Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World Ends With You countdown for iOS port, Square Enix leak reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/world-ends-with-you-countdown-for-ios-port-square-enix-leak-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/world-ends-with-you-countdown-for-ios-port-square-enix-leak-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/world-ends-with-you-countdown-for-ios-port-square-enix-leak-rev/#comments The World Ends With You countdown for iOS port, Square Enix leak revealsThe countdown linked to The World Ends with You is for an iOS port of the DS game, a leak on the Square Enix's Japanese eShop has apparently revealed. A listing for an upcoming soundtrack of the game disclosed that an iOS version would be released later this year. It also mentioned that the port will feature new music, including arranged tracks from Kingdom Hearts 3D.

Square Enix quickly deleted the incriminating info, but Siliconera has the screencaps for evermore. Hopes of that elusive sequel appear dashed once more, but we hope we're proven wrong.

JoystiqWorld Ends With You countdown for iOS port, Square Enix leak reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiosipadiphonekingdom-hearts-3dmobilenintendoportsquare-enixthe-world-ends-with-youFri, 24 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D review: Dreams dropped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/kingdom-hearts-3d-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/kingdom-hearts-3d-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/kingdom-hearts-3d-review/#comments Growing up is weird. Where once things were simple, they quickly morph into a terrifying nightmare labyrinth of complexity. You've got bills to pay, billowing lists of day-to-day chores to attend to, legions of people to keep up with, and so very little time to make sure it all gets done. In that sense, growing up alongside Square's Kingdom Hearts series presents some eerie parallels. Many melodramatic heart-shaped moons ago, it was about three friends battling evil to keep each other safe. Sure, there was some romance, rivalry and Donald Duck along the way, but it was ultimately easy to follow and, frankly, heartfelt. Slowly but surely, though, the series added Keyblade Wars and shadowy Organizations and clones and 365/2 days and digitized worlds and... yeah. You get the idea.

But growing up doesn't just mean inheriting a world of convoluted complication. It's about, well, growing - changing, evolving and taking a measured, realistic look at your own flaws. And in that respect, Kingdom Hearts really hasn't grown up at all. Case in point: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. It isn't bad by any means. Rather, the spin-off with the goofiest name yet (though sadly, perhaps the least Goofy) is simply a mishmash of middling new ideas and the clunky, frustrating and otherwise upsetting bits that have polluted the series over the years.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (7/17/12)

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts 3D review: Dreams dropped

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D review: Dreams dropped originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosquare-enixWed, 01 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Kingdom Hearts must return to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/why-kingdom-hearts-must-return-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/why-kingdom-hearts-must-return-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/why-kingdom-hearts-must-return-to-consoles/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
Why Kingdom Hearts must return to the console
It's time for Kingdom Hearts to go back to home consoles. Square Enix have scrunched four of these games onto tiny handheld screens now - five if you want to count the oddball Chain of Memories. That's five games worth of parsing the shadows of Traverse Town in the glare of the sun while riding the bus. Five games worth of Kingdom Hearts' nausea-inducing camera on those tiny screens.

Enough already. If Final Fantasy Versus XIII is actually dead and buried (which Square Enix says it isn't - but whatever), then shift all those internal resources to Kingdom Hearts 3 and be done with it. It's a disservice to the franchise, the source material and the platforms to keep squeezing these games into such ill-fitting confines.

Okay, I've got the light rage out of my system. The sky is not falling. Birth by Sleep and now Dream Drop Distance are perfectly serviceable games. But is the series reaching its potential on those platforms? I don't think it is. Barring some drastic change, Kingdom Hearts is always going to be better-suited for home consoles than handhelds. It's in the franchise's DNA. It's even evident in additions like Dream Drop Distance's new "Flowmotion System," for instance, which sends Sora bouncing off walls and objects, like lamp posts and even enemies. It's not a bad idea and would be a nice addition to a console game. On the 3DS screen though? There's just too much going on.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (7/17/12)

Continue reading Why Kingdom Hearts must return to consoles

JoystiqWhy Kingdom Hearts must return to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distanceOpinionSquare-EnixWed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D arriving soon, so here's the 'launch' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-arrives-pretty-soon-so-heres-the-launch-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-arrives-pretty-soon-so-heres-the-launch-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-arrives-pretty-soon-so-heres-the-launch-tr/#comments
Square Enix is celebrating the imminent release of Kingdom Hearts 3D with - you guessed it - a launch trailer. If you still haven't seen enough of the Disney X Squeenix mashup just yet, here's another chance to remedy that.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D arriving soon, so here's the 'launch' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneygameplaykingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancelaunch-trailernintendosquare-enixtrailerFri, 20 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's think about Kingdom Hearts 3D for a minute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/lets-think-about-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-a-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/lets-think-about-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-a-minute/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/lets-think-about-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-a-minute/#comments KH3d
There is a series of games about some kid in big puffy pantaloons swinging a key at monsters, with his pals Donald Duck and Goofy. Sometimes they go into the world of Tron and meet Jeff Bridges. Sometimes they hang out with Pinocchio. Mickey Mouse is there, and he's an imposing figure. Also, Final Fantasy characters hang around sometimes.

We have to point this out from time to time, because getting used to something like that would be an official indicator of loss of sanity. Let's all keep one foot in the real world while we watch this Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (7/17/12)

JoystiqLet's think about Kingdom Hearts 3D for a minute originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoTue, 17 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Raid, Ruin, Sleep, and Dream with Square Enix at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/raid-ruin-sleep-and-dream-with-square-enix-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/raid-ruin-sleep-and-dream-with-square-enix-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/raid-ruin-sleep-and-dream-with-square-enix-at-comic-con/#comments Square Enix is going to be basically everywhere at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, with playable demos in multiple locations, panels, and various other events. The booth (number 3829) will host demos of Hitman Absolution, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Sleeping Dogs, and Tomb Raider.

In addition, Kingdom Hearts and Heroes of Ruin will be at the "Nintendo Lounge" at the Marriott Marquis & Marina. Square games will also be on display at the GameSpot Gameroom, Spike booth, and the Xbox Lounge.

In addition to all that, Square Enix will sponsor the "Nerd HQ" event and show off its games there, including over 20 playable Tomb Raider demo stations. There will also be a Tomb Raider panel on Saturday, a Hitman "photo sniping contest," a cosplay event, and several other ways to spend your whole Comic-Con only looking at one publisher's video game lineup.

Continue reading Raid, Ruin, Sleep, and Dream with Square Enix at Comic-Con

JoystiqRaid, Ruin, Sleep, and Dream with Square Enix at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2012heroes-of-ruinhitman-absolutionkingdom-hearts-3dsan-diego-comic-con-2012sleeping-dogssquare-enixtomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012tomb-raider-2013Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't eat any dreams right before watching this Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/dont-eat-any-dreams-right-before-watching-this-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/dont-eat-any-dreams-right-before-watching-this-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/dont-eat-any-dreams-right-before-watching-this-kingdom-hearts-3/#comments Don't eat any dreams right before watching this Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer
This Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer is all about the Dream Eaters, a group of mysterious, adorable creatures that take on various disguises. And with the way the screen spins and bobs around within a frame, we suspect some Dream Eaters may lose their appetites after watching it.

Continue reading Don't eat any dreams right before watching this Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer

JoystiqDon't eat any dreams right before watching this Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoWed, 27 Jun 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance demo on 3DS right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-demo-on-3ds-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-demo-on-3ds-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-demo-on-3ds-right-now/#comments Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance demo on 3DS right nowThe demo for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is available right this very second in North America on the 3DS eshop, Nintendo announced during its US livestream.

Dream Drop Distance is scheduled to hit North America in full form on July 31.

Update: We originally referred to a digital release, as evidenced by the slide discussed here. Nintendo has since updated the information with that slide to specify first-party releases only, leading us to question what all those logos were doing there. Kingdom Hearts 3D is currently confirmed only for a retail release.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance demo on 3DS right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDemokingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendonintendo-directFri, 22 Jun 2012 00:04:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS digital releases to include Epic Mickey, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Kingdom Hearts [update: Nintendo says only first-party games]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/3ds-digital-releases-to-include-epic-mickey-scribblenauts-unlim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/3ds-digital-releases-to-include-epic-mickey-scribblenauts-unlim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/3ds-digital-releases-to-include-epic-mickey-scribblenauts-unlim/#comments 3DS digital releases to include Epic Mickey, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Kingdom HeartsWe knew that Nintendo planned to release the "majority" of its retail 3DS games digitally on eShop going forward, but a note in an E3 investor presentation from NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime reveals plans to release third-party games digitally as well.

"We've got a massive list of AAA content on the way from all of the biggest names in gaming," Fils-Aime said, "that are all proven franchises, all exclusive to our platform, and all coming to stores both in physical and digital formats in the second half of 2012." Accompanying this statement is a slide featuring confirmed eShop/retail releases New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and Paper Mario: Sticker Star, along with third-party games Kingdom Hearts 3D, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, Scribblenauts Unlimited, and Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion.

Unless this slide isn't meant to lay out the "massive list of AAA content," we can expect to see all of these games on the eShop alongside their retail releases.

Update: Nintendo added text to the explanation of the slide, to say "refers to first-party titles only" in regards to the dual digital/retail releases. It was just a super misleading slide, then.

Joystiq3DS digital releases to include Epic Mickey, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Kingdom Hearts [update: Nintendo says only first-party games] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fatedisney-epic-mickey-the-power-of-illusione3-2012eshopkingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoWed, 13 Jun 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/#comments Despite the diminutive size of the 3DS cartridge, Square Enix managed to find space to pack in voice overs for all the established Kingdom Hearts voice actors. Many of the big guns are returning to reprise their roles in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Drop Distance, including Leonard Nimoy, Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, Hayden Panetierre, Jesse McCartney and Quinton Flynn.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance launches on July 31.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (5/31/12)

Continue reading Ensemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

JoystiqEnsemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneyDisney-Interactivekingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoSquare-EnixFri, 01 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/#comments ImageThere's no better way to flaunt your mastery of the art of having $55 than with the Kingdom Hearts 3D "Mark of Mastery" edition. The newly announced special edition comes with a clear 3DS case and a set of art cards that look like they can be slipped into said case, and five AR cards to unlock in-game Dream Eaters. All of this comes in a big box with a magnetic clasp.

This edition shows one of the advantages of portable games: the limited edition boxes don't cost quite as much as those for console games.

Continue reading You can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D

JoystiqYou can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancelimited-editionmark-of-masterynintendospecial-editionWed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/#comments ImageKingdom Hearts 3D is taking a page from Kid Icarus: Uprising's book ... or a card from its album, maybe? Square Enix is handing out a semi-random selection of AR cards with pre-orders in North America.

Every pre-order gets the card that unlocks the "R&R Seal Dream Eater" and the card that unlocks a viewing stand for 3D Dream Eater images. A third card will unlock one of three other Dream Eaters: Ursa Circus, Sudo Neku, or Meowjesty. These characters can be recruited to join you in battle.

You can see the Dream Eaters for yourself in the gallery below (they're the cute monster things), along with character art of The World Ends With You's Neku and others, and some shots of Traverse Town.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Traverse Town and Character Art)

Continue reading Pre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards

JoystiqPre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsar-cardskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoFri, 11 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D closes the Dream Drop Distance in Europe July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/kingdom-hearts-3d-closes-the-dream-drop-distance-in-europe-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/kingdom-hearts-3d-closes-the-dream-drop-distance-in-europe-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/kingdom-hearts-3d-closes-the-dream-drop-distance-in-europe-july/#comments ImageOne of the announcements from Europe's Nintendo Direct presentation this weekend was the release date for Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], whose punctuation we had to look up just now. Today, Square Enix issued its own announcement, which doesn't require watching a video.

The 3DS Disney/Square crossover game will arrive in PAL territories on July 20, ahead of the July 31 release date in North America. You'll all be keyblade masters, having earned the respect and high fives of King Mickey, by the time the game shows up domestically.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D closes the Dream Drop Distance in Europe July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseuropekingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoq3-2012Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix hints, nudges and winks about The World Ends With You sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/square-enix-hints-nudges-and-winks-about-the-world-ends-with-yo/#comments The World Ends With You is, besides being an excellent name for a My Chemical Romance song, one of the few non-Final Fantasy RPGs from Square Enix to obtain cult classic status. The last we heard of a potential sequel to the teenager-infused romp through Shibuya was in August of 2010, when series artist Tetsuya Nomura said "I definitely want to make a sequel."

Fast-forward about a year, and The World Ends With You protagonist Neku is spotted as one of the many cameos during Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance's Tokyo Game Show demo. Now, Nomura has said that TWEWY supporting character Raimu, who never spoke during the original game, will also be in Kingdom Hearts 3D and will be fully voice acted "out of consideration of the future of The World Ends With You series," according to an interview translated by Andriasang.

If that weren't powerfully tantalizing on its own, Nomura also said that "there probably is something" coming in the series' future, though he couldn't speak in specifics at the time. He also laughed mid-sentence, according to the translation, although there's no context provided to indicate whether the laugh was the playful chuckle of an appreciative artist, or the maniacal cackling of a man manipulating the hearts of thousands. Without this vital context clue, we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

JoystiqSquare Enix hints, nudges and winks about The World Ends With You sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosequelsquare-enixTetsuya-NomuraThe-World-Ends-With-YouSat, 21 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D drops into North America on July 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-july-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-july-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-july-31/#comments ImageKingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] -- also known by its maiden name: Kingdom Hearts 3D 24/365 Deplorable Overdrive Cross-Fiction Heart Battle -- will be available on 3DS in North America on July 31.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3/29/12)

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D drops into North America on July 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancerelease-dateSquare-EnixThu, 05 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drops into America and Europe next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drops-into-america-and-europe-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drops-into-america-and-europe-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drops-into-america-and-europe-next-year/#comments Square Enix is bringing its 3DS Kingdom Hearts adventure to North America and Europe next year -- and, don't worry, it's keeping that memorable name. In fact, the official title of this new game is Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], with brackets for that extra touch of Dissidia-esque charm.

Dream Drop Distance is "the opening chapter of the final conflict" in Kingdom Hearts, according to director Tetsuya Nomura. It stars both Sora and Riku as they enter the "Sleeping Worlds" to become Keyblade Masters at the behest of King Mickey, who is presented in this series as a totally tough, intimidating guy (but still Mickey Mouse). That journey still takes them through several Disney-inspired locales, including new ones based on The Hunchback of Notre Dame -- which means it's a pseudo-real place, filtered through the lenses of both Disney and Square Enix -- and Tron: Legacy.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS)

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drops into America and Europe next year

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drops into America and Europe next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendorelease-datesquare-enixTue, 20 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your keyblade fix with this 8 minute long Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/get-your-keyblade-fix-with-this-8-minute-long-kingdom-hearts-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/get-your-keyblade-fix-with-this-8-minute-long-kingdom-hearts-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/get-your-keyblade-fix-with-this-8-minute-long-kingdom-hearts-3d/#comments
Aside from the usual inscrutable plot points and familiar Disney characters with unfamiliar Japanese voices, the Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance trailer above has a lot going for it. Namely, eight whole minutes of keyblades and keyblade-based combat.

JoystiqGet your keyblade fix with this 8 minute long Kingdom Hearts 3D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapankingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosquare-enixMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Direct trailers: Monster Hunter Tri-G, Kingdom Hearts 3D, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/nintendo-direct-trailers-monster-hunter-tri-g-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/nintendo-direct-trailers-monster-hunter-tri-g-kingdom-hearts-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/nintendo-direct-trailers-monster-hunter-tri-g-kingdom-hearts-3/#comments
Nintendo's inaugural "Nintendo Direct" presentation in Japan also came with a host of new trailers for 3DS games. Above, new footage of Kingdom Hearts 3D, which we regret to inform you, continues to be called Dream Drop Distance.

After the break, you can see two videos for Monster Hunter Tri-G, and a couple of new games. The first is a retail game from Banpresto called Lost Heroes, which puts Ultraman, Gundam, and Kamen Rider characters in the same dungeon-crawler world, and is thus super unlikely to see release outside of Japan. The second is an eShop game called Nimble Sakura Samurai, a simple action game in which you dodge and slice enemies.

There are even more videos than that on Nintendo's site, if you want to see trailers for Dillon's Rolling Western or Koei's fashion game FabStyle.

Continue reading Nintendo Direct trailers: Monster Hunter Tri-G, Kingdom Hearts 3D, more

JoystiqNintendo Direct trailers: Monster Hunter Tri-G, Kingdom Hearts 3D, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbanprestocapcomdillons-rolling-westerneshopfabstylekingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancelost-heroesmonster-hunter-tri-gnimble-sakura-samurainintendonintendo-directrolling-westernsquare-enixFri, 21 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The World Ends With You cameo in Kingdom Hearts 3D notice of 'something' new]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/the-world-ends-with-you-cameo-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-notice-of-so/#comments

Kingdom Hearts producer (and theoretical Final Fantasy Versus XIII lead) Tetsuya Nomura told Famitsu that the appearance of The World Ends With You's Neku Sakuraba in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance portended other things for the character in the future.

According to Andriasang, Famitsu asked Nomura if Neku's appearance provided notice of a sequel to the Shibuya-based DS RPG. Nomura didn't quite confirm a sequel, but he did say that the appearance suggested "something" that Square Enix is working on.

Last year, Nomura said he wanted to make a sequel to TWEWY "when the time is right." Perhaps the time will be even closer to right two minutes from now, when you've watched the new trailer above (featuring Neku).

JoystiqThe World Ends With You cameo in Kingdom Hearts 3D notice of 'something' new originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfamitsukingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendotetsuya-nomuraThe-World-Ends-With-YouWed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The World Ends with You character spotted in Kingdom Hearts 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/the-world-ends-with-you-character-spotted-in-kingdom-hearts-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/the-world-ends-with-you-character-spotted-in-kingdom-hearts-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/the-world-ends-with-you-character-spotted-in-kingdom-hearts-3d/#comments While Kingdom Hearts is usually the domain of Final Fantasy and Disney characters, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance features a small crossover with The World Ends with You. Specifically, The World Ends with You protagonist Neku made a brief appearance during the TGS demo.

It's likely just some simple fan service, and doesn't necessarily mean we're getting the sequel that we've always wanted -- and that designer Tetsuya Nomura "definitely" wants to make -- but it's nice to dream, isn't it?

JoystiqThe World Ends with You character spotted in Kingdom Hearts 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendotgs-2011the-world-ends-with-youThu, 15 Sep 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura considering 'HD technical test' for Kingdom Hearts anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/nomura-considering-hd-technical-test-for-kingdom-hearts-annive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/nomura-considering-hd-technical-test-for-kingdom-hearts-annive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/nomura-considering-hd-technical-test-for-kingdom-hearts-annive/#comments Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance will finally make its hands-on debut at the Tokyo Game Show later this fall -- but does that news really do anything for you? In the latest issue of Japanese gaming mag Dengeki PlayStation (as translated by Andriasang), Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura explained that it's becoming difficult to get new players into the series with each new iteration. We get the hesitation -- we've played all the Kingdom Hearts games, and still can't follow a majority of their plots.

Nomura mentioned a plan to help bring new players into the fold: As a celebration of the franchise's 10th anniversary, he hopes to release an "HD technical test" of the series. Could that mean remakes of the first two, past-gen games? Maybe a teaser trailer similar to that of Final Fantasy VII HD which Square Enix will undoubtedly never follow up on? We'll try to squeeze some answers out of those lollygaggers during TGS next month.

JoystiqNomura considering 'HD technical test' for Kingdom Hearts anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshdjapankingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosquare-enixtgs-2011Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/see-kingdom-hearts-3d-in-2d-trailer/#comments That didn't take long! Trailers from last night's Square Enix event in Japan have begun hitting the web. After the break you'll find Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and we'd suggest checking it out soon before Square pulls it from YouTube. That said, Mickey Mouse speaking Japanese? Weird!

Continue reading See Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer

JoystiqSee Kingdom Hearts 3D in 2D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydsgameplaykingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixSquare-Enix-1st-Production-DeptTue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D dubbed 'Dream Drop Distance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/#comments When Kingdom Hearts 3D arrives on Nintendo's newest portable platform, none of its recognizable traits will be lost in the transition. The pointy-haired protagonists, charming Disney icons and comically oversized keys will be locked inside a box, branded with another mentally impenetrable subtitle -- a Square Enix classic! According to an announcement at Square Enix's 1st Production Department event in Japan (translated by Andriasang), the 3DS game is called "Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance."

You'll note that those are, in fact, three Ds. Well done, everyone.

According to comments made at the event, which is intended to highlight the 1st Production Department's upcoming products, Kingdom Hearts 3D will emphasize action and speed, with 3D effects conveying a greater sense of height and distances (for flying or falling). When playing, you'll regularly switch between two of the franchise's Dexterous Dainty Dudes, Sora and Riku.

No announcements regarding a North American release of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance have been made.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (1/18)

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D dubbed 'Dream Drop Distance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsjapankingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendosquare-enixSquare-Enix-1st-Production-DeptTue, 18 Jan 2011 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D to feature all new Disney worlds, Nomura says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/kingdom-hearts-3d-to-feature-all-new-disney-worlds-nomura-says/#comments Famitsu recently had a chance to chat with Tetsuya Nomura, the zipper-loving director of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. In the interview (translated by Andriasang), Nomura revealed that new "gameplay systems" are in the works for the next iteration of the game, Kingdom Hearts 3D for the 3DS, and that some of these mechanics may even find their way into the long-awaited (but still unannounced) Kingdom Hearts 3.

For example, both Sora and Riku will be playable characters in the upcoming game, and Nomura is promising some differences between the two characters. The reason why Sora and Riku appear as they do in the first Kingdom Hearts game hasn't been explained, with Nomura simply teasing that it is "a secret" and necessary for the story.

Perhaps the most exciting revelation from the interview is Nomura's intention to include brand new Disney worlds for the upcoming sequel. Although Traverse Town and "other original creations" will make a reappearance, it'll be interesting to see exactly what Disney worlds make it into the next game. Frankly, we're not even entirely sure what Square Enix has yet to dig up from the Disney vault.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D to feature all new Disney worlds, Nomura says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 18 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3DS development underway, to follow Re:Coded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/kingdom-hearts-3ds-development-underway-to-follow-re-coded/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fans eager for a new Kingdom Hearts console game will have to wait even longer, it seems. In an interview with Famitsu, designer Tetsuya Nomura revealed that the next game in the franchise will be the 3DS game, first unveiled at E3 earlier this year. "Next is Kingdom Hearts 3D," he told the magazine. "The time frame for 3D is after Re:Coded."

According to Nomura, development is already underway on the project and will only accelerate once the Final Mix team is done working on that Japan-only PSP release. "We'd like to announce it as soon as possible," Nomura said of the 3DS game, seemingly ignoring the fact that he was technically announcing the game as he spoke.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3DS development underway, to follow Re:Coded originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3dnintendosquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraThu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: Kingdom Hearts 3D 'probably' being developed by Birth by Sleep team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/nomura-kingdom-hearts-3d-probably-being-developed-by-birth-by/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix sent out some (unfortunately flat) images representing two of its announced 3DS titles, Kingdom Hearts 3D and Chocobo Racing 3D. We're going to go ahead and assume you aren't tired of looking at 3DS images yet, and place them in galleries for your perusal.

Don't expect the games to look exactly like this upon release -- these images essentially represent tech demos. Tetsuya Nomura told Siliconera that Kingdom Hearts 3D "will probably be developed by the team who was in charge of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, the Osaka team." In other words, Square Enix hasn't even gotten to the point in the game's development where it figures out who's developing it.

Gallery: Chocobo Racing 3D (3DS)

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D (3DS)

JoystiqNomura: Kingdom Hearts 3D 'probably' being developed by Birth by Sleep team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaction-rpgchocobo-racing-3ddse3-2010kingdom-hearts-3dnintendoracingsquare-enixtetsuya-nomuraFri, 18 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts 3D returns to Destiny Islands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/kingdom-hearts-3d-returns-to-destiny-islands/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/kingdom-hearts-3d-returns-to-destiny-islands/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/kingdom-hearts-3d-returns-to-destiny-islands/#comments Square Enix has just released the first screenshots of its tentatively named Kingdom Hearts 3D. Fans of the franchise will find it looks startlingly similar to the PS2 original, featuring the character models of the first game. Check out all the images after the break.

Continue reading Kingdom Hearts 3D returns to Destiny Islands

JoystiqKingdom Hearts 3D returns to Destiny Islands originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010kingdom-hearts-3dnintendo-3dssquare-enixTue, 15 Jun 2010 18:35:00 EST