We recently announced that, according to an interview done with Nomura, Kingdom Hearts 3 was not going to be the next game announced in the series. Courtesy of Kingdom Hearts Ultimania, we have a translated version of that interview’s main points.
Nomura Interview
– We’re anxious when it comes to the next title in the series.
Nomura: To start with, there is the overseas version of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. The general specifications for it have been settled. We intended to put in a “Critical Mode” in the battle system. The bosses we felt were a little weak have become stronger. We also thought that the attack “Mega Flare” was too strong so there are plans to regulate it as well. The various circumstances of the cut scenes will change too, they will return more to the original plan. They will be adjusted so that way the story is easier to understand and supplementary parts will be added.
– It seems like there are various changes being made. May we be expecting a Final Mix version?
Nomura: As for that, it depends on how much the domestic version changes. However, since we basically want to produce one title a year for the Kingdom Hearts series, I don’t plan on going several years without releasing news.
– In another 2 years it’ll be the 10th anniversary of the series. How about Kingdom Hearts 3?
Nomura: Haha I can’t talk about that, it’s a secret! As I’ve said before, the next release relates to the mystery of the series.
– Do you see the complete series concluding in KH3?
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts has been Sora’s story, but the series is currently expanding, it’s also the story of another person. Right now, you could say “that person is the center of the series”.
– The series is currently expanding!?
Nomura: I can’t say anymore than that. (Laughs)
– Are there any other titles in the works?
Nomura: With everything going on, I can say there is one title being prepared for public announcement; the advertisement department is already discussing it with me. Please look forward to more about it.
Who Is The Mystery Character?
Well, with the advertising groups already ramping up for a new Kingdom Hearts campaign, what are we fans to think? Many of us have already discussed our concerns about a new game every year, but not so much about this ‘mystery character’ who is getting to be a protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts universe.
One has to wonder where in the timeline this new game will be set. Back in the past like Birth by Sleep, or maybe after Kingdom Hearts 2? Who thinks the character will be someone that was previously introduced? Any logical choices?
I’m very excited to know that steps are being taken to do a public announcement of the game, even though I’m anxious in regards to too many releases and the series stalling out. I can’t help but be curious!