Kingdom Hearts 3D dreaming of an overseas release in 2012

Kingdom Hearts 3D, also known as Kingdom Hearts [Dream Drop Distance], is set to be the next major release in the Kingdom Hearts series. It continues the plot from where it left off in Kingdom Hearts 2 and is scheduled to release in March in Japan. However, only now has Square Enix confirmed a release date for North America and Europe. That release date is... 2012.

It's vague, but that's the best Kingdom Hearts fans can expect this early before the game's Japanese release. The game lets players take control of both Sora and Riku, both of them getting makeovers for the new game. The duo are earning their Marks of Mastery to better prepare them for Xehanort's impending return.

Xehanort isn't the only one coming back. In a new trailer, viewable below, Axel and several other members of Organization XIII can be seen, as well as a copy of Riku. Axel even introduces himself as Lea, his name before he became a Nobody.



Of course, Kingdom Hearts 3D isn't just bringing back characters and places players are already familiar with in the Kingdom Hearts universe. At least five characters from The World Ends with You have found their way into the game, as have worlds based on Disney's adaptations of The Three Musketeers and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Dream Eaters also make their first appearances in the game's "Sleeping Worlds." These creatures can be friend or foe, the former referred to as Spirits and the latter as Nightmares.

"With the tenth anniversary of the series on the horizon, the current KINDGOM HEARTS saga is approaching its climactic conclusion. The story of this game will serve as the opening chapter of the final conflict, and, as always, will be full of surprises," says Tetsuya Nomura, the series' director.

The Kingdom Hearts franchise won't end with its current Saga, but those who've followed the series thus far are sure to be excited for its impending resolution. Kingdom Hearts 3D is another big step towards that resolution. Now if only Square Enix could be a bit more specific about a release date.

Staff article by Skyler Bunderson (December 21, 2011) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this news article, you can update your bio from the Settings page.