'Kingdom Hearts 3' release date, gameplay: next iteration has 'famous' Disney worlds; play 'Kingdom Hearts 2.8' first

A screenshot from the upcoming Square-Enix game "Kingdom Hearts 3" Square-Enix

Before fans jump in to "Kingdom Hearts 3," game co-director Tai Yasue suggests that gamers play "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue" first.

Yasue said that in the world of "Kingdom Hearts" is a "complex story with a lot of threads." The upcoming game will not be an exception.

Speaking to GameSpot, the "Kingdom Hearts 3" director said that the prologue is considered necessary especially for fans to learn more about Aqua, who is trapped in the Dark World connected to Birth by Sleep.

"You experience her sorrow and torment. And she's a Keyblade Master, and her destiny is really intertwined with Sora's in Kingdom Hearts 3," Yasue said.

"So learning about her adventure, and her pain, really gives meaning to when you start Kingdom Hearts 3," the game director went on to say.

As for the worlds to be featured in "Kingdom Hearts 3," fans can expect Disney worlds only. "Final Fantasy" realms will be skipped for now, despite the franchise often being featured in "Kingdom Hearts."

"At this moment, we are not really coming up with any plans for that, we're making original worlds and Disney worlds," Yasue explained in a separate GameSpot interview.

It remains to be seen why "Kingdom Hearts 3" won't feature "Final Fantasy 15," but the even bigger question is which Disney worlds will actually be in the game.

There have been a lot of theories, discussions and wish lists. Yasue, however, hinted that they want those realms that are recognized and "famous," but also "distant and unique."

He did not offer any more clues on the specific worlds coming to "Kingdom Hearts 3," but the likes of "Big Hero 6" and "Tangled" as well as "Toy Story 2" and "Frozen" are being rumored. The worlds of Marvel and "Star Wars" are expected to make an appearance too.

"Kingdom Hearts 3" has no launch date yet, but fans can start digging into "Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue" this December.

News
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 

The mystery of the Wise Men
The mystery of the Wise Men

The carol assures us that “We three kings of Orient are…” and tells us they were “following yonder star”. Can we be sure there were three of them? Were they kings? Where in the Orient were they from? What was the star they followed? In fact, there is a lot that we just do not know. This is the story …

English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.