VIII, X, FINAL FANTASY VII, ADVENT CHILDREN, KINGDOM HEARTS)Co-director: Hajime Tabata (BEFORE CRISIS –FINAL FANTASY VII–, CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII-)Producer: Kakuko Obinata (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

Associate Producer: Kousei Itou (BEFORE CRISIS -FINAL FANTASY VII-)

Executive Producer: Shinji Hashimoto (KINGDOM HEARTS series)

NOTE: The above only applies to the Japanese versions of the games!!!!

It seems that Square Enix is beginning to drop in funds. They might not be selling as much as they hoped for, and plan to raise foreign sales (North America, Europe, Etc.) from the current mere 50% sales to 75% sales

“Our strategy to seize such opportunities is two-fold; (i) strengthen our own distribution channels developed by our local subsidiaries in these geographic areas, and (ii) diversify our content in accordance with user preferences in each area. Through these strategic initiatives, our initial goal within a time frame of three to five years is to raise our foreign sales ratio for console/handheld games from its current 50% level to approximately 75%. We shall continue our effort to better serve overseas markets,” said Yoichi Wada, President and Representative Director, Square Enix Co., Ltd.

While SE is moving around developing The Last Remnant, Xbox 360 owners start to stir about the company. They’re hoping (although it may be wishful thinking) that more SE games will be pumped into their system. The Xbox 360ers are rumoring about games like Star Ocean, Kingdom Hearts, and Front Mission slowly becoming at their disposal. The statement that makes these gamers stir is as following: “diversify our content in accordance with user preferences in each area”, a quote from the SE company themselves.

Whatever may happen, it seems as though SE games will start flourashing in other countries besides Japan. As we all hoped for!

This may be the answer we’ve been looking for!
Thanks to Axizol for the help!

Hey Guys!
Exciting news! Square Enix confirmed three KH games going to 3 different systems!

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep for Playstation Portable:  

1) By the looks of it, it seems it is a single player game.

2) This is NOT KINGDOM HEARTS III

3) The main character is Terra, and is also playable as the other three soldiers ( Ven, Aqua)

4) The time is set in the past.

5) New battle system

6) FOR Playstation Portable

Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days for Nintendo DS:  

1) Roxas will star in the game, perhaps the main character?

2) There’s a four player simoultaneous play with members of Organization XIII.

3) The game will be in FULL 3D.

4) FOR Nintendo DS

5) New battle system

KingdomHearts:CodedForMobilephones
 

1) It may be released internationally.

2) It stars the main characters. (Sora, Donald, Goofy etc.)

3) May be between the two PS2 titles. (Speculation)

4) FOR Mobile Phones

This information is the most exciting ones yet!

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the absence. I was looking for some News Writers and found some.

Welcome Kairi, and Kingdom Hearts Freak to the team!

We will be having a Theory contest soon. For more details on that look at the Contest Theories page. (I still need to set it up)

Kota~