― Since the impact of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix are still reverberating, we were surprised to see the early and unexpected trailer of Kingdom Hearts III being revealed.
Nomura: I was thinking of all the many fans who have been impatient for it since Kingdom Hearts II and the continued spin-offs, so I revealed it beside Final Fantasy XV. Though judging from the development status, I think it was a little early to announce it.
― Nonetheless, it seems that the visual direction is already certain.
Nomura: It’s a visual we’re currently developing called “Kingdom Shader.” While the characters have been these textures before, this is how they’ll be in original worlds. The shader will adjust in each world, so in Disney worlds, the visual will change to suit each world’s motif.
― Like Final Fantasy XV, will Kingdom Hearts III use Luminous Studio for development?
Nomura: Currently we’re using Luminous mainly and are exploring it. Producing it with over-specifications, porting to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will be the same. There was a problem with the tools, and real engine footage couldn’t be prepared in time for the battle scene shown in the trailer we premiered. So we went with a movie that shows the sort of visual possibilities that are capable in real-time. Regardless, when you look at the actual real-time movement in comparison, there isn’t much difference.
― Tell us about how action has evolved in Kingdom Hearts III.
Nomura: At the moment there is a demo version where you can move in the real engine, but… it’s a real struggle. (Laughs) “Bold action” will become even better. You’ll have a party of three in Kingdom Hearts III, but each world’s NPCs will take part in battles, too. At any rate, a very flashy style of action will unfold. We’re developing an aerial fighting style that won’t require you to land and allows you to fly into the sky.
― Only Sora would do that. (Laughs)
Nomura: He would. (Laughs) (Editor’s Note: Sora means “sky” in Japanese.)
The enemy AI has become quite elaborate too, and with that, coop actions that incorporate both enemies and allies are able to unfold. For example, there is a vehicular type enemy, I already have it so that Sora can jump on and ride around on it in battle.
― Lastly, a message for the fans.
Nomura: Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III being produced together creates a relationship of rivalry that will bring out the best in each. We did a private showing within the company, Tori (Editor’s Note: Toriyama? He just says Tori) has been working on Kingodm Hearts III among other things, and even though the development degree is low, we felt a real response to it. Kingodm Hearts III will include online components, and we’re looking into other developments that haven’t been in Kingodm Hearts previously, so please look forward to future announcements. This year we’ll have presentations at Tokyo Game Show and at D23 Expo Japan in October domestically, so I think we’ll be able to put out more information around then.