Nomura: It'd be unusual if Kingdom Hearts II HD didn't happen

Famitsu has a brief interview with Testuya Nomura this week on all things Kingdom Hearts HD.

Recently revealed at Tokyo Game Show, KHHD will be making its way to the PlayStation 3 some time in 2013, and feature upgraded visuals, Japanese voice and more. Titled Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMIX, the HD remaster will include Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, and the cutscenes from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days redone in a theater mode.

Speaking with Famitsu, the magazine asked Nomura about the possibility of Kingdom Hearts II getting the HD treatment. “It’d be unusual if there wasn’t (laughs),” replied Nomura.

Details on 1.5 ReMIX itself include news that Sora and the other character’s models have been upgraded to those used in Kingdom Hearts 3D. From a gameplay standpoint, certain mechanics have also been adjusted to be more like KHII. Concerning the game’s theater mode for 358/2 Days, 70% of it is mainly old scenes redone with new voice overs. “I’m happy to be restarting this title,” said Nomura.

Other details on the remaster include confirmation that the screen ratio and menu gauge placement have been updated. This means the game will support widescreen and, as evidenced by the TGS trailer, sport cleaner menus.

Nomura considered doing a full remake for KH 358/2 Days similar to Re:Chain of Memories, but as it was too late to start work on a new title they opted to recreate the cutscenes for the theater mode. Of course, with the series scattered across various hardware following the release of Kingdom Hearts II, “I figured since there were people who had a hard time keeping up with the sequels, we had to start from the beginning with Kingdom Hearts HD,” said Nomura. “I also thought that familiar fans might make new discoveries seeing everything in chronological order with the sequels side by side.”

Via: GameNyarth.