'Kingdom Hearts 3' Release Date, News & Updates: Covers of HD Collections Contain Secret Message About KH3, Tetsuya Nomura Reveals
The covers of the "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMix" (KH1.5), "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix" (KH2.5) and "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue" (KH2.8) are not just beautiful collages of the video game's characters. Director Tetsuya Nomura revealed that the illustrations of the HD compilations form a secret message linking to the much-awaited "Kingdom Hearts 3" (KH3).
The Hidden Message
In a translated interview by KH13.com, Nomura told Dengeki PlayStation that the cover illustrations of KH1.5, KH2.5 and KH2.8 were designed to work together to demonstrate the progression of Sora throughout the video game series. He explained that attentive "Kingdom Hearts" fans might have already noticed that the three box art feature Sora's variation in movements from sitting to standing and walking.
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In addition to Sora's movements, Nomura revealed that the three cover illustrations of the HD re-releases also show the passage of time when lined up together. He said that the changes in the sky of the box art are noticeable.
Nomura stressed that the cover of KH1.5 shows sunset becoming night. On the other hand, the box art of KH2.5 depicts midnight, while the cover of KH2.8 illustrates night breaking into dawn.
According to the video game director, the three illustrations of the HD collection form a secret message regarding KH3, which is the final chapter of the Square Enix-developed action role-playing game. He, however, refused to reveal the exact message about KH3.
No KH3 for Now
Per IGN, Square Enix will not reveal much about KH3 until the release of KH2.8. The release date of KH2.8 was originally scheduled this December, however, it was pushed to January 2017. The "Final Chapter Prologue" will arrive in Japan on Jan. 12 before coming to other countries on Jan. 28.
What to Expect from KH2.8
KH2.8 is an HD remastered collection exclusive for PlayStation 4 gamers. The compilation includes "Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover", "Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep–A Fragmentary Passage" (KH0.2), and "Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance HD".
Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover" is a new payable chapter that will utilize technology being developed for KH3. It will reveal new parts of the "Kingdom Hearts" series' history. Moreover, "Dream Drop Distance HD" is a full remake of the Nintendo 3DS game with less offensive enemies and more traditional control scheme for commands.
On the other hand, KH0.2 is a new episode told from the perspective of Aqua. This short chapter, which takes place after the setting of the original "Birth by Sleep," will bridge to the KH3.
