Kingdom Hearts: 3D Dream Drop Distance Footage Released

Nintendo 3DS users and fans of Kingdom Hearts will be excited to hear that Western release dates have been set for the newest instalment to the game series. Following Riku and Sora on yet another keyblade quest, this time you will get the chance to breed and train over 50 different types of "spirit" that will fight alongside you, as explained in the introduction to this video - the first footage we have seen in English for the game to date.

You will be able to play as both of the ever-familiar protagonists, and other returning characters include Xehanort, Xemnas, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey, who will appear in three different incarnations throughout the game. It will be the first game in the series for the 3DS platform, though existing titles have been released for the Nintendo DS prior to the introduction of 3D software. Alongside the English footage above, there have been several examples of Japanese footage released, all of which suggest a familiar game playing style with a few 3D-related updates for the series.

So, what are those all-important dates? European users can expect to get their hands on the game on the 20th July this year, whilst American players will be forced to wait until 31st of July - a little bit of poetic justice, considering how many games have been released in the opposite order, and also considering just how much of a fuss US gamers are kicking up about it already. Australians will be sitting right in the middle of those two dates, with their release set for the 26th of July; the game has already seen impressive sales figures both in Japan and in pre-sale over here, with a whole host of good ratings coming across from Japan as well. Since it was rated the most expected 3DS game for Summer 2012 in an IGN poll, one might suggest that it had better live up to those reviews!

Published 22nd April 2012 by Rhiannon D'Averc

Rhiannon is a professional writer specialising in a wide range of topics, in particular the world of entertainment. She is also a keen photographer, embroiderer, and all-around creative.