This make come a little surprise considering the popularity of the Kingdom Hearts series outside Japan, but even still, Square-Enix officially announced that Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance will be released to PAL and NTSC-U regions sometime next year, after its March release in Japan. This entry in to the series promises to add more new features beyond the glasses-free 3D.
One of the biggest changes is the dual protagonists, as you control both Sora and Riku Throughout their adventure in the Sleeping Worlds, as they have to pass this exam to become true keyblade masters. Along with the new world are new enemies that can be recruited to fight along side the two heroes, there are over 50 types in total.
The story will serve as a way to set up the final story that will be told in Kingdom Hearts III, bringing the ten year running series to a close.
We will keep you up to date when a more firm release date is set. I personally hope this is a much better portable iteration of the series after 2008’s Re:Coded was such a let down.
[showhide type=”pressrelease”]LOS ANGELES and LONDON (Dec. 20, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc. andSquare Enix Ltd., the publishers of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, Europe and across PAL territories, today announced fans of the popular KINGDOM HEARTS series will be able to experience a new 3-D adventure next year with the North American and European release ofKINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], specifically for the Nintendo 3DS™ system.
The new game’s spectacular story promises to be a fun backdrop to the colorful cast of Disney characters making their 3-D debut on a handheld title. In addition to new worlds, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will feature never-before-seen gameplay elements for the series.
“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. In order to best implement this element of surprise and discover new realms of possibility, we have chosen Nintendo 3DS as our platform. With its revolutionary new game system, this title will not only be a bold, exhilarating tale of adventure, but also a first look into the future form of the KINGDOM HEARTS series,” said Tetsuya Nomura, director ofKINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance].
Story
King Mickey and Yen Sid prepare for an impending threat by putting Sora and Riku through the Mark of Mastery exam. Sora and Riku are sent into the Sleeping Worlds, where they will face enemies and allies that have never been seen before. If they can successfully complete the task they are given, they will be deemed true Keyblade Masters.
Features
• Dual protagonists – Play as the two most popular characters of the franchise, Sora and Riku.
• “Free-flow” action – Enjoy fast and effortless movements while interacting with the environment and performing acrobatic attacks.
• Brand-new creatures – Dream Eaters inhabit the Sleeping Worlds, and are split into two categories: Spirits and Nightmares. Recruit over 50 different types of Spirits as allies to fight alongside Sora and Riku.
• New Disney worlds – Beloved Disney worlds and characters, such as La Cité des Cloches (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), make their series debut.
• Story progression – With updated looks for Sora and Riku, and the impending conflict made clear, this title is a big step forward in the series.
Product Summary
Title KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]
Platform Nintendo 3DS
Genre RPG
Release Date 2012
MSRP TBD
Copyright © Disney. Developed by SQUARE ENIX
Related Links
KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Official Homepage:
http://www.kingdomhearts3dgame.com
KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Official Facebook® Page:http://www.facebook.com/kingdomhearts
KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] is not yet rated.[/showhide]
 is dropping in North America and Europe in 2012){kind=link}