Nomura Responds to Famitsu Fan Survey + Comments from VAs & Others

Meilin Lee · Apr 12, 2017

Recently, Famitsu celebrated the 15th anniversary of the 'Kingdom Hearts' series, which included a fan survey, as well as words from the series director, Tetsuya Nomura, Masahiro Sakurai of SSB and Kirby fame, and others, which have now been fully translated. In responding to the fan survey, Nomura says:

1. I think the results of the title that people played first, as well as the ones people enjoyed most are as expected. It's quite something that the ratio of the people who answered is 50% male to female. Even from the data we gathered within our own company, unlike most of our other titles, there is a strong representation of the proportion of males to females, as well as the proportion of younger players. Comparing to our other titles, we can see many young and female players, which reminds me that this is truly a title with a connection to a healthy future.

2. The fact that "story" occupied the majority of responses in regards to fan's favorite parts of the series is a surprise. It occurred to me that most responses gathered this time must have been from pretty hardcore fans, seeing that the story is quite long and complicated. We always try our best to place our utmost effort into every aspect of our games, so I thought it would have been a more even spread.
In regards to the responses regarding favorite characters, most of the results were as expected, but I feel Riku ranked a little low. I think I have to do something about that. Maybe I should give him a little more opportunity to shine?

3. As for enemies that left an impression on players, there's a split made by the memory of a tough battle, and the memory therein of a character as a whole. In regards to favorite Keyblades, the popular Keyblades from before once again take the limelight. Regarding favorite scenes and worlds, there's quite a few I didn't expect to see. The scenes that I personally wished I had put more emphasis on seemed to top the ranks. For example, when Sora turned into a heartless. I wanted to let players bask in this moment for longer, but I ended up putting priority in the pace of the story. As for favorite worlds, I was surprised that so many original worlds ranked the highest.

4. As for features players indulged in the most, as expected, the features we put particular effort in topped the ranks. I was unexpectedly surprised and happy to see the Dream Eater creation feature being popular. Regarding favorite music tracks, I'm relieved to see the tracks that I had pointed out to include into the Orchestra Concert's setlists being popular. Additionally, regarding the mysteries that fans are most eager to unravel, a lot of them seem to come from our latest work, KH2.8... I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Contained within those are a lot of the mysteries that originate from the plot of Kingdom Hearts x[chi], which was unexpected but welcoming. By all means then, please look forward to future developments in the renewed "KH Union Cross".

5. As for guest characters that fans would like to see the most, I'm a little worried. In the current state of the main story, it would be difficult to incorporate these characters. However, even in the responses regarding what fans are looking forward to most in the future of the series, numerous voices are heard expecting these guest characters to appear. I'll consider the voices of these fans very carefully and do my very best to meet the expectations of all other fans. As for the final messages received by fans, I can feel the same feelings and fond memories of the series that sprout forth from our overseas fans in our Japanese fans, however they are also patient. I could really feel the fire burning inside them.

In regards to KH3, being the 15th year anniversary, the tension is steadily rising so, to fans, we thank you for your patience and ask for your continual support as we work hard toward our mutual goal.
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Also, several VAs from the KH series (as well as Masahiro Sakurai and Japanese actress Rena Matsui) had a few words for KH's 15th anniversary:

Rena Matsui (Debuted as a member of SKE48, is now an actress after graduating in August 2015.)

Congratulations on 15 years! Kingdom Hearts was the first game I completed on my own, and I've played it over and over ever since. Sora, Riku, Kairi, the characters just get more and more captivating as they're introduced. They're all characters I can't help but fall in love with. In KH2, Roxas' "My summer vacation... is over" is always so emotional that no matter how many times I watch it, I cry. It's my favorite scene. Even if KH3 takes another many years to release, I'll be eagerly waiting.

Risa Uchida - Kairi and Xion

I'll never forget the day I auditioned for Kingdom Hearts. From that day on I've been captivated by it. From 13 years old meeting her, half my life has been Kairi. The one who taught me the true meaning of having heart, Xion. To them, and to the happiness I've been granted by Kingdom Hearts, I offer my utmost thanks. Happy 15th anniversary!

Kouki Uchiyama - Roxas and Ven

I received mail from Megumi Toyoguchi (VA of Aqua), who attended the Orchestra World Tour concert in Tokyo, about how that went down. It's only Kingdom Hearts that's able to create and host such a huge, worldwide event. The effort of the staff, as well as the constant support of the fans piled up over 15 years is what I believe to have made such a thing possible.

Megumi Toyoguchi - Aqua

Happy 15th anniversary! I'm incredibly thankful to have been able to meet with the splendid Aqua! I'm looking forward to the day where Aqua escapes the Realm of Darkness, to the day where with overwhelming feeling and happiness I can cry out the names of Terra and Ven once again!

Mamoru Miyano - Riku

During a period of time where I was yet to act with my voice, I was privileged to have met with Kingdom Hearts. So, you could say that my voice acting life and history, and Kingdom Hearts', is one and the same. Being given the opportunity to experience and grow along with Kingdom Hearts has been a wondrous ride. And with ever increasing devotion, I'll continue to grow and live on as Riku! From the depths of my heart, congratulations on 15 years!

Masahiro Sakurai (Director of Smash Brothers and creator of Kirby)

Congratulations on 15 years, Kingdom Hearts! (Just around the same time, Kirby reaches its 25th). Being the director of a collaborative title myself, albeit in a different direction, I wholeheartedly understand the difficulty of developing one so much that it hurts! However, I tip my hat to Nomura and his staff for constantly creating such flawless volumes of progression each and every time. And onward to the future, I'll continue to sit back and indulge myself in the entertainment you bring forward for me.
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Special thanks to KHInsider's Saken for the translations!

Day~Dream · Apr 13, 2017

"seeing that the story is quite long and complicated."

Never thought I'd see the day that he actually admits it.

Ability King KK · Apr 14, 2017

If it wasn't for Disney's involvement, how awesome would it be if Sora ended up in Super Smash Bros. at some point?

Day~Dream said: ↑

"seeing that the story is quite long and complicated."

Never thought I'd see the day that he actually admits it.
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Eh, KH is one of those series where one can have a better understanding of the story if you play the games in chronological order. Much like a book, you just don't pick out a random chapter and start from there, expecting to know what's going on right off the bat. Always start from the beginning!

Zgermanguy · Apr 14, 2017

Ability King KK said: ↑

If it wasn't for Disney's involvement, how awesome would it be if Sora ended up in Super Smash Bros. at some point?

Eh, KH is one of those series where one can have a better understanding of the story if you play the games in chronological order. Much like a book, you just don't pick out a random chapter and start from there, expecting to know what's going on right off the bat. Always start from the beginning!
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true but its worth noting that the author but chapter 6 before 2 which is after 12.

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Nomura Responds to Famitsu Fan Survey + Comments from VAs & Others

Meilin Lee RPG (Red Panda Girl)

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