Kingdom Hearts III

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by SubZeroSilver (talk | contribs) at 00:29, 28 February 2019. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Kingdom Hearts III
Developer(s)Square Enix Business Division 3
Publisher(s)Square Enix
Director(s)
Producer(s)Rie Nishi
Designer(s)Tai Yasue
Programmer(s)Hideki Matsuoka
Tomohito Hano
Artist(s)Tetsuya Nomura
Writer(s)Masaru Oka
Composer(s)Yoko Shimomura
Takeharu Ishimoto
Tsuyoshi Sekito
SeriesKingdom Hearts
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platform(s)PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release
  • JP: January 25, 2019
  • WW: January 29, 2019
Genre(s)Action role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Kingdom Hearts III[a] is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It is the twelfth installment in the Kingdom Hearts series, a sequel to Kingdom Hearts II, and the final chapter in the Dark Seeker saga. Set after the events of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, returning protagonist Sora is joined by Donald Duck, Goofy, King Mickey and Riku in their search for the seven Guardians of Light and the "Key to Return Hearts" as they attempt to thwart the restored Xehanort's plan to bring about a second Keyblade War. Their journey has them cross paths with characters and visit worlds based on different Disney and Pixar intellectual properties.

Concepts for the game began as early as 2006 after the release of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix in Japan, with the game not being announced until 2013, following years of rumors and speculation. Kingdom Hearts III sees many returning gameplay features from the series, while expanding parties to five characters total, introducing new "Attraction Flow" attacks that incorporate various Disney Parks attractions, and minigames inspired by classic Walt Disney Productions Mickey Mouse cartoons in the style of 1980s LCD games. The game was built using Unreal Engine 4.

Kingdom Hearts III was released worldwide in January 2019. Upon release, the game was met with positive reviews from critics. The game sold over 5 million copies worldwide one week after release.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Kingdom Hearts III is similar to its predecessors, with hack and slash combat,[1] which director Tetsuya Nomura stated would be along the lines of the system seen in Kingdom Hearts II, with an evolution similar to what was seen from Kingdom Hearts to Kingdom Hearts II, and closely tied to the gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.[2][3][4] He also revealed that the handheld games of the series were where he could experiment with the combat mechanics, and that some of the well-received additions could appear in Kingdom Hearts III.[2][3] Nomura noted that new gameplay elements are the "skeleton" of the game, saying, "When creating a Kingdom Hearts game, we start with a gameplay system that I think would be a fun element, and once we have an idea of what kind of gameplay or system we want in place, we flesh out the story around it, surrounding the basic concept of what kind of fun we're going to have with this new installment."[5] Additionally, the development team "always want to try something new", taking previously introduced mechanics and making small "tweak[s]" to them so they are customized for Kingdom Hearts III.[6]

Sora returns as the main playable character, once again joined in the party by Donald Duck and Goofy,[7] with the ability to have two additional characters join the party for a total of five-player parties. This is an increase from previous main entries in the series, where players were limited to two additional party members at any given time along with Sora.[8] Certain parts of the game have Riku and Aqua as playable characters.[9] Describing the gameplay, Nomura called the action "pretty frantic", as well as "really flashy and exciting. The enemy AI is a lot more intricate, too, and I think the gameplay will reflect that new dynamic balance."[10] Sora can perform magic, with a new, powerful tier of each spell available to him, similar to what Aqua has available to her in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage.[11] Magic performs differently in underwater sections of the game, with Kingdom Hearts III introducing a new spell, Water.[12] Team-up attacks are also featured, which combine Sora and various party members into one attack.[13][14] Players can equip various abilities for Sora and his party members, with the system to do so "an evolution of sorts" from the system used in Kingdom Hearts II.[15] Character summons make a return from previous entries, this time known as "Links", where an additional character joins the battle to assist the player with specialized attacks.[16]

Sora performing an "Attraction Flow" attack that utilizes Disney Parks attractions, a new feature for Kingdom Hearts III

Sora faces Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed in the game,[17] with new variants of these enemy types appearing.[13] In addition to these traditional "smaller" enemies, the player faces giant bosses, which give "Sora greater freedom of movement and room to experiment with attacks—including the new theme-park-ride summon attacks,"[5] known as "Attraction Flow".[18] These attacks are inspired by the Disney Parks attractions Mad Tea Party, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters,[16] and Grizzly River Run,[19] and generic pirate ship and carousel attractions;[16][20] these attacks draw visual inspiration from Disney Parks' Main Street Electrical Parade.[16] Sora also has the ability to jump on certain enemies, such as ones shaped like a vehicle.[10] Regarding traversal, Nomura noted the new mechanic, called "Athletic Flow" in Japanese, was refined from the Flowmotion mechanic from Dream Drop Distance, which players felt was "a little too free... and it was kind of hard to control on their end."[21] "Athletic Flow" allows the player to utilize the environment to access previously unreachable areas.[22] Co-director Tai Yasue stated this mechanic was created "to try something new" and "radically change the gameplay" for the Hercules world, which led to its use in the other worlds. As a result, each world was able to have "more height, scale and sense of discovery."[23]

Situation Commands also return from previous entries,[24] which can trigger the Keyblade transformations. Nomura revealed that Keyblade transformations were conceived as early as the development of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix and would be similar to Aqua's ability in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, saying, "Each Keyblade transformation is unlocked by clearing all missions in one of [the game's] worlds, and each individual world offers its own unique Keyblade transformation."[5][25] He further elaborated stating there were two forms each Keyblade can take, with "multiple layers in terms of transforming" starting with one transformation and achieving the second after "successfully connect[ing] your combos".[22] The Keyblade transformations active the various "Formchanges"[17]–Power, Guard,[26][27] Magic,[27] and Speed–[27][better source needed] and change Sora's outfit,[27] similarly to the "Drive Form" mechanic in Kingdom Hearts II.[26] Various Keyblades are linked to each form;[27] for example, the Toy Story world Keyblade actives Power Form for Sora, with the Keyblade's transformations changing into a hammer and then into a drill.[28] There is also "Second Form", which changes Sora's battle skills rather than transform the Keyblade.[29] Unlike previous games in the series, players are able to quickly switch between different Keyblades seamlessly during gameplay rather than from the game's equipment menu,[30] and each Keyblade can be leveled up to increase their abilities.[1] Shotlocks also return, which use a focus meter that can target and lock on to individual enemies with the attack depending on which Keyblade is equipped.[17]

Each world offers a specific gameplay element,[31] such as first-person shooter "Gigas" mechs in the Toy Story world,[16] downhill sledding in the Frozen world,[12] and naval, underwater, and aerial combat in the Pirates of the Caribbean world,[32] which also features numerous smaller islands at sea which can be explored.[12] The Gummi Ship also returns as a means of travel between the different worlds of the game.[6] The mechanic has been split into two phases: exploration, which has been likened to being more open-world without a fixed travel route as in previous games;[33][34] and combat, which has increased its scale from previous games, with more enemies present.[33] Gummi Ship customization also returns,[15] with more options available than in previous Kingdom Hearts games.[23]

Various mini-games playable throughout Kingdom Hearts III,[35] including a cooking-themed game featuring Remy from Ratatouille,[35] and a music game one in the Tangled world.[36] Additionally, the "Classic Kingdom" features over 20 games presented in the style of 1980s LCD games such as Game & Watch,[37][23] while the 100 Acre Wood world features puzzle games.[38] Members of the development team suggested each type of mini-game featured, with Nomura working on the "Classic Kingdom".[36] Kingdom Hearts III also has a "Memory Archive" features, which has several short films explaining the basic story elements of the series from the previous games.[23]

Story

Kingdom Hearts
chronology

Setting

The story opens with the final scenes of Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage, and serves as a conclusion of the "Dark Seeker/Xehanort Saga" that occurs in all preceding games.[10][39] Most of the worlds featured in the game inspired by Disney properties are new to the series,[40][41] including the Kingdom of Corona (based on Tangled),[42][43] San Fransokyo (Big Hero 6),[44][45] and Arendelle (Frozen),[46][47] and the Pixar-based worlds Toy Box (Toy Story) and Monstropolis (Monsters, Inc.).[48][49][33][50] Two new original worlds created specifically for the game also appear: a limbo for dying hearts called the "Final World";[citation needed] and Scala ad Caelum, a "seat of power" for past Keyblade wielders, where the game's final battle takes place.[51][9] Returning Disney worlds include tutorial stage Olympus (Hercules),[45][29][1] the Caribbean (Pirates of the Caribbean),[32][47] the 100 Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh),[38] while original worlds include Twilight Town,[52] the Dark World,[53] the Land of Departure,[citation needed] and the Keyblade Graveyard.[54] Worlds such as Yen Sid's Mysterious Tower,[55] Radiant Garden,[56] Disney Castle,[57] and the Destiny Islands[58] appear exclusively via cutscenes. The "Classic Kingdom" mini-games are inspired by classic Walt Disney Productions Mickey Mouse cartoons, including Giantland, The Karnival Kid, Musical Farmer, The Barnyard Battle,[37] The Klondike Kid, and Mickey's Mechanical Man.[59]

The Toy Story, Monster's Inc., and Big Hero 6 worlds feature original stories, with the former set between the events of Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, and the latter two set after the events of their respective films.[60][44] This is different from previous worlds in the series, which have often loosely followed plot lines from the films on which they were based,[61] including the Tangled, Frozen, and Pirates of the Caribbean worlds.[36] On the amount of worlds featured in the game, Nomura noted the development team focused on creating "rich gameplay in an individual world... designed so players can take their time and enjoy the gameplay that's available" opposed to having "multiple different little worlds".[61]

Characters

Sora returns as the protagonist of the game, alongside Donald Duck and Goofy.[41] Supporting characters also returning include Riku,[41] Kairi,[21] King Mickey,[41] Master Eraqus,[18] Terra,[62] Aqua,[63] Ventus,[64] Lea,[21] Ienzo,[56] Roxas,[65] Hayner, Pence, and Olette,[66] Jiminy Cricket, Chip 'n' Dale, Yen Sid,[57] Chirithy,[62] and Ansem the Wise.[9]

Returning antagonists include Master Xehanort[41] and his various forms—his Heartless, Ansem; his Nobody, Xemnas;[67] his youthful incarnation, Young Xehanort;[28] and his primary vessel, Terra-Xehanort[62]—Marluxia,[33] Vanitas,[33] Larxene,[68] Xigbar,[69] Luxord,[70] Demyx, Vexen,[65] Saïx,[9] Riku's Replica,[71] and Disney characters Maleficent and Pete.[7]

Disney characters who serve as members of Sora's party include the returning Hercules and Jack Sparrow,[7][72] and new to the series, Woody and Buzz Lightyear,[48] Sulley and Mike Wazowski,[33] Rapunzel and Flynn Rider,[73] Baymax,[74] and Marshmallow.[75] Characters that appear as summon "Links" for Sora include Ariel from The Little Mermaid,[73] Dream Eaters, such as Meow Wow, from Dream Drop Distance,[76] Wreck-It Ralph from the film of the same name,[16] Simba from The Lion King,[77] and Stitch from Lilo & Stitch.[57]

Additional Disney character appearances include Hades,[7] Lythos,[78] Hydros, Pegasus,[79] Megara, Phil,[66] Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, Hector Barbossa,[80] Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Roo, Gopher,[81] and Scrooge McDuck,[9] with new characters Hamm, Rex,[48] Sarge and the Bucket O' Soldiers,[45] and the Squeeze Toy Aliens from Toy Story;[82] Boo, Randall Boggs, and the CDA from Monsters, Inc.;[33][83] Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, and Hans from Frozen;[46] Joshamee Gibbs, Tia Dalma, Davy Jones, Cutler Beckett, and the Kraken from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series;[80][84] Pyros, Stratos, and Zeus from Hercules;[79][66] Pascal and Maximus and Mother Gothel from Tangled;[81][85] Hiro Hamada, Go Go, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred from Big Hero 6;[74] and Lumpy from the Winnie the Pooh franchise, joining.[81] Remy from Ratatouille appears in one of the game's mini-games.[35] The Final Fantasy Moogle character returns as the item shopkeeper.[17]

Most other Final Fantasy characters were excluded from the game as Tetsuya Nomura felt that they would detract from the story,[86] and that the Kingdom Hearts characters needed less support than they did before.[87]

Plot

Following Master Xehanort's return, Yen Sid begins preparing for seven Keyblade wielders to counteract Xehanort's plan to forge the χ-blade using a reconstituted Organization XIII. Sora, who was nearly taken over by Xehanort,[b] discovers that he has lost much of his own strength as a result. Accompanied by Donald Duck and Goofy, Sora resumes his travels across other worlds in order to regain his "power of waking", the ability to restore lost hearts. Meanwhile, Riku and King Mickey traverse the realm of darkness in search of Aqua, while Kairi and Lea train to properly wield their newly obtained Keyblades.

During their travels, Sora and Riku are contacted by Ienzo, who discovers via Ansem the Wise's research data that Sora's body contains the hearts of Roxas, Ventus, and Xion. Riku surmises that the Organization's members from the past are using artificial human replicas created by Vexen as vessels that enable their existence in the present, which inspires Sora to restore Roxas by transferring his heart into a replica body. Meanwhile, the Heartless Ansem enters the realm of darkness and kidnaps Ansem the Wise, corrupting Aqua's heart in the process. However, Vexen reveals himself to be a double agent loyal to Ansem the Wise, whom he helps rescue before sending a spare replica to Ienzo for Roxas to inhabit.

Riku and Mickey eventually locate and battle the corrupted Aqua in the realm of darkness. At the same time, Sora discovers Master Eraqus's Keyblade on the Destiny Islands and uses it to enter the dark realm, where he exorcises the darkness from Aqua and returns her to the realm of light. Sora, Donald, and Goofy then follow Aqua to Castle Oblivion, which she transforms back into the Land of Departure to awaken Ventus. When she is attacked by Vanitas, Sora rediscovers his power of waking and revives Ventus, who fends Vanitas off.

The seven Keyblade wielders depart for the Keyblade Graveyard to battle the Organization, only to be quickly consumed by a swarm of Heartless summoned by the possessed Terra. Awakening in a limbo realm called the Final World, Sora is guided back to the realm of light by Kairi and uses the power of waking to revive his friends. Returning moments before their initial defeat, the guardians of light successfully destroy most of the Organization's members; in the process, Terra regains control of his body and reunites with Aqua and Ventus, while Lea reunites with Xion, whom Vexen recreated for the Organization, and Roxas, who regains his own heart to protect Lea and Xion.

Once Xehanort remains the last Organization member, he provokes Sora into attacking him by destroying Kairi's body, allowing Xehanort to acquire the χ-blade and summon Kingdom Hearts. Using Xehanort's power of time travel against him, Sora, Donald, and Goofy transport him to his boyhood training grounds of Scala ad Caelum, where they defeat him. After the other Keyblade wielders rejoin them, Eraqus's heart emerges from Terra and convinces Xehanort to surrender. As Xehanort succumbs to old age, his and Eraqus's hearts depart together to Kingdom Hearts, while Sora and his friends use the χ-blade to close it and return to the Keyblade Graveyard.

Sora decides to use the power of waking to revive Kairi; despite warnings that his repeated misuse of this power could result in him losing his heart, Sora promises to return. Afterwards, Sora's friends gather at the Destiny Islands for a celebration, where Kairi stays beside Sora before he fades away. In a post-credits scene, Xigbar, who survived the Keyblade War, retrieves Xehanort's Keyblade and summons four of the five Foretellers, revealing himself to be a reincarnation of their fellow Keyblade apprentice, Luxu. He begins to recount his actions to the Foretellers, with Maleficent and Pete watching from afar. In a flashback to their youth, Eraqus and Xehanort begin a new game of chess that predicts a battle between Sora, Luxu, the five Foretellers, and the Master of Masters.

In the game's secret ending called "Yozora", Sora and Riku wake up in an unknown world and explore it. Unknown to Riku, Yozora, the main protagonist from the game Verum Rex, watches him from atop a building as a man wearing the Organization XIII black coat stands on the edge of another building and looks at the moon before making a heart shape over it with his hands.

Development

After Square Enix finished development of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix, Tetsuya Nomura was approached by Disney, who expressed interest in a sequel. In regard to a possible release of Kingdom Hearts III, Nomura said "We have various ideas, but we're not at the point where we can say that." He added that due to the development of Final Fantasy XV—titled Final Fantasy Versus XIII at the time— which was being developed by the Kingdom Hearts II team, it was "physically impossible at the present. I feel that it's not the right time to talk about the future of Kingdom Hearts."[88] In response to questions about the secret film in Final Mix, Nomura noted that it was of a "new series" in Kingdom Hearts rather than Kingdom Hearts III. When asked about Kingdom Hearts III, Nomura noted that fans and partners alike were interested in its release, and would work to "realize it" as soon as possible.[89] In the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania guide book, Nomura announced three upcoming titles, one of which was Kingdom Hearts III. However, Final Fantasy XV was still his primary focus, preventing him from starting production on Kingdom Hearts III.[90] He later noted that Kingdom Hearts III would not see a release until after 2012, due to his continuing work on Final Fantasy XV, regardless of the 10th anniversary of the series occurring in that year.[91] The Nintendo 3DS video game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was announced to connect to Kingdom Hearts III, both in terms of gameplay system and story.[92]

Sony announced Kingdom Hearts III for the PlayStation 4 with a teaser trailer at its E3 2013 event in June 2013.[93] Square Enix later confirmed the game's cross-platform release for the Xbox One as a port of the PlayStation 4 version.[94][95] Though some development and concepts for the game began during the seventh generation of video game consoles, it was always intended that the game would release during the eighth generation.[96]: 65  Unlike Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, which were developed by Square Enix's Product Development Division 1 team, Kingdom Hearts III was developed by Square Enix's 1st Production Department, who developed Birth by Sleep, Dream Drop Distance, and worked on the HD 1.5 Remix collection and Square Enix's Business Division 3.[97][98] Rie Nishi serves as the game's producer.[99] The game began using the in-house Luminous Studio engine to develop the game after some initial development tests had been done using the Unreal Engine 3.[96]: 66 

Directly after E3 2013, Nomura claimed that Kingdom Hearts III was announced "too early", based on where the game stood in development. He continued by saying, "Many fans were feeling impatient due to our continuous releases of spin-off titles, so we decided to announce it at the same time as Final Fantasy XV".[100] Kingdom Hearts III is not intended to be the final game in the series,[39] and serves as the final chapter of the "Dark Seeker/Xehanort" saga.[10][39] Series producer Shinji Hashimoto stated in September 2013 that since Nomura was director of both Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy XV, it was expected that there would be a significant gap between the release of the two, "as [they] want each game to be perfect in terms of quality." Hashimoto also reiterated Nomura's statements about the game's announcement at E3 2013, as "the company thought it was about time it addressed speculation about the long-awaited conclusion to the trilogy."[101]

A short teaser for the game appeared at the end of the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix trailer at E3 2014. Yasue revealed that the sequence seen in the teaser was the opening scene for the game. He added that it was created by Nomura, who had "a real clear picture of [what] the starting sequence" should be, and that the text seen and heard was going to "be a real integral part of the story".[102] In September 2014, it was announced that Nomura would no longer be the director of Final Fantasy XV, focusing his attention on other projects, including Kingdom Hearts III. Nomura had been the director of Final Fantasy XV since the game was announced as Final Fantasy Versus XIII in 2006.[103] The following month, Nomura revealed that the game had switched to using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4, due to a "variety of reasons", with the development team having the full support of Epic.[104]

In January 2015, Yasue revealed that working on HD 2.5 Remix simultaneously allowed the developers to learn all the best qualities from the series to aid in creating III, saying "For III we want to evolve it in a new direction, but at the same time we don't want to change what is fundamental about Kingdom Hearts." Additionally, he stated the Kingdom Hearts team was sharing knowledge with the Final Fantasy XV team to expand the game and get the most out of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.[105] In June 2015, Nomura revealed that development was on track and that secret films were being considered. He also stated that the team had an internal release window they were trying to hit.[40] In August 2015, at D23 Expo 2015, a world based on Big Hero 6 was announced.[44] In November 2015, new footage was shown at D23 Expo Japan 2015,[106] footage which was cut from the E3 2015 trailer for time.[18]

A gameplay trailer was released during the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra World Tour in Los Angeles in mid-June 2017.[7][67] The next month, Nomura stated that a Nintendo Switch version of the game might be created, but wanted to focus on the development and promise of completing the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions before exploring other platform possibilities.[107] Commenting on the long development process, Nomura noted it was not due to problems with development or any choices made by the development team, but rather internal Square Enix corporate decisions, such as changing to the Unreal Engine 4 about a year into the game's development, which led to "extensive delays" and "a bit of time that needed to be rewinded and started over", and "certain timing and resources challenges within Square Enix", despite submitting and getting approved a plan for when more personal resources would be needed on the project. Regarding downloadable content (DLC) for the game, Nomura stated that "nothing is set in stone" regarding it, but he told the development team to "be prepared to be able to accommodate for something like that. We can't suddenly develop a system where we're accommodating for downloadable content. So it's not confirming or denying either way, but just so that the development team will be prepared".[108] He would later add that he wanted to have some sort of additional content for the game, but nothing in depth had been discussed. Nomura was open to potentially adding customizable accessories, as was able to be done in Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage with Aqua, as that feature does not return for Kingdom Hearts III.[109] Nomura also preferred DLC to expand or change the game over releasing a Final Mix version as had been done with some past entries in the series.[36]

At D23 Japan 2018, Square Enix revealed the game was being developed in three sections, with approximately three worlds in each section. At that time, the worlds in the first section were said to be 90 percent complete and development of the middle section at around 60 percent. No update was given on the final section of the game, though Nomura stated its contents were "something he's always wanted to do and put into Kingdom Hearts, ever since the days of working on Final Fantasy... It is bound to surprise everyone."[33] In April 2018, the "Classic Kingdom" mini-games were revealed for the game, while also announcing the games would be playable in the mobile game Kingdom Hearts Union χ.[37] A selection of the mini-games were made available in Union χ in its "χ3" mode added in September 2018, which enables players to obtain the "Starlight" Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts III by completing certain objectives.[110] By June 2018, the secret film for the game had been created. Additionally, Nomura revealed the development team was concerned with the size of the game and if it would fit on the game disc. To help with this, the team was turning some of the cutscenes into pre-rendered films to help reduce load times.[36]

At E3 2018, worlds based on Frozen and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End were revealed.[46][32] Nomura also provided an update to the development of the Big Hero 6 world, revealing all the gameplay had been created, with the cutscenes still needing to be completed.[47] Shortly after, Square Enix released on their website short story recap videos for the series in Japanese.[15] These videos were the same that were included in the game's "Memory Archive" feature.[111] At X018, a world based on Winnie the Pooh was revealed.[38] Shortly after, it was reported that the character of Winnie the Pooh would be censored in China. This was due to the Chinese government banning any depictions of the character after the character's appearance had been compared to that of Chinese president Xi Jinping.[112] To improve the Gummi Ship gameplay, a criticism in previous entries, the development team who created the scrolling shooter 1997 game Einhänder was brought in to handle this portion of the game, along with other programmers and engineers who have worked on driving games.[34] Development of the game was completed by November 20, 2018.[113]

World selection

Nomura revealed the Tangled world was the first determined to be in the game, as the development team wanted to include Rapunzel due to her strong personality and her hair, saying, "she is able to utilize her hair in such a way where she's whipping it around. She can even use it for attacks, and that was just so appealing, and we thought it would make for such great gameplay".[18] The Pirates of the Caribbean world was included because Nomura wanted at least one world based on a live-action Disney film, stating that the Caribbean location allowed for "interesting" gameplay opportunities.[114] He also chose to have the world be based on the third film, At World's End, over other films in the series, particularly Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, because Dead Man's Chest is "setup" for At World's End and the game would "have to end [the story] in the middle as well".[32] The world also mimics the color palette from the film, being "deliberately washed-out", with the sky, for example being more grey-blue over "[t]he typical fantasy blue".[96]: 64 

Since the release of Kingdom Hearts II in 2005, The Walt Disney Company acquired Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm. When asked in 2013 if any of these properties would appear in Kingdom Hearts III, Nomura said he contacts Disney after he hears of an acquisition, though he noted that "Disney's pretty honest [on the possibility of an inclusion]. If the situation is really difficult, they'll say, it's really difficult. If it's impossible, they'll say it's impossible."[115] He later stated that even though the Disney Company had acquired these properties, Disney Interactive Studios may not necessarily have the ability to license the content due to existing deals, such as Disney's deal with Electronic Arts for Star Wars games.[116] Yasue added that they were "looking at all of Disney, the new ones as well" when choosing worlds for the game, including worlds potentially based on Marvel Comics and Star Wars properties. He expanded, saying, "We have to come up with a world that has a lot of originality. We want variety... so we don't want too many of one sort of world, that would look the same. For each world there has to be some meaning for it, in the plot... Also, gameplay-wise, is that world something that would make gameplay fun?"[117]

Nomura had hoped to include a world based on Toy Story since Kingdom Hearts II, saying he felt "Sora really fit in and matched well with that world" and being "able to execute that into the game is something I'm really excited for."[61] Nomura felt Pixar worlds were extremely important to include in Kingdom Hearts, specifically one based on the film Toy Story, and stated he considered not making Kingdom Hearts III if he could not get the rights to use Pixar properties from Disney. This world was the first submitted to Pixar for approval shortly after the completion of Kingdom Hearts II, with Nomura presenting them a general outline of the story he had planned for the world. It would take Pixar "several years" to approve the story and character designs, as Nomura and Square Enix were negotiation through Disney and not Pixar directly.[96]: 58, 61  In July 2017, at D23 Expo 2017, the Toy Story world was revealed,[48] and the second Pixar world in the game, based on Monsters, Inc., was revealed at D23 Expo Japan 2018.[33]

Nomura noted the approval process for each world became more difficult than with earlier games, because many of the worlds are based on some of Disney's more contemporary films, which made it harder to have some freedom with the worlds.[51] He explained, "Previous to Kingdom Hearts III, I think these companies kind of saw it more as like, secondary rights permissions. They saw it more as a product, like you would a branded toy or something."[96]: 61  Continuing, Nomura noted, "Because we are working with more recent titles, the staff who were on the original project are the ones we go to for approvals. For instance, Frozen. The staff is still there and they work with us on Frozen. Because we go directly to the creators, they have the most passion for their titles."[51]

Design

In June 2013, Nomura discussed the updated visuals, saying that the development team tried to return the character's texture to the original "paintbrush art from Disney productions". The resulting visuals were referred to as the Kingdom Shader. Nomura continued, "It may look like a pretty drastic change, but I see it as a rich evolution of everything we've shown you up to now."[10] Nomura also revealed that Sora is the same proportions as in previous games; however, they "muted the volume on his hair—it's not as wild." Regarding updating Sora's look from his Kingdom Hearts II design, Nomura noted that outfit's popularity, but felt "the desire to change it" since the game is the first numbered sequel since II's release. He added that the basis for the resulting design is a mix between Sora's costumes for Kingdom Hearts II and Dream Drop Distance, one that is "a lot more sleek and sporty" since "Sora does a lot more... acrobatic [and]... action-oriented movements".[18] Riku and King Mickey also receive updated outfits.[53]

Speaking on the designs of the worlds, Nomura said the updated graphical capabilities allowed the development team "to depict the world[s] of the original film[s] as close to [their] original form as possible" after previously creating worlds to be "a stylized Kingdom Hearts world".[118] Disney shared basic polygon information with the development team, who ultimately had to remake all of the characters, animations, and environments from scratch.[96]: 65  Members of Pixar assisted with the Toy Story world's creation,[61][48] and for the Pixar characters in the game, Pixar shared their actual character models with Square Enix and had the original character designers consult on the game "to make sure everything looked as true to the films as we could make it."[49] The design team would talk weekly with Disney, sharing their assets to receive feedback, with Disney sometimes asking "for minute alterations such as insisting a character show less teeth, having their eyelids move differently or their line of sight adjusted". The line of sight notes, which came from Pixar, "were instrumental in raising the general quality of the animation throughout" according to the development team.[96]: 65 

Supporting characters can explore an environment on their own if Sora idles momentarily, sometimes triggering additional cutscene moments. For example, Rapunzel responds if an Aero spell is cast on a group of dandelions. Speaking specifically to interactions such as this with Rapunzel, Yasue said "finding and activating these moments builds trust with" her and can lead "to additional combat scenarios and treasure opportunities".[12]

Audio

Music

Main article: Music of Kingdom Hearts

The game's soundtrack was written by longtime series composer, Yoko Shimomura,[99] and features additional contributions from Takeharu Ishimoto and Tsuyoshi Sekito.[119] As with the first two main Kingdom Hearts games, it has a theme song written and performed by Hikaru Utada, titled "Chikai" in Japanese and "Don't Think Twice" in English.[120] It serves as the game's ending theme.[121] An additional theme, titled "Face My Fears" by Skrillex, Poo Bear, and Utada, is used for the opening of the game.[122] Skrillex, a fan of the series, originally intended to remix "Don't Think Twice", before creating "Face My Fears", which also has a Japanese version. Both "Face My Fears" and "Don't Think Twice" were released on January 18, 2019.[123][121]

Voice cast

English voice actors reprising their roles from previous games include Haley Joel Osment as Sora/Vanitas,[85] Bill Farmer as Goofy, Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck,[85][124] David Gallagher as Riku/Riku Replica, Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse, and Alyson Stoner as Kairi.[125] Many of the voice actors for the Disney and Pixar characters reprise their roles from their respective films. These include: Josh Gad as Olaf; Kristen Bell as Anna; Idina Menzel as Elsa; Jonathan Groff as Kristoff; Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider; Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel; John Ratzenberger as Hamm; Wallace Shawn as Rex; Tate Donovan as Hercules; James Woods as Hades; Kevin McNally as Gibbs;[85] Susan Egan as Megara;[126] Ryan Potter as Hiro; Jamie Chung as Go Go; Scott Adsit as Baymax; Genesis Rodriguez as Honey Lemon; Khary Payton as Wasabi (who reprises the role from Big Hero 6: The Series replacing Damon Wayans Jr. from the film);[127] and T.J. Miller as Fred.[128] They are joined by Carlos Alazraqui as Mike Wazowski (who reprises the role from other video games, replacing Billy Crystal) and Christopher Swindle as Sulley (replacing John Goodman).[124] Rutger Hauer also voices Master Xehanort, replacing Leonard Nimoy after his death in 2015, while Jason Dohring, Willa Holland, Jesse McCartney and Mark Hamill reprise their roles as Terra, Aqua, Ven, and Master Eraqus from Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, respectively. Kingdom Hearts III also has full voice acting in optional dialogue moments outside of cut scenes, which is a first for the series.[78]

Kingdom Hearts III only features English and Japanese voice acting and lip syncing, despite previous entries in the series having dubbing in other languages. Nomura noted that the development team wanted to prioritize a global simultaneous release for the game, and given the time and resources for recording the dialogue, this would not have been possible with additional language recordings.[129] Though the game has both English and Japanese voice acting, the game does not have the ability to switch between them, as the development team found this feature difficult to properly support.[36] A version of the game with Chinese subtitles will also be released.[130]

Release

Kingdom Hearts III was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on January 25, 2019 in Japan and other Asian countries,[63][130][36] and on January 29, 2019 elsewhere.[131] In July 2017, at D23, it was announced that the game would release in 2018.[48] Almost a year later, at an additional performance of the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra World Tour in Los Angeles, the game's North American release date was revealed to be January 29, 2019.[131] Nomura spoke to moving the game's release date outside of 2018, stating the development team had been told the original release date they had considered was not "good timing in the year" to release the game, especially considering "differences in holiday lengths and how stores behave in different regions". In addition, Square Enix requested the game be released as simultaneously as possibly between Japan and the rest of the world, and not wanting to move up the release at the expense of development, resulted in the January 2019 date being chosen.[47] The game's epilogue was planned to be added to the game on January 26 for Japan and January 30 elsewhere, while the secret ending content was planned to be added worldwide on January 31, 2019.[111] This was done in order to help prevent them from leaking beforehand, since Nomura called them "the biggest spoilers" in the game.[132]

A deluxe edition of the game features an art book, steelbook case, and collectible pin. Another edition, exclusive to the Square Enix store, includes Bring Arts figures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy in their Toy Box outfits in addition to the deluxe edition contents.[133] A limited edition Kingdom Hearts III-themed PlayStation 4 Pro and DualShock 4 controller was released on January 29, 2019, exclusive to GameStop and EB Games in North America.[134]

Reception

Kingdom Hearts III received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[135][136] Game Informer's Kimberley Wallace called Kingdom Hearts III "the series at its strongest", a game that "provide[d] satisfying answers to the biggest question marks" of the series. Regarding gameplay, Wallace thought "everything that worked in previous entries" was utilized, calling the combat "fast and fluid". Wallace was frustrated with some of the required quests in the various worlds, "but even with those frustrations, the expanded size and scope of the worlds in Kingdom Hearts III makes this the best and most varied collection of destinations in the franchise." Some additional disappointments in the game for Wallace was the Gummi Ship, the extra content such as some of the mini games, and the "repetitive boss battles toward the end".[140] Writing for IGN, Jonathon Dornbush praised the technical advancements for the game, but felt that came at the expense of the story, which at points had "stagnant pacing". The combat of Kingdom Hearts III was an unexpected surprise for Dornbush, as the "new elements help make battles into spectacles that keep them varied and fresh". He also called the Gummi Ship "wonderfully revamped" adding being more open world "gives so much more control over the ship [making] these sections a more palatable interstitial." Dornbush called the ending "the real payoff" of the game, with all of the final battles "satisfying on both narrative and gameplay levels" since each "hold such weight for the franchise".[144]

Caty McCarthy of USgamer felt Kingdom Hearts III was "an all or nothing sort of game". She said, "So many modern JRPGs look only ahead or get too trapped in the past, but Kingdom Hearts III is comfortable in straddling both lines; moving onward where the series needs it, but hanging back in ways that would make it feel untrue to the system that birthed it." Regarding the story, McCarthy said the game "knows how to both hold the hands of players not familiar with the past 17 years of the series, as well as respect the knowledge of diehards" with all of the games in the series and various plot threads getting "some sort of nod". However, the reliance of frequent cutscenes led the game to feel "a tad outdated, pacing-wise". While the larger scope of the worlds were "more welcome" to McCarthy, and she enjoyed the designs of San Fransokyo, Kingdom of Corona, and The Caribbean, Monstropolis and Olympus "[fell] flat", with Monstropolis "largely just a bunch of boring hallways and factory rooms" and Olympus having "a bit of a 'been there, done that' vibe". Calling the combat "chaos", McCarthy noted there was enough variety in it to distinguish itself from other entries in the series, but felt the Attraction Flow attacks were "the weakest new addition" and playing the game on "Normal" mode was not much of a challenge overall.[17] Writing for GamesRadar+, Rachel Weber said, "Whatever the flaws, there is nothing quite like Kingdom Hearts III, and it's a wild, wonderful ride as a result." She added, "no battle, no matter how big... or small, is ever boring" but called the Gummi Ship sections "the blandest part of the game". One of her favorite parts was the cooking mini game with Remy from Ratatouille and, conversely, felt the Pirates of the Caribbean world was "joyless" and "the only time the magic [of the game] failed".[143]

Tamoor Hussain of GameSpot called Kingdom Hearts III an overall "enjoyable, if uneven, third entry" in the series. Hussain was critical of some of the story and felt some of the worlds "feel either empty or lacking in what they offer", but did praise the design of the worlds, while also enjoying the amount of gameplay variety. While the combat felt "fast, frenetic, and spectacular in its cinematic flourishes", Hussain noted the game should be played on the "Proud" mode difficulty "if you want the game to challenge you". Speaking to the game's ending, Hussain felt there was "heavy-handed storytelling that inevitably culminates in battles that are impressive set-pieces but feel cheap and spammy to play" with the story wrapping up "in an incredibly unfulfilling way."[142] In an unscored review, Polygon's Allegra Frank was more critical of Kingdom Hearts III calling it "little more than a lackluster leftover from 2006" as it had "a flat story, repetitive gameplay, and very few surprises." Frank felt Sora's characterization was "off", with his positive attitude continuing as if the events of previous games in the series "have had zero impact on him". Regarding the various worlds, Frank called them "lifeless dioramas... with fewer details and references to the films themselves". She ultimately concluded that Kingdom Hearts III was "an example of what can go wrong when a series that once stood in contrast to its peers as a lighthearted alternative loses its way".[147]

In Japan, the game debuted at the top of the Media Create charts with 610,077 retail sales, above Resident Evil 2.[148][149] It also debuted at the top of the UK charts, with Kingdom Hearts III more than doubling the launch week sales of Kingdom Hearts II.[150] The lack of Final Fantasy characters in Kingdom Hearts 3 drew ire from some fans, however.[151]

On February 4, 2019, Square Enix announced that more than 5 million copies were sold, becoming the fastest selling title in the franchise.[152]

Accolades

Kingdom Hearts III was nominated by IGN for the Best Game of E3 2018, Best PlayStation 4 Game of E3 2018, Best Xbox One Game of E3 2018, and Best Action Game of E3 2018.[153] It also won the Momocon E3 Choice 2018 Game Award, and was nominated for Unreal's E3 awards.[154]

Notes

  1. ^ Kingdom Hearts III (Japanese: キングダム ハーツIII, Hepburn: Kingudamu Hātsu Surī)
  2. ^ As depicted in the 2012 game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

References

  1. ^ a b c Polanco, Tony (July 16, 2018). "Hands-On: Kingdom Hearts 3 is Fun Even if You've New to the Series". Geek.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Splechta, Mike (June 26, 2013). "Tetsuya Nomura discusses Kingdom Hearts 1.5, Kingdom Hearts 3 and Final Fantasy 15". GameZone. Archived from the original on August 13, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Square Enix (June 25, 2013). Square Enix Presents E3 2013 – Day1 [#03] – KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX Interview. YouTube. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2013. {{cite AV media}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Martens, Todd (July 26, 2013). "Tetsuya Nomura is ready – at last – for 'Kingdom Hearts 3" to progress". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c Corriea, Alexa Ray (June 16, 2015). "Kingdom Hearts III Shows Sora at His Most Powerful". GameSpot. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Wallace, Kimberley (July 15, 2017). "Gummi Ship Confirmed For Kingdom Hearts III". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e Yin-Poole, Wesley (June 11, 2017). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 gameplay trailer shows off Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on June 11, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon; Schwartz, Terri (July 15, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Hints at Second Playable Character". IGN. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e Madsen, Hayes (December 17, 2018). "Every Secret in Kingdom Hearts III's New Trailer You Probably Missed". Twinfinite. Archived from the original on December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e Gifford, Kevin (June 19, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts 3 detailed by game director Tetsuya Nomura". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Osborn, Alex (July 16, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Confirms Gummi Ship Will Return, New Magic Ability Tiers". IGN. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b c d Dornbush, Jonathon (January 17, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Preview: A Sea of Possibilities". IGN. Archived from the original on January 18, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b Futter, Mike (June 16, 2015). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Sends Sora And Friends to the World of Tangled". Game Informer. Game Stop. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Fillari, Alessandro (May 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Shows The Series' Charm Has Not Gone Away". Game Spot. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c Dornbush, Jonathon (June 19, 2018). "E3 2018: 6 Gameplay, Story Details We Learned From Kingdom Hearts 3's Director". IGN. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b c d e f McWhertor, Michael (May 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 is a whimsical spectacle full of Disney cheer". Polygon. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b c d e f McCarthy, Caty (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Review". USgamer. Archived from the original on January 25, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b c d e Romano, Sal (June 16, 2015). "Tetsuya Nomura and Tai Yasue talk Kingdom Hearts III and Unchained Chi at E3". Gematsu. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Jonathon Dornbush (May 21, 2018). "E3 2018: How Kingdom Hearts 3 Recaptures That Disney Magic". IGN. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Ratcliffe, Amy (June 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Release Date Announced and Ratatouille Revealed". Nerdist. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b c Dornbush, Jonathon; Schwartz, Terri (July 18, 2017). "8 Cool Things We Learned About Kingdom Hearts 3 at D23 Expo". IGN. Archived from the original on July 18, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b Wallace, Kimberley (July 16, 2017). "Nomura Reveals More on Kingdom Hearts III's Keyblade Transformations And Summons". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ a b c d Asarch, Steven (January 2, 2019). "'Kingdom Hearts 3' Co-Director Is Sorry Fans Had To Wait So Long". Newsweek. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 7, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Pramath (January 15, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 To Have Situation Commands". Gaming Bolt. Archived from the original on May 12, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Nakamura, Toshi (June 20, 2013). "Here Are Some Things To Expect in Kingdom Hearts 3". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (October 27, 2016). "A Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts 3' Two New Screenshots". IGN. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 28, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b c d e Foster, George (June 15, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 Things We Learned at E3 – 8. A New Drive Form Revealed". What Culture. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (July 15, 2017). "A Deep Dive into The Kingdom Hearts 3 D23 Expo Trailer Gameplay And Story Details". IGN. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ a b スズタク (July 21, 2017). "『キングダム ハーツIII』は『トイ・ストーリー』抜きでは考えられなかった。野村さんが武器変形やフォームを説明" (in Japanese). Dengeki Online. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017 – via KH13.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |via= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Massongill, Justin (May 18, 2018). "Finally! We've Played Kingdom Hearts 3". PlayStation Blog. Archived from the original on May 19, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (June 11, 2018). "E3 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3 Pirates of the Caribbean World Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ a b c d Minotti, Mike (June 22, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III director explains why Pirates of the Caribbean is back". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i Pereira, Chris (February 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer Shows Monsters Inc. World, New Gameplay Details Revealed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (January 21, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Gameplay Deep Dive With Its Co-Director". IGN. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ a b c Wallace, Kimberley (June 12, 2018). "Nomura on Kingdom Hearts III's Final Fantasy Characters, Aqua's Popularity, And Ratatouille". Game Informer. Game Stop. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ a b c d e f g Romano, Sal (June 20, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III volume being too great is a concern; DLC planned, but no Season Pass". Gematsu. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ a b c McWhertor, Michael (April 16, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 has Game & Watch-style minigames inspired by classic Disney". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ a b c Hussain, Tamoor (November 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer Is Full of Pooh". Game Spot. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ a b c Sterling, Jim (March 25, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts 3 confirmed, more KH games coming". Destructoid. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ a b Romano, Sal (June 23, 2015). "Kingdom Hearts III has mostly new worlds, release window internally decided". Gematsu. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ a b c d e "Square Enix Announces Next Generation Development of Kingdom Hearts III" (Press release). Los Angeles: Square Enix. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2015 – via PR Newswire. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ Riendeau, Danielle (June 16, 2015). "Watch the Kingdom Hearts 3 gameplay trailer". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 16, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ Kingdom Hearts [@KingdomHearts] (August 14, 2015). "The Heartless Dandelions make quite an entrance in Rapunzel's Kingdom of Corona in the #kingdomhearts III trailer!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2015 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ a b c Silva, Marty (August 16, 2015). "D23 2015: Kingdom Hearts 3 Adds Big Hero 6 World". IGN. Archived from the original on August 16, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts III Goes To Infinity And Beyond". Square Enix. July 15, 2017. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ a b c Kohler, Chris (June 10, 2018). "Disney's Frozen Is A World in Kingdom Hearts III". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ a b c d Dornbush, Jonathon (June 12, 2018). "E3 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Comments on Delay to 2019, Why We Haven't Seen Big Hero 6's World". IGN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ a b c d e f Frank, Allegra (July 15, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 gets a new trailer and its first Pixar-based world". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 15, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ a b Wilson, Aoife (May 18, 2018). "Toying around with Kingdom Hearts 3". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  50. ^ "Kingdom Hearts III – Worlds". Square Enix Japan. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  51. ^ a b c Futter, Michael (June 13, 2018). "'Kingdom Hearts' Director Tetsuya Nomura Worked Hard to Bring You Those Pixar Levels". Variety. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  52. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (July 17, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts III's Confirmed Weapons, Locations, And Keyblades". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ a b Foster, George (February 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 Major Reveals From D23 2018 – 4. Riku And Mickey's Outfits Revealed". What Culture. Archived from the original on February 11, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ Stretch, Andrew (November 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Winnie The Pooh Trailer Analysis – Can This Game Come Out Yet?". Tech Raptor. Archived from the original on December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ Dunsmore, Kevin (December 18, 2015). "Square Enix Releases New Kingdom Hearts III and 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Footage". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ a b Kingdom Hearts [@KINGDOMHEARTS] (December 14, 2018). "Having regained their humanity, Ienzo and Lea appear to have joined our heroes! Ienzo dedicates himself to his research in Radiant Garden while helping Sora and his allies. Meanwhile, Lea now wields a Keyblade, and throws himself into daily training alongside Kairi" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018 – via Twitter.
  57. ^ a b c Murphy, Eoghan (December 14, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 Screenshots Showcase Jiminy Cricket, Chip and Dale, Stitch, and More". Dual Shockers. Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  58. ^ Kingdom Hearts (September 17, 2018). KINGDOM HEARTS III – TGS Big Hero 6 Trailer (Closed Captions). YouTube. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  59. ^ Kingdom Hearts [@KINGDOMHEARTS] (January 18, 2019). "These Classic Kingdom mini-games may look humble, but are not to be taken lightly. Play them through Sora's Gummiphone in #KingdomHearts III, or get a sneak peek at some in #KHUX now! [Photos of the games The Klondike Kid, Mickey's Mechanical Man, and Mickey's Kitten Catch]" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 19, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2019 – via Twitter.
  60. ^ Foutch, Haleigh (August 29, 2017). "Producer Roy Conli on 'Born in China', Joining the 'Frozen' Family & 'Kingdom Hearts III'". Collider. Archived from the original on September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  61. ^ a b c d Wallace, Kimberley (July 16, 2017). "Nomura Shares More Details on Kingdom Hearts III And Its Toy Story World". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ a b c Stretch, Andrew (November 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Winnie The Pooh Trailer Analysis – Can This Game Come Out Yet?". TechRaptor. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ a b Romano, Sal (June 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III launches January 25, 2019 in Japan and Asia, January 29 in North America and Europe". Gematsu. Archived from the original on June 10, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ Mejia, Ozzie (September 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3: Four key questions following the TGS 2018 trailer". Shack News. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  65. ^ a b Madsen, Hayes (September 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III's New Trailer Shows Off Big Hero 6, Davy Jones, and Roxas". Twinfinite. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ a b c Romano, Sal (October 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Twilight Town and Olympus screenshots". Gematsu. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  67. ^ a b Marnell, Blair (June 11, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer Features Hades And Teases The Return Of [Spoiler]". Nerdist. Archived from the original on June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  68. ^ Lee, Julia (June 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 gameplay trailer shows Frozen world". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  69. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (June 11, 2018). "E3 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3's New Trailers, World, Gameplay Revealed". IGN. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  70. ^ Groux, Christopher (June 12, 2018). "'Kingdom Hearts 3' Trailer Reveals 'Pirates of the Caribbean' World at Sony E3 Event". Newsweek. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  71. ^ Rouse, Isaac (June 12, 2018). "New 'Kingdom Hearts III' Trailer Highlights 'Pirates of the Caribbean' World". Hyper Beast. Archived from the original on December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  72. ^ Statt, Nick (June 11, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III's multiple E3 trailers have pirates, Olaf, but few concrete answers". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  73. ^ a b McWhertor, Michael (February 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts 3 trailer shows off Monsters Inc. world". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  74. ^ a b Melrose, Kevin (September 10, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer Calls in Big Hero 6". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  75. ^ Glagowski, Peter (June 20, 2018). "Square Enix has no plans for a season pass with Kingdom Hearts III". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  76. ^ Wallace, Kimberley (May 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Our First Hands-On with the Highly Anticipated Entry". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  77. ^ a b Sullivan, Lucas (May 18, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 plays, looks, and sounds just like you hoped it would". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  78. ^ a b Kingdom Hearts (June 11, 2018). Kingdom Hearts III – E3 2018 Pirates of the Caribbean Trailer. YouTube. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  79. ^ a b Docherty, Brendan (June 11, 2018). "New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer Reveals Pirates of the Caribbean". PlayStation Blog. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  80. ^ a b c "Kingdom Hearts 3 New Screenshot Showing "Kingdom of Corona" and "100 Acre Wood Worlds"". Segment Next. November 16, 2018. Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  81. ^ Ehrenhofler, Courtney (July 16, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts III D23 Trailer – Toy Story World and Release Window Revealed". TechRaptor. Archived from the original on February 11, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  82. ^ Dedmon, Tanner (September 10, 2018). "New 'Kingdom Hearts III' Trailer Features Baymax From 'Big Hero 6'". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  83. ^ Workman, Robert (September 18, 2018). "New 'Kingdom Hearts 3' Trailer, Box Art Revealed". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  84. ^ a b c d "Star-Studded Voice Cast Unveiled For Disney And Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts III" (Press release). Square Enix. PR Newswire. September 26, 2018. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 26, 2018. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  85. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (June 14, 2018). "Even Kingdom Hearts' creator gets a little confused about the story sometimes". The Verge. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  86. ^ McCarthy, Caty (June 13, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts Doesn't Need Final Fantasy Like it Used To, Tetsuya Nomura Says". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  87. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (October 30, 2006). "Nomura on Kingdom Hearts III". IGN. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  88. ^ McElroy, Griffin (February 6, 2010). "Nomura working to 'realize' Kingdom Hearts III, explains Sora's furry origins". Joystiq. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  89. ^ Fletcher, JC (March 25, 2010). "Nomura mentions three more Kingdom Hearts games in interview". Joystiq. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  90. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (September 28, 2010). "No Kingdom Hearts 3 By 2012". IGN. Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  91. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (November 17, 2010). "Kingdom Hearts 3D will connect with III". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved January 15, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  92. ^ Corriea, Alexa Ray (June 10, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts 3 coming to PS4". Polygon. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  93. ^ "E3 2013: Kingdom Hearts III Heading to Xbox One". IGN. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  94. ^ "Sony Unleashes a Smackdown in an E3 To Remember". Game Informer. XXIII (244). GameStop: 17. July 2013. Square Enix teased the long-awaited third entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, as well as Final Fantasy XV (the newly branded name for Final Fantasy Versus XIII). While those titles aren't PS4 exclusives, we learned that Sony's console is the lead platform, with the Xbox One version effectively built as a port.
  95. ^ a b c d e f g Simpkins, Jen (February 2019). Brown, Nathan (ed.). "Hearts and minds". Edge. No. 328. United Kingdom: Future plc. pp. 56–69.
  96. ^ Ishaan (June 11, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Being Developed By Square Enix's Osaka Studio". Siliconera. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  97. ^ "第3ビジネス・ディビジョン キャリア採用 Square Enix – Recruiting -". Square Enix. March 25, 2017. Archived from the original on June 6, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  98. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts III in 7/4 Famitsu Weekly!". KHInsider. June 18, 2013. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  99. ^ Weaver, Timothy (June 13, 2013). "Kingdom Hearts 3 was announced too early, says Tetsuya Nomura". PlayStation Universe. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  100. ^ Karmali, Luke (September 10, 2013). "Expect a Wait Between Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy XV". IGN. Archived from the original on September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  101. ^ Schreier, Jason (June 11, 2014). "This Is The Intro To Kingdom Hearts III". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 12, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  102. ^ Juba, Joe (September 17, 2014). "Tetsuya Nomura No Longer Directing Final Fantasy XV". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  103. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (October 7, 2014). "Kingdom Hearts III Is Being Made with Unreal Engine 4". Kotaku. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  104. ^ MacDonald, Keza (January 23, 2015). "The Kingdom Hearts Remakes Were 'Good Training' For Kingdom Hearts 3". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 25, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  105. ^ Romano, Sal (November 3, 2015). "New Kingdom Hearts III and 2.8 trailers coming tomorrow". Gematsu. Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  106. ^ Goldfarb, Andrew; Schwartz, Terri (July 15, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director: Switch Version 'Maybe' Possible After Xbox One, PS4 Versions Are Released". IGN. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  107. ^ Rougeau, Michael (July 17, 2017). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Tetsuya Nomura Explains What Took So Long". Game Spot. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  108. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (June 13, 2018). "E3 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3 Director on Potential For DLC, 1.5 + 2.5 Collection Coming to Xbox One". IGN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  109. ^ Romano, Sal (September 7, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Classic Kingdom minigames now playable in Kingdom Hearts: Union χ". Gematsu. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  110. ^ a b Romano, Sal (January 11, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts III launch updates schedule announced". Gematsu. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  111. ^ Henry, Jasmine (November 21, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3: Why is Winnie The Pooh Censored?". GameRant. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  112. ^ McWhertor, Michael (November 20, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 is finally done, Tetsuya Nomura says". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  113. ^ Wallace, Kimberley (June 12, 2018). "There Are More Worlds To Kingdom Hearts III Than We've Seen So Far". Game Informer. Game Stop. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  114. ^ Silva, Marty (June 12, 2013). "E3 2013: Kingdom Hearts' Creator Speaks on Disney's Recent Acquisitions". Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  115. ^ Minotti, Mike (June 16, 2015). "Star Wars in Kingdom Hearts III? Nomura says it's complicated". Venture Beat. Archived from the original on June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  116. ^ MacDonald, Keza (December 2, 2014). "Marvel and Star Wars are "Not Off-Limits" for Kingdom Hearts 3". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  117. ^ Wallace, Kimberley (September 2017). "Kingdom Hearts III Reaches for the Stars". Game Informer. 27 (293). GameStop: 65-67. With Kingdom Hearts III, I feel like we were able to recreate the world of the original CG film pieces close to its original quality in terms of its graphics and the look of the different worlds," Nomura says. "Up until then, we created the worlds so that it looks like it is a stylized Kingdom Hearts world, but now with Kingdom Hearts III, we were able to depict the world of the original film as close to its original form as possible.
  118. ^ "石元丈晴氏×野村哲也氏が初対談！『ディシディアFF NT』サウンドトラック発売記念インタビュー". Famitsu (in Japanese). February 28, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018. English translation via "Nomura confirms Takeharu Ishimoto and Tsuyoshi Sekito are working on Kingdom Hearts 3 Soundtrack". KH Insider. March 1, 2018. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  119. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (February 10, 2018). "Listen To Kingdom Hearts III's Theme Song By Utada Hikaru". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  120. ^ a b Beckwith, Michael (September 28, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Opening Song Created By Skrillex and Utada". GameRant. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  121. ^ Groux, Christopher (September 22, 2018). "'Kingdom Hearts 3' Opening Theme Written By Skrillex, Utada Hikaru & Poo Bear". Newsweek. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  122. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (September 28, 2018). "Utada Hikaru And Skrillex Team Up For Kingdom Hearts III Music". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  123. ^ a b "Celebrities and Industry VIPs Among The First To Play in the Kingdom Hearts Worlds of Disney and Pixar" (Press release). Square Enix. May 21, 2018. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  124. ^ "Alyson Stoner comments on voicing Kairi in Kingdom Hearts III: "This was the most fun out of all of them...You'll see why!"". KH13.com. November 26, 2018. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  125. ^ Egan, Susan [@IamSusanEgan] (October 21, 2018). "The gang's all here! #kingdomhearts3 LOVED voicing my gal again! #MyFriendsCallMeMeg" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2018 – via Twitter.
  126. ^ Franzese, Tomas (November 7, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Sees Most of the Big Hero 6 Voice Cast Reprising Their Roles". Dual Shockers. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  127. ^ Miller, T.J. [@nottjmiller] (November 7, 2018). "I am in the video game. Never underestimate my voice... it is everywhere...(ghost noises)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2018 – via Twitter.
  128. ^ Alonso, Álvaro (August 22, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 – Entrevistamos a Tetsuya Nomura, director de la saga" (in Spanish). Hobby Consolas. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) English translation via KHInsider (Archived on November 27, 2018)
  129. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts III (Japanese・English Version), the Official Sequel to Disney and Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts Series, and PlayStation®4 Pro Kingdom Hearts III Limited Edition Confirmed to Be Released Additionally, Kingdom Hearts III (Chinese subtitle Version) Localiation Confirmed!" (Press release). Sony Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Limited. November 22, 2018. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  130. ^ a b Wallace, Kimberley (June 10, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III Finally Gets A Release Date". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on June 10, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  131. ^ Good, Owen S. (December 16, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 leaks, director pleads for community not to share spoilers". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  132. ^ Glagowski, Peter (June 11, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts III gets two collector's editions and one has action figures!". Destructoid. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  133. ^ McWhertor, Michael (December 14, 2018). "Kingdom Hearts 3 limited edition PS4 Pro coming Jan. 29". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  134. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts III for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  135. ^ a b "Kingdom Hearts III for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  136. ^ Carter, Chris (January 28, 2019). "Review: Kingdom Hearts III". Destructoid. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  137. ^ Schaefer, Emma (February 1, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts III Review". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  138. ^ "キングダム ハーツIII レビュー・評価・感想 (PS4)". Famitsu. Enterbrain. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  139. ^ a b Wallace, Kimberley (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Review - A Main Attraction Worth Waiting For". Game Informer. Game Stop. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  140. ^ Russell, Brandon (January 29, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 review". Game Revolution. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  141. ^ a b Hussain, Tamoor (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Review". Game Spot. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  142. ^ a b Weber, Rachel (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Review: "I'm not sure how I lived without its Mickey Mouse shaped madness in my life"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on January 25, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  143. ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  144. ^ Anagund (February 4, 2019). "Test du jeu Kingdom Hearts III : Un opus magnifique, non sans défauts". Jeuxvideo.com. Webedia. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  145. ^ Wise, Josh (February 1, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 review". Videogamer.com. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  146. ^ Frank, Allegra (January 24, 2019). "Kingdom Hearts 3 ends the series with a whimper". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 24, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  147. ^ "Media Create Sales: 1/21/19 – 1/27/19". Gematsu. January 30, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  148. ^ "「KINGDOM HEARTS III」61万本，「バイオハザード RE:2」25万2000本の「週間販売ランキング＋」". 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). January 30, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  149. ^ "Kingdom Hearts III conquers UK charts with impressive debut week". GamesIndustry.biz. February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  150. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 3: Where Are the Final Fantasy Characters?". Game Rant. February 6, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  151. ^ "'Kingdom Hearts III' (ALL) Sells 5 Million Units, Becomes Fastest Selling Title In Franchise's History". WorthPlaying. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  152. ^ "Best of E3 2018 Awards". IGN. June 15, 2018. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  153. ^ KH13.com [@KH13com] (June 12, 2018). "It's only the first day of E3 and Kh has already won Momocon E3 Choice 2018 Game Award, and nominated by IGN for Best of E3 and is also a candidate for Unreal E3 Awards 2018!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2018 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to Kingdom Hearts III.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kingdom_Hearts_III&oldid=885433705"