Dengeki KHMOM interview translated, Nomura says he will announce "something good" in 2022
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- Published on November 23, 2020 @ 10:20 pm
- Written by Arielle
Kingdom Hearts series creator and director Tetsuya Nomura recently spoke with Denegki Online about KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory. Thanks to goldpanner, we now have full translations of Nomura's interview with Dengeki where he discusses the development of KHMoM, the lack of PS3 and PS Vita games in the series, and the "something good" Nomura will be able to reveal in 2022.
――The game and soundtrack released at the same time. First, let's talk about the game, KH MoM. Indieszero, who are famous for the Theatrhythm games, worker on this too. What kinds of things did you ask them to do with regards to development?
Nomura: the project proposal indieszero first gave us was, to put it simply, a KH version of Theatrhythm FF. It felt like a more advanced version of the game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival, in arcades now. After seeing that, I told them I didn't want to just make Theatrhythm KH.
The original reason Theatrhythm FF went with a side-view music score game design was because it fit the vibe of a "music game for Final Fantasy." The Theatrhythm games only use side-view because the original FF games did. So, I told them it wouldn't work to just do the same thing for KH. It was the same for "DQ" (Theatrhythm Dragon Quest).
So, we decided to start by thinking about what a "music game for KH" should look like from scratch, just like they did when developing Theatrhythm FF.
――Actually playing the game, we felt it was both similar to and completely different from Theatrythm.
Nomura: I wanted to find a way to fuse the action of KH with a music game. I had indieszero do a lot of trial and error on that point. It didn't come together immediately - it took a lot of test plays, rejecting stuff, trial and error and more before it reached its current form.
It wasn't easy to drop action into a music game. We broke down the process over and over. It was also extremely important to avoid screen sickness, since the original concept for what would make something KH-esque was "comfortable play." We put the utmost care into that during development.
――Despite being a music game, you jump, attack with the Keyblade and more - it really feels like playing a normal KH game.
Nomura: I'm so glad to hear that. The entire point was for the players, not just us, to feel that KH-esque comfortable play.
――We were also interested in how Kairi narrates the story as you progress in this game.
Nomura: This game doesn't have as much plot as a conventional KH series title, but there are still developments I want series fans to make sure to see. Kairi has a particular involvement in the story of this game - for the details, please play it and see for yourself.
――There are over 140 playable tracks. Did you give any opinions on the track list?
Nomura: Not really. I didn't want to go with a format where we release additional songs as DLC post-release, so I asked them to make sure to add as many songs as possible for maximum satisfaction in this one title. That's about it.
――Now, we want to ask about the KH series as a whole. KH3 served as a punctuation point in the plot, but there are still unresolved characters and mysteries, right?
Nomura: The remaining things that were foreshadowed will absolutely be resolved in future games, but, I do want to slightly change the format we've had until now. I want to shake things up with a different world and new story, while also resolving existing foreshadowing.
――KH UX Dark Road digs into Xehanort's past. Do the characters from that have a possible role in future games…?
Nomura: KH UX Dark Road isn't a game made with future developments in mind, it was a project I already had in storage. It was released into the world because the KH Union χ team came to me saying they wanted to do it.
I don't think the story will take any turns that will see Xehanort appearing again as a main boss to fight. But his impact remains, which you will see in the story of KH MoM.
――Foreshadowing and mysteries are one of the appeals of the KH series, but how far are you planning ahead during production? For example, when you were developing KH1, had you already envisioned the existence of Roxas?
Nomura: If I am working on a KH game, I am usually thinking about one game ahead. So to use your example of KH1, I already had the next game KH Chain of Memories in mind. So when I was working on KH1, I had vague ideas about starting with a new protagonist in KH2, where Roxas appears, but I hadn't formed a definitive concept at the time.
On the flip side, not all of my plans get used. KH UX Dark Road was one such thing that was in storage for a time.
――The KH series began on the PS2, but you didn't have a chance to release games on the PS3 or PS Vita. (※The KH1.5 & KH2.5 HD editions were released on the PS3.) Were any projects ever in the works for those consoles?
Nomura: I had some vague plans for the PS3, but as I was working on FF Versus XIII at the time, so nothing was ever in the works. The PS Vita has high specs for a handheld console, so we decided anything we could make for it would probably just be better off on a home console, and in the end didn't make any plans.
――The PS5 and Xbox Series X are here now. We're wondering, if you get to make KH games for the next gen consoles, what will they be like?
Nomura: Each brand has already announced some big name titles. Any KH game for the next gen consoles will be a latecomer, so we would have to make something with enough surprise factor to match up to the existing line-up. Of course, we haven't announced we are making any new games for the PS5 or Xbox Series X. This is all hypothetical (laughs).
――Another huge appeal of the KH series is the music created by Yoko Shimomura and her music team. How did she come to be appointed as the composer for KH?
Nomura: She was recommended by the music department from back then. I'd met her thanks to Parasite Eve, and knew she was very easy to talk to, so I ended up asking her to do the music for KH too. She's been with us so long now, and it seems the fans adore her too.
――She's popular overseas too, isn't she?
Nomura: Once when I went overseas for KH related work, I was very surprised when the staff over there told me that the fans there call her a "Goddess." I asked them what they call me, and they said "Papa." I was like, what! (Laughs) The difference in level is just (laughs).
――During work on KH1, what kinds of orders did you give Shimomura regarding the music?
Nomura: KH's signature field music that switches to battle music is something I had wanted to do from the start. I remember her asking to do that. Also, I remember telling her that since this game has Disney worlds, I wanted the music to feel reminiscent of being in a theme park.
――What do you think is the appeal of Shimomura's music?
Nomura: I think perhaps the waves of emotions you can hear in her music. Perhaps you could say they gave a sense of storytelling to them.
――Takeharu Ishimoto & Tsuyoshi Sekito are also established KH series composers, aren't they?
Nomura: I think the first game I asked them to work on was KH Birth by Sleep. Ishimoto was also involved in TWEWY and Dissidia FF, so I had known him for a long time. As the fans know, he is very good at making stylish music, so I usually ask him to do battle music and the like.
Sekito is very good at making bright, joyful music, so he is a perfect fit for the KH aesthetic. I'm grateful to have him. Also, as a member of the Osaka team, he is in close contact with the developers and thus is a great person to ask for mini game and screens music.
――The soundtrack, packed with music by this team, released the other day.
Nomura: We weren't sure when to release KH MoM, until we heard that the soundtrack release date had already been set. I personally love matching numbers, so I was impressed with the date they had picked. I was a bit surprised that the KHIII soundtrack hadn't come out by then though (laughs).
――Considering when the game came out, that is kind of weird (laughs).
Nomura: Right? I'm glad it's finally out.
――Did you have anything to do with the soundtrack?
Nomura: I supervised the packaging design. I also wrote some commentary for the liner notes.
――The KH series has a huge amount of music. Which tracks in particular left the deepest impression on you?
Nomura: It would have to be the theme song Hikari (Simple and Clean). I hadn't imagined Utada Hikaru would accept, so this song left a deep impression on me in several senses. Back then a lot of people told me she probably would reject it. I decided to take a chance under the impression she would probably say no, but beyond all expectations she said yes.
When Hikari (Simple and Clean) was finished, they showed it to me in the recording studio. Listening to it in a studio with built in audio equipment magnified the impact of the music a hundred fold. I will never forget the goosebumps I had.
――Do you have any other favorites?
Nomura: It's hard to choose… I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I honestly think the KH series is packed with memorable music. I wouldn't give the OK on any song I didn't think was good in the first place, so it's natural I personally would think they're all good songs.
I think I'm fairly strict about the music. The tracks that make it into the game have undergone several retakes before they got my approval, so to me they're all worth listening to.
――What is your criteria for approving game music? We can imagine there are various points: the intro, overall melody, aesthetic fit, etc.
Nomura: Let's use the KH2 Twilight Town field music for example. I had a clear vision of Twilight Town in my head, so it was very important to me that the music fit the vibe. I was groping in the dark myself for a bit. I think it took a while before I approved that one.
But not all tracks involve the same criteria. For boss themes etc. I prioritize catchiness and coolness.
――KH is full of memorable tracks. So it was thanks to both your relentless retake requests, and the composers' effort to respond to them.
Nomura: An interview with the composer team was published a little while ago that touched on my retake requests (laughs).
I would like to defend myself for a second. They said I don't give detailed requests, like talk about the intro or the chorus or whatever. But I actually do give all kinds of instructions. "The intro is good but the part after that…" "Add this instrument" "Leave this part in, but cut that sound out" and stuff like that. In fact, I think I'm very detailed (laughs). Maybe it's because of how the go-between staff convey it? But I'm pretty sure they don't change what I say (laughs).
And then Sekito said I barely ever approve a track on the first take, but I'd say I approved about 80% of his music straight away (laughs). There was one track that took a very long time for me to approve, so maybe his impression was colored by that.
――Most people do remember negatives more than positives. Maybe times where you didn't point out specifics or rejected their work left a deeper impression, which was reflected in their comments (laughs).
Nomura: They gave the impression that I only ever give vague retake requests, so I want to defend my honor here (laughs).
――Speaking of, when you request a song do you give detailed instructions?
Nomura: Usually it's the development team who places orders for music, not me. The team decides what music is needed, and sends a request to the composers. Then, I participate in checking the created tracks. At that stage I either give a detailed retake request, or I give the OK straight away.
――Finally, a message for everyone looking forward to the soundtrack and game.
Nomura: We were able to release KH MoM and the soundtrack without a hitch despite these difficult times thanks to the hard work of everyone involved. I think both can be enjoyed for a long time, so please immerse yourself in memories of the KH series. I think perhaps KH MoM will see a little break in new titles in the series. The 20th anniversary of the series is coming in 2022. Things are moving along and it looks like I will be able to announce something good, so I hope you keep a close eye on us.
Follow Kingdom Hearts Insider on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross], Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, Kingdom Hearts III, Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory, and all things Kingdom Hearts and The World Ends With You! Don't forget to read our review about Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory!
COMMENTS
"The story won't take a turn that will lead to Xehanort being a main boss to fight". Good Hopefully Nomura fully commits to that for phase 2
Nomura being so aware of his friends talking shit is so funny to me.
――KH UX Dark Road digs into Xehanort's past. Do the characters from that have a possible role in future games…?
Nomura: KH UX Dark Road isn't a game made with future developments in mind, it was a project I already had in storage. It was released into the world because the KH Union χ team came to me saying they wanted to do it.
I don't think the story will take any turns that will see Xehanort appearing again as a main boss to fight. But his impact remains, which you will see in the story of KH MoM.
This is a very coded response. He reiterates that Xehanort's presence isn't going to be important moving forward, however, he never mentioned anything about the importance of the extended cast which means that every other character in Dark Road is fair game for future story relevance.
| Nomura: the project proposal indieszero first gave us was, to put it simply, a KH version of Theatrhythm FF. It felt like a more advanced version of the game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival, in arcades now. After seeing that, I told them I didn't want to just make Theatrhythm KH. |
DREAMS HAVE BEEN CRUSHED
DREAMS HAVE BEEN CRUSHED
I bet you we'll get a Theatrhythm mini game in a future game, though.
This is a very coded response. He reiterates that Xehanort's presence isn't going to be important moving forward, however, he never mentioned anything about the importance of the extended cast which means that every other character in Dark Road is fair game for future story relevance.
There’s also that Xehanort-MoM scene in ReMind which seems to want us to be open to a new perspective on Xehanort’s significance to the overall plot. As it stands Dark Road seems very much to be building up to that meeting. It’s hard to imagine Nomura is writing an entire plot and cast of characters for Dark Road that he’s not going to make totally integral to future mainline events lol, that would be out of character. Personally, I just hope we get an HD movie rendition at some point
Nomura: KH UX Dark Road isn't a game made with future developments in mind,
If I understand this correctly, he was mentioning about anything that related to post-MoM developments? And from this, I assume the Dark Road storyline will come to a close without any element like returning characters or plot being mentioned (Master Odin, the classmates, or the newest character appear at the end of Chapter 3)
EDIT: Ah I didn't see Alpha Baymax comment after I scrolled up.
This is a very coded response. He reiterates that Xehanort's presence isn't going to be important moving forward, however, he never mentioned anything about the importance of the extended cast which means that every other character in Dark Road is fair game for future story relevance.
This is a very coded response. He reiterates that Xehanort's presence isn't going to be important moving forward, however, he never mentioned anything about the importance of the extended cast which means that every other character in Dark Road is fair game for future story relevance.
I'm with Baymax here. He specifically focused on Xehanort. Nothing about Master Odin, Baldr, Baldr's sister, the upperclassmen and Xehanort's peers. Though I am of the opinion that Xehanort's peers won't be relevant beyond DR.
Yeah, I’m thinking that outside of Baldr and the upperclassmen, the rest will just end up being nothing more but references in the future.
I also don’t think he is writing out Xehanort or Eraqus for that matter. I think he intends for Xehanort to serve a different purpose moving forward. He’s not the antagonist. He’ll come back here and there in the same way he did in MOM as a guide of sorts, and in convenient flashbacks. He is has a wealth of knowledge, after all.
Yeah, I’m thinking that outside of Baldr and the upperclassmen, the rest will just end up being nothing more but references in the future.
I also don’t think he is writing out Xehanort or Eraqus for that matter. I think he intends for Xehanort to serve a different purpose moving forward. He’s not the antagonist. He’ll come back here and there in the same way he did in MOM as a guide of sorts, and in convenient flashbacks. He is has a wealth of knowledge, after all.
Yes. Xehanort is veeery tied to the Age of Fairytales, the MoM and Quadratum. There's more to Xehanort from now on outside of his Saga.
Soundtrack Plus please, soundtrack plus please.
Especially with the surprising amount of new content from MoM.
Yeah Nomura's statement about Xehanort was pretty distinctive to me. He's asked if Xehanort and characters from Dark Road will have roles in the future but his response is instead of just saying "We won't be seeing Xehanort again", he says "We won't be seeing Xehanort as an antagonist to fight again. That's the distinction which carries implications. Such as what Oracle suggested in that we could see Xehanort serve a different role for phase 2. Nomura already said his impact would still be felt as MoM would show.
Just as long as Xehanort's future appearances are limited to flashbacks, Dark Road, and whatever work he left behind after death. If Nomura brings him back from the dead that's the point I quit the series
So I have a bit of a stupid question: if there won't be any new KH content for at least the coming year, does that include all in one packs? Cause I'd kind of like an All-In-One Package that really did have everything (especially Re:Mind)
So I have a bit of a stupid question: if there won't be any new KH content for at least the coming year, does that include all in one packs? Cause I'd kind of like an All-In-One Package that really did have everything (especially Re:Mind)
It's possible that Nomura-san meant original content, and not re-releases per se.
So I have a bit of a stupid question: if there won't be any new KH content for at least the coming year, does that include all in one packs? Cause I'd kind of like an All-In-One Package that really did have everything (especially Re:Mind)
Like Ballad said, it probably only means brand new projects. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did another bundle with MOM or new merch or a surprise port of some game. But I’d say merch and ancillary stuff like DR/UX and the manga are all we will get.
So there's still hope for 1.5+2.5 on Switch?
So I have a bit of a stupid question: if there won't be any new KH content for at least the coming year, does that include all in one packs? Cause I'd kind of like an All-In-One Package that really did have everything (especially Re:Mind)
[URL unfurl="true"]https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0082-CUSA12031_00-COLLECTION300000[/URL]
Didn't they do an All-In-One package already? This doesn't have ReMIND. I'm hoping that if they do one for PS5, they call it "Kingdom Hearts: reCOMPLETE" rather than "Kingdom Hearts: reAll In One Package", and also include ReMIND.
So there's still hope for 1.5+2.5 on Switch?
*laughs*
[URL unfurl="true"]https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0082-CUSA12031_00-COLLECTION300000[/URL]
Didn't they do an All-In-One package already? This doesn't have ReMIND. I'm hoping that if they do one for PS5, they call it "Kingdom Hearts: reCOMPLETE" rather than "Kingdom Hearts: reAll In One Package", and also include ReMIND.
I LOVE Re:Complete! <3
Kingdom Hearts 3.5 - Re:Buy everything you’ve already bought 4 times but now it’s on the PS5 / 2 days of Birth by Sleep recoded in 3D
Didn't they do an All-In-One package already? This doesn't have ReMIND. I'm hoping that if they do one for PS5, they call it "Kingdom Hearts: reCOMPLETE" rather than "Kingdom Hearts: reAll In One Package", and also include ReMIND.
1. Yeah, that's what I meant, one with Re:Mind included (just to complete the Xehanort Saga)
2. I WOULD LOVE THAT NAME
[URL unfurl="true"]https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0082-CUSA12031_00-COLLECTION300000[/URL]
Didn't they do an All-In-One package already? This doesn't have ReMIND. I'm hoping that if they do one for PS5, they call it "Kingdom Hearts: reCOMPLETE" rather than "Kingdom Hearts: reAll In One Package", and also include ReMIND.
If they do something like this, thoughts on the possibility that they would include a Back Cover-like cutscene movie for Unchained [x] and/or Union Cross to justify the package? Assuming Ux comes to a close within the coming months. Probably just wishful thinking ?
God I dislike how Japanese interviewers always gas up the subject.
| ――Despite being a music game, you jump, attack with the Keyblade and more - it really feels like playing a normal KH game. |
It absolutely does not. This sounds like a marketing line, not something actually coming out of the mouth of someone who played the game.
| ――Now, we want to ask about the KH series as a whole. KH3 served as a punctuation point in the plot, but there are still unresolved characters and mysteries, right? |
You've gotta be kidding me. KH3 resolved almost nothing other than what? Where Terra was? Oh wow sora stopped xehenort from doing exactly what he said he was going to do in DDD. How could you actually unironically ask "are there still unresolved characters and mysteries?"
| If I am working on a KH game, I am usually thinking about one game ahead. So to use your example of KH1, I already had the next game KH Chain of Memories in mind. So when I was working on KH1, I had vague ideas about starting with a new protagonist in KH2, where Roxas appears, but I hadn't formed a definitive concept at the time |
This is why the writing in kingdom hearts is getting more and more frustrating. Nomura sees each game as a way to serve the next game, not as a complete experience in of itself.
If they do something like this, thoughts on the possibility that they would include a Back Cover-like cutscene movie for Unchained [x] and/or Union Cross to justify the package? Assuming Ux comes to a close within the coming months. Probably just wishful thinking ?
Union Cross deserves to be a playable experience with Ephemer and Skuld as the playable characters.
Union Cross deserves to be a playable experience with Ephemer and Skuld as the playable characters.
I agree, but given their treatment of Days, coded, and the only HD χ content we’ve received so far, I highly doubt they’ll give us anything more than a cutscene compilation. I’m just hopeful we’ll at least get that much.
It absolutely does not. This sounds like a marketing line, not something actually coming out of the mouth of someone who played the game.
It does to me, speaking as someone who actually did play it; just not in the traditional sense.
You've gotta be kidding me. KH3 resolved almost nothing other than what? Where Terra was? Oh wow sora stopped xehenort from doing exactly what he said he was going to do in DDD. How could you actually unironically ask "are there still unresolved characters and mysteries?"
You said KH3 resolved almost nothing, and yet flame people for asking if there’s anything unresolved? I’m confused., especially when you say this
This is why the writing in kingdom hearts is getting more and more frustrating. Nomura sees each game as a way to serve the next game, not as a complete experience in of itself.
not too much later.
I agree, but given their treatment of Days, coded, and the only HD χ content we’ve received so far, I highly doubt they’ll give us anything more than a cutscene compilation. I’m just hopeful we’ll at least get that much.
I think the justification for the non-remakes of Days and coded was because of time constraints. With the Seekers of Darkness Saga over and the KH team having more than one dev team, it's possible that a playable remake of KHx/Ux is under consideration, but we'll have to see what comes out of it.
Union Cross deserves to be a playable experience with Ephemer and Skuld as the playable characters.
I rather a movie explaining everything in KHUX. I will projectile vomit if KHUX gets a HD release on main consoles with the same gameplay, where I have to pay money to get cutscenes. No thanks.
I rather a movie explaining everything in KHUX. I will projectile vomit if KHUX gets a HD release on main consoles with the same gameplay, where I have to pay money to get cutscenes. No thanks.
What. That's not how a hypothetical remake of UX would work.
I rather a movie explaining everything in KHUX. I will projectile vomit if KHUX gets a HD release on main consoles with the same gameplay, where I have to pay money to get cutscenes. No thanks.
They’re not going to do that, be realistic here please.
I think a remake of KHUx has more probabilities.
Think: they've packed every movie in a collection:
• Days movie in I.5
• coded movie in II.5
• KHx movie in II.8
If they make a KHUx movie, with what are they going to pack it with? Melody of Memory + KHUx movie? Yet another ReMix re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-release, but with MoM and KHUx movie (The Story So Far + More To Come? hahahahaha).
Unless...
KH DDD Vol. 2 + KHUx movie
If they make a KHUx movie, with what are they going to pack it with? Melody of Memory + KHUx movie? Yet another ReMix re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-release, but with MoM and KHUx movie (The Story So Far + More To Come? hahahahaha).
Yeah I'm thinking it's not too far-fetched to think they might package KH3/ReMind/MoM together as part of a next-gen performance upgrade next year (III.5? lol idk), in which case, a Ux movie seems plausible? I know I'm parsing words here but Nomura technically said "a little break in new titles," which I take to mean games (which, for the record, could also leave the door open to a Disney+ announcement). But who knows ? leave it to Nomura to be vague.
Ux movie packaged with the next full game is possible, but would be a departure from how they've done things thus far
I think with all the plot threads Nomura has laid out, he's clearly very eager to move forward into new narrative territory. I have a hard time imagining he'll want to hold up that next step with a full-fledged Ux playable remake.
The problem with packing KHIII+MOM+KHUx Movie is that it seems redundant because the PS5 is backwards compatible with the PS4
I think there are still things they could do, like 60 fps at 4k resolution, faster load times etc. But agree that it would feel somewhat redundant.
I could use something good in 2022. Just like, in general.
This is why the writing in kingdom hearts is getting more and more frustrating. Nomura sees each game as a way to serve the next game, not as a complete experience in of itself.
Usually people act like this cuz they think Nomura never plans ahead.
Nomura: The remaining things that were foreshadowed will absolutely be resolved in future games, but, I do want to slightly change the format we've had until now. I want to shake things up with a different world and new story, while also resolving existing foreshadowing.
Part of me is hoping that changing the format will mean it becoming less end heavy. It'd be nice if big events are spread throughout the game and not all saved for the end and rushed.
GreyouTT
November 23, 2020 @ 10:41 pmOffline