Kingdom Hearts

LADYDRAGON.COM

 
 

Kingdom Hearts

KINGDOM HEARTS is the first joint project between SQUARE and DISNEY INTERACTIVE. This action role-playing game combines classic DISNEY characters and worlds with newly introduced characters and environments created in the renowned SQUARE style. The new DISNEY characters making their debut in KINGDOM HEARTS are developed by Tetsuya Nomura, best known for his creations in the breakthrough titles FINAL FANTASY®VII, VIII and X. From a production team of more than 100 of SQUARE and DISNEY’s most creative talent, KINGDOM HEARTS fully exploits the technological possibilities of the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in an epic tale of adventure, heroism and, ultimately, the sacrifice of what is held dearest for the greater good.

KINGDOM HEARTS is the story of Sora, a 14-year-old boy whose world is shattered when a violent storm hits his island-paradise home, and he is separated from his two closest friends, Riku, a 15-year-old boy, and Kairi, a 14-year-old girl. The storm scatters the three to different and unknown worlds. Sora, while searching for his friends in a strange and mysterious land, meets Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, protectors of the Disney Castle, who are on a mission to find King Mickey. The three learn of ominous creatures known as the Heartless – beings without hearts derived from an unknown dimension and, as it turns out, the ones responsible for the devastating storm. And while the Heartless invade and destroy many worlds, the Disney villains collaborate behind the scenes to realize their devious intentions. Upon discovering the link between the Heartless, the storm and the disappearance of the King, Sora, Donald and Goofy join forces to recover Sora’s friends, return the King to his rightful position and save the universe from the Heartless.

In KINGDOM HEARTS, each world contains a special Keyhole. The Heartless, originating from the power of darkness, enter through the Keyhole to invade the various worlds. Sora and company must defeat the Heartless Boss and lock the Keyhole with the powerful magic of the Keyblade to stop the flow of Heartless into the world.

· Four new DISNEY main characters make their debut in KINGDOM HEARTS: Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Heartless.

· For the first time, multiple DISNEY characters and worlds coexist in one interactive product.

· More than 100 DISNEY characters appear in the game, including Jafar from Disney’s Aladdin, Clayton from Disney’s Tarzan™, Hades from Hercules, The Queen of Hearts from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, and Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, among others.

· Classic DISNEY characters will appear in fresh new ways in KINGDOM HEARTS. These include new costumes and the characters’ ability to morph into different forms as they take on characteristics of the diverse worlds they visit.

· Disney characters engage in action sequences using movements and behaviors true to their film personas – so Peter Pan flies, Tarzan climbs and Ariel swims, to name a few examples.

• Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII, Selphie from FINAL FANTASY VIII, and Tidus and Wakka from FINAL

FANTASY X make guest appearances in KINGDOM HEARTS, along with other familiar FINAL FANTASY characters.

• Mouth movements will be recreated for the North American release. KINGDOM HEARTS is the first SQUARE title to feature the reconstruction of facial motion to compliment the English voice-overs.

· Magic can aid in battle through the use of elemental attacks and summon spells. Examples of elemental attacks include fire, to blow a single enemy, and lightning to damage several enemies. Several DISNEY characters, such as Mushu from Disney’s Mulan and Simba from Disney’s The Lion King, will be accessible to Sora as a summons attack.

· Players can control the camera, allowing Sora to view his surroundings through a first-person perspective.

• Battles take place directly on the field map, eliminating the need for random battles.

· Characters are endowed with numerous motions such as climbing, flying, swimming and the ability to pick up items that can be utilized in battle or stacked so other areas can be accessed. Characters will also react differently to various locations and situations; for example, the width of a tree will determine how Sora will climb it.

NEW DISNEY MAIN CHARACTERS

Sora, age 14

As a teenager he has his share of concerns, but overall, he manages to keep an upbeat attitude. He seems too simple-minded at times, but he has a strong sense of justice.

Riku, age 15

Riku is Sora’s best friend. He may seem cool and collected for his age, but he is far from the quiet type. Always curious about the unknown, he begins to question the small, closed world in which he lives.

Kairi, age 14

Kairi moved to Sora and Riku’s island a few years ago. She may appear gentle and fragile, but she possesses a strong and unyielding will.

The Heartless

The Heartless, beings without hearts, appeared out of nowhere. Their origin and purpose are shrouded in mystery. The Heartless cast the world into darkness, stealing away people’s hearts. They assault Sora and his world without mercy. The Heartless appear in numerous forms and their attacks and motions vary based on their attributes.

CLASSIC DISNEY CHARACTERS

Minnie Mouse

Queen of Disney Castle. She takes charge of Disney Castle during the king’s absence. Entrusting Donald and Goofy with the king’s mission, she awaits their safe return.

Daisy Duck

An aristocrat who resides at the castle. She kindly encourages Donald and Goofy before their journey, and like the queen, prays for their safety—especially Donald’s.

Pluto

The king’s pet dog. Extremely loyal to the king.

Donald Duck

Court wizard and loyal servant to the king. He embarks on a journey to carry out the missing king’s orders. Feisty, impatient character whose antics are a real highlight of the game.

Goofy

Captain of the Royal Knights, a soldier who despises weapons. Under the king’s orders, he accompanies Donald on the quest to find the key. Easygoing, innately clumsy character whose endearing charm evokes smiles even in the worst of times.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM PROFILES

TETSUYA NOMURA is the Director and Character Designer for KINGDOM HEARTS. Past credits include Character Designer for FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII; Parasite Eve 1,2 and The Bouncer. Nomura’s ability to create a wide range of characters will be key in creating a world that is a blend of Disney and Square’s classic styles. Deeply involved in all aspects of the title, Nomura’s touch will be apparent throughout KINGDOM HEARTS.

YOSHINORI KITASE is the Co-Producer for KINGDOM HEARTS. Past credits include Producer on FINAL FANTASY X, Project Planning on FINAL FANTASY V, VI and Director for FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII. His contribution as Director on FINAL FANTASY VII, brought the series to a new level with its release for the original PlayStation game console.

JUN AKIYAMA is the Event Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. His past credits include Event Planning for FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY Tactics and Vagrant Story. He will ensure that the events, which take place in KINGDOM HEARTS, will maintain the player’s interest from beginning to end.

TAKESHI ENDO is the Stage Planning Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. His past credits Stage Planning include FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII, IX. Endo sets the pace of the game, deciding when certain stages will occur, an important factor in Role Playing Games (RPGs). His experience as Stage Planner on the popular FINAL FANTASY series will keep KINGDOM HEARTS at a pace players young and old will be able to appreciate.

AKIRA FUJII is the Technical Art Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. His past credits as Real-time Graphics Director include FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII, IX and Parasite Eve. While the quality of Full Motion Videos (FMVs) are important to a game, even more important is what the player experiences during gameplay. Fujii will be bringing to KINGDOM HEARTS the high caliber of graphics that his past titles have been known for by RPG fans around the world.

TATSUYA KANDO is Animation Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. His past credits involving Character Motion include FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII, IX and Parasite Eve. Kando’s involvement in the project ensures that characters will move in a natural manner, helping to make the world in KINGDOM HEARTS as believable as possible.

YUICHI KANEMORI is the Battle Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. His past work includes Battle Director for Parasite Eve 2. As Battle Director for KINGDOM HEARTS, he is responsible for creating battles, which will appeal to players of all ages.

TOMOHIRO KAYANO is the Character Model Director for KINGDOM HEARTS. Past credits include Character and Monster modeling for FINAL FANTASY VII, VIII, IX and Parasite Eve. As in his past works, his detailed models will be a large factor in the player’s connection to the characters in KINGDOM HEARTS.

YOKO SHIMOMURA is the Composer for KINGDOM HEARTS. Her past credits include composing music for Front Mission, Parasite Eve and Legend of Mana; three titles with completely different styles. Her diverse range of styles will lend to the creation of the epic music in KINGDOM HEARTS.

Corporate Background

Established in 1986, Square Co., Ltd. (Square) is the leading third party developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software primarily for the PlayStation® game console (PS one) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, with annual sales of more than $614* million and 900 employees worldwide. Based in Japan, Square’s success was founded with the 1987 release of the first title in the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY® role-playing game (RPG) series. FINAL FANTASY X, released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, has exceeded sales of 4 million units worldwide and has increased the life-to-date sales of the series to 38 million units worldwide, making the FINAL FANTASY franchise one of the best-selling series across all platforms in the history of the interactive entertainment industry.

Square’s corporate heritage is based upon cutting-edge technology with motion picture visual effects wizardry. In addition to the FINAL FANTASY franchise, other series that have achieved "million-seller" status include SaGa Frontier®, Legend of MANATM, Parasite Eve™ and Chrono Trigger®.

In 1989, Square formally expanded into the North American market by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary called Square Soft, Inc. In 1998, Square joined forces with Electronic Arts to establish two joint venture companies, one in Japan and one in North America. Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (Square Electronic Arts) located in Los Angeles has the exclusive publishing rights in North America for all interactive entertainment titles developed by Square. Square Soft, Inc. is the majority shareholder in Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. Square Soft and Square Electronic Arts are committed to developing and marketing innovative titles using creative techniques that will propel game play to new heights of interactivity and realism.

In late 1998, Square expanded its worldwide presence by establishing Square Europe Ltd., located in London, England. Square Europe has been granted publishing rights in Europe and other PAL territories for interactive entertainment titles developed by Square.

PlayOnline™, a network entertainment and community service from Square launched on May 16, 2002 in Japan along with FINAL FANTASY XI. FINAL FANTASY XI is the first online FINAL FANTASY title by Square.

Developer: Square Co., Ltd.

Publisher: Square Electronic Arts L.L.C.

Format: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

Genre: Action RPG

ESRB Rating: "E" for Everyone

Ship Date: Fall 2002 (North America)

Kingdom Hearts

 

 

Back

Tous droits réservés - All rights reserved.
Copyright ©1998 - 2002 - LadyDragon.com
dragon@ladydragon.com