Formchange

Formchange is a mechanic introduced in Kingdom Hearts III. Formchange allows Sora to change his abilities or the form of his Keyblade. Formchanges are triggered via Situation Command after achieving sufficient damage with a Keyblade. Certain Keyblades will also have the ability to Formchange a second time. Formchange is a mechanic that borrows cosmetic and technical concepts from Command Styles and Drive Forms both, and allows Sora to manipulate his Keyblade's form similar to the wielders from Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

Unlike Drive Forms, Formchanges do not carry over into cutscenes.

Development

The concept of having the Keyblade transformed into different forms has existed since Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix with the Lingering Will being able to transform the Ends of the Earth Keyblade into different forms. The idea was incorporate into Kingdom Hearts III's gameplay to show the growth of Sora's skill as he trained and become a more masterful Keyblade wielder.

Guardian Form and Strike Form were originally referred to as Guard Form (ガードフォーム, Gādo Fōmu) and Power Form (パワーフォーム, Pawā Fōmu) in early gameplay notes and were considered Drive Forms before the formal introduction of the Formchange concept.

List of Forms and Formchanges

Second Form allows Sora to access his abilities from previous adventures, similar to Limit Form. Sora wears his Kingdom Hearts II outfit. It is triggered by the Kingdom Key, Starlight, Midnight Blue, Phantom Green, and Dawn Till Dusk. The Keyblade used determines the third level finisher: Starlight uses a finisher called "Ancient Light", which draws enemies in before releasing several Keyblades made of light to strike them, while the others use Ars Arcanum instead.

Guardian Form emphasizes defensive capabilities. Sora wears yellow clothing reminiscent of Master Form. Triggered by Hero's Origin, Hunny Spout, and Classic Tone.

The Formchanges are Counter Shield (Hero's Origin), Hunny Blasters and Hunny Launcher (Hunny Spout), Boom Hammer and Clock Drill (Classic Tone).

Strike Form emphasizes strong physical attacks. Sora wears red clothing reminiscent of Valor Form. Triggered by Favorite Deputy, Happy Gear, and Wheel of Fate.

The Formchanges are Hyper Hammer and Drill Punch (Favorite Deputy), Agile Claws and Twin Yo-Yos (Happy Gear), Highwind and Storm Flag (Wheel of Fate).

Element Form emphasizes magic and long-range attacks. Sora wears blue clothing reminiscent of Wisdom Form. Triggered by Shooting Star and Ever After.

The Formchanges are Double Arrowguns and Magic Launcher (Shooting Star), and Mirage Staff (Ever After).

Blitz Form emphasizes speed and mobility. Sora wears green clothing. Triggered by Crystal Snow, Nano Gear, and Grand Chef.

The Formchanges are Blizzard Claws and Blizzard Blades (Crystal Snow), Nano Arms (Nano Gear), and Frying Pan (Grand Chef).

Rage Form allows Sora to channel his darkness in desperate circumstances. Sora takes on the appearance of a Pureblood Heartless, similar to AntiForm. It has a chance of being triggered when Sora reaches critical health, regardless of current Keyblade. After using the command Risk Charge, Sora will gain extra strength at the expense of half his current health.

Ultimate Form unleashes the ultimate power of the Keyblade. Sora wears white clothes reminiscent of Final Form. Triggered by Ultima Weapon. While attacking, Sora will summon a variety of swords that will surround him and will be used in finishers, he uses a pattern of magic and uses the symbolism of chains during some attacks.

Other appearances

Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix

The many different forms of the Lingering Will's Keyblade.

The Lingering Will was the first character to demonstrate Formchange and currently has the highest amount of transformations for a single Keyblade, Ends of the Earth.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

The concept was further expanded with the introduction of Keyblade Glider, Terra's Ultima Cannon, and several of No Heart's attacks.

Kingdom Hearts III

In addition to Sora's various forms, Lea can transform his Keyblade Flame Liberator into his Eternal Flames Chakrams. Young Xehanort turns his Keyblade into a whip during the fight against him, Xemnas, and Ansem, Seeker of Darkness.