In the latest Kingdom Hearts 3 gameplay trailer at E3, Square Enix showed some intense combat sequences filled with flashy, bold mechanics that even included a transforming Keyblade. Speaking in the latest issue of Famitsu, Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura shed further light on the combat in Kingdom Hearts 3.
"As an action game there is much more you'd want to do. You can move seamlessly in the map, and you can do the flashy actions that were shown in the trailer," Nomura said. Though Kingdom Hearts 3's combat — particularly the amount of mobility players will have — is inspired by "the base" from Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance, Nomura explained that combat is "divided into a new flow of action".
Beyond movement, Nomura discussed the very tantalizing Keyblade transformation. If you recall, the trailer showed Sora's iconic Keyblade weapon transform into two ranged pistols.
According to Nomura, there will be a "neat story" explaining the nature of this transformative weapon, and hinted that this feature will be "possible to do in the beginning of the game."
"You can transform the Keyblade if conditions are met and there ar eseveral transformation stages," he detailed. "When Sora's Keyblade has been changed into a particular form, you will be able to use its form specific abilities."
"In addition to the Keyblade transformations for Sora, it becomes possible to maneuver using specific forms and actions," he added, suggesting that gameplay will change for the player depending on which Keyblade form you choose. "There will be many battle choices. Take whatever strategy, it will be up to the player."
So does that mean Kingdom Hearts 3 will be more tactical, possibly leaving button mashers at a disadvantage? Not quite.
"Of course, for those who button mash will have an exhilarating experience but for those who want technical fights will also find fun making combinations. In addition to the Keyblade transformations, there is still the Attraction Flow to be appreciated," Nomura left off.
On a related note, Nomura confirmed that he knows the release date for Kingdom Hearts 3, but is unable to say anything just yet. That being said, more news regarding the highly anticipated game will come later this year at Japan's D23 Expo in November.
To talk Kingdom Hearts, Disney, or anything else magical in the world hit me up on Twitter, @Matt_GZ.
