Kingdom Hearts III
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{{Game|KH3|Real}}
{{Game|KH3|Real}}
{{suite}}
{{suite}}
{{Unreleased}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{Infobox CVG
|title=Kingdom Hearts III
|title=Kingdom Hearts III
|japan= キングダム ハーツ III
|japan= キングダム ハーツ III
|romaji=Kingudamu Hātsu Surī
|romaji=Kingudamu Hātsu III
|image=[[File:Kingdom Hearts III Logo KHIII.png|center|300px]]
|image=[[File:Kingdom Hearts III Logo KHIII.png|center|300px]]
|developer={{w|Square Enix}}
|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
|publisher={{w|Square Enix}}
|release=[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] January 25, 2019<ref>[https://twitter.com/_KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1005683605190803456 ''''Kingdom Hearts's JP twitter''''']</ref><br />
|release=[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] January 25, 2019<br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] January 29, 2019<br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]]/[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] January 29, 2019<br>'''PC:{{note|Digital only via Epic Games Store and Steam}}'''<br>[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] March 30, 2021<br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] March 30, 2021<br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]]/[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] March 30, 2021<br>'''Nintendo Switch:{{note|Cloud Version}}'''<br>[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] February 10, 2022<ref>[https://twitter.com/_KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1483321654046433283 '''''Twitter (@_KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']</ref><br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] February 10, 2022<ref name="Switch">[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1483318234082250752 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5, 2.8, III + Re Mind (DLC) as well as the all-in-one Integrum Masterpiece all launch on Nintendo Switch via cloud on February 10th!"</ref><br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]] February 10, 2022<ref name="Switch" />
[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] January 29, 2019<ref name="KHWO">[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1005683145990025216 '''''Kingdom Hearts's twitter''''']</ref><ref name="D3 Trailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4y7UK4nqnQ '''''KINGDOM HEARTS III – D23 2017 Toy Story Trailer''''']</ref><br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]] January 29, 2019<br>[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] January 29, 2019
|genre=Console action role-playing game
|genre=Console action role-playing game
|modes=Single player
|modes=Single player
|ratings={{w|ESRB}}:[[File:Ratingsymbol e10.gif|12px|Everyone 10+]]Everyone 10+
|ratings={{w|ESRB}}:[[File:Ratingsymbol e10.gif|12px|Everyone 10+]]Everyone 10+<br>{{w|PEGI}}:[[File:PEGI 12.png|12px|12+]]12+
|platforms={{w|PlayStation 4}}<br>{{w|Xbox One}}<ref>[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ '''''Kingdom Hearts III official site''''']</ref>
|platforms={{w|PlayStation 4}}<br>{{w|Xbox One}}<br>{{w|Personal computer}}<br>{{w|Nintendo Switch}}
|style=kh3
}}
}}
'''''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.
{{q|The ultimate battle for KINGDOM HEARTS is upon us.|Tagline}}
'''''Kingdom Hearts III''''' is the eleventh title in the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series. It was officially announced at E3 2013, and is the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game available on multiple platforms at launch, releasing on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.


''Kingdom Hearts III'' will serve as the final chapter of the [[Dark Seeker Saga]], and will focus primarily on the events leading up to the final showdown between [[Sora]] and [[Master Xehanort]].
''Kingdom Hearts III'' serves as the final chapter of the [[Dark Seeker Saga]], dealing with the events leading up to the final showdown between [[Sora]] and [[Master Xehanort]]. It focuses on Sora's journey to reclaim the [[power of waking]] and gather the [[Seven Guardians of Light]] to combat the sinister plans of the [[real Organization XIII]].


''Kingdom Hearts III'' was originally scheduled to be released in 2018,<ref name="D3 Trailer"/> but at the 2018 E3 presentation, Square Enix announced it had been postponed until January 25, 2019 for Japan and January 29, 2019 for the rest of the world.<ref name="KHWO"/>
A playable prologue to ''Kingdom Hearts III'' called ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'' was released as part of the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' collection.


There is a playable prologue to ''Kingdom Hearts III'' called ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'' as part of ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]''.
The game has two theme songs. The opening theme song is "[[Face My Fears]]", which is a collaboration between Utada Hikaru and Skrillex. The ending theme song is "[[Don't Think Twice]]" (titled "Chikai" in the Japanese version), written and performed by Utada Hikaru.


The game has two theme songs. The opening theme song is "[[Face My Fears]]" which is a collaboration between Utada Hikaru and Skrillex. The ending theme song is "[[Don't Think Twice]]" (titled "Chikai" in the Japanese version) performed by Utada Hikaru.
A downloadable expansion pack titled ''[[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]]'' was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 for the PlayStation 4 and on February 25, 2020 for the Xbox One. It added new gameplay and story elements.
 
''Kingdom Hearts III'' was released alongside ''Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far'' as part of the compendium pack ''[[Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package]]''. ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' were released as a single game on March 30, 2021 for PC via the Epic Games Store and later Steam,<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1792722028354818287 '''''Twitter (@_KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "Kingdom Hearts is coming to Steam! Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC) launch on June 13th 👑"</ref> and on February 10, 2022 for Nintendo Switch as a Cloud version as part of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece]]''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1445402204190515216 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)'''''] "Cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts 1.5+2.5, 2.8 and 3 (+ Re Mind) are coming to Nintendo Switch"</ref>


==Development==
==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.  
The game was announced to be in development alongside a trailer during the {{w|Electronic Entertainment Expo}} (E3) in June 2013. A trailer was later released at the first D23 Exposition in Japan in October 2013, revealing initial gameplay.


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/ '''''Dengeki Playstation''''': "『キングダム ハーツ HD 2.5 リミックス』安江泰氏インタビュー。HD化にまつわる開発秘話の他、最新作『KHIII』の話題も【E3 2014】"]</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>
For E3 2014, Square Enix released a thirty-second trailer as part of a trailer to ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX]]''. In the Square Enix Present segment, co-director Tai Yasue revealed the sequence seen in the E3 2014 teaser would be relevant from the beginning of the game and 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/ '''''Dengeki Playstation''''': "『キングダム ハーツ HD 2.5 リミックス』安江泰氏インタビュー。HD化にまつわる開発秘話の他、最新作『KHIII』の話題も【E3 2014】"]</ref> On September 17, 2014, Square Enix announced [[Tetsuya Nomura]] would be stepping down as director for ''Final Fantasy XV'' so 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-->
<!-- "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 PlayStation Access, Nomura confirmed that characters from the ''Final Fantasy'' series will appear once again.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmcaxvmj5nU '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 8 Things You Need To Know"], "#2 Final Fantasy characters in KH3", '''Nomura''': "I want them in."</ref>
During the Square Enix E3 Conference on June 16, 2015, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series's executive producer, Shinji Hashimoto, revealed the first gameplay trailer which shows Sora in a new outfit. Sora is seen wielding new Keyblades, fighting new 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> In the Square Enix Presents segment, Nomura revealed 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 a PlayStation Access interview, Nomura confirmed ''Final Fantasy'' characters will return.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmcaxvmj5nU '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 8 Things You Need To Know"], "#2 Final Fantasy characters in KH3", '''Nomura''': "I want them in."</ref>
 
During Disney's D23 Expo 2015, Shinji Hashimoto announced a world based on ''{{w|Big Hero 6 (film)|Big Hero 6}}''; [[San Fransokyo]].<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>
 
In a ''Famitsu'' interview, Nomura confirmed the game would contain a secret movie.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/23081572.html ''''' Famitsu''''', 25 June 2015], '''Nomura''': "We are steadily progressing and deciding what to do with the ending… as well as considering content for the secret movie."</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>
In their financial Results Briefing Session, Square Enix President and Representative Director Yosuke Matsuda and Chief Financial Officer Kazuharu Watanabe stated the expected release 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>


In an interview with Japanese gaming magazine ''Famitsu'', Nomura confirmed that the game would contain a secret movie.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/23081572.html ''''' Famitsu''''', 25 June 2015], '''Nomura''': "We are steadily progressing and deciding what to do with the ending… as well as considering content for the secret movie."</ref>
During Disney D23 Expo 2017, Nomura showed a trailer depicting [[Toy Box]], a ''{{w|Toy Story}}'' world, and announced the game would be released in 2018.<ref name="D3 Trailer"/> Nomura stated the game's delay is not due to development issues, but rather technical decisions made by Square Enix such as moving the game to Unreal Engine 4.<ref>[https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/07/kingdom-hearts-3-director-says-its-squares-fault-the-game-is-taking-so-long/ '''''Kotaku''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Says It's Square's Fault The Game Is Taking So Long"]</ref> Nomura confirmed the ''Toy Story'' world features an original storyline set sometime after ''{{w|Toy Story 2}}'', and hinted there would be another playable character besides Sora.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-hints-at-second-playable-character '''''IGN''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR HINTS AT SECOND PLAYABLE CHARACTER"], '''Nomura''': "So it would be tough to introduce many, multiple playable characters, but there is an intention of adding a playable character aside from Sora. Unfortunately we're not able to disclose who it is yet, but there will be [another playable character]."</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>
In April 2018, a collaboration campaign between ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]'', titled "[[Kingdom Hearts Make Your Mark]]" was announced where the 300 players could have their name appear in ''Kingdom Hearts III''.<ref>[https://cache.sqex-bridge.jp/api/information/detail/39483?lang=en '''''Kingdom Hearts Union χ''''': "Make Your Mark in KHIII!"]</ref>


During Disney D23 Expo 2017, Tetsuya Nomura showed a trailer depicting a world based on ''{{w|Toy Story}}'', and announced that the game would be released in 2018.<ref name="D3 Trailer"/> Nomura confirms that game will feature a completely original and exclusive storyline for the ''Toy Story'' world, which takes place sometime after ''{{w|Toy Story 2}}'', and hints there will be another playable character aside from Sora.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-hints-at-second-playable-character '''''IGN''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR HINTS AT SECOND PLAYABLE CHARACTER"], '''Nomura''': "So it would be tough to introduce many, multiple playable characters, but there is an intention of adding a playable character aside from Sora. Unfortunately we’re not able to disclose who it is yet, but there will be [another playable character]."</ref>
During Disney's D23 Expo Japan 2018 Conference, a private ''Kingdom Hearts'' event was held where two trailers were revealed. In one, [[Monstropolis]], a ''{{w|Monsters, Inc.}}'' world was confirmed, while the other announced {{w|Utada Hikaru}} would perform the theme song, titled "Don't Think Twice" ("Oath" in Japanese). The event also revealed the game was being developed by the largest developing team in the history of the series,<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018">[http://jp.ign.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-ps4/21908/news/d23-expo-japaniii11 '''''IGN''''': 11 New pieces of information from D23 Expo Japan that have shed some light on Kingdom Hearts 3]</ref> including 100 people from the Square Enix's Tokyo offices.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018">[https://youtu.be/cn1AMOmcPy8 '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 New Things we've had Confirmed"]</ref> The return of the Gummi Ship was confirmed, and it was revealed the gameplay for it, now playable as open-world instead of the preset paths from the first two games, had been split into "Battle" and "Searching" phases.<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018"/> The game was revealed to have been developed in three parts, with the first part being about 90% done, and the second between 60% and 70% done. Nomura noted the final world would feature "something incredible" he wanted to do for a while.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018"/>


During Disney's D23 Expo Japan 2018 Conference, a private ''Kingdom Hearts'' event was held during which two new trailers were revealed. During one, the world based on ''{{w|Monsters, Inc.}}'' was confirmed, while the second one announced that {{w|Utada Hikaru}} would be performing the theme song for the game, titled "Don't Think Twice" ("Oath" in Japanese). The event also revealed that the game was being developed by the largest developing team in the history of the series,<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018">[http://jp.ign.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-ps4/21908/news/d23-expo-japaniii11 '''''IGN''''': 11 New pieces of information from D23 Expo Japan that have shed some light on Kingdom Hearts 3]</ref> including 100 people from the Square Enix's Tokyo offices.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018">[https://youtu.be/cn1AMOmcPy8 '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 New Things we've had Confirmed"]</ref> The return of the Gummi Ship was also reaffirmed, and it was revealed that the gameplay for it, now playable as open-world instead of the preset paths from the first two games, had been split into "Battle" and "Searching" phases.<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018"/> The game was revealed to have been developed in three parts, with the first part being about 90% done, and the second between 60% and 70% done. Nomura also noted that the final world would feature "something incredible" that he has been wanting to do for a while, though no details were given.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018"/>
''Kingdom Hearts III'' was originally scheduled to be released in 2018,<ref name="D3 Trailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4y7UK4nqnQ '''''KINGDOM HEARTS III – D23 2017 Toy Story Trailer''''']</ref> but at the 2018 E3 presentation, Square Enix announced it had been postponed until January 25, 2019 for Japan and January 29, 2019 globally.<ref name="KHWO">[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1005683145990025216 '''''@KINGDOMHEARTS''''']</ref>


During the Los Angeles performance of the ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-'' in 2018, the game's released date was anounced as January 25, 2019 in Japan and January 29, 2019 worldwide.<ref name="KHWO/> Two trailers were released, the first one confirming that ''{{w|Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen}}'' was a playable world along with confirming a number of returning characters, the second video, a Square Enix E3 Showcase 2018 trailer, which is similar to the first but with extra footage confirming a few more returning characters. Another video was released shortly afterwards to show a new ''Pirates of the Caribbean'' world, this one based on ''{{w|Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End}}''.<ref>[https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-3-pirates-of-the-carribbean-trailer/ Kingdom Hearts 3 Showcases Pirates of the Caribbean]</ref> Nomura confirmed that there were no plans for a Final Mix version and that if there was additional content, it would be through patches and DLC.<ref>[https://gearnuke.com/kingdom-hearts-3-no-final-mix-confirmed-secret-movie/ Kingdom Hearts 3 Won’t Get Any Final Mix Release, Confirmed To Have A Secret Movie]</ref>
During the Los Angeles performance of the ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-'' in 2018, the game's release date was announced as January 25, 2019 in Japan and January 29, 2019 worldwide.<ref name="KHWO"/> Two trailers were released, the first one confirming [[Arendelle]], a world based on ''{{w|Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen}}'', along with confirming a number of returning characters, the second video, a Square Enix E3 Showcase 2018 trailer, which is similar to the first but with extra footage confirming a few more returning characters. Another video was released shortly afterwards to show a [[The Caribbean]], based on ''{{w|Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End}}''.<ref>[https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-3-pirates-of-the-carribbean-trailer/ '''''Game Rant'''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Showcases Pirates of the Caribbean"]</ref> Nomura confirmed there were no plans for a Final Mix version and that if there was additional content, it would be through patches and DLC.<ref>[https://gearnuke.com/kingdom-hearts-3-no-final-mix-confirmed-secret-movie/ '''''GearNuke''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Won't Get Any Final Mix Release, Confirmed To Have A Secret Movie"]</ref>


During the Tokyo Game Show 2018, Tetsuya Nomura stated that like with the previous games, ''Kingdom Hearts III'' will also have a Secret Ending. However, the staff are still deciding that unlike past games they might want to use a different unlock method from before of having the Secret Ending exclusive only as DLC to be fair to avoid spoilers and also stated they are also considering adding online features.<ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-22/tetsuya-nomura-kingdom-hearts-will-not-end-with-kingdom-hearts-iii/.137160 Tetsuya Nomura: ''Kingdom Hearts'' Will Not End with ''Kingdom Hearts III'']</ref>  
During Tokyo Game Show 2018, Nomura talked more about the Secret Ending and how staff were considering a different unlock method from before, such as having the Secret Ending be exclusive DLC to avoid spoilers. They also considered adding online features.<ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-22/tetsuya-nomura-kingdom-hearts-will-not-end-with-kingdom-hearts-iii/.137160 '''''Anime News Network''''': "Tetsuya Nomura: ''Kingdom Hearts'' Will Not End with ''Kingdom Hearts III''"]</ref>  


On November 20 2018, the development for the game was confirmed to be completed.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1064881296915095552 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "...And guess what? We've wrapped up development of #KingdomHearts III! If you haven't had the chance yet, now would be a good time to prep by playing 1.5+2.5 & 2.8. See you next month!"</ref>
On November 20, 2018, the development for the game was confirmed to be completed.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1064881296915095552 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "...And guess what? We've wrapped up development of #KingdomHearts III! If you haven't had the chance yet, now would be a good time to prep by playing 1.5+2.5 & 2.8. See you next month!"</ref>


In December 2018, several copies of ''Kingdom Hearts III'' was leaked online after an individual stole copies from the manufacturer a month prior to the release date. Tetsuya Nomura later released a statement on the ''Kingdom Hearts'' official Twitter account, notifying fans that Square Enix are aware of the leaks and are working to rectify the situation, as well as urging fans not to share videos or images of the game before is released on January 29, 2019.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1074192394176815105 An important message for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' from Director Tetsuya Nomura]</ref><ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/16/kingdom-hearts-3-has-reportedly-leaked-online-beware-of-spoilers UPDATE: ''KINGDOM HEARTS III'' DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO REPORTED LEAKS]</ref>
In December 2018, several videos of the game were leaked online after an individual stole copies from the manufacturer a month prior to release. Nomura released a statement on the ''Kingdom Hearts'' official Twitter account, notifying fans Square Enix was aware of the leaks and are working to rectify the situation, as well as urging fans not to share leaked media before the game's release.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1074192394176815105 An important message for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' from Director Tetsuya Nomura]</ref><ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/16/kingdom-hearts-3-has-reportedly-leaked-online-beware-of-spoilers '''''IGN''''': "''KINGDOM HEARTS III'' DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO REPORTED LEAKS"]</ref>
 
''Star Wars'' and Marvel titles were some of the most requested themes to appear in the game, but were unable due to legal issues.<ref>[https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/397863-kingdom-hearts-3-not-having-star-wars-or-avengers-is-finally-explained '''''GameRevolution''''': "''Kingdom Hearts III'' Not Having ''Star Wars'' or ''Avengers'' Is Finally Explained"]</ref>
 
An additional difficulty mode, Critical Mode, was eventually released. Nomura also mentioned there will be paid DLC which is planned to release in 2019.<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/886/1886230/ ''Kingdom Hearts III'' Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS)]; '''Interviewer''': "There's no "Critical Mode" difficulty level in this game. Was there a reason you didn't include it?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "Critical Mode wasn't originally in the base versions of the game, they were an extra feature we added to the ''Final Mix'' versions. So, we will be following that and releasing it for download later on. It's not simply a matter of changing numbers and making things stronger; we fine-tune and debug multiple times. We are polishing things to make sure it's not simply a "more difficult mode," and is as fun as you would expect from Critical." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/Dengeki-Playstation-interviews-Nomura-on-Kingdom-Hearts-3-14711 Translation via Goldpanner].</ref>
 
Nomura plans to explain how Xion was revived and recruited into the real Organization XIII in the DLC.<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/886/1886230/ ''Kingdom Hearts III'' Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS)]; '''Interviewer''': "The process behind reviving Ventus and Roxas was fairly easy to understand, but how was Xion brought back, and how did she end up in the New Organisation XIII?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "I think it's possible to figure it out for yourself. However, I do plan to explain it in DLC." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/Dengeki-Playstation-interviews-Nomura-on-Kingdom-Hearts-3-14711 Translation via Goldpanner].</ref>
 
On March 14, 2019, Square Enix announced that Olaf's Japanese voice actor will be replaced in a future update, after his original voice actor, {{w|Pierre Taki}}, was arrested after admitting to drug usage.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/topics/detail/745/ Notice of "Kingdom Hearts III" voice actor change and update delivery]</ref><ref>[https://www.siliconera.com/2019/03/14/kingdom-hearts-iii-is-changing-olafs-japanese-voice-in-an-update-following-arrest-of-pierre-taki/ '''''Siliconera''''': "Kingdom Hearts III Is Changing Olaf's Japanese Voice In An Update Following Pierre Taki's Arrest"]</ref>
 
On June 8, 2019, during the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-]]'' concert, a trailer for an downloadable expansion pack titled ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' was announced. It will add new gameplay and story elements. During Square Enix's E3 2019 broadcast, the same trailer that premiered at the ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-'' was shown again, except with the added information the expansion will be released during Winter 2019-2020.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqD_cz85S1A '''''KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind DLC Trailer (E3 2019) (Closed Captions)''''']</ref>


==Story==
==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}}
{{Q|Believing light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the 'tyranny of light' to restore equilibrium.<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}}
After [[Master Xehanort]]'s return, [[Yen Sid]] begins searching for seven [[Guardians of Light]] to counteract Xehanort's plan to forge the [[χ-blade]] using the [[real Organization XIII]]. He tells [[Sora]] that he has lost much of his own strength as a result nearly being taken over by Xehanort when latter tried to use him as 13th vessel for his heart{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}}. Backed up by [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]], Sora taken advice from Yen Sid to travel to meet [[Hercules]] who also lost and later regained his powers not long ago. The most important power Sora must regain is his "[[Power of waking]]", the ability to restore lost hearts, which he failed to master during his [[Mark of Mastery Exam]]. Meanwhile, [[Riku]] and [[King Mickey]] traverse the [[Realm of Darkness]] looking for [[Aqua]], while [[Kairi]] and [[Lea]], safely train to use their [[Keyblade]]s to fight.
 
During each of their travels, Sora and Riku are contacted by [[Ienzo]], who has deciphered pieces of [[Ansem's Code]] to learn that Sora's body contains the hearts of [[Roxas]], [[Ventus]], and [[Xion]]. Riku realizes that the Organization's members from the past are using [[replica]]s 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.
[[File:Ansem and Xemnas 02 KHIII.png|thumb|left|Ansem and Xemnas tell Sora that he should accept the Darkness.]]
In search for Power of Waking, Sora, Donald and Goofy land in [[Twilight Town]] where they stumble on [[Hayner]], [[Pence]], and [[Olette]], chased by [[Demon Tide]]. After it's defeat, Sora asks if the trio knows Roxas, showing them a photo they made together back in the [[Virtual Twilight Town]]. The trio respond that they don't know who the boy is, but Hayner mention that name sounds familiar. They head to the Old Mansion where, with Ienzo's help they attempt to hack into computer to reach simulation.
 
In their way back to the town, Sora, Donald and Goofy are meet by Ansem and Xemnas, who tried to convince Sora to give his Heart to Darkness. Goofy guess that both Ansem and Xemnas used to be [[Terra-Xehanort|one person]] but now their both stand here. The Seekers of Darkness does not pay attention to that claim and insisted that Sora should become a Heartless, as it's only way to bring Roxas back. They summon a couple of [[Neoshadow]]s and [[Dusk]]s before disappearing.
 
After a short fight, Sora is now willing bring Roxas back "with all his Heart". The trio return to Twilight Town where Sora tell Hayner, Pence, and Olette they need to wish Roxas to return, with all their hearts. Meanwhile, on the near roof Xigbar tells Ansem and Xemnas that they make it too obvious, but Xemnas tells him that they were instructed to guide Sora and, if he refuse to take path they carve, they will simply destroy him. Xigbar reminds them that they will be left without last vessel.
 
[[File:Too Late 01 KHIII.png|thumb|Aqua corrupted by darkness.]]
Meanwhile, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness enters the Realm of Darkness and tries to secure [[Ansem the Wise]]. Aqua tried to stop Xehanort but was overpowered by the [[Dark Figure]]. Ansem begs Xehanort to spare Aqua's life by willingly go with him. However, Xehanort throws Aqua in water, where she succumbs to Darkness.
 
Vexen reveals himself to be a double agent loyal to Ansem the Wise and he helps rescue him before sending an extra replica to Ienzo for Roxas to live in.
 
Riku and Mickey locate and battle the [[Anti-Aqua|corrupted Aqua]] in the realm of darkness. At the same time, Sora finds the [[Master's Defender]] on [[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 resurrects Ventus, who fights Vanitas off.
 
[[File:The Xehanorts Gather 01 KHIII.png|thumb|left|The guardians surrounded by Heartless.]]
With the seven [[Keyblade wielder]]s, they 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 with the help of Kairi and [[Chirithy]] and uses the power of waking to revive his friends. However, [[Young Xehanort]] warns that abusing this power will result in him losing his own heart again. Returning moments before their defeat, the guardians of [[light]] eliminate most of the Organization's members; in the process, Terra, his heart revealed to be inside the [[Dark Figure]], regains control of his body and reunites with Aqua and Ventus, while Lea reunites with Xion, whom Vexen restored for the Organization, and Roxas, who regains his own heart to protect Lea and Xion.
 
[[File:Checkmate 01 KHIII.png|thumb|Eraqus and Xehanort leave for The Final World together.]]
When only Xehanort remains, 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 and fatally injure him. After the other Keyblade wielders rejoin the trio, [[Eraqus]]'s spirit emerges from Terra's body and convinces Xehanort to surrender before he dies. Xehanort and Eraqus depart together to Kingdom Hearts, while Sora and his friends use the χ-blade to close Kingdom Hearts and return to their own time.
 
[[File:Ending 05 KHIII.png|thumb|200px|left|Sora has his last moments with Kairi.]]
Trying to save Kairi, Sora uses the power of waking again to revive her; despite the risk of becoming lost forever, Sora promises to return. Afterwards, Eraqus's students return to the Land of Departure where Ventus reunites with Chirithy; Roxas, [[Isa]], Lea, and Xion stay in Twilight Town and [[Naminé]] is restored in a replica obtained during the battle with Xehanort. Sora's friends gather at the Destiny Islands, where Kairi stays beside Sora before he fades away.
 
[[Xigbar]], who survived the [[Keyblade War]], retrieves Xehanort's [[No Name]] Keyblade and summons four of the five [[foreteller]]s, 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 [[Alba & Ater]] enacting a battle between seven dark pieces, and then placing a white piece on the board.
{{-}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
Line 64: Line 107:
*"Big Magic Mountain"
*"Big Magic Mountain"
-->
-->
=== Combat features ===
*The [[Command Menu]] from ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' will return.<ref>[http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/8227381.html '''''Dengeki Playstation'''''], '''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. The "Focus" gauge which originated from ''Birth by Sleep'' returns and is also meant for [[Shotlock]]s.{{fact}}
===Growth path===
The player can choose their growth path in the [[Dive to the Heart]]. The first set of options are Wisdom, Vitality, and Balance, with the first focusing on MP, the second on HP, and the third focusing on both HP and MP equally. For example, if the player chooses Vitality, he will begin the game with 120 HP and 100 MP. By the end of the game, he should have 135 MP and 270 HP.
 
The second set of options are Guardian, Warrior, and Mystic, with the first being focused on Defense, the second on Attack, and the third on Magic. For example, if the player chooses Guardian, Sora will gain [[Withstand Combo]], an excellent defensive ability, at level 4. However, if they choose Warrior, Sora will not learn Withstand Combo until level 26.


* [[Drive Form]]s return. These include;
===Combat features===
**"Guardian Form,"<ref>[https://store.na.square-enix.com/product/448649/kingdom-hearts-iii-bring-arts-sora-guardian-form-ver '''''Square Enix Online Store''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS III BRING ARTS SORA (GUARDIAN FORM VER.)"]</ref> a form that transforms Sora's Keyblade into a shield,
[[File:Kingdom of Corona Keyblade (Trailer) KHIII.png|thumb|Situation Commands seen on the left side are unlocked through battle performance.]]
**"Power Form,"<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/791654547542376448 '''''Kingdom Hearts Official Twitter'''''], "This power form was edited as it is the Keyblade from a world that hasn’t been released yet, so it has changed into a hammer shape."</ref>
The [[Command Menu]] from ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' returns. 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. The "Focus" gauge which from ''Birth by Sleep'' returns and is also meant for [[Shotlock]]s which are now tied to [[Keyblades]]. [[Reaction Command]]s are replaced by [[Situation Command]]s.
**"Second Form," a form that grants Sora's clothing similar to that of his outfit from ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHSpUZgW24&t=93s '''''Kingdom Hearts III Orchestra trailer''''']</ref>


[[File:Kingdom of Corona Keyblade (Trailer) KHIII.png|thumb|250px|Situation Commands seen on the left side are unlocked through battle performance.]]
Shortcuts return which function like in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. The player can now arrange commands in three separate configurations, similar to the Deck System with the {{c|Cards|com}} from ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', and the [[Panel System]] from ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''.


*[[Reaction Command]]s will be replaced by [[Situation Command]]s.<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/072/1072889/ '''''Dengeki Playstation''''': "リメイク版『FFVII』クラウド女装イベントの有無を野村哲也氏に聞く。『KHIII』にQTEはない【E3 2015】"], '''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." / '''Interviewer''': "Are there no longer Reaction Commands in boss battles?" / '''Nomura''': "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."</ref><ref>[http://blog.hokanko-alt.com/archives/50265296.html '''''Dengeki Playstation'''''], '''Nomura''': "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>
[[Formchange]] is a new mechanic that allows Sora to transform his Keyblade into a variety of weapons or change his [[abilities]]. Each Keyblade have at least two transformations, with the second activating if Sora connects enough combos, similar to [[Command Style]]s or Situation Commands. After activating a Keyblade transformation, said transformation will be saved when switching out. To enter a Formchange, Sora must use a Keyblade transformation by using the Situation Command, although [[Second Form]], [[Rage Form]], and [[Ultimate Form]] are labeled exactly by their names.


*[[Attraction Flow]] 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''''': "「KINGDOM HEARTS III」「FF VII」のディレクター・野村哲也氏インタビュー"], '''4Gamer:''' "There were various techniques that strongly resembled theme park attractions, weren't there?" / '''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> This includes "Big Magic Mountain", "Pirate Ship", "Blaster Blaze", "Splash Run", "Magic Carousel", and "Mad Tea Cups".
Sora can now equip up to three [[Keychains]] for his Keyblade, and can switch between them on the fly by pressing {{button|left}} or {{button|right}} while the cursor is on the [[Attack]] command. This means the player can use up to three different Formchanges in active combat apart from Rage Mode.


*Sora's Keyblade can transform into various items, such as a double bow gun or a chariot to attack enemies.<ref name="skills"/> It is currently planned for each Keyblade to have two transformations, with the second activating if Sora connects enough combos, similar to [[Command Style]]s or [[Situation Command]]s.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl8uC4wrRHQ&t=2m42s '''''D23 2015 presentation'''''], '''Nomura''': "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><ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/07/16/nomura-reveals-more-on-keyblade-transformations-and-summons.aspx '''''GameInformer''''': "Nomura Reveals More On Kingdom Hearts III's Keyblade Transformations And Summons"], '''Nomura''': "First and foremost, each keyblade will have its own form that it can transform into, and it’s different per keyblade. There are at least two different forms it can take. For example, in Toy Story, you saw the giant hammer and then the drill. Another one was at the beginning of the trailer where you saw Sora shoot arrows and it [then] turned into a bazooka, so there are two different forms. It also has multiple layers in terms of transforming; you start out with your first phase of transformation, and if you successfully connect your combos, the [next] transformation will happen. We’re still trying to finalize the specifications, but that being said, it is subject to change, so it might evolve into something even more impressive."</ref> Trailers indicate that these transformations will sometimes change Sora's outfit, as well.<ref name="D3 Trailer"/>
The character images on the HUD are more expressive, no longer being fixed for the teammates: like Sora, they smile when they're on the overworld, appear angry when fighting, have a pained expression when they take damage and look tired when their HP are low. If a teammate has lost all their HP, they have their eyes closed and their image is darkened.
<!--provide citation:
**Keyblade names are Ever After for ''Tangled'', Smile Gear for ''Monsters, Inc.'', Infinity Badge for ''Toy Story'', Rudder of Fate for ''Pirates of the Carribbean'', Nano Gear for ''Big Hero 6'', and Crystal Snow for ''Frozen''.-->


*Sora can now switch between three Keychains on the fly by pressing the Right Directional Button while the the cursor in on the Attack Command. Also after activating a Keyblade transformation, said transformation will be saved when switching out. Known Keychains include: "Shooting Star", "Ever After", "Smile Gear", "Infinity Badge", "Rudder of Fate", "Crystal Snow", "Nano Gear", "[[Starlight]]", (Kingdom Hearts Union χ event exclusive), and "[[Dawn Till Dusk]]" (7/11 / Amazon preorder exclusive), [[Phantom Green]] (Xbox One pre-order exclusive), [[Midnight Blue]] (PlayStation 4 pre-order exclusive){{?}}
Keychains can now [[level]] up to become stronger through the upgrading them with materials in the [[Keyblade Forge]].
**Furthermore, Keychains can now level up to become stronger.<ref>[https://www.geek.com/games/hands-on-kingdom-hearts-3-is-fun-even-if-youve-new-to-the-series-1746047/ '''''Geek.com''''': "Hands-On: Kingdom Hearts 3 is Fun Even if You've New to the Series"], "Players can now equip up to three different keyblades at once. They can also level up each keyblade to make them stronger. Before, there was no incentive to continue using keyblades obtained from previous worlds since the newer keyblades were more powerful. Now, keyblades you have a fondness for are viable even later in the game since you can level them up."</ref>


*[[Blizzard]] and [[Aero]] magic will return. Similar to ''0.2'', magic will affect the surrounding environment—for example, Blizzard will create a sheet of ice to slide on and Aero will move and shape the grass.<ref name="Magic">[http://www.khinsider.com/news/Roundtable-Chat-with-Tetsuya-Nomura-at-E3-2015-5582 '''''KHInsider''''': "Roundtable Chat with Tetsuya Nomura at E3 2015!"], '''Interviewer''': "How did magic evolve for Kingdom Hearts 3?" / '''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> Sora will be also able to cast fourth tier spells (previously localized as -za, -ja, or -agun).<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-confirms-gummi-ship-will-return-new-magic-ability-tiers '''''IGN''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR CONFIRMS GUMMI SHIP WILL RETURN, NEW MAGIC ABILITY TIERS"], '''Nomura''': "The background of the tier of the magic, up until now, only King Mickey was able to utilize the most powerful form of magic [which was "Stopza" in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]. It has existed, and then in 2.8, as Aqua becomes Key Blade Master, she is also able to control the highest form of certain magic. As you noticed, it is a higher tier of magic, and Sora is going to be able to use that in Kingdom Hearts III as well."</ref>
[[Attractions]], a type of Situation Command, are a new feature which lets the [[party]] execute skills based on theme park attractions. An attraction sequence can easily be skipped by pressing {{button|square}} or {{button|x}} or turned off completely from the Options menu.


*Disney characters will join Sora's team as temporary party members or summons.<ref>[http://www.khinsider.com/news/Roundtable-Chat-with-Tetsuya-Nomura-at-E3-2015-5582 '''''KHInsider''''': "Roundtable Chat with Tetsuya Nomura at E3 2015!"], '''Interviewer''': "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?" / '''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> Trailers indicate that some worlds will have more than one local party member, and that they will be able to fight alongside Sora without replacing Donald or Goofy.<ref name="D3 Trailer"/>
Similar to ''0.2'', magic affects the surrounding environment—for example, [[Blizzard]] will create a sheet of ice to slide on and [[Aero]] will move and shape the grass. If Sora uses enough [[magic]], he can use more powerful magic. For example, using [[Fire]] repeatedly can allow him to use Fira as a Situation Command.
* The Summon system will operate very differently from in ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref>[http://kh13.com/news/37026-nomura-interviewed-about-kingdom-hearts-iii-hd-1-5-remix '''''Square Enix Members livestream'''''], '''Interviewer''': "Will summoning be returning to Kingdom Hearts III?" / '''Nomura''': "Yes. Summon is going to be available, but in a very different form. In previous titles, Disney characters could be summoned. But in Kingdom Hearts III, it will be a completely different system."</ref> Summons are now called Links with Ariel's "Lagoon Showtime", Ralph's "8 Bit Blast", Simba's "Kingsflare", and Meow Wow's "Wonder Balloon". A summon sequence can easily be skipped by pressing {{button|square}}.


*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''''': "「KINGDOM HEARTS III」「FF VII」のディレクター・野村哲也氏インタビュー"], '''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>
Characters join Sora's team as temporary party members. Now the limit of party members has been expanded from 3 to 5, so Donald and Goofy no longer need to be replaced. The AI has been improved, so allies can invite Sora into special techniques (similar to the [[Limit]] attacks from ''Kingdom Hearts II''). However, enemies are also able to work together. Some enemies also have "armor" mode where their [[HP]] bar becomes blue and they can use powerful attacks until enough damage is dealt to end it.
 
The [[Summon]] system operates very differently from in ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II''. Summons are now called [[Link]]s with Ariel's "Lagoon Showtime", Ralph's "8 Bit Blast", Simba's "Kingsflare", Meow Wow's "Wonder Balloon", and Stitch's "Plasma Encounter". A summon sequence can easily be skipped by pressing {{button|square}} or {{button|x}} or turned off completely from the Options menu.


=== Exploration ===
=== Exploration ===
*Nearly all worlds are new to the series. However, there is some familiarity seen in Twilight Town, Hercules's world and the Pirates of the Carribean world.<ref>[http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/8227381.html '''''Dengeki Playstation'''''], '''Nomura''': "I can't speak in detail, but apart from Olympus, nearly all the worlds are new."</ref>
Worlds in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' are more open world with less loading screens. In the [[The Caribbean]], Sora has his own ship and the player can sail the seas, fight enemy ships and explore various small islands.
*Autorunning (Athletic Flow in Japanese)<!--use correct template for Nihongo, give source for Flow Chain-->, a mechanic based on [[Flowmotion]], will allow the player to interact with the environment, like running up walls that faintly glow.<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/07/16/nomura-reveals-more-on-keyblade-transformations-and-summons.aspx '''''GameInformer''''': "Nomura Reveals More On Kingdom Hearts III's Keyblade Transformations And Summons"], '''Nomura''': "It’s a new mechanic that we’re implementing in Kingdom Hearts III. The Japanese name is Athletic Flow. I don’t know what the English final name is just yet. It’s based on the Flow Motion mechanic, and it’s basically revamped and introduced as a new mechanic in Kingdom Hearts III. You’ll be utilizing the environment to propel yourself to an area that you’re not normally able to go to, or again, running up the cliff during battle. Those can be expected in each of the different worlds you’ll be traversing through."</ref>
 
* Textboxes when talking to NPCs are removed. The dialog is now voiced.
[[Free Running]] allows Sora to run up walls. When using the Shotlock reticle, Sora can airstep.


=== Other features ===
Textboxes when talking to NPCs are removed. The dialogue is now voiced.
*The game will contain mini-games.<ref>[http://www.psu.com/news/27678/Kingdom-Hearts-3-director-issues-a-new-development-update '''''Playstation Universe''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 director issues a new development update"], '''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> There is a cooking mini-game with Remy in Twilight Town.
*The [[Gummi Ship]] will return with a revised system.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-confirms-gummi-ship-will-return-new-magic-ability-tiers  '''''IGN''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR CONFIRMS GUMMI SHIP WILL RETURN, NEW MAGIC ABILITY TIERS"], '''Nomura''': "We can confirm that we do have Gummi Ships in Kingdom Hearts III because it is a numbered Kingdom Hearts title. You can expect that to show up, but it has evolved. We can't say how it has evolved, it's a secret, but Gummi Ships will be in Kingdom Hearts III."</ref> Traveling is described as being more "open world".<ref>[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Recap-KINGDOM-HEARTS-3-Stage-Show-at-TGS-2018-13505 '''''Recap: KINGDOM HEARTS 3 Stage Show at TGS 2018'''''], "Gummi Ship is more open world. You can collect materials and upgrade your ship, there are 20-30 staff working on the Gummi stuff."</ref>
* Sora has a Gummiphone which can take selfies.


==Worlds and Characters==
The player can now instantly teleport between [[save point]]s in worlds instead of going to the world map.
{|width="100%"
|valign="top" width="25%"|
;Other
<!--move antagonists to the worlds they show up in?-->
*[[Donald Duck]]<!--anywhere Sora goes-->
*[[Goofy]]<!--anywhere Sora goes-->
*[[Mickey Mouse]]<!--End of Sea-->
*[[Jiminy Cricket]]<!--seen in gummi ship-->
*[[Lea]]<ref name="Gematsu"/><!--Twilight Town-->
*[[Maleficent]]<!--Olympus-->
*[[Pete]]<!--Olympus-->
*[[Ariel]]
*[[Ralph]]
*[[Meow Wow]]
*[[Simba]]
*[[Stitch]]<!--https://images.khinsider.com/KINGDOM%20HEARTS%20III/Screenshots/Square%20Enix%20North%20America%20-%20December%2014%202018/18.jpg-->
*[[Young Xehanort]]<!--Toy Box-->
*[[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]<!--Twilight Town, End of Sea-->
*[[Xemnas]]<!--Twilight Town-->
*[[Xigbar]]<!--Twilight Town, Olympus?-->
*[[Luxord]]<!--The Caribbean-->
*[[Marluxia]]<!--Kingdom of Corona-->
*[[Larxene]]<!--Arendelle-->
*[[Vanitas]]<!--Monstropolis, Land of Departure-->
*[[Master Xehanort]]<!--Keyblade Graveyard-->
*[[Vexen]]<!--Radiant Garden?-->
*[[Demyx]]<!--Radiant Garden, poss. other world-->
*[[Saïx]]<!--Twilight Town-->
*[[Riku Replica]]<!--poss. [[Data-Riku]] or [[Riku-Ansem]] --><!---San Fransokyo-->
*[[Terra-Xehanort]]<!--some place with sandstone or old bricks -- also seen with Roxas at end of TGS trailer and fighting Lingering Will in the Winnie the Pooh trailer-->
*[[Chirithy]]
*[[Lingering Will]]<!--Seen fighting Terra-Xehanort in the Winnie the Pooh trailer-->
*[[Merlin]]<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/kh3/world/index.html As mentioned in the "100 Acre Wood" summary, Sora is told by Merlin about the accident on the front page of Winnie's book]</ref>
;Unnamed World<ref name="Dengeki 2015">[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Scans-of-Kingdom-Hearts-3-from-Dengeki-Online-5637 '''''KHInsider''''': Scans of Kingdom Hearts III from Dengeki Online!]</ref><ref name="lod">[https://www.khinsider.com/news/KH3-Nomura-Interview-with-Dengeki-Mt-Olympus-Happy-Ending-Post-KH3-Direction-Undecided-5661 '''''Dengeki Playstation''''' via KHInsider], '''Interviewer''': "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?" / '''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="Dengeki 2015"/><ref name="lod"/>
*[[Xehanort]]<ref name="Dengeki 2015"/><ref name="lod"/>


;[[Dive to the Heart]]
===Other features===
[[File:Lucky Emblem KHIII.png|thumb|Sora photographs a Lucky Emblem.]]
The [[Gummi Ship]] returns with a revised system and going between worlds is more open-world.


;[[Destiny Islands]]
Sora has a [[Gummiphone]] which can take pictures of the environment, selfies, as well as [[Lucky Emblem]]s which are {{w|hidden Mickey}}s. The amount of Lucky Emblems photographed is tied to unlocking the Secret Ending. For example, on Beginner, the player must photograph all of them, but on Proud, the player only needs to photograph 30 of them.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/how-to-unlock-kingdom-hearts-iiis-secret-movie-1832011374 Tetsuya Nomura explains how to unlock ''Kingdom Hearts III'''s Secret Ending]</ref> The Gummiphone also takes on the role for [[Jiminy's Journal]], where the journal entries are stored in it.
*[[Kairi]]
*[[Riku]]
*[[Sora]]


;[[Mysterious Tower]]
The game contains [[mini-games]], such as a cooking mini-game with Little Chef in Twilight Town and harvesting mini-games in 100 Acre Wood. Returning from [[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]] are the [[Classic Kingdom]] mini-games, playable through the Gummiphone and collected mainly from [[treasure chest]]s.
*[[Yen Sid]]


;[[Disney Castle]]<!--https://images.khinsider.com/KINGDOM%20HEARTS%20III/Screenshots/Square%20Enix%20North%20America%20-%20December%2014%202018/14.png-->
[[Theater Mode]] is back, which is unlocked by completing Olympus. Unlike before, the cutscenes are now unlocked by completing each world, rather than having to complete the game itself.  
*[[Chip_and_Dale|Chip]]
*[[Dale]]


;[[Land of Departure]]
As with the compilation titles, there is a Streaming Restriction guideline, called "Before You Stream...", which can be viewed with the {{button|Triangle}} or Y button. It can also be viewed under the Game Options menu on the PC version by pressing the Esc Key in the Title Menu or Pause Menu, which also allows the option to change the text and voice language, key bindings for keyboard and mouse and gamepad, graphic quality, display resolution, refresh rate, framerate cap, etc.
*[[Aqua]]<!--End of Sea, Destiny Islands-->
*[[Ventus]]


;[[Radiant Garden]]
On Xbox One, pressing X will allow the player to change profiles.
*[[Ansem the Wise]]
{{-}}
*[[Ienzo]]


==Worlds and characters==
{|width="100%" class="responsive-col"
|valign="top" width="25%"|
|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Twilight Town]]<ref name="Dengeki 2015"/><ref name="worlds">[https://www.khinsider.com/news/KH3-Nomura-Interview-with-Dengeki-Mt-Olympus-Happy-Ending-Post-KH3-Direction-Undecided-5661 '''''Dengeki Playstation''''' via KHInsider], '''Interviewer''': "In regards to the worlds, can you confirm what they are?" / '''Nomura''': "Disney titles such as Tangled and Hercules, and another familiar to the series, Twilight Town. So that makes three." / '''Interviewer''': "Since Tangled made a new appearance for the series, what other new worlds are there?" / '''Nomura''': "I can’t talk about any further details except that Mt. Olympus will be a new world."</ref>
;[[Dive to the Heart]]
*[[Hayner]]
*[[Olette]]
*[[Pence]]
*[[Remy]]<ref name="Gematsu">[https://gematsu.com/2018/06/kingdom-hearts-iii-launches-january-25-2019-japan-asia-january-29-north-america-europe Kingdom Hearts III launches January 25, 2019 in Japan and Asia, January 29 in North America and Europe]</ref>
*[[Roxas]]<!--poss. also Data-Roxas?-->


;''[[End of Sea]]''
;[[Olympus]]
 
;[[Olympus]]<ref name="worlds"/><ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/886352194911391745 '''''Kingdom Hearts Official Twitter'''''], "The #KH3 D23 trailer featured a closer look at Mount Olympus & showed off the double Arrowguns and Magical Launcher, which will you wield?"</ref><!--should we create new world page, a la Symphony of Sorcery?-->
*[[Hades]]
*[[Hercules]]
*[[Hercules]]
*[[Ice Titan]]
*[[Lava Titan]]<!--source for in-universe name?-->
*[[Megara]]
*[[Megara]]
*[[Philoctetes]]
*[[Pegasus]]
*[[Pegasus]]
*[[Philoctetes]]
*[[Zeus]]
*[[Hermes]]
*[[Apollo]]
*[[Athena]]
*[[Hades]]
*[[Rock Titan]]
*[[Rock Titan]]
*[[Wind Titan]]<!--source for in-universe name?-->
*[[Ice Titan]]
*[[Zeus]]
*[[Lava Titan]]
*[[Tornado Titan]]
 
;[[Dark World]]
*[[Riku Replica]]
*[[Anti-Aqua]]
 
;[[The Mysterious Tower]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Yen Sid]]


;[[Kingdom of Corona]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/632280628143112193 '''''Kingdom Hearts Official Twitter'''''], "The Heartless Dandelions make quite an entrance in Rapunzel's Kingdom of Corona in the #kingdomhearts III trailer!"</ref>
;[[Disney Castle]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Flynn Rider]]<!--source for in-universe name?-->
*[[Donald Duck]]
*[[Maximus]]<!--source for in-universe name?-->
*[[Goofy]]
*[[Mother Gothel]]<ref>[https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/09/25/kingdom-hearts-iiis-voice-cast-includes-movie-voice-actors-from-frozen-and-tangled '''''Kingdom Hearts III's Voice Cast Includes Movie Voice Actors From Frozen And Tangled '''''], "From Tangled, Zachary Levi reprises his role as Flynn Rider from the movie, while Donna Murphy appears as Mother Gothel."</ref>
*[[Jiminy Cricket]]
*[[Pascal]]<!--source for in-universe name?-->
*[[Mickey Mouse]]
*[[Rapunzel]]<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/23081572.html '''''Famitsu''''', 25 June 2015], '''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>
*[[Chip and Dale]]
*[[Minnie Mouse]]
*[[Daisy Duck]]
*[[Pluto]]


;[[San Fransokyo]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/M_Alloc/status/1042667182977499136 TGS 2018 ''Kingdom Hearts III'' pamphlet]</ref> <!--Official name requires official source.--> <ref>[https://twitter.com/DisneyInteract/status/632979757576024064 '''''Disney Interactive Official Twitter'''''], "Just announced: @KINGDOMHEARTS III will feature a world based on #BigHero6! #D23Expo"</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=102&v=xNnd-YAKjCU '''KINGDOM HEARTS III – Big Hero 6 Trailer (Closed Captions)''']</ref><ref>[http://press.na.square-enix.com/releases/1270/sora-through-the-skies-of-san-fransokyo-with-baymax-in-kingdom-hearts- '''"SORA THROUGH THE SKIES OF SAN FRANSOKYO WITH BAYMAX IN KINGDOM HEARTS III"''' - Square Enix Press Center]</ref>
;[[Radiant Garden]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[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>
*[[Ansem the Wise]]
*[[Fred]]
*[[Dilan]]
*[[GoGo Tomago]]
*[[Even]]
*[[Hiro Hamada]]
*[[Aeleus]]
*[[Honey Lemon]]
*[[Ienzo]]
*Original [[Baymax]]<!--reformat as separate link once name for this entity confirmed-->
*[[Naminé]]
*[[Wasabi No-Ginger]]
 
<!--Tadashi (mentioned)-->
;[[Twilight Town]]
*[[Hayner]]
*[[Pence]]
*[[Olette]]
*[[Scrooge McDuck]]
*[[Remy]]
*[[Huey, Dewey, and Louie]]
*[[Merlin]]
*[[Isa]]
*[[Lea]]
*[[Roxas]]
*[[Xion]]


;[[Toy Box]]<ref name="D3 Trailer"/><ref name="JP Site's World">[http://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/kh3/world/index.html '''''World | Kingdom Hearts III''''']</ref>
|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Toy Box]]
*[[Woody]]
*[[Buzz Lightyear]]
*[[Buzz Lightyear]]
*[[Rex]]
*[[Hamm]]
*[[Hamm]]
*[[Little Green Men]]
*[[Green Army Men]]
*[[Green Army Men]]
*[[Little Green Men]]
*[[Rex]]
*[[Sarge]]
*[[Woody Pride]]
<!--Slinky Dog, Emperor Zurg, Andy Davis and his family (mentioned)-->
<!--Slinky Dog, Emperor Zurg, Andy Davis and his family (mentioned)-->


|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Kingdom of Corona]]
;[[Monstropolis]] <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5CTlRKa1SE '''''D23 Expo Japan Trailer''''']</ref><ref name="JP Site's World" />
*[[Rapunzel]]
*[[Eugene Fitzherbert]]
*[[Pascal]]
*[[Maximus]]
*[[Mother Gothel]]
 
;[[Monstropolis]]
*[[Sulley]]
*[[Mike Wazowski]]
*[[Boo]]
*[[Boo]]
*[[Mike Wazowski]]
*[[Randall]]
*[[Randall]]<!--confirm in-universe name--><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoDP8KxwdrY Orchestra 2018 Trailer (low quality)]</ref>
*[[CDA Agent]]
*[[James P. "Sulley" Sullivan]]


;[[Arendelle]]<ref name="JP Site's World" />
;[[Arendelle]]
*[[Elsa]]
*[[Anna]]
*[[Anna]]
*[[Elsa]]
*[[Olaf]]
*[[Kristoff]]
*[[Kristoff]]
*[[Sven]]
*[[Marshmallow]]
*[[Marshmallow]]
*[[Olaf]]
*[[Hans]]
*[[Sven]]


;[[The Caribbean]]<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/12/e3-2018-kingdom-hearts-3-pirates-of-the-caribbean-world-announced E3 2018: KINGDOM HEARTS 3 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN WORLD ANNOUNCED]</ref><ref name="JP Site's World" />
;[[The Caribbean]]
*[[Captain Barbossa]]
*[[Jack Sparrow]]
*[[Davy Jones]]<ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2018/06/22/kingdom-hearts-iii-director-explains-why-pirates-of-the-caribbean-is-back/ Kingdom Hearts III director explains why Pirates of the Caribbean is back]</ref>
*[[Will Turner]]
*[[Elizabeth Swann]]
*[[Elizabeth Swann]]
*[[Jack Sparrow]]
*[[Hector Barbossa]]
*[[Joshamee Gibbs]]<ref name="playstationblog">[https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/06/11/new-kingdom-hearts-iii-trailer-reveals-pirates-of-the-caribbean/ New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer Reveals Pirates of the Caribbean]</ref>
*[[Tia Dalma]]
*[[Joshamee Gibbs]]
*[[Cutler Beckett]]
*[[Davy Jones]]
*[[Kraken]]
*[[Kraken]]
*[[Tia Dalma]]<ref name="playstationblog"/>
*[[Will Turner]]


;[[Classic Kingdom]]
;[[San Fransokyo]]
*[[Clarabelle Cow]]
*[[Hiro Hamada]]
*Rumplewatt the Giant
*[[Baymax]]
*[[Dark Baymax]]
*[[Go Go Tomago]]
*[[Honey Lemon]]
*[[Wasabi]]
*[[Fred]]


;[[100 Acre Wood]]<ref>[https://gematsu.com/2018/11/kingdom-hearts-iii-winnie-the-pooh-trailer Kingdom Hearts III ‘Winnie the Pooh’ trailer]</ref><ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-kingdom-hearts-3-trailer-is-full-of-pooh/1100-6463153/ New Kingdom Hearts 3 Trailer Is Full Of Pooh]</ref>
;[[100 Acre Wood]]
*[[Winnie the Pooh]]
*[[Winnie the Pooh]]
*[[Piglet]]
*[[Piglet]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Tigger]]
*[[Tigger]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Roo]]
*[[Lumpy]]
*[[Lumpy]]
*[[Roo]]
*[[Gopher]]
*[[Gopher]]
*[[Owl]]<ref>[http://press.na.square-enix.com/releases/1309/kingdom-hearts-iii-returns-to-100-acre-wood-with-winnie-the-pooh Square Enix Press Center - KINGDOM HEARTS III RETURNS TO 100 ACRE WOOD WITH WINNIE THE POOH]</ref>
 
|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Destiny Islands]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Sora]]
*[[Riku]]
*[[Kairi]]
 
;[[Castle Oblivion]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}} / [[Land of Departure]]
*[[Aqua]]
*[[Ventus]]
*[[Terra]]
 
;[[Keyblade Graveyard]] ([[The Final World]], [[Scala ad Caelum]])
*[[Eraqus]]
*[[Xehanort]]
*[[Young Xehanort]]
*[[Terra-Xehanort]]
*[[Dark Figure]]
*[[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]
*[[Xemnas]]
*[[Vanitas]]
*[[Xigbar]]
*[[Vexen]]
*[[Saïx]]
*[[Demyx]]
*[[Luxord]]
*[[Marluxia]]
*[[Larxene]]
*[[Dark Riku]]
*[[Chirithy]]
*[[Nameless Star]]
*[[Lingering Will]]
*[[Replica Xehanort]]s
*[[Ephemer]]
*[[Luxu]]
*[[Ira]]
*[[Invi]]
*[[Aced]]
*[[Gula]]
;[[Quadratum]]
*[[Yozora]]
 
;Other
*[[Maleficent]]
*[[Pete]]
*[[Moogle]]
*[[Meow Wow]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Wreck-It Ralph]]  {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Simba]]  {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Stitch]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Ariel]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[The Master of Masters]]
|}
|}


==Special Editions==
==Special editions==
A special and Deluxe edition will also be available alongside the main release. The Special edition is available for $79.99 which includes a exclusive steelbook packaging, a mini-art book with concept artwork by Tetsuya Nomura and a collectible KHIII pin. The Deluxe edition will be available for $229.99 which has the contents from special edition along with three Bring Arts figures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy from their appearance in the Toy Box.<ref>[https://gematsu.com/2018/06/kingdom-hearts-iii-special-editions-announced-e3-2018-square-enix-showcase-trailer Kingdom Hearts III special editions announced, E3 2018 Square Enix showcase trailer]</ref>
A Deluxe Edition is available alongside the main release. The Deluxe Edition retails for $79.99 USD MSRP and includes an exclusive steelbook case, a mini-art book with concept artwork by Tetsuya Nomura, a collectible KHIII pin and the game in original packaging. A Square Enix Store exclusive edition was also available for $229.99 and it includes the Deluxe Edition along with three Bring Arts figures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy from their appearance in the Toy Box.<ref>[https://gematsu.com/2018/06/kingdom-hearts-iii-special-editions-announced-e3-2018-square-enix-showcase-trailer Kingdom Hearts III special editions announced, E3 2018 Square Enix showcase trailer]</ref>


==DLC==
==DLC==
There is pre-order DLC in the form of Keyblades.<ref>[https://www.khinsider.com/news/Amazon-stream-shows-off-upcoming-Kingdom-Hearts-3-DLC-13953 '''''US and Canadian Amazon Preorders to receive Dawn Till Dusk Keyblade''''']</ref> These include:
{{main|List of Kingdom Hearts III DLC}}
Downloadable content (DLC) is available for the game, in the form of additional game elements<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1083719463000788992 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "#KingdomHearts III free game update release schedule..."</ref> Keyblades, or the expansion [[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]].
 
===''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind''===
{{main|Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind}}
''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' is a paid downloadable expansion that adds new story scenes, gameplay areas, and bosses. It was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 on the PlayStation 4, and February 25, 2020 on the Xbox One.
 
===Patch update data===
<!-- release date for the Patch update should be added -->


* [[Dawn Till Dusk]]: Obtained through Amazon.com in North America, and 7-11 in Japan
Patch updates are available for free to all players.
* [[Midnight Blue]]: Obtained through PlayStation Store
 
* [[Phantom Green]]: Obtained through Xbox Store
* 1.01: Released on January 24, 2019.
* [[Starlight]]: Obtained through achieving certain scores in Classic Kingdom minigames in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]''
** The [[Memory Archive]] was added to the Title Menu.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/episode/ Square Enix's site's Episode]</ref> The English release for this DLC was given an English Dub.<ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-01-28/get-up-to-speed-on-kingdom-hearts-story-through-5-cute-timeline-videos/.142674 Get Up to Speed on Kingdom Hearts' Story Through 5 Cute Timeline Videos]</ref>
* 1.02: Released on January 30, 2019.
** The epilogue ending for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' is made available upon beating the game.
* 1.03: Released on January 31, 2019.
** A [[Yozora (video)|secret ending video]] is added to the game, and capable of being unlocked under certain conditions.
* 1.04: Released on April 23, 2019.
** The difficulty level [[Critical Mode]] was added, with the exclusive abilities [[Critical Counter]], [[Critical Recharge]], and [[Critical Converter]].
** The [[Proof of Promises]] and [[Proof of Times Past]] are added.
** The enemy AI is adjusted.
** Treasures in the [[Frozen Slider]] mini-game can be checked from the results screen and Gummiphone.
** Synthesized items in the Moogle Shop now have checkmarks.
** Game Help messages added.
** New Save Data created after being installed.
* 1.05: Released on April 23, 2019.
** A New Game Plus option is added, allowing players to transfer Proofs, Keyblades, and unlocked selfie poses to a new save file.
** Photo capacity in the Gummiphone is now increased to 200.
* 1.06: Released on November 15, 2019.
** The Title Menu has been changed so that the "Theater", "Memory Archives", and "Tutorials" are now under a "Special" tab, instead of individually listed on the title screen.
** Various other issues have been fixed, including the [[Lock-On]] switching feature.
* 1.07: Released on January 22, 2020.
** The [[Proof of Promises]] and the [[Proof of Times Past]] can be exchanged at the Moogle Shop for the Keyblades [[Oathkeeper]] and [[Oblivion]], respectively. These Keyblades come with new Formchanges.
** New abilities are also added, and are available to a save file once it has cleared the game: [[Quick Slash]], [[Flash Step]], [[Radial Blaster]], [[Aerial Sweep]], [[Aerial Dive]], and [[Last Charge]]. These abilities are carried over when New Game Plus is used.
** The Title Menu has been updated to include a link to the PlayStation Store.
** The sky above the Keyblade Graveyard after defeating the [[real Organization XIII]] has changed from grey clouds and purple flaming rain, to a shining twilight.
** Select cutscenes have been modified (mainly scenes in the Keyblade Graveyard, or the ending)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC_DAlu9HWA Kingdom Hearts 3 - Old and Updated Cutscenes Comparison - Main Story]</ref>:
*** In a scene involving Axel and Xemnas, the laser dome has and fires significantly more laser bolts.
*** A scene involving Master Xehanort and Kairi now has more-dramatic background music, instead of being mostly silent.
*** Scenes involving the sky above the Keyblade Graveyard have been updated to the new version of the sky. Shots showcasing the dark rain have been removed, since the rain no longer appears.
*** The pre-rendered ending cutscenes now have brighter lighting and more-vibrant colors. A shot in Destiny Islands now focuses on Riku instead of Donald and Goofy.
** The previously-optional cutscenes with [[Naminé]] and the [[Nameless Star]] in [[The Final World]] have been added to the Theater Menu.
* 1.08: Released on January 22, 2020.
** Players are able to skip cutscenes in the opening customization and tutorial sections in the [[Dive to the Heart]].
* 1.09: Released on January 22, 2020.
** Improvements have been made to air combo chains.
** Combo finishers can be canceled using [[Dodge Roll]] and [[Air Slide]].
** [[Magic Flash]] has been redone with new animation and a clearer hitbox.
* 1.10: Released on February 11, 2020.
** The number of active [[Premium Menu]] codes is now displayed on the in-game HUD.
{{sec-stub}}


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


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ Official JP Site]
*[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ Official Japanese website]
*[http://www.kingdomhearts.com/3/us/ Official NA Site]
*[http://www.kingdomhearts.com/3/us/ Official North American website]
{{KH3}}
{{KH3}}
{{KH series}}
{{KH series}}

Latest revision as of 11:50, 4 December 2024

Kingdom Hearts III
Kingdom Hearts III Logo KHIII.png
キングダム ハーツ III
Kingudamu Hātsu III
Developer(s) Square Enix
Publisher(s) Square Enix
Release date(s) Japan January 25, 2019
United States/Canada January 29, 2019
Europe/Australia January 29, 2019
PC:Symbol - Crown.png
Japan March 30, 2021
United States/Canada March 30, 2021
Europe/Australia March 30, 2021
Nintendo Switch:Symbol - Crown.png
Japan February 10, 2022[1]
United States/Canada February 10, 2022[2]
Europe February 10, 2022[2]
Genre Console action role-playing game
Game modes Single player
Ratings ESRB:Everyone 10+Everyone 10+
PEGI:12+12+
Platform(s) PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Personal computer
Nintendo Switch
"The ultimate battle for KINGDOM HEARTS is upon us."
—Tagline

Kingdom Hearts III is the eleventh title in the Kingdom Hearts series. It was officially announced at E3 2013, and is the first Kingdom Hearts game available on multiple platforms at launch, releasing on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Kingdom Hearts III serves as the final chapter of the Dark Seeker Saga, dealing with the events leading up to the final showdown between Sora and Master Xehanort. It focuses on Sora's journey to reclaim the power of waking and gather the Seven Guardians of Light to combat the sinister plans of the real Organization XIII.

A playable prologue to Kingdom Hearts III called Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage- was released as part of the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue collection.

The game has two theme songs. The opening theme song is "Face My Fears", which is a collaboration between Utada Hikaru and Skrillex. The ending theme song is "Don't Think Twice" (titled "Chikai" in the Japanese version), written and performed by Utada Hikaru.

A downloadable expansion pack titled Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 for the PlayStation 4 and on February 25, 2020 for the Xbox One. It added new gameplay and story elements.

Kingdom Hearts III was released alongside Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far as part of the compendium pack Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package. Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind were released as a single game on March 30, 2021 for PC via the Epic Games Store and later Steam,[3] and on February 10, 2022 for Nintendo Switch as a Cloud version as part of Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece.[4]

Development[edit]

The game was announced to be in development alongside a trailer during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in June 2013. A trailer was later released at the first D23 Exposition in Japan in October 2013, revealing initial gameplay.

For E3 2014, Square Enix released a thirty-second trailer as part of a trailer to Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX. In the Square Enix Present segment, co-director Tai Yasue revealed the sequence seen in the E3 2014 teaser would be relevant from the beginning of the game and the text seen and heard was going to "be a real integral part of the story".[5] On September 17, 2014, Square Enix announced Tetsuya Nomura would be stepping down as director for Final Fantasy XV so he can focus his efforts on other upcoming titles, namely Kingdom Hearts III.[6]

During the Square Enix E3 Conference on June 16, 2015, the Kingdom Hearts series's executive producer, Shinji Hashimoto, revealed the first gameplay trailer which shows Sora in a new outfit. Sora is seen wielding new Keyblades, fighting new Heartless, and also exploring Kingdom of Corona, a world based on Tangled.[7] In the Square Enix Presents segment, Nomura revealed Kingdom of Corona was one of the first to be considered for the game.[8] In a PlayStation Access interview, Nomura confirmed Final Fantasy characters will return.[9]

During Disney's D23 Expo 2015, Shinji Hashimoto announced a world based on Big Hero 6; San Fransokyo.[10]

In a Famitsu interview, Nomura confirmed the game would contain a secret movie.[11]

In their financial Results Briefing Session, Square Enix President and Representative Director Yosuke Matsuda and Chief Financial Officer Kazuharu Watanabe stated the expected release can be sometime between 2018 and 2020.[12]

During Disney D23 Expo 2017, Nomura showed a trailer depicting Toy Box, a Toy Story world, and announced the game would be released in 2018.[13] Nomura stated the game's delay is not due to development issues, but rather technical decisions made by Square Enix such as moving the game to Unreal Engine 4.[14] Nomura confirmed the Toy Story world features an original storyline set sometime after Toy Story 2, and hinted there would be another playable character besides Sora.[15]

In April 2018, a collaboration campaign between Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts Union χ, titled "Kingdom Hearts Make Your Mark" was announced where the 300 players could have their name appear in Kingdom Hearts III.[16]

During Disney's D23 Expo Japan 2018 Conference, a private Kingdom Hearts event was held where two trailers were revealed. In one, Monstropolis, a Monsters, Inc. world was confirmed, while the other announced Utada Hikaru would perform the theme song, titled "Don't Think Twice" ("Oath" in Japanese). The event also revealed the game was being developed by the largest developing team in the history of the series,[17] including 100 people from the Square Enix's Tokyo offices.[18] The return of the Gummi Ship was confirmed, and it was revealed the gameplay for it, now playable as open-world instead of the preset paths from the first two games, had been split into "Battle" and "Searching" phases.[17] The game was revealed to have been developed in three parts, with the first part being about 90% done, and the second between 60% and 70% done. Nomura noted the final world would feature "something incredible" he wanted to do for a while.[18]

Kingdom Hearts III was originally scheduled to be released in 2018,[13] but at the 2018 E3 presentation, Square Enix announced it had been postponed until January 25, 2019 for Japan and January 29, 2019 globally.[19]

During the Los Angeles performance of the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour- in 2018, the game's release date was announced as January 25, 2019 in Japan and January 29, 2019 worldwide.[19] Two trailers were released, the first one confirming Arendelle, a world based on Frozen, along with confirming a number of returning characters, the second video, a Square Enix E3 Showcase 2018 trailer, which is similar to the first but with extra footage confirming a few more returning characters. Another video was released shortly afterwards to show a The Caribbean, based on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.[20] Nomura confirmed there were no plans for a Final Mix version and that if there was additional content, it would be through patches and DLC.[21]

During Tokyo Game Show 2018, Nomura talked more about the Secret Ending and how staff were considering a different unlock method from before, such as having the Secret Ending be exclusive DLC to avoid spoilers. They also considered adding online features.[22]

On November 20, 2018, the development for the game was confirmed to be completed.[23]

In December 2018, several videos of the game were leaked online after an individual stole copies from the manufacturer a month prior to release. Nomura released a statement on the Kingdom Hearts official Twitter account, notifying fans Square Enix was aware of the leaks and are working to rectify the situation, as well as urging fans not to share leaked media before the game's release.[24][25]

Star Wars and Marvel titles were some of the most requested themes to appear in the game, but were unable due to legal issues.[26]

An additional difficulty mode, Critical Mode, was eventually released. Nomura also mentioned there will be paid DLC which is planned to release in 2019.[27]

Nomura plans to explain how Xion was revived and recruited into the real Organization XIII in the DLC.[28]

On March 14, 2019, Square Enix announced that Olaf's Japanese voice actor will be replaced in a future update, after his original voice actor, Pierre Taki, was arrested after admitting to drug usage.[29][30]

On June 8, 2019, during the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres- concert, a trailer for an downloadable expansion pack titled Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind was announced. It will add new gameplay and story elements. During Square Enix's E3 2019 broadcast, the same trailer that premiered at the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres- was shown again, except with the added information the expansion will be released during Winter 2019-2020.[31]

Story[edit]

"Believing light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the 'tyranny of light' to restore equilibrium.
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

After Master Xehanort's return, Yen Sid begins searching for seven Guardians of Light to counteract Xehanort's plan to forge the χ-blade using the real Organization XIII. He tells Sora that he has lost much of his own strength as a result nearly being taken over by Xehanort when latter tried to use him as 13th vessel for his heart Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Backed up by Donald Duck and Goofy, Sora taken advice from Yen Sid to travel to meet Hercules who also lost and later regained his powers not long ago. The most important power Sora must regain is his "Power of waking", the ability to restore lost hearts, which he failed to master during his Mark of Mastery Exam. Meanwhile, Riku and King Mickey traverse the Realm of Darkness looking for Aqua, while Kairi and Lea, safely train to use their Keyblades to fight.

During each of their travels, Sora and Riku are contacted by Ienzo, who has deciphered pieces of Ansem's Code to learn that Sora's body contains the hearts of Roxas, Ventus, and Xion. Riku realizes that the Organization's members from the past are using 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.

Xemnas and Ansem tell Sora to embrace the darkness.
Ansem and Xemnas tell Sora that he should accept the Darkness.

In search for Power of Waking, Sora, Donald and Goofy land in Twilight Town where they stumble on Hayner, Pence, and Olette, chased by Demon Tide. After it's defeat, Sora asks if the trio knows Roxas, showing them a photo they made together back in the Virtual Twilight Town. The trio respond that they don't know who the boy is, but Hayner mention that name sounds familiar. They head to the Old Mansion where, with Ienzo's help they attempt to hack into computer to reach simulation.

In their way back to the town, Sora, Donald and Goofy are meet by Ansem and Xemnas, who tried to convince Sora to give his Heart to Darkness. Goofy guess that both Ansem and Xemnas used to be one person but now their both stand here. The Seekers of Darkness does not pay attention to that claim and insisted that Sora should become a Heartless, as it's only way to bring Roxas back. They summon a couple of Neoshadows and Dusks before disappearing.

After a short fight, Sora is now willing bring Roxas back "with all his Heart". The trio return to Twilight Town where Sora tell Hayner, Pence, and Olette they need to wish Roxas to return, with all their hearts. Meanwhile, on the near roof Xigbar tells Ansem and Xemnas that they make it too obvious, but Xemnas tells him that they were instructed to guide Sora and, if he refuse to take path they carve, they will simply destroy him. Xigbar reminds them that they will be left without last vessel.

Kingdom Key variant Keyblade
Aqua corrupted by darkness.

Meanwhile, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness enters the Realm of Darkness and tries to secure Ansem the Wise. Aqua tried to stop Xehanort but was overpowered by the Dark Figure. Ansem begs Xehanort to spare Aqua's life by willingly go with him. However, Xehanort throws Aqua in water, where she succumbs to Darkness.

Vexen reveals himself to be a double agent loyal to Ansem the Wise and he helps rescue him before sending an extra replica to Ienzo for Roxas to live in.

Riku and Mickey locate and battle the corrupted Aqua in the realm of darkness. At the same time, Sora finds the Master's Defender on 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 resurrects Ventus, who fights Vanitas off.

The gang prepare to fight a million Heartless, Nobodies and Unversed
The guardians surrounded by Heartless.

With the seven Keyblade wielders, they 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 with the help of Kairi and Chirithy and uses the power of waking to revive his friends. However, Young Xehanort warns that abusing this power will result in him losing his own heart again. Returning moments before their defeat, the guardians of light eliminate most of the Organization's members; in the process, Terra, his heart revealed to be inside the Dark Figure, regains control of his body and reunites with Aqua and Ventus, while Lea reunites with Xion, whom Vexen restored for the Organization, and Roxas, who regains his own heart to protect Lea and Xion.

Xehanort goes on to Kingdom Hearts
Eraqus and Xehanort leave for The Final World together.

When only Xehanort remains, 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 and fatally injure him. After the other Keyblade wielders rejoin the trio, Eraqus's spirit emerges from Terra's body and convinces Xehanort to surrender before he dies. Xehanort and Eraqus depart together to Kingdom Hearts, while Sora and his friends use the χ-blade to close Kingdom Hearts and return to their own time.

Sora dies
Sora has his last moments with Kairi.

Trying to save Kairi, Sora uses the power of waking again to revive her; despite the risk of becoming lost forever, Sora promises to return. Afterwards, Eraqus's students return to the Land of Departure where Ventus reunites with Chirithy; Roxas, Isa, Lea, and Xion stay in Twilight Town and Naminé is restored in a replica obtained during the battle with Xehanort. Sora's friends gather at the Destiny Islands, where Kairi stays beside Sora before he fades away.

Xigbar, who survived the Keyblade War, retrieves Xehanort's No Name 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 Alba & Ater enacting a battle between seven dark pieces, and then placing a white piece on the board.

Gameplay[edit]

Growth path[edit]

The player can choose their growth path in the Dive to the Heart. The first set of options are Wisdom, Vitality, and Balance, with the first focusing on MP, the second on HP, and the third focusing on both HP and MP equally. For example, if the player chooses Vitality, he will begin the game with 120 HP and 100 MP. By the end of the game, he should have 135 MP and 270 HP.

The second set of options are Guardian, Warrior, and Mystic, with the first being focused on Defense, the second on Attack, and the third on Magic. For example, if the player chooses Guardian, Sora will gain Withstand Combo, an excellent defensive ability, at level 4. However, if they choose Warrior, Sora will not learn Withstand Combo until level 26.

Combat features[edit]

Situation Commands seen on the left side are unlocked through battle performance.

The Command Menu from Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II returns. 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. The "Focus" gauge which from Birth by Sleep returns and is also meant for Shotlocks which are now tied to Keyblades. Reaction Commands are replaced by Situation Commands.

Shortcuts return which function like in Kingdom Hearts II. The player can now arrange commands in three separate configurations, similar to the Deck System with the Cards from Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, and the Panel System from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.

Formchange is a new mechanic that allows Sora to transform his Keyblade into a variety of weapons or change his abilities. Each Keyblade have at least two transformations, with the second activating if Sora connects enough combos, similar to Command Styles or Situation Commands. After activating a Keyblade transformation, said transformation will be saved when switching out. To enter a Formchange, Sora must use a Keyblade transformation by using the Situation Command, although Second Form, Rage Form, and Ultimate Form are labeled exactly by their names.

Sora can now equip up to three Keychains for his Keyblade, and can switch between them on the fly by pressing Left or Right while the cursor is on the Attack command. This means the player can use up to three different Formchanges in active combat apart from Rage Mode.

The character images on the HUD are more expressive, no longer being fixed for the teammates: like Sora, they smile when they're on the overworld, appear angry when fighting, have a pained expression when they take damage and look tired when their HP are low. If a teammate has lost all their HP, they have their eyes closed and their image is darkened.

Keychains can now level up to become stronger through the upgrading them with materials in the Keyblade Forge.

Attractions, a type of Situation Command, are a new feature which lets the party execute skills based on theme park attractions. An attraction sequence can easily be skipped by pressing Square or X or turned off completely from the Options menu.

Similar to 0.2, magic affects the surrounding environment—for example, Blizzard will create a sheet of ice to slide on and Aero will move and shape the grass. If Sora uses enough magic, he can use more powerful magic. For example, using Fire repeatedly can allow him to use Fira as a Situation Command.

Characters join Sora's team as temporary party members. Now the limit of party members has been expanded from 3 to 5, so Donald and Goofy no longer need to be replaced. The AI has been improved, so allies can invite Sora into special techniques (similar to the Limit attacks from Kingdom Hearts II). However, enemies are also able to work together. Some enemies also have "armor" mode where their HP bar becomes blue and they can use powerful attacks until enough damage is dealt to end it.

The Summon system operates very differently from in Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II. Summons are now called Links with Ariel's "Lagoon Showtime", Ralph's "8 Bit Blast", Simba's "Kingsflare", Meow Wow's "Wonder Balloon", and Stitch's "Plasma Encounter". A summon sequence can easily be skipped by pressing Square or X or turned off completely from the Options menu.

Exploration[edit]

Worlds in Kingdom Hearts III are more open world with less loading screens. In the The Caribbean, Sora has his own ship and the player can sail the seas, fight enemy ships and explore various small islands.

Free Running allows Sora to run up walls. When using the Shotlock reticle, Sora can airstep.

Textboxes when talking to NPCs are removed. The dialogue is now voiced.

The player can now instantly teleport between save points in worlds instead of going to the world map.

Other features[edit]

Sora photographs a Lucky Emblem.

The Gummi Ship returns with a revised system and going between worlds is more open-world.

Sora has a Gummiphone which can take pictures of the environment, selfies, as well as Lucky Emblems which are hidden Mickeys. The amount of Lucky Emblems photographed is tied to unlocking the Secret Ending. For example, on Beginner, the player must photograph all of them, but on Proud, the player only needs to photograph 30 of them.[32] The Gummiphone also takes on the role for Jiminy's Journal, where the journal entries are stored in it.

The game contains mini-games, such as a cooking mini-game with Little Chef in Twilight Town and harvesting mini-games in 100 Acre Wood. Returning from Kingdom Hearts Union χ are the Classic Kingdom mini-games, playable through the Gummiphone and collected mainly from treasure chests.

Theater Mode is back, which is unlocked by completing Olympus. Unlike before, the cutscenes are now unlocked by completing each world, rather than having to complete the game itself.

As with the compilation titles, there is a Streaming Restriction guideline, called "Before You Stream...", which can be viewed with the Triangle or Y button. It can also be viewed under the Game Options menu on the PC version by pressing the Esc Key in the Title Menu or Pause Menu, which also allows the option to change the text and voice language, key bindings for keyboard and mouse and gamepad, graphic quality, display resolution, refresh rate, framerate cap, etc.

On Xbox One, pressing X will allow the player to change profiles.

Worlds and characters[edit]

Dive to the Heart
Olympus
Dark World
The Mysterious Tower Symbol - Crown.png
Disney Castle Symbol - Crown.png
Radiant Garden Symbol - Crown.png
Twilight Town
Toy Box
Kingdom of Corona
Monstropolis
Arendelle
The Caribbean
San Fransokyo
100 Acre Wood
Destiny Islands Symbol - Crown.png
Castle Oblivion Symbol - Crown.png / Land of Departure
Keyblade Graveyard (The Final World, Scala ad Caelum)
Quadratum
Other

Special editions[edit]

A Deluxe Edition is available alongside the main release. The Deluxe Edition retails for $79.99 USD MSRP and includes an exclusive steelbook case, a mini-art book with concept artwork by Tetsuya Nomura, a collectible KHIII pin and the game in original packaging. A Square Enix Store exclusive edition was also available for $229.99 and it includes the Deluxe Edition along with three Bring Arts figures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy from their appearance in the Toy Box.[33]

DLC[edit]

Downloadable content (DLC) is available for the game, in the form of additional game elements[34] Keyblades, or the expansion Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind.

Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind[edit]

Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind is a paid downloadable expansion that adds new story scenes, gameplay areas, and bosses. It was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 on the PlayStation 4, and February 25, 2020 on the Xbox One.

Patch update data[edit]

Patch updates are available for free to all players.

  • 1.01: Released on January 24, 2019.
    • The Memory Archive was added to the Title Menu.[35] The English release for this DLC was given an English Dub.[36]
  • 1.02: Released on January 30, 2019.
    • The epilogue ending for Kingdom Hearts III is made available upon beating the game.
  • 1.03: Released on January 31, 2019.
    • A secret ending video is added to the game, and capable of being unlocked under certain conditions.
  • 1.04: Released on April 23, 2019.
  • 1.05: Released on April 23, 2019.
    • A New Game Plus option is added, allowing players to transfer Proofs, Keyblades, and unlocked selfie poses to a new save file.
    • Photo capacity in the Gummiphone is now increased to 200.
  • 1.06: Released on November 15, 2019.
    • The Title Menu has been changed so that the "Theater", "Memory Archives", and "Tutorials" are now under a "Special" tab, instead of individually listed on the title screen.
    • Various other issues have been fixed, including the Lock-On switching feature.
  • 1.07: Released on January 22, 2020.
    • The Proof of Promises and the Proof of Times Past can be exchanged at the Moogle Shop for the Keyblades Oathkeeper and Oblivion, respectively. These Keyblades come with new Formchanges.
    • New abilities are also added, and are available to a save file once it has cleared the game: Quick Slash, Flash Step, Radial Blaster, Aerial Sweep, Aerial Dive, and Last Charge. These abilities are carried over when New Game Plus is used.
    • The Title Menu has been updated to include a link to the PlayStation Store.
    • The sky above the Keyblade Graveyard after defeating the real Organization XIII has changed from grey clouds and purple flaming rain, to a shining twilight.
    • Select cutscenes have been modified (mainly scenes in the Keyblade Graveyard, or the ending)[37]:
      • In a scene involving Axel and Xemnas, the laser dome has and fires significantly more laser bolts.
      • A scene involving Master Xehanort and Kairi now has more-dramatic background music, instead of being mostly silent.
      • Scenes involving the sky above the Keyblade Graveyard have been updated to the new version of the sky. Shots showcasing the dark rain have been removed, since the rain no longer appears.
      • The pre-rendered ending cutscenes now have brighter lighting and more-vibrant colors. A shot in Destiny Islands now focuses on Riku instead of Donald and Goofy.
    • The previously-optional cutscenes with Naminé and the Nameless Star in The Final World have been added to the Theater Menu.
  • 1.08: Released on January 22, 2020.
    • Players are able to skip cutscenes in the opening customization and tutorial sections in the Dive to the Heart.
  • 1.09: Released on January 22, 2020.
    • Improvements have been made to air combo chains.
    • Combo finishers can be canceled using Dodge Roll and Air Slide.
    • Magic Flash has been redone with new animation and a clearer hitbox.
  • 1.10: Released on February 11, 2020.
    • The number of active Premium Menu codes is now displayed on the in-game HUD.

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ Twitter (@_KINGDOMHEARTS)
  2. ^ a b Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS): "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5, 2.8, III + Re Mind (DLC) as well as the all-in-one Integrum Masterpiece all launch on Nintendo Switch via cloud on February 10th!"
  3. ^ Twitter (@_KINGDOMHEARTS): "Kingdom Hearts is coming to Steam! Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC) launch on June 13th 👑"
  4. ^ Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS) "Cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts 1.5+2.5, 2.8 and 3 (+ Re Mind) are coming to Nintendo Switch"
  5. ^ Dengeki Playstation: "『キングダム ハーツ HD 2.5 リミックス』安江泰氏インタビュー。HD化にまつわる開発秘話の他、最新作『KHIII』の話題も【E3 2014】"
  6. ^ Siliconera: "Tabata Takes Over Final Fantasy XV; Tetsuya Nomura Moves On To Kingdom Hearts III"
  7. ^ Square Enix E3 Conference 2015
  8. ^ Square Enix Presents E3 2015 - Day 1
  9. ^ PlayStation Access: "Kingdom Hearts 3: 8 Things You Need To Know", "#2 Final Fantasy characters in KH3", Nomura: "I want them in."
  10. ^ Siliconera: "Kingdom Hearts III Has A Big Hero 6 World"
  11. ^ Famitsu, 25 June 2015, Nomura: "We are steadily progressing and deciding what to do with the ending… as well as considering content for the secret movie."
  12. ^ Siliconera: "Expect Final Fantasy VII Remake And Kingdom Hearts III To Release Sometime In “Three Years Or So”"
  13. ^ a b KINGDOM HEARTS III – D23 2017 Toy Story Trailer
  14. ^ Kotaku: "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Says It's Square's Fault The Game Is Taking So Long"
  15. ^ IGN: "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR HINTS AT SECOND PLAYABLE CHARACTER", Nomura: "So it would be tough to introduce many, multiple playable characters, but there is an intention of adding a playable character aside from Sora. Unfortunately we're not able to disclose who it is yet, but there will be [another playable character]."
  16. ^ Kingdom Hearts Union χ: "Make Your Mark in KHIII!"
  17. ^ a b IGN: 11 New pieces of information from D23 Expo Japan that have shed some light on Kingdom Hearts 3
  18. ^ a b PlayStation Access: "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 New Things we've had Confirmed"
  19. ^ a b @KINGDOMHEARTS
  20. ^ Game Rant': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Showcases Pirates of the Caribbean"
  21. ^ GearNuke: "Kingdom Hearts 3 Won't Get Any Final Mix Release, Confirmed To Have A Secret Movie"
  22. ^ Anime News Network: "Tetsuya Nomura: Kingdom Hearts Will Not End with Kingdom Hearts III"
  23. ^ Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS): "...And guess what? We've wrapped up development of #KingdomHearts III! If you haven't had the chance yet, now would be a good time to prep by playing 1.5+2.5 & 2.8. See you next month!"
  24. ^ An important message for Kingdom Hearts III from Director Tetsuya Nomura
  25. ^ IGN: "KINGDOM HEARTS III DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO REPORTED LEAKS"
  26. ^ GameRevolution: "Kingdom Hearts III Not Having Star Wars or Avengers Is Finally Explained"
  27. ^ Kingdom Hearts III Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS); Interviewer: "There's no "Critical Mode" difficulty level in this game. Was there a reason you didn't include it?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "Critical Mode wasn't originally in the base versions of the game, they were an extra feature we added to the Final Mix versions. So, we will be following that and releasing it for download later on. It's not simply a matter of changing numbers and making things stronger; we fine-tune and debug multiple times. We are polishing things to make sure it's not simply a "more difficult mode," and is as fun as you would expect from Critical." Translation via Goldpanner.
  28. ^ Kingdom Hearts III Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS); Interviewer: "The process behind reviving Ventus and Roxas was fairly easy to understand, but how was Xion brought back, and how did she end up in the New Organisation XIII?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "I think it's possible to figure it out for yourself. However, I do plan to explain it in DLC." Translation via Goldpanner.
  29. ^ Notice of "Kingdom Hearts III" voice actor change and update delivery
  30. ^ Siliconera: "Kingdom Hearts III Is Changing Olaf's Japanese Voice In An Update Following Pierre Taki's Arrest"
  31. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind DLC Trailer (E3 2019) (Closed Captions)
  32. '^ Tetsuya Nomura explains how to unlock Kingdom Hearts IIIs Secret Ending
  33. ^ Kingdom Hearts III special editions announced, E3 2018 Square Enix showcase trailer
  34. ^ Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS): "#KingdomHearts III free game update release schedule..."
  35. ^ Square Enix's site's Episode
  36. ^ Get Up to Speed on Kingdom Hearts' Story Through 5 Cute Timeline Videos
  37. ^ Kingdom Hearts 3 - Old and Updated Cutscenes Comparison - Main Story

External links[edit]