Query 1: In previous titles, we noticed a different-looking Younger Xehanort than the one within the Future Islands cutscene (seen in Delivery by Sleep)…is there a proof for that?

Nomura: Dark Road reveals the right mannequin. On the time of the manufacturing of [Birth by Sleep], the looks of a younger man was ready, however the look of a boy was not due to budgetary constraints when it got here to 3D modeling.

Query 2: Are there going to be any additional patches to Dark Road after this?

Nomura: Sure. We’ve recognized cases the place the wrong background is proven throughout fight. Moreover, we’ve additionally recognized the place the Participant with Xehanort’s cutscene won’t show as they need to throughout some distinctive circumstances. I apologize for these bugs, and we will likely be releasing a Model 5.0.1 patch sooner or later to handle these.

Query 3: The “Why did Xehanort turn into bald” cause was…actually sudden.

Nomura: Sure, it was not a matter of nice significance. I simply wished to make clear that he had “shaved” as a result of I seen that it had been misunderstood as a standard idea that he had simply misplaced his hair. In any other case, it isn’t an enormous drawback that the Queen of Hearts didn’t keep in mind Xehanort. That is simply the way in which she is.

Query 4: In Dark Road, a number of of the Emblem Heartless make an look. However we thought that they might solely seem later within the sequence.

Nomura: The explanation for his or her look in these previous worlds will likely be defined in Lacking-Hyperlink.

Query 5: Who was the blue-robed determine seen within the epilogue of Dark Road?

Nomura: It’s the Participant. Or, to be extra particular, it’s the vessel the place the Participant’s coronary heart has began its “second lifetime” on. Subsequently, at any time when somebody disappears, it’s not that they’re completely gone. Moderately, their coronary heart has been retrieved by one other individual.

Query 6: Is the Scala advert Caelum in Dark Road and the one in Lacking-Hyperlink one and the identical?

Nomura: Right. The explanation why there’s such a distinction in ambiance is because of the truth that Scala advert Caelum is positioned as a multi-layered metropolis, with a brand new metropolis being constructed on prime of the outdated one.

Query 7: Xehanort’s full descent into darkness wasn’t totally defined, was it?

Nomura: There would possibly’ve been some lacking spots, however I imagine I managed to depict the start of his entrance into the trail of darkness rather well.

Query 8: “Ooh, I actually appreciated this classmate/higher classmate! Will she or he be in future tales?”

Nomura: Regrettably, whereas I want I might’ve additional explored their character growth, I used to be unable to take action, or the story would get insanely intensive. Many of the characters will most likely not seem in future tales, but when the chance arises, I’d like to depict them in different types of media.

Query 9: Might you clarify extra in regards to the “Future is so merciless…” line by Grasp Odin?

Nomura: Naturally, Grasp Odin additionally had a grasp to mentor him. Mentioned grasp entrusted Odin with a mission, which truly ties in with the identification of the blue-robed particular person.

Query 10: Xehanort seems with a determine who we assume to be his mom. Is that…Skuld?

Nomura: That’s incorrect. Nevertheless, she is said to Skuld not directly. The subsequent title, Lacking-Hyperlink, may have “bloodlines” as one of many story’s details.

Query 11: Dark Road reveals particulars about Xehanort’s lineage and bloodline, with some mentions in regards to the “First Grasp’s Bloodline,” however what about Eraqus? Are the 2 of them associated by blood?

Nomura: My apologies. I can not reply that, as will probably be defined in Lacking-Hyperlink.

Query 12: Talking of Lacking-Hyperlink, might you share any additional details about that?

Nomura: We’re at present within the preparation of the closed beta take a look at. Sadly, I’m nonetheless unable to offer a extra exact time as to “when” it would occur, however there are plans to rename the Kingdom Hearts Union Cross [social media] accounts into Lacking-Hyperlink accounts, so I urge you to observe them.

Query 13. Lastly, will Xehanort seem in future titles?

Nomura: Simply because the “Dark Seeker’s Saga” is now concluded doesn’t essentially imply Xehanort won’t ever seem once more in future titles. If the chance arises, then…