KHInsider's Interview Archive

[Audo]

-INTERVIEW ARCHIVE-

This is an ongoing Interview Archive brought to you by KHInsider.com featuring many interviews translated from their original Japanese text by our very own bittermeats. Here is where we will post and link to interviews with Nomura and the other developers that work on Kingdom Hearts in an effort to provide a comprehensive archive of information situated around the series. The goal is to increase many members' knowledge on various subjects, while also acting as a 'go-to' for quoting and using interviews in daily discussions on the forums. So, please, stick with us as we continually update this post with the many interviews that have been released over the past 7 years of the Kingdom Hearts Series' lifetime.

This post will be broken down into various sections, depending on what the interview concerns. These sections are as follows: The Overall Series, Kingdom Hearts I, Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ (this includes all Re:CoM related interviews), Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts: Coded and, lastly, Kingdom Hearts: Mobile.

-THE OVERALL SERIES-
Another Report - March 2007

-KINGDOM HEARTS-
Kingdom Hearts Ultimania - 2002

-KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES-
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Ultimania - 2004

-KINGDOM HEARTS II-
Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - 2006
Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania: Scenario Mysteries Interview - 2006

-KINGDOM HEARTS II: FINAL MIX+-
Famitsu - December 2006
Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ Ultimania - 2007
Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ Ultimania: Scenario Mysteries Interview - 2007

-KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP-
Famitsu - September 2007
Famitsu - October 2007
Famitsu PS3 - August 2008
Dengeki PS - August 2008
Dengeki Wii + DS - September 2008
Famitsu - October 2008
「CLOUD message」 - December 2008
Re:Riplai - December 2008

-KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS-
Famitsu - September 2007
(2ch) - October 2007
Famitsu - October 2007
Famitsu PS3 - August 2008
Dengeki PS - August 2008
Dengeki Wii + DS - September 2008
Famitsu - October 2008
「CLOUD message」 - December 2008
Re:Riplai - December 2008

-KINGDOM HEARTS: CODED-
Famitsu - September 2007
(2ch) - October 2007
Famitsu - October 2007
Famitsu PS3 - August 2008
Dengeki PS - August 2008
Dengeki Wii + DS - September 2008
Famitsu - October 2008
「CLOUD message」 - December 2008
Re:Riplai - December 2008

-KINGDOM HEARTS: MOBILE-
Dengeki Wii + DS - September 2008
Famitsu - October 2008

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP
-Famitsu Interview: September 2007-
(Translated by Xaldin of KH-Vids)
NOTE: KH-Vids do not have the best translations, please take all translations with a grain of salt.

---Can you tell us a bit about the development of Birth By Sleep?
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is being worked on by the same team that created Re: Chain of Memories. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep's development had originally started before the development of re: CoM, but production was stopped to complete Re:CoM. At first it felt a bit weird starting the project again. I believe this project started before the other two of the Kingdom Hearts games, and I also believe it will be the last to hit the market.

---The game still relates to Birth By Sleep? [KH2: FM+'s secret ending]
Nomura: The secret ending is actually a scene from Birth By Sleep, therefore the title of the game is also the same. However, because it is difficult to express such a violent battle as playable content, the secret ending is an image of the end.

---How much talk was put into it, as it seems to be a game taking place in the past.
Nomura: This game goes the farthest back in the Kingdom Hearts timeline, about ten years before the original Kingdom Hearts. There is a screenshot of two children playing on the beach, and I believe the fans can understand what that means.

---In the story it's said that there are "Three Scenarios by Three Heroes". Is there a relation between each scenario?
Nomura: There are three Heroes: Terra, Ven, and another character in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. We have already prepared a story for each of them. Therefore, in a way you can say three games were made at the same time. (Laughs) It's difficult to zap through the explanation right now, as we are still creating all of the scenarios. However, the beginning will be a bit hard to understand, but by completing all three scenarios, the player will understand the entire story.

---Do the names of the three heroes represent something?
Nomura: In Kingdom Hearts, Sora meant Sky, Riku meant Land, and Kairi meant Sea. In this game, the three meanings make a large impact on the game.

---Do all of the scenarios take place at the same time?
Nomura: All of the scenarios do take place around the same time, however there are also some gaps between the timelines. Also there are times when all three heroes will meet.

---Is the playing order decided yet?
Nomura: I believe it would be better if we gave the players a freedom of choice. However this is still being talked about, but I believe it would be better to choose whoever you want out of the three.

---What is the importance of story?
Nomura: For example, the name Xehanort is bought up in Kingdom Hearts 2. The game will answer several things like, "Why is the elderly person who appears in Birth by Sleep bringing up the same name?" and ,"Why is he wearing the same clothes as Ansem in the original Kingdom Hearts?" Another thing I want to bring up, is ,"Ven has the same hairstyle, face, clothes, and voice of Roxas, but just who is he?

---Is the voice actor of Ven the same as Roxas?
Nomura: Yes, it is the same actor. Therefore the player will only look at Ven as Roxas from Kingdom Hearts 2.

However, are Roxas and Ven really the same character?

Moreover, what about the mystery surrounding the existence of Ven and Roxas?

These are keys that will be revealed from playing Birth By Sleep. You will be able to separate Ven from Roxas with ease; I will hint though by connecting the story between Roxas and Sora, you will understand who Ven is.

---May I believe that the one you fight in KH2FM+, and Terra are the same person? Because they both use a very similar kind of Keyblade.
Nomura: If they really are the same person or not is uncertain, though it doesn't matter if you think they are the same person.

---In Birth by Sleep, after all three are divided, the king appears?
Nomura: It may be deeply related to the story, however I cannot tell whether or not that he is a"King" at that current age. This is because the development of Birth by Sleep will contain a very serious story.

---In Birth by Sleep, is the gameplay done by choosing action commands lined up in command list?
Nomura: I believe it is necessary to say first, The Command Menu that was shown to the public has now changed. A system close to that of re:COM has been created, feeling like a command deck. However, the present screen shots show it was a bit too close to the idea of re:COM. The battle screens you see in the images now, have already been changed. However the operating sense is similar to that of the Kingdom Hearts series. The gameplay has slight influence from the DS game "It's a Wonderful World" (also known as, The World Ends With You).

---Are there any features for the Growth System? (Leveling System)
Nomura: A new Growth System has been added into the game, in which you have to match four obligations with the scenario (?). We tried this variously because it was a bit hard with the PSP. However we made the best use of its Analog.

---Are there new enemies you can confirm that are not shown in the screens?
Nomura: The new enemy is not a Heartless, or a Nobody, because the story takes place before even they appear. I can only give out more information, little by little, as time passes: an example being like the Shadow enemies that are heartless, and the Dusk enemies that are nobodies.

---With the PSP, will it be possible for two people to communicate through a connection method?
Nomura: It's too early to answer that, however, there will be some features that will be taking advantage of the PSP.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP
-Famitsu Interview: October 2007-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---The Osaka team is diligently working on the development of Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories?
Nomura: Actually, development of BBS started earlier, but we had to interrupt its development in order to improve Re:CoM from it's original plan.

---Then the plot made from before, that image is a reflection of the Kingdom Hearts II: FM+ Secret Movie?
Nomura: Yes.

---Is there special meaning behind the names of Terra and the other characters?
Nomura: The meaning of Terra is earth. Ven has the same feeling as saying wind. But Ven is a nickname, his real name is longer.

---The figure and age of the old man called Master Xehanort is different than the Xehanort from Kingdom Hearts II. Also what are the connections between the character resembling Roxas and Roxas?
Nomura: Because the mysteries about who the characters are is the heart of the story, I think i'll let you imagine the various ways they're related.

---The Keyblade Master that the three characters study under has not appeared in the previous games?
Nomura: That's right.

---The story will center around these three character's progress?
Nomura: Yes. It is a considerably complicated story that becomes serious. Daisuke Watanabe is in charge of the scenarios, he's good at it. By the way, Watanabe is also supervising the other two titles. As for the game play system, the story is played through the 3 character's respective points of view.

---In other words, there are 3 scenarios where each individual story unfolds?
Yasue: Yes. Because each of their personalities and abilities are unique, I think the gameplay for each is different. It almost feels like making three games. (Smiles).

---In Kingdom Hearts Re:CoM, there were two scenarios, one for Sora and one for Riku. Will this be similar?
Yasue: The individual scenarios won't be played in order, after completing one character's story, more unsolved puzzles will become available for the others.

---Kind of like zapping?
Yasue: It's different. The system isn't like the previous games.

---How is the battle system coming along? The Secret Movie and the battle with the Lingering Sentiment was very cool! (Smile)
Yasue: That part is hinting, because it's the last image. (Smiles). While valuing the characteristics of the KH series is important, we are in the midst of building a new system.
Nomura: Perhaps the gameplay of these three announced titles is closest to the former series. The Growth System is the most original idea adopted thus far.
Yasue: "Like a tree!?" he says. (Smiles) It's quite original, and shocking. It grows with some people, and...

---!? Is an option for connect play on the PSP being set up?
Yoshimoto: It's still in the midst of developing more, but cooperating play and competing play on the PSP has countless options to consider, therefore I'm excited.
Nomura: Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days has a completely different multiplay concept.
Yoshimoto: Various ideas emerge, and hurdles rapidly rise, but having fun overcoming these hardships is like a tradition for the KH series. (Smiles).
Nomura: (Smiling) Even if all the mysteries of the story become clear, the game is full of various elements that are enjoyable to play. Please expect a follow-up report.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP
-Famitsu PS3 Interview: August 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---In the recent trailer, their are lines alluding to Master Xehanort aiming for those with hearts of pure light. Is Master Xehanort's goal also to take over the world?
Nomura: It certainly indicates what he's interested in, but that's the first of Master Xehanort's intentions.

---The story follows the viewpoints of the three characters individually, but what happens when the three characters interact together?
Nomura: The three characters will start out together, and then afterwards each of their stories will begin respectively. Within the story, the main characters may encounter one another. The three share the main goal of chasing after Master Xehanort who has disappeared, though each character's exact goal is subtly different.

---As for original masters, they who teach the methods of wielding the keyblade to their pupils, do they exist?
Nomura: Not just that, but also the role of keyblade users, since the thoughts of each master differs, it's their spirit being taught. The reason why a master must train others to use the keyblade is explained in this game.

---The voice of Snow White is very quiet.
Nomura: Actually, we choice a voice that matched the old version of "Snow White" that was released in Japan (1950), so it's the original one, so to speak.

---The changes to the style of battling are an interesting idea.
Nomura: Some players might have wanted a change in strategy. Initially, the player was free to rearrange the commands, as proposed by the team in Osaka, now such a form has been expanded upon. They said, "We want a system different than the form changes of Kingdom Hearts II".

---How about the Shoot Lock System?
Nomura: I asked, "is it difficult to implement?" when the system was being worked on, it was also written into the first planning stages. But for Birth by Sleep, there is still a lot hidden within the system.

---What of the enemies called "unbirths"?
Nomura: There is meaning in various ways, adding "un" creates the opposite meaning of "birth" thus the "unbirth". With this, the "unborn" is given real meaning. Unbirths designate the feeling of this game's motif. The kind of existence they have will be revealed soon.

---During a battle, there are various circumstances indicating commands.
Nomura: It's the developed system of the 'reaction command'. At first, the Birth by Sleep system was designed to be closer to the original series, but it has evolved a lot. Because it is considerably high speed, the first time players may be a bit surprised.

---Even the boss battles have been elaborated compared to the previous ones.
Nomura: The Osaka team has a lot of affection for the enemies. It was handed over to the staff and they were asked to please try it out. They were watched over as they played it. When the player had to be more offensive, they said things like, "It's different! I really can be more of a kid!!" or "Ah, it's strange..." (Smiles)

---Their affection is contagious. (Smiles)
Nomura: Anyways, I think that the testing of various things for the battle system is being finished.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP
-Dengeki PS Interview: August 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---What about the stories of the three main characters prepared for the PSP title, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep?
Nomura: As for them, their stories begin at the same point on the time axis, but they take separate actions. The worlds they go to are generally the same places, but how they relate with the worlds is what really differs.

For example, after Terra has visited a world that no one has been to yet, afterwards when Ven comes to it, there is a trace of Terra having been there...... That's the feeling of it. The circumstance and information gained for each character is different.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: BIRTH BY SLEEP
-Dengeki Wii + DS Interview: September 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

――-What kind of theme is drawn up in the story of KH Birth by Sleep (BbS below)?
Nomura: The theme seems to revolves between "connections of the heart" and "fate." When it is played last, the player will understand that the KH story that take place afterwards is one "not of chance, but a story that becomes inevitable." Unlike the tender atmosphere of the older games, this one is serious. Because it is a very sad story, people have asked "how do you manage it?" when involving Disney works. (Smiles) A painful story unfolds. Though KH "isn't that kind of thing", this time we'll try to progress the story in that direction.

――-Terra, Ventus, and Aqua appear as the main three characters, but what kind of characters are each of them?
Nomura: Terra is the type who makes his goal's his highest priority. But he's not a bad fellow, though his stress on obtaining his goals causes conflict. The story of Ventus seems to feel closer to the ones of KH seen so far. He is able to make friends with the dwellers of the worlds he visits and is the type to blend into a world naturally. Aqua is a serious character, she has a steady mind and often worries about the other two. She is eyewitness to the recent events, therefore she takes that sort of a standpoint.

-―-How does the story of these three advance?
Nomura: They advance by taking separate actions on the same time axis. For example, when Terra visits a certain world and the other two people have not been there yet. There by naturally the connection to the particular world changes too. Such story development will really be the charm of BbS.

――-As for the play order of each character, can the player decide?
Nomura: I assume that it's being developed right now. Therefore depending on the order chosen by the player, if they have not played as Terra yet, and they choose Aqua and start visiting worlds with her, they'll understand the actions of Terra early. (Smiles) That might not be what was expected or hoped for, but I think it will be a little interesting.

――-If all 3 characters come together in the ending, will the entire image of the story become clear?
Nomura: Indeed. For instance, the mysteries of Terra are revealed in Ventus's story. Overall, it'll have this type of composition.

――-Terra is power based, and the from the demo it's obvious Ventus is based on combo + speed, but what type of character is Aqua?
Nomura: Aqua is special. As for the type, she is magic based, though it is considerably tricky. Fight while rotating like a spinning object, doing cartwheels, that sort of thing. (Smiles)

――-After grasping the feel of the game play, the combat system seems considerably based on powering up.
Nomura: Seems like it, with locking on to multiple enemies using the Shoot Lock System to attack and customizing the deck of skills. At the demo the deck of skills was already pre set, but in the actual game you'll be able to edit it freely. At first BbS was expected to have a fighting system closest to the older games, but now it seems that KH 358/2 Days is and BbS's system has evolved. The feeling is more like, "you can't fight like Sora with this system," therefore a real taste of managing the keyblade is shown.

――-Of the stories heard in these three titles, it seems BbS will probably be the last to release, are you thinking about future titles after these?
Nomura: Considering the nature the KH series, I do not intend to end it here. Even as BbS is being made, I am thinking about the future and how it connects. Thus, please continue to support the KH series.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-Famitsu Interview: September 2007-
(Translated by Xaldin of KH-Vids)
NOTE: KH-Vids do not have the best translations, please take all translations with a grain of salt.

---Is the beginning of 358/2 Days going to focus on Roxas' birth?
Nomura: Roxas' birth will be covered in the game's prolouge, however the game really begins at the time in which Roxas enters Organization XIII.

---Will this game have an ending that has already occured, like Crisis Core?
Nomura: Where do you think the end is? The point is, how did it get to the point where Roxas left the Organization? The details of that will be discussed within the game.

---Will we be going through Disney worlds in this story, like previous Kingdom Hearts games?
Nomura: The story does not entirely progress by going from world to world, but there is a form of progression in the story.

---Is the 14th Organization Member a new character in the Kingdom Hearts series? It appears as though the character is... a woman?
Nomura: I should bring it up now, that the XIVth Member is not Naminé, since some people believed it to be her by seeing the trailer. However, it will be explained as to why there's no pillar for this character, as well as why she never appeared in Kingdom Hearts II.

---In the trailer, four characters are shown playing simultaneously. Is this possible in the game?
Nomura: Multiplayer can be played with up to four people. Not only that, but multiplayer gives a sense of freedom, as this mode has no effect on the story. But it is possible to choose less than four, for the multiplayer content.

---How does the multiplayer mode progress?
Nomura: The point is to basically complete given missions. For instance, defeating an enemy or whatever the goal of the mission is. There are various goals, both big and small. There is a constant feeling of competition in multiplayer, so sometimes the player may forget just what the goal is!

---Is multiplayer mode possible for one player only?
Nomura" Multiplayer mode is rather complicated; we had to design a growth system. For example, when Axel is used in Multiplayer mode, Roxas will gain some extra experience from this as well. Also, you are able to customize your character freely.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-(2ch): October 2007-
(Translated by Xaldin of KH-Vids)
NOTE: KH-Vids do not have the best translations, please take all translations with a grain of salt.

---Does the XIVth member fight? What kind of weapon does she use?
Nomura: We've already decided, but we can't tell you right now.

---Is the battle system the same in this game as it was in the other games? I'm curious because there is no command menu there.
Nomura: The actions of the characters and the controls are different from the past games. This is because of the screen size, however there is no need to worry. For now there is no command menu, but we may decide to add one.

---If there is no command menu, would it be because each action is added to a different button for the DS?
Nomura: Yes, but how the controls feel is different. The method is still being thought on.

---Will there be a function where you can use the stylus, with the lower screen?
Nomura: For now, there is no function where you can use the DS Touch Screen. If we do that, the entire feeling of Kingdom Hearts may be ruined. The top screen will mostly be used for the story telling, when the lower screen isn't available. However, there will be some points where both screens will be used. Who knows, maybe later on we'll have a surprise for ourselves and for our audience!

---About multiplayer mode...
Nomura: Here's an interesting feature. Whenever you complete a mission, the Organization member's chair will rise. Also the lowest ranking member's chair will lower more (laughs). I wonder what will happen if you lose with Xemnas? (laughs). The strength and gameplay of certain members have also been altered. Such as: Xigbar's attacks have a high range, but he has slow reloading time. Lexeaus has slow movement, but very high attack power. There is still one mysterious character though.

---Is it Zexion?
Nomura: Yes, because he uses a book as a weapon. We're aiming to have Zexion absorbe other enemies attacks, and use their own attacks against them.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-Famitsu Interview: October 2007-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---Please tell us the meaning of the title, "358/2".
Nomura: We made it more like a code on purpose. After clearing the game for the first time, you'll understand it. The title also has the word 'Days', but the game progresses by playing day by day, revealing the daily life of Organization XIII.

---At this point in the story, Roxas has entered Organization XIII, will it tie into Kingdom Hearts II?
Nomura: We're planning to cover his entrance into Organization XIII briefly. The central story takes place over about a year during the time Sora is sleeping. Roxas is given a mission daily by Organization XIII, but since he just joined them, he does not understand much about the Organization. As the story progresses he starts questioning them, finally he leaves Organization XIII. The reason for his falling out is the main topic of the story.

---Will we go around the Disney Worlds in this game too?
Nomura: The worlds appear, but the relationships are different this time.
Hasegawa: In the circumstance of Roxas, if he associates with too many people, then it becomes inconsistent with KHII, so I'm thinking of putting in a different play dynamic for each world. The appearing worlds will mainly be from previous games, but we'll choose the ones that are best suited to the game.

---This screenshot is interesting, it's of the 14th member of Organization XIII, but it looks like Naminé
Nomura: No, it's not Naminé.

---So has this person appeared before?
Nomura: It's a secret (smiles). The story takes place before KHII, but in KHII it was Organization "XIII", not "Organization XIV". Though the 14th appears, the 14th is not the reason for this game. Her point is that she is a key character.

---Will Sora and Riku appear at all...?
Hasegawa: Because I think the players know that Riku is destined to fight against Roxas, that scene will appear by all means. And about Sora's situation, he's sleeping and rebuilding his memory, so we're considering a system that shows every important point of his memory. It's still in an idea stage, but we want a system to emphasize the surface connection of Roxas and Sora.

---Will the basic game system operate in the traditional Kingdom Hearts sense?
Hasegawa: That's right. It's important to keep the natural Kingdom Hearts feel. But, the problem is with the number of buttons.
Yamamoto: The problem is, the Kingdom Hearts games until now made full use of the analog stick, control pad, and L & R buttons, but the Nintendo DS has only a few buttons. We're considering the various ways of utilizing the buttons it does have.

---Does the story link between the single mode and multiplay mode?
Nomura: No, the multiplay mode doesn't. It would become too hectic, and the story's progression would become out of order. However, we're thinking about an item and growth element that will operate together. This growth component has the freedom to customize and makes common use of both modes to the maximum. But, it's not just the actions in multiplay mode that affect the growth of Roxas.

---So in multiplay mode all of the Organization XIII members are playable?
Nomura: Yes, that's how it'll be.
Hasegawa: Treat it like a parallel universe. Since as the story progresses, some members are terminated from the story line.
Yamamoto: Since every character's attributes and skills are different, it'll be enjoyable. Everyone's weapons are different too. Zexion's book and Demyx's sitar are the highlights.

---How will the multiplay proceed?
Hasegawa: You receive and clear various missions. Naturally there is something like a boss to defeat, or escape using teamwork, a map to keep track of things, and a lot of gimmicks and puzzle solving.
Yamamoto: Many are prepared for short play throughs, and can be played many times. Scores are kept of things suck as 'attack'. Working together is not the only thing you can do, it has great potential for waging a competition or contest.

---Will the missions be given by Xemnas?
Nomura: Yeah, but not only from him, I'm thinking about various methods.
Hasegawa: With that, the talk went in strange directions. We were thinking if you accomplish the mission, then the chairs the Organization sits upon in the white room could become taller (smiles).
Yamamoto: In this stage of multiplay, the result indication thing really accommodates.
Nomura: This really seems to need work (smiles).

---What are the other elements of multiplay?
Yamamoto: You can draw on the lower screen. Because it's in real time synchronization, someone can be drawing something and then have it quickly erased by someone else, it's fun (smiles). We want to think of mission that implement this element.

---Any last messages to the reader?
Hasegawa: In this announcement there are other KH titles too, but since this is the only one with multiplay capabilities, please look forward to it.
Yamamoto: What kind of game gives you 13 characters to choose from in multiplay, it's unusual. Because each character is unique and interesting, please look forward to playing them.
Nomura: Naturally the multiplay is one of the concepts, but the elements of the Kingdom Hearts story characteristics are important too, even for a casual player. It's not just single play, but because multiplay is possible, one can only achieve so much playing singularly. This game features many elements, I'm happy with it.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-Famitsu PS3 Interview: August 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---This time the trailer revealed the name and voice of the 14th member!
Nomura: The timing of revealing her voice to the public was a mistake. (Smiles) In fact, it was not intended to be released. It's because her voice becomes a hint.

---Riku has officially seen the face of Xion, did he recognize it?
Nomura: That's a secret.

---The place the two met at was Beast's Castle?
Nomura: Seems so, doesn't it? Roxas is the hero this time, Sora doesn't have any active involvement with the Disney characters. But for example, look at Belle and the Beast, they're interested in discovering what love is; the players will learn about the character's hearts. Roxas learns various things from the Disney characters and before long he becomes doubtful of the Organization.

---Axel yells at Xion, "I'll bring you back no matter how many times it takes", but why does the word "you" refer to multiple people?
Nomura: That's still a secret as well. But Axel's determination here of "bring you back no matter how many times it takes" is connected to when he said he would bring Roxas back in Kingdom Hearts II.

---The keyword "memory" also appears, but what in regards to this?
Nomura: The catch copy* of this game is "I can't remember, something important". Though in the original Kingdom Hearts the concept was to "illustrate the heart". In regards to the relationship between one's heart and one's memory, it is intimate. In this game the main characters are nobodies who don't have hearts, therefore the theme of memories is featured.

*A 'catch copy' is in copywriting, large text that appears in ads or brochures to catch the reader's attention.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-Dengeki PS Interview: August 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---How is Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days coming along?
Nomura: On the DS title, we wanted the multiplayer mode to be enjoyable for many people, not to become simply omake*, therefore it's become something everyone can play together. Even the opinion of the people who played the demo at the events was that the multiplayer mode was popular.

The keyword of this story is "I can't remember, something important." It's not mentioned very much, but the memory is very important to the members of Organization XIII since they don't have hearts, this story draws on that part since it's similar to the heart.

*Omake means extra or bonus in Japanese, it refers to a free gift or feature that sometimes is more desired than the actual product it comes with

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
-Dengeki Wii + DS Interview: September 2008-
(Translated by bittermeats)

――-First let's talk about KH 358/2 Days, it features the nobody Roxas as the main character?
Nomura: The KH series has consistently revolved around the theme of the "heart", but now Roxas is the main character who joins up with Organization XIII who are said not to have hearts. Since the original KH, heart and memory are thought to be closely linked, therefore the theme drawn in this title is that of "memories". So this time the catch copy of the title also becomes keywords: "I can't remember, something important."

――-Will the adventure of Roxas proceed the same as Sora did by traveling from world to world?
Nomura: It'll be a little different. The main concern is the sticky situation with the worlds Sora has been since it can't contradict with the story of KHII. This time the objective of the events happening in the Disney worlds is to influence Roxas, gradually producing some sort of change in him. For instance, in the Beauty and the Beast world, upon seeing the Beast and Belle, is Roxas able to recognize their love?

――-Will the content of such scenarios move the player to tears?
Nomura: I write the base scenarios for KH every time, but this time I think the surprising content is really being able to get a feel for their quiet everyday lives. (Smiles) Personally, I don't want the contents to resemble that of previous developments. When I'm writing, I never think things like, "Oh, this'll make the player cry." That process is really up to the players, right?

――-Does the connection between the titles become a matter of concern?
Nomura: Naturally, there's much to keep in mind. There are various parts to think about, like "this thing has to be connected with that kind of thing," or fussing over things like the sea salt ice cream. (Smiles)

――-So we heard the lines spoken by the 14th member at the private event held in August.
Nomura: Really it was planned to reveal her voice in the scenes at the next event. (Smiles) It's a curious thing, everyone is wondering which character her voice connects to. Already people are guessing she is the nobody of some character, but then who is Xion really? What becomes of her heart? This will be explored more at Tokyo Game Show this Fall, so please look forward to it.

――-Multi player mode is prepared for this title as well, what kind of concept were in mind?
Nomura: We wanted something simple that 4 players could communicate and enjoy together, but not be something that was just going to steal the game's attention. The experience made in the main story can be utilized in multiplayer mode, likewise the experience made in multiplayer mode is useful in the main story, this system reflects them mutually.

――-Because the player can choose from the members of Organization XIII in multiplayer mode, it seems like an adjustment to balance them would be needed...
Nomura: Indeed. But growth among them will be a common element. In the multiplayer mode, the characters can be customized based on the progress made by Roxas in the main story. That growth is based on the parts of data being transfered, it's a fairly bold thing to do.

――-Speaking of boldness, in the demo version, the player could operate the camera using the lower screen, that was also a bold idea.
Nomura: Moving the camera by directly moving one's finger across the touch screen made sense, even for players who generally aren't used to that sort of thing. It was also popular among staff, though it was their opinion that "it was difficult to operate with the stylus." Therefore operating with the stylus is optional. (Smiles) Still, some people will resist touching the screen with their fingers. In the current version you could only survey left and right, I though that you wouldn't need to look up or down, but the opinion of the staff was that "it's inconvenient unless the player can look up." Will there be room for improvement? (Smiles) The current demo is only one part of the game. At this time there are more cool things to do, so please look forward to it.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: CODED
-Famitsu Interview: September 2007-
(Translated by Xaldin of KH-Vids)
NOTE: KH-Vids do not have the best translations, please take all translations with a grain of salt.

---The Screen is Horizontal, even though the game is for the cellphone, why is this?
Nomura: This is not just the length screen but also a model screen specification for the most recent cellphones. It is what we assume the game to look like when it's released to the public. The method for the horizontal screen has already been talked about, it is a basic horizontal screen size.

---Is the screen in 3D incase or just giving that impression?
Nomura: The Background is 3D, and the characters are 2D. The Development of this game is still in progress, and we plan to have the game both 3D, and 2D. The reason is so that we can have the game available to a range of cellphones. The reason we developed this idea, is because we wish to send this game overseas.

---What shape will the delivery form take?
Nomura: Unlike the situations in larger game development, we always thought the world of Kingdom Hearts could be made mobile. For instance, there is a huge amusement park, and the main attraction is KHc (Kingdom Hearts Coded). It can be like an entrance to an Amusement park, free of charge, allowing you to visit each world. That is the delivery plan of KHc. We plan on taking full advantage for the mobile phone.

---Will the storyline be based on Sora's adventures in Kingdom Hearts?
Nomura: The timeline is based on after Kingdom Hearts II, Jiminy's Journal is analyzed, and the adventure will take place in that. Therefore data of Sora will appear, not Sora. The world that was shown was a stage, though this was through the time of COM, and re:COM over the memory of Sora.

---What will this game be able to do?
Nomura: This is going to be a puzzle game, mixed with action. Data is being displayed, and there are some bugs in Jiminy's book. The area must be analyzed in order to find the bug that is violating the data, and then you need to remove the bug. However some may get a bit more confusing as there will be ladders Sora will use to get to higher areas.

---When do you think this game will be released?
Nomura: You may have to wait a while, as there are still some problems with the specs of cellphones for now.

---Will these works be connected with the "New" KH game?
Nomura: KHc features Sora, however the DS, and PSP both are completely different stories, though I cannot say what they are yet. I can say these titles are not the last of the series, and all three will connect to a New Kingdom Hearts Game sooner or later

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: CODED
-(2ch): October 2007-
(Translated by Xaldin of KH-Vids)
NOTE: KH-Vids do not have the best translations, please take all translations with a grain of salt.

---How will this continue after the KH2 Story?
Nomura: What Sora and Co. are doing in the 'real' world will not be shown. This is because the story continues in the Data world. There are many mysteries that will be answered in this game, and there may be key points that will be important to the future of the series. The phone that this game will come out on, is not released yet. But this means when it is released, there will be many possibilities with this game in the future.

[Audo]

KINGDOM HEARTS: CODED
-Famitsu Interview: October 2007-
(Translated by bittermeats)

---This time there is high quality graphics, but do you think it will be a success on the mobile phone?
Tabata: I don’t know yet, though it’s development specs are very close to Final Fantasy XIII Agito’s.

---About the game’s concept?
Nomura: It is not a concept limited to this game, but we wanted to create a fun playground. Though Tabata mentioned he wanted to make it like Disneyland. There are various attractions (contents), that’s the image of this game.
Tabata: The very beginning of it started late one night, Nomura was explaining the contents of the mobile phone on a white board and the idea arose.
Nomura: At that point, I wasn’t thinking about continuing the Kingdom Hearts series. But I had this concept… And it began from that sort of talk…
Tabata: That concept was really interesting. Though it’d take great effort, we said let’s do it with Kingdom Hearts, so it came to be.
Nomura: This title will be distributed in a format that will spread the story, but we’re thinking of various components that will adapt to these circumstances. Like with Before Crisis -FFVII- and Monotone, various battle systems and episodes were implemented. Incorporating the know how gained from those games plus new experiments, I think this mobile game will be a compilation of these features.

---This game sounds like a great idea. As for the setting, is it taking place after Kingdom Hearts II?
Nomura: Yes. But because the stages of the story are made mainly of data from Jiminy’s Journal, Sora appears as he did in the first Kingdom Hearts. This Sora is not the genuine Sora, it is made out of data. Even so, it’s organic existence is not a matter of concern, the data version contains Sora’s memories of the adventures up to now and it will solve the truths of the past.

---So it seems with the sensation of a genuine Sora, we’ll be able to enjoy the adventures with the unchanged Sora. Will the story in the real world develop too?
Nomura: I think there might be some development in the real world. There is story hypothesizing, but how far it will spread from there depends on how much the fans play.

---In Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories we adventured around the worlds of the first Kingdom Hearts. If the story revolves around the worlds made of data that are created from the same adventures written in Jiminy’s Journal, how will this game greatly differ from it?
Nomura: It’s different from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories where the contents were reliving the worlds from Sora’s memories. This game tells a new side of the story in the data world that is eroded by bugs. By this process, the mysteries about where the King was and what Riku was doing during the Kingdom Hearts time frame is explained.

---Considering the lines “free them from their torment”, have the people being referred to appeared in the series before?
Nomura: As expected, I can’t answer that right now. An appearing enemies will be heartless made from data, but who could the real enemy be? Matching those parts together, I can’t say anymore about it yet.

---How will the battles be?
Tabata: The battles are characteristic of the Kingdom Hearts series, but I sense the button operations on the mobile phone will be simple. A new element will also be implemented. An example being Debugging Mode, it uses a system with a certain sense of trickery in order to exterminate the bugs.

---What kind of elements that make use of the communication functions were you thinking of?
Tabata: The intention is to be able to go back and forth in the worlds between players. For example, Player A eradicates the bugs in their world, and then even if they could not go ahead earlier, they can solve a problem from Player B’s world, and then return back to their world. This sort of system where people meet mutually is under development.

---The erosion of the bugs spreading day by day, is that the sort of image we’ll see?
Tabata: Perhaps it’ll be something like that. One of the concepts was to have it so the player could check once a day on the state of things.

---Please say any last statements.
Tabata: Out of the series, this game can be played very casually. I think the people experiencing Kingdom Hearts for the first time can enjoy it too.
Nomura: Including this title, the intention is to prepare a fun playground everyone can enjoy. I think it’ll be available a little earlier, so there’s always the opening day to look forward to.