Editing Kingdom Hearts III

{{Game|KH3|Real}}
{{suite}}
{{Unreleased}}
{{Infobox CVG
|title=Kingdom Hearts III
|japan= キングダム ハーツ III
|romaji=Kingudamu Hātsu Surī
|image=[[File:Kingdom Hearts III Logo KHIII.png|center|300px]]
|developer={{w|Square Enix}}
|publisher=[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]], [[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] Square Enix
|release=[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2018<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Xm5Arknfk</ref><br />
[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2018
|genre=Console action role-playing game
|modes=Single player
|ratings=N/A
|platforms={{w|PlayStation 4}}<br>{{w|Xbox One}}<ref>[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ '''''Kingdom Hearts III official site''''']</ref>
}}
'''''Kingdom Hearts III''''' is the upcoming eleventh title in the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series. It was officially announced at E3 2013, and will be the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game available on multiple platforms at launch, releasing on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

==Development==
The game was first announced to be in development during the Electronics Entertainment Exposition in June 2013. A trailer was released announcing the game's development. However, news regarding the game became scarce. A trailer was later released at the first D23 Exposition in Japan in October 2013, revealing the gameplay and graphics that had been developed to date. 

As part of E3 2014, Square Enix released a new thirty-second trailer as part of a trailer to ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX]]''. During the Square Enix Present segment at E3 2014, co-director Tai Yasue revealed that the sequence seen in the E3 2014 teaser would be relevant from the beginning of the game, and that the text seen and heard was going to "be a real integral part of the story"<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/864/864150/ Tai Yasue interview with Dengeki]</ref>. On September 17th, 2014, Square Enix announced that Tetsuya Nomura would be stepping down as director for ''Final Fantasy XV'' so that he can focus his efforts on other upcoming titles, namely ''Kingdom Hearts III''<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/17/tabata-takes-final-fantasy-xv-tetsuya-nomura-moves-kingdom-hearts-iii '''''Siliconera: Tabata Takes Over Final Fantasy XV; Tetsuya Nomura Moves On To Kingdom Hearts III''''']</ref>.
<!-- "Focus" gauge was labeled "EX" before E3 2015 trailer-->

During Square Enix E3 Conference on June 16, 2015, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series's executive producer, Shinji Hashimoto, revealed the first gameplay trailer for ''Kingdom Hearts III'', which shows Sora in a new outfit. Sora is seen wielding new Keyblades, fighting never-before-seen Heartless, and also exploring [[Kingdom of Corona]], a world based on ''{{w|Tangled}}''.<ref>[https://youtu.be/aQwlJzROy38?t=53m21s ''''Square Enix E3 Conference 2015''''']</ref> During the Square Enix Presents segment of E3 2015, Tetsuya Nomura revealed that Kingdom of Corona was one of the first to be considered for the game.<ref>[https://youtu.be/LEZcHr3BR20?t=3h2m36s ''''Square Enix Presents E3 2015 - Day 1''''']</ref> In an interview with Access Playstation, Nomura confirmed that characters from the ''Final Fantasy'' series will appear once again.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmcaxvmj5nU PlayStation Access interview with Tetsuya Nomura]: '''#2 Final Fantasy characters in KH3:''' Can't reveal anything yet, but definitely are going to include them.</ref>

During Disney's D23 Expo 2015, Shinji Hashimoto announced a world based on ''{{w|Big Hero 6 (film)|Big Hero 6}}''.<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/16/kingdom-hearts-iii-has-a-big-hero-6-world ''''Siliconera'''' ''Kingdom Hearts III Has A Big Hero 6 World'']</ref>

The game will contain a secret movie.<ref>'''Famitsu interview with Tetsuya Nomura:''' We are steadily progressing and deciding what to do with the ending… as well as considering content for the secret movie.</ref>

In their financial Results Briefing Session, Square Enix President and Representative Director Yosuke Matsuda and Chief Financial Officer Kazuharu Watanabe stated that the expected released of ''Kingdom Hearts III'' can be sometime between 2018 and 2020.<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2017/05/26/expect-final-fantasy-vii-remake-kingdom-hearts-iii-release-sometime-three-years/ ''''Siliconera'''' ''Expect Final Fantasy VII Remake And Kingdom Hearts III To Release Sometime In “Three Years Or So”
'']</ref>

==Story==
{{Q|Believing light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the ‘tyranny of light’ to restore equilibrium.<br><br>In an effort to undermine Xehanort’s plot, Sora, Donald and Goofy search for seven guardians of light and the “Key to Return Hearts,” while King Mickey and Riku search for previous Keyblade wielders.|''Kingdom Hearts III'' press release}}
{{sec-stub}}

==Gameplay==
[[File:Keyblade Guns KHIII.png|250px|thumb|Each Keyblade can transform into a different weapon.]]
<!--
section should match gameplay example like on other pages; http://www.khwiki.com/Kingdom_Hearts_3D:_Dream_Drop_Distance#Gameplay
rewrite this:
*Early interview for FFXV said that KH3's combat system would be like that{{fact}}
**May or may not change not change due to development
*"Big Magic Mountain"
-->
*The [[Command Menu]] from ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'' will return.<ref>[http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/8227381.html Dengeki PlayStation interview with Tetsuya Nomura]: "The battle gameplay returns to commands such as 'attack' and 'magic' rather than deck commands. I thought that king of gameplay styles had the royal right to be used in a numbered Kingdom Hearts title."</ref>
*The gauges for [[Donald]] and [[Goofy]] now appear next to Sora's in the bottom right corner instead of above. The MP gauge from ''KHII'' returns. A "Focus"/"EX" gauge similar to the Drive gauge also appears. <!--Ex gauge in E3 2015, Focus in E3 2013. Also, besides color, how is it similar to the Drive gauge? Was this said in an interview that it would function like one?-->
*[[Flowmotion]] is available.<ref>https://youtu.be/hjEl3eVZ-eg?t=32s</ref>
*[[Attraction Flow]]<!--アトラクションフロー--> is a new feature, which lets the party execute skills based on theme park attractions.<ref name="skills">[http://www.4gamer.net/games/305/G030589/20150618060/ 4Gamer interview with Tetusya Nomura]: '''4Gamer:''' There were various techniques that strongly resembled theme park attractions, weren't there?<br>'''Nomura:''' The train, ship and tea cups and such decorated with lights are a skill called 'Attraction Flow'. There's also another feature where the Keyblade turns into things such as a chariot, or a double bow gun that transforms further and shoots magic bullets. That's a system where one Keyblade can transform into several phases, and we have created many more transformations that weren't in the trailer.</ref>
*Sora's Keyblade can transform into various items, such as a double bow gun or a chariot to attack enemies.<ref name="skills"/>
**Each Keyblade has its own transformation.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl8uC4wrRHQ&t=2m42s '''D23 2015 presentation''']: I am very happy to say that all the Keyblades in the game are going to have special transformations, and each of them will be totally different from the next.</ref>
*Sora can run up on certain walls.<ref>[http://www.4gamer.net/games/305/G030589/20150618060/ 4Gamer interview with Tetusya Nomura]: There was a scene in the trailer where Sora ran up a wall to fight - that freerunning is also something you can connect techniques to for bold moves.</ref>
*[[Blizzard]] and [[Aero]] magic are confirmed to return.<ref name="Magic">[http://www.khinsider.com/news/Roundtable-Chat-with-Tetsuya-Nomura-at-E3-2015-5582 Rountable chat between various KH fansites and Tetsuya Nomura]: '''--How did magic evolve for Kingdom Hearts 3?'''<br>'''Nomura:''' When it comes to magic in Kingdom Hearts 3, we really wanted to try to leave an effect on the surrounding environment. In the trailer when Sora would cast Blizzard, the blast would leave behind a sheet of ice for Sora to slide on, and when he cast Aero in a field, the wind would make an impression in the grass.</ref>
**Magic now leaves an effect on the surrounding environment. For example, Blizzard creates a sheet of ice to slide on and Aero moves and shapes the grass.<ref name="Magic"/>
*[[Reaction Command]]s will be replaced by [[Situation Command]]s.<ref>'''[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/072/1072889/ Dengeki interview with Tetsuya Nomura]''': In regards to supplementing the gameplay, we have removed the Reaction Commands in KINGDOM HEARTS III. QTE (Quick Time Event. Actions that execute at the touch of a button according to when it displays on screen) isn't there anymore. For people who have seen the "flashy" battles in KINGDOM HEARTS II, it felt like there were too many of them when doing these operations.<br>'''Are there no longer Reaction Commands in boss battles?'''<br>That's right. While removing the elements of QTE in KINGDOM HEARTS III, being referred to as flashy battles, we are making it more challenging. All actions will be based on good or favorable timing.{{fact}}<!-- cite to actual Dengeki interview </ref><ref>'''[http://kh13.com/news/nomura-interview-with-dengeki-discussing-28-iii-and-kh-15th-anniversary#ixzz4TRsFKGQX]''': Regarding Situational Commands, there's been some trial and error, how to make sure it doesn't look like a simple quick time event etc.--><br>Situational Commands are the evolved form of KH2's Reaction Commands, and pivotal to KH3.</ref>{{?}}<!--redo cites in correct style, highlighting original journal and speakers -- see Keyblade of heart article-->
*Nearly all worlds are new to the series.<ref>[http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/8227381.html Dengeki PlayStation interview with Tetsuya Nomura]: "I can't speak in detail, but apart from Olympus, nearly all the worlds are new."</ref>
*Disney characters will join Sora's team as either temporary party members or summons.{{fact}}<!-- cite to actual interview <ref>[http://www.khinsider.com/news/Roundtable-Chat-with-Tetsuya-Nomura-at-E3-2015-5582 Rountable chat between various KH fansites and Tetsuya Nomura]: '''--In Kingdom Hearts I & II we were used to have a Disney character joining our party in each new world Sora and his friends visit. Will this mechanic be present in Kingdom Hearts 3?'''<br>'''Nomura:''' Right, the idea of having a Disney character joining your party was an important part of KH 1 & 2, so, yes you will be able to have Disney characters joining your team across the game, not just as a temporary party member in the worlds, but also as summons.</ref>-->
*The AI has been improved, so allies can invite Sora into special techniques, and enemies can work together.<ref>[http://www.4gamer.net/games/305/G030589/20150618060/ 4Gamer interview with Tetusya Nomura]: Also, the AI during battle has been enhanced quite a bit. There was that scene where Donald and Sora are moving with Goofy has he wields his shield - you don't only execute that sort of thing yourself, Goofy and Donald can invite you into it too. On the other hand, the enemy AI is also more advanced, and we are also including the element of mutual enemies working together, so for example they can join together to charge at you and things like that.</ref>
*The game will contain mini-games.{{fact}}<!-- cite to actual interview <ref>'''[http://kh13.com/news/tetsuya-nomura-discusses-kingdom-hearts-iii-with-official-playstation-magazine-uk-states-that-the-fundamental-gameplay-mechanics-almost-completed Official Playstation Magazine UK interview with Tetsuya Nomura]''': Other elements, including the mini-games and other various smaller items; their progress is very varied...some of them are polished and very close to final state, but at the same time some elements are still in the planning phase and I haven't laid out the groundwork yet.</ref> -->
* [[Drive Form]]s return, with three new additions; "Guard Form"<ref>https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/791654547542376448</ref>, a form that transforms Sora's Keyblade into a shield, "Power Form"<ref>https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/791654547542376448</ref>, and "Second Form", a form that grants Sora's clothing similar to that of his outfit from ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''<ref>https://youtu.be/p51wHlWY1uM?t=33s</ref>.

{{sec-stub}}

==Worlds and Characters==
{|width="100%"
|valign="top" width="25%"|
[[File:Big Hero 6 Concept KHIII.png|250px|thumb|''Big Hero 6'' world concept art.]]
;Other
*[[Sora]]
*[[Donald Duck]]
*[[Goofy]]
*[[Riku]]
*[[Mickey Mouse]]
*[[Maleficent]]
*[[Pete]]
*[[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]
*[[Xemnas]]

;[[Land of Departure]]<ref name="lod">Dengeki interview with Tetsuya Nomura: '''-- It looks like Xehanort and Eraqus were having a conversation when they were younger, is this an actual scene at the beginning of KINGDOM HEARTS III?'''<br>'''Nomura:''' That’s right. From the conversation between these two, that’s how this story begins. The scene’s conversation is actually longer but in the trailer we only showed excerpts. From what can be understood from these two, it also connects to an ancient story from KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained χ.</ref>
*[[Eraqus]]<ref name="lod"/>
*[[Xehanort]]<ref name="lod"/>

;[[Twilight Town]]<ref name="worlds">Dengeki interview with Tetsuya Nomura: '''-- In regards to the worlds, can you confirm what they are?'''<br>'''Nomura:''' Disney titles such as Tangled and Hercules, and another familiar to the series, Twilight Town. So that makes three.<br>'''-- Since Tangled made a new appearance for the series, what other new worlds are there?'''<br>'''Nomura:''' I can’t talk about any further details except that Mt. Olympus will be a new world.</ref>

;[[Olympus Coliseum|Mt. Olympus]]<ref name="worlds"/><!--should we create new world page, a la Symphony of Sorcery?-->
*[[Hercules]]
*[[Hades]]
*[[Rock Titan]]

;[[Kingdom of Corona]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/632280628143112193 ''Kingdom Hearts'' Official Twitter Confirms ''Tangled'''s World]</ref>
*Rapunzel<ref>'''Famitsu interview with Tetusya Nomura:''' The Osaka development team wants to challenge themselves with Rapunzel’s hair. They are saying they want to use her hair for combat and it seems that the creators of Rapunzel are acknowledging our efforts.</ref>

;''Big Hero 6'' world<!--DO NOT CHANGE TO SAN FRANSOKYO WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL SOURCE STATING THAT'S THE WORLD'S NAME--> <ref> [https://twitter.com/DisneyInteract/status/632979757576024064 Disney Interactive Official Twitter Confirms ''Big Hero 6'' World] </ref>
*Baymax<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3zYZBm0gTw KINGDOM HEARTS III - BIG HERO 6 Announce trailer]: '''Roy Conli:''' We'll also get to see Baymax again. </ref>

;''Toy Story World''
*[[Woody]]
*[[Buzz Lightyear]]
*[[Hamm]]
*[[Sarge]]
|}

==Videos==
===E3 2013 Sony Conference Teaser===
The trailer begins as scenes and images of past games and their scenes from the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' intro fill the screen, starting with ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'', followed by ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', and ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''. As the computer-generated [[Sora]] from the intro of ''Dream Drop Distance'' rises, he slowly changes in appearance to a newer, in-game model.

The beach of [[Destiny Islands]] is then shown, with the [[Master's Defender]] Keyblade lying on the sand. Sora, now in his ''Kingdom Hearts II'' attire, approaches it and lifts it, looking at it curiously before shifting his gaze to the horizon. The game logo then appears. 

A gameplay video follows, Sora begins running through [[Twilight Town]], wielding the [[Kingdom Key]]. He is chased by a swarm of [[Shadow]]s similar to a [[Demon Tide]] and flees, dodging the swarm by jumping off the sides of buildings in a way similar to his [[Flowmotion]] abilities from ''Dream Drop Distance''. After riding the swarm in a manner similar to [[Vanitas]] riding the Keyblades in ''Birth by Sleep'', Sora turns around and leaps to confront the swarm head on. The screen then cuts to black and reveals that the game is in development. 

<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border:2px solid"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''Kingdom Hearts III E3 2013 Teaser'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">sWs6Izs0ce8</youtube>
|}
</center>

===D23 Expo Japan 2013 Trailer===
The trailer begins with Sora, Donald and Goofy running into a group of Heartless in Twilight Town's Tram Common, consisting of Shadows and [[Large Bodies]]. Sora casts Fire as Donald and Goofy begin to aid him. Sora then commences to enter "Two Shoot Blaster" mode, a new battle technique achieved through transforming the Keyblade<ref>[http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/tetsuya-nomuar-talks-keyblade-transformations-attraction-rides-in-kingdom-hearts-iii '''''EGMNOW: Kingdom Hearts III Director Touches Upon New Powers Seen in Gameplay Trailer''''']</ref> that allows Sora to turn his Keyblade into twin pistols. Afterwards, the video fades to Sora using a "Pirate Ship" and swinging dealing damage to the Heartless below, finally ending with a massive barrage of spinning the boat around.

Gameplay fades into another scene where Sora, Donald and Goofy are on a "Big Magic Mountain" train ride going around the [[Rock Titan]], the camera closes in on Sora then out as Sora attacks the Titan a couple of times before jumping on top of the Titan's hand and landing back onto his seat. The camera closes in on Donald now then back out as Sora attacks the Titan yet again. Sora leads the train upwards into the sky, high above the Titan, turns around facing the Titan and sends the train ride right into the Titan. As the group falls in the sky, the screen then fades to black and reveals that the game is in development.

<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''Kingdom Hearts III D23 Expo Japan 2013 Trailer'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">Pr9twjpM7gU</youtube>
|}
</center>

===E3 2014 Teaser Trailer===
On June 5, 2014, Square Enix released the E3 2014 trailer for ''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX''. Towards the end of the E3 2014 trailer, there is a teaser for ''Kingdom Hearts III''. The 30-second teaser begins with several scenes from ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' along with the line "The next act opens--" and then the line "KINGDOM HEARTS III" appears. The remainder of the teaser features two unidentified people discussing the Keyblade War. The screen remains black, with sketches of their faces in white, though their faces are too far zoomed-in to identify. 

{{Q|"Have you heard of the ancient Keyblade War? Many years ago, Keyblade wielders started a war over the ownership of light."<br/>"Yep, the Master loves telling that story."<br/>"Then I take it you also know of the 'lost masters'."<br/>"Nope, where'd you hear that?"<br/>"On that land shall darkness prevail and light expire,"|Xehanort and Eraqus}}

This is followed by a black screen and a flash of the Roman numeral III from the ''Kingdom Hearts III'' logo. The last line appears: "But you knew that, didn't you?" The roman numeral III from the logo flashes again, followed by the note that the game is "Now in Development".

<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''E3 2014'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">9Z5z4dJRM0o</youtube>
|}
</center>
{{-}}

===E3 2015 Trailer===
The trailer opens with a scene of Master [[Xehanort]] and [[Master Eraqus]] in their youth, playing chess in the [[Land of Departure]]. Following the conversation in the previous trailer, Xehanort asks Eraqus about the ancient [[Keyblade War]], which Eraqus claims is their master's favorite story. However, when Xehanort mentions the "Lost Masters" who actually started the war, Eraqus feigns ignorance, and Xehanort remains unconvinced. The trailer then cuts to gameplay videos featuring Sora, Donald, and Goofy fighting Heartless in Olympus Coliseum, Kingdom of Corona, and Twilight Town, with Sora displaying new abilities with the Keyblade.

The trailer cuts back to the original scene, where Xehanort muses on how on the [[Keyblade Graveyard|land where the Keyblade War was fought]], darkness will prevail and light expire, looking up at [[No Name]], his future Keyblade, while Eraqus counters him by claiming that the light might surprise Xehanort and prevail, and Xehanort expresses interest in this possibility. The camera cuts to a close-up of their respective king pieces, showing that their game has ended in a stalemate. The trailer concludes by flashing the game's logo.

<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''E3 2015'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">C0MUNGQVXM0</youtube>
|}
</center>

===Jump Festa 2016 Trailer===
The trailer shows regular combat in [[Kingdom of Corona]], [[Twilight Town]], and [[Mysterious Tower]] with Sora, Donald and Goofy. Sora's combat options are the focus, demonstrating the return of Flowmotion, Shotlock, physical combos similar to those available in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', as well as the new Attraction Flows. Sora is seen fighting a group of [[Marluxia]]-themed [[Nobodies]]{{?}}<!--replace with name once we get it-->, as well as new flying Heartless similar to [[Red Nocturne]]s. The trailer ends with the Kingdom Hearts III logo, and "Now in Development."

<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''Jump Fest 2016'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">cm-vO2i85Dk</youtube>
|}
</center>

===''Orchestra -World Tour-'' Trailer===
As part of the first performance of ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-'' in Los Angeles on June 10, 2017, Square Enix launched a new trailer for ''Kingdom Hearts III''. The new trailer further showcases Olympus Coliseum and gameplay in that world, as Sora dives into Mt. Olympus and fights several Heartless using Shotlock-style attacks, alongside Donald, Goofy, and Hercules. It also showcases an attack using both Sora and Goofy. It then features a conversation amongst Maleficent, Pete, and Hades, where Maleficent asks for knowledge concerning a black box. Further gameplay and a battle against the Rock Titan is then shown. Later, Xemnas confronts Sora at the Old Mansion, stating that the only way to bring back Roxas is to use the power of darkness. The trailer ends with the logo, then an invitation for all to watch the next trailer at D23 in July. 
<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''Orchestra World Tour Trailer'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">eaHSpUZgW24</youtube>
|}
</center>
===''D23 2017 Trailer''===
<center>
{|border="1" style="text-align:center; border-radius:10px"
|style="border-radius:10px"|'''D23 2017 Trailer'''
|-
|style="border:1px solid #000000"|<youtube width="320" height="240">bOoH7xTFhW0</youtube>
|}
</center>

==Notes and references==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
*[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ Official JP Site]
*[http://archive.na.square-enix.com/KHIII/ Official NA Site]
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