The latest issue of Famitsu includes a recap of the biggest KINGDOM HEARTS III updates from D23 Expo Japan 2018. While this recap obviously may not contain any new information, it could help clarify some details such as the nature of Marluxia's involvement in Organization XIII or how the new Link system works.

Translations are available thanks to Saken.

Kingdom Hearts 3 news revelation! The latest news from the festival for Disney fans, “D23 Expo Japan 2018”

Among the dozens of events held at “D23 Expo Japan 2018”, the “Kingdom Hearts Premium Theatre 2018” event shed much new light on Kingdom Hearts 3 (KH3) in the form of various mysterious scenes and the introduction of a new world. Among this, we see King Mickey (a guardian of the worlds) and Riku (Sora’s best friend) in new outfits, as well as a brand new Keyblade in the former’s hand.

(Photo of Utada Hikaru)

The theme song for this title has been decided as Utada Hikaru’s new “Chikai”.

“Chikai” is the 3rd song Utada Hikaru has written for the Kingdom Hearts series, following “Hikari” and “Passion”.

From the Dark Margin to the Way to Dawn

(Large gold text, pg 40)

(Upper left screenshots of Riku & King Mickey at Dark Margin)

Appearing countless times in the series as the stage for many important scenes, the Dark Margin. Could it be that they’ve come to search for her, the Keyblade Master?

(Screenshot of Riku looking at Way to Dawn)

“I’ll leave this here, for the other me”, Riku says, holding his broken Keyblade. How did the Keyblade get into that state? And who is this “other Riku”?

-The revival of the one thought to have withered away, Marluxia.

(Bottom right, to the right of Marly’s head)

-In place of the “Old” Organization XIII, blocking Sora’s path in KH3 is the “True” Organization XIII.

Despite being defeated by Sora while apart of the Old Organization, Marluxia appears to also be a part of the new one? As for the reason for his revival, and whether his goals match with those of the True Organization XIII’s leader, Master Xehanort, all remain a mystery.

(Bottom right, below Marly)

After defeating Marluxia and his gang, who were all members of the Old Organization, Sora had his memory restored so he doesn’t remember them. In KH3, although Marluxia’s words suggest a reunion, Sora doubts having ever met him.

<The Graceful Assassin, Marluxia>

(Bottom of page, text on Marluxia)

In “Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories”, using his position of power Marluxia attempts to overthrow the Organization XIII, however is stopped in his tracks when defeated by Sora.

Additionally, in the series’ oldest story to date, “Kingdom Hearts Union Cross”, we encounter a figure named “Lauriam” who bears a striking resemblance to Marluxia.



-Welcome to Monsters, Inc. where we only recruit the best!

(Large gold text)

Monsters, Inc., one of Pixar’s largest feature animation films makes its way into the Kingdom Hearts series! Sora and friends have had their appearances transformed to those of cute but repulsing(!?) monsters. Characters from the original film, Mikey, Sulley, Boo and others will of course also be making appearances!

-Commotion within the Monsters, Inc. headquarters!

In the original movie, Monstes, Inc. is a giant company who purposely scare human children in order to exchange their screams for energy. Stumbling into this world of diverse monsters, Sora and friends encounter Mike and Sulley, who they mistake to be bullying a small human girl.

Sulley

In the original film, Sulley is Monsters, Inc.’s pride, ranked number one as the “scaring star”. By nature he is very gentle, and everyone aspires to be like him.

Mike

A bit of a birdbrain who really likes to talk, and Sulley’s best friend. He’s also Sulley’s capable assistant, supporting him in his work. He’s a fairly stubborn fellow, but a good guy overall.

Boo

A young human girl who unfortunately found her way to the monsters’ world. She’s still not able to speak, however she can in some way or another utter some simple words.

(Screenshot of Sora using Assault Claws next to Sulley)

Upon fulfilling the right conditions, in the midst of battle you’ll be able to change “Form”, which involves the modification of usable attacks, abilities and wardrobe. When Sora changes form in this (Monsters, Inc.) world, his body colour will change.

The key to the story lies within the power of children?

(Bottom of page 42, small text)

In the top left corner of some screenshots we can see a small icon of a face accompanied by a gauge labelled “LAUGH POWER”. While it’s been said that the screams of horrified children are able to generate energy, in reality it’s not only those screams that can do it. The power of a laugh is also able to generate huge energy. Perhaps the act of entertaining Boo, making her cry out in laughter, will be useful within battle?

(Upper page 43, screenshot of Sora sliding on a rail)

As seen in the original film, we can see the warehouse which stores the huge amount of doors linked to children’s rooms in the human world. In this segment we can see Sora sliding on one of the rails, with the command “Take Cover” available, which appears to be a gimmick that allows Sora to hide himself from enemies.

(Bottom page 43, screenshot of what seems to be yoyo Keyblade transformation finisher)

As one of the transformations, the Keyblade is able to morph into twin yoyos, both bearing the logo of the Monsters, Inc. corporation. The yoyos can transform into giant monsters(!?), and chew away at enemies as their finisher move! Exciting!

-Vanitas also revived!?

(Screenshot of Vanitas)

Vanitas appeared in Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep as one of the leading characters in relation to plot. He has a very deep connection to Ventus, but was defeated within the same game. In KH3, he appears to be clad within a black coat, indicating that perhaps he is part of the True Organization XIII? Having seemed to have sniffed out the existence of Ventus within Sora, he approaches him and……?

Vanitas’ revival, an omen from KH3D?

(Small text, bottom of pg 43)

Vanitas was defeated in Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep (KHBBS), however, following on from KHBBS he is seen in KH3D for a brief moment, appearing as a sort of phantom or illusion besides a young man in a black coat. Considering who this young man is, could it be that Vanitas’ revival was already foreshadowed!?

The birth of strength through the bonds shared between connected hearts.

(Large gold Text, top of 44)

(Screenshot of Sora, Mike, Sulley, Donald, Goofy pulling “scary” faces)

Combining forces with all your friends, Link Attacks have also been prepared for use. In the trailer, we see Sora grab Mike, who shouts “What are you doing!?”, and throws him like a bowling ball toward enemies who seem to be lined up like pins.

(Screenshot of Sora and co. running on netted steel)

Together with Sora, Donald and Goofy, Mike and Sulley also join the fray! This confirms that in other worlds also, you will be able to join up with 2 other party members. Battles with 5 party members are now a reality!

(Screenshot of Sora, Woody and Buzz riding a rocket)

In the Toy Story World, Buzz and Woody join Sora in battle as party members. After clumsily whirling up in the air, the rocket with Sora, Woody and Buzz aims directly at an enemy and heads straight for it, dealing damage amidst a huge explosion!

As for travelling between worlds? Of course, the Gummi Ship returns

(Bottom of page 44, small text)

While embarking off to each world, you will be able to control and play a shooting style game with the Gummi Ship. In KH3, you will be able to control the Gummi Ship in all fields of motion, and fly freely among space while fighting large numbers of enemies. Additionally, the flying segments are split into two phases: Battle and Searching Phase. Perhaps there’ll also be the possibility to fly out searching for items?



The friends that stride with Sora

(Large gold text, pg 45)

Joining the True Organization XIII, Marluxia and Vanitas pose a huge threat. However, within Sora lie the connections he has formed with the friends he has met in his journeys, as well as with the ones of the journeys yet to come. Let’s take a closer look at the battle scenes of each world, and see these dashing friends performing their well coordinated Link Attacks with Sora.

(top of 45, screenshot of Rapunzel swinging on tree)

Rapunzel wraps her long hair around a tree and whirls around it, sweeping away all her enemies. If you look at the bottom right corner of the screenshot, you can see that in the Kingdom of Corona you will also be able to team up with Flynn!

(top of 45, image of tower and light beams shooting out)

As well as Link Attacks, special attention should also be put into the Keyblade transformations! In the Kingdom of Corona, you will be able to obtain a Keyblade that will transform into the tower itself as its finisher!

(Picture of Sora riding Meow Wow)

Beginning with Meow Wow, the Dream Eaters that made their appearances in KH3D all gather around Sora! Could it be that upon visiting them all at the end of KH3D, Sora gained this new power!?

-The summoning of trustworthy friends by “Link”

(Image of Sora and Ariel having some finny fun)

Appearing in Birth By Sleep in the form of the “Dimension Link”, the “Link System” in KH3 is a similar idea where you are able to lend upon the power of your friends afar. Upon fulfilling certain requirements, those who have connected with Sora’s heart, like Ariel and Meow Wow, will make a temporary appearance on screen, bringing all sorts of bonuses and effects.

-KH Union Cross: The connection with KH3

(small text, bottom of pg 45)

From February 23rd, a collaboration between “Kingdom Hearts Union Cross (KHUX)” and “Final Fantasy Record Keeper” will begin. Furthermore, brand new worlds to the series will be making their debut within KHUX, and the story will become more closely connected to KH3, so keep your eyes peeled! “A special sort of gift for linking KH3 and KHUX” is also under consideration.