Kingdom Hearts 3 finally released early this year and seemingly wrapped up the whole story to some degree, but then it was confirmed that a KH3 DLC is coming sometime this winter called Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind. Back in September Square Enix released a trailer for the new game, hinting at the potential and leaving a lot of details up for conjecture. There are plenty of theories on what exactly this DLC will hold, but here's everything we know for sure.
There will be new modes. Back in November, new details were released during a concert in Osaka Japan. Kingdom Hearts game director, Tetsuya Nomura spoke during the middle of the performance to give further details on the game. One attendee, known on Twitter as @mel_lifluous3 or Melanie, detailed the event and revealed that there will be a Photo Mode, Slideshow Mode, Fast Pass Mode, and "Black Code".
Photo And Slideshow Mode
Photo Mode is said to be a silly fun mode where players can pose with any of the characters including enemies. Melanie also explained that there was a hilarious example of Sora posing with an enemy from previous games, but unfortunately wasn't able to get photo evidence. Players will also be able to add graphics like a giant plate of pancakes, a Dusk, or even Dream Eaters to personalize the photos. One Twitter user went on to explain that the photos can be used from scenes in previous games, one example was a shoddy screenshot of Axel confronting Xion in Twilight Town. The photos are said to be revamped in high definition showing off their beauty the way the developers originally intended
In Slideshow Mode, gamers can take all the photos that they've created or collected and add music and swiping effects. It is unclear at this time whether or not these slideshows can be shared with friends or via social media.
Fast Pass and Black Code Mode
Fast Pass Mode for Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind will be a difficulty setting. In Fast Pass Mode, a nice nod to Square Enix's partnership with Disney will allow players to one-shot enemies. This mode will also allow players to stack up multiple spells and attractions. This is supposedly is the easiest setting that players can use in the DLC and will help move the story along quicker for less experienced players.
Black Code Mode appears to be the hardest mode in the new DLC. Players will be able to adjust the difficulty in order to test their skills, even allowing themselves to limit their HP. If players need to prove something, they can play with 1 HP.
Familiar Faces
There are a few familiar faces in the trailer that help key players into where in the ever-complex storyline this DLC takes place. Towards the beginning of the trailer, gamers will see Axel fighting. This appears to be an extended cutscene to help make sense of all the different factions fighting in the Keyblade Graveyard, instead of just hopping from one story to the next. Xigbar definitely seems to have a big fight with Sora, a fight that was in Kingdom Hearts 2 and 2.5. Aqua seems to have a fairly big storyline in her quest for revenge against Xehanort, using what appears to be a team-up with Ventus.
Sora has an argument with Namine, telling her to "Go to the world of ocean and sky," which sounds like a reference to the Final World that consists of only water and sky. Several users have pointed out means that this was the area of death, or at least what Chirithy describes as a world just before a heart ceases to exist. Some users joked that it sounds like Sora is telling Namine to "Go die."
Familiar Swords
Another familiar appearance in the trailer are the Keyblades Oathkeeper and Oblivion. Oathkeeper is formed when Sora uses Kairi's Wayfinder as a charm. This charm was given to Sora back in Traverse Town in Kingdom Hearts I as good luck. The blade makes an appearance in almost every Kingdom Hearts game and spin-off.
Oblivion is another blade that appears in almost every game but is also the second half of Roxas' dual set alongside Oathkeeper. Oblivion is achieved after Sora defeats Riku in the Grand Hall in KHII.
Back in October, it was confirmed that Square Enix was hiring for three new positions. The studio was looking for a UI designer, a technical artist, and an effects designer. It was said that the hiring was to help on an HD development for the Kingdom Hearts series. As of now, most of the Kingdom Hearts games have been in fairly standard definition, but with the confirmed Photo Mode, it is likely that previous iconic scenes from the series are getting a full High Definition upgrade.
Tetsuya Nomura said in an interview that they wanted to have at least as many battles as there were in Kingdom Hearts II, and that's as many as thirteen boss battles. However, Nomura also stated that he didn't want to confirm any further details, the release date included, because he didn't want people "mad at him." Likely a smart move for the game director, but with no further details to go on, the "Winter Release" is likely going to be pushed back till next year.
Kingdom Hearts 3 is out now for PS4 and Xbox One.