Square Enix has just announced that Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is coming to North America and Europe.


“With the tenth anniversary of the series on the horizon, the current Kingdom Hearts saga is approaching its climactic conclusion. The story of this game will serve as the opening chapter of the final conflict, and, as always, will be full of surprises. In order to best implement this element of surprise and discover new realms of possibility, we have chosen Nintendo 3DS as our platform. With its revolutionary new game system, this title will not only be a bold, exhilarating tale of adventure, but also a first look into the future form of the Kingdom Hearts series,” said Tetsuya Nomura the director of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Kingdom Hearts franchise or are abit lost as to where KH3D’s storyline takes place, director Tetsuya Nomura explains that Dream Drop Distance is “the opening chapter of the final conflict” in Kingdom Hearts. The game stars Sora and Riku to become Keyblade Masters on orders of King Mickey (orders? Mickey? That doesn’t feel right). As with previous KH games, your journey will include battling through Disney-inspired alongside Disney and Final Fantasy characters.

The game features:

• Dual protagonists – Play as the two most popular characters of the franchise, Sora and Riku.
• “Free-flow” action – Enjoy fast and effortless movements while interacting with the environment and performing acrobatic attacks.
• Brand-new creatures –Dream Eaters inhabit the Sleeping Worlds, and are split into two categories: Spirits and Nightmares. Recruit over 50 different types of Spirits as allies to fight alongside Sora and Riku.
• New Disney worlds –Beloved Disney worlds and characters, such as La Cité des Cloches (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), make their series debut.
• Story progression – With updated looks for Sora and Riku, and the impending conflict made clear, this title is a big step forward in the series.

No word if the release of Kingdom Hearts 3D will have an accompanying limited edition Nintendo 3DS or even a limited edition bundle like the Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS bundle so keep your wallets close.

Kingdom Hearts 3D will launch for 3DS next year.  Haven’t seen the trailer?  Watch the video embedded below:

source Joystiq, Gematsu