

Full scans of the 7/4 Famitsu Weekly released last week have surfaced thanks to True Gaming!

Last week's issue of Famitsu Weekly covered all of the newest game announcements at E3 2013 like KINGDOM HEARTS III and FINAL FANTASY XV, and contained a Q & A interview with KINGDOM HEARTS series director Tetsuya Nomura where he discussed the possibilities of playing as Riku and Kairi in the long awaited title, the "Kingdom Shaders" created to give each world an authentic Disney look, and more.

KINGDOM HEARTS 3 will be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

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Thanks to Zephyr for translating the scans!

At E3 2013, the production of the latest entry of the series KINGDOM HEARTS III is announced!

STORY

In the KINGDOM HEARTS series so far, Sora learns that Master Xehanort is mercilessly plotting to start a war between the Darknesses and the Seven Guardians of Light. King Mickey and Riku are searching for Keyblade wielders who fought in an intense battle before and Sora, Donald, and Goofy are searching for the “Key to Return Hearts”. They will once again travel to various Disney worlds.

In KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep, Eraqus passed down his Keyblade to Aqua and now Sora is holding it. They’re traveling to search for the “Key to Return Hearts”?

Sora challenges Master Xehanort in the final battle!!

KINGDOM HEARTS II was released on the Playstation 2 on 2005 and several spin off games were released on portable devices therefore thickening the story and the world settings in the KINGDOM HEARTS series. In the latest game, KINGDOM HEARTS III competes this story. Earlier, we revealed the visuals for Sora and friends. We have comments from the director, Tetsuya Nomura.

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Director Tetsuya Nomura Q & A Part 1

Q: The story this time will start after KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]?

A: Yes, we are currently deciding on selecting new worlds. It continues the Seeker of Darkness saga as the last chapter. The final battle between Master Xehanort draws near.

Q: Seeing how the story flowed in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], is there a possibility that, along with Sora, Riku and Kairi will be playable?

A: I cannot say no the possibility.

Q: What was the intention behind the heartwarming and unique visuals?

A: This is what a next generation KINGDOM HEARTS should look like... in the recent years, we questioned whether it should go a realistic route or a different one and we continued to work on these models. Originally for the KINGDOM HEARTS characters, we aimed for a texture that resembled Disney illustrations and that is how it came to be. We asked Nozue to keep testing and as a result of testing thoroughly, we developed the KINGDOM SHADER, which is the name of the visuals. While it may seem like a sudden change, this is what I’ve wanted to show you. It has evolved into something rich.

Director Tetsuya Nomura Q & A Part 2

Q: How has the action in KINGDOM HEARTS evolved?

A: Currently, I have a demo version where you can actually move around and it is rampant (laughs). In every world, NPCs can participate in battle with flashy moves. Enemy and friend AI can become more elaborate as you progress through the game. For example, I’m already working on plenty of enemies whom are like vehicles that you can ride and fly during battle.

Q: Sora became a Keyblade Master in KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Like Aqua and the others, they can change their Keyblades?

A: Yes. During the Mark of Mastery Exam, they already have the ability to change their Keyblades.

[Editor's Note: It is known at the end of KH3D that Sora does not, in fact, become a master. This is an error on the part of Famitsu]

Q: Finally, do you have a message to say to your fans?

A: The development teams of FINAL FANTASY XV and KINGDOM HEARTS III have a friendly competition between each other. In the sneak preview, I feel like a little bird has spread the information already but to a low degree. In KINGDOM HEARTS III, online elements are being considered for the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Please wait for more information in the future. In such timing this year, Tokyo Game Show and a Disney event, D23 Expo Japan, held in October will reveal more information.

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These are Sora and his friends in KINGDOM HEARTS III. The CG renders feel like heartwarming illustrations. You will see characters such as Riku and Kairi soon.

Sora

A Keyblade Master who is the protagonist of the series.

Donald Duck

A little short tempered but he is a court magician of royalty.

Goofy

A royal court knight who has a gentle strong heart that thinks about his friends.