View source for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

{{Short description|2012 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox video game
| title     = Kingdom Hearts 3D: {{nowrap|Dream Drop Distance}}
| image     = KH3D Euro Cover.jpg
| developer = [[Square Enix#Development organization|Square Enix 1st Production Department]]
| publisher = [[Square Enix]]
| director  = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]<br>Tai Yasue
| producer  = Rie Nishi
| programmer = {{ubl|Tamotsu Goto|Masashi Nakamichi}}
| artist    = {{ubl|Tetsuya Nomura|Gen Kobayashi|Takeshi Fujimoto}}
| writer    = Masaru Oka<br>Tetsuya Nomura
| composer  = {{ubl|[[Yoko Shimomura]]|[[Takeharu Ishimoto]]|[[Tsuyoshi Sekito]]}}
| series    = ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]''
| platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| released  = {{Video game release|JP|March 29, 2012|EU|July 20, 2012|AU|July 26, 2012|NA|July 31, 2012}}
| genre     = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]]
| modes     = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'''''|キングダム ハーツ ドリーム ドロップ ディスタンス|Kingudamu Hātsu Dorīmu Doroppu Disutansu||}}}} is an [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Square Enix]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], revealed at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]]. The game is the seventh installment in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' series and was released in Japan on March 29, 2012. It was released in Europe on July 20, 2012, in Australasia on July 26, 2012, and in North America on July 31, 2012.

The game takes place after the events of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Coded|Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', and focuses on [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]] and [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts#Riku|Riku]]'s Mark of Mastery exam, in which they have to protect parallel worlds in preparation for the return of [[Xehanort|Master Xehanort]]. Besides controlling the two playable characters across a single scenario, the player is able to recruit creatures known as Dream Eaters to assist them in fights.

The Square Enix staff decided to develop ''Dream Drop Distance'' after being impressed by the quality of the Nintendo 3DS. Taking advantage of the console's functions, they increased the action elements from the series based on the system previously seen in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''. Additionally, both the gameplay and the plot are meant to give a glimpse of what the following title in the series, ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', would be like. The game has been well received in Japan and in the US, selling over 250,000 and 180,000 units on its debuts respectively. Critics generally praised the gameplay and graphics, while criticizing aspects of the plot.

A high-definition remaster of the game entitled '''''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD''''' was released as part of the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' compilation for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[Windows]], and [[Nintendo Switch]].

==Gameplay==
{{See also|Kingdom Hearts#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Kingdom Hearts series}}

The game, which largely follows the [[action RPG]] and [[hack and slash]] gameplay of previous games in the series, sees players alternate between the roles of Sora and Riku, which is done via the 'Drop' system. During gameplay, a Drop Gauge gradually depletes over time, though it can be replenished with items. When the gauge completely empties, control will switch to the other character, though players may also opt to drop manually at any time. Drop Points, which are earned by defeating enemies and completing optional objectives, can be spent on bonuses that can be used until the next time the character drops, such as a slower Drop Gauge or increased attack or defense.<ref name="discussion">{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/27/nomura_on_kingdom_hearts_3d/ |title=Tetsuya Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts 3DS |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=January 26, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130065219/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/27/nomura_on_kingdom_hearts_3d/ |archive-date=January 30, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The game reuses the Command Deck system from ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep|Birth by Sleep]]'', in which players can customize a deck filled with various actions, spells, and items that can be quickly selected. There are also several new elements added to the gameplay. Flowmotion allows players to move quickly about by performing actions such as bouncing off walls, grinding on rails and spinning around poles.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Biggest Game Changer In Kingdom Hearts 3D Is The Y Button |author=Yip, Spencer |date=September 19, 2011 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=November 3, 2011 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/19/the-biggest-game-changer-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-is-the-y-button/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830011630/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/19/the-biggest-game-changer-in-kingdom-hearts-3d-is-the-y-button/ |archive-date=August 30, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Reality Shift is a system the player can use on certain objects or weakened opponents. It involves a touch-screen activated minigame unique to each world, which includes dragging the screen to fling a target like a catapult, touching hidden words to take control of enemies, and playing a rhythm-based minigame to cause fireworks to appear.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance To Have Controllable Event Scenes, Too |author=Sahdev, Ishaan |date=July 31, 2011 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=November 3, 2011 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/31/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-to-have-controllable-event-scenes-too/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830141853/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/31/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-to-have-controllable-event-scenes-too/ |archive-date=August 30, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil and Kingdom Hearts for 3DS Also Use Nintendo's New Slide Pad Expansion|url=http://kotaku.com/5839600/you-wont-believe-this-list-of-3ds-games-that-support-the-second-circle-pad|author=Ashcraft, Brian|publisher=Kotaku|date=September 13, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031121348/http://kotaku.com/5839600/you-wont-believe-this-list-of-3ds-games-that-support-the-second-circle-pad|archive-date=October 31, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|A battle in the game, featuring the Command Deck commands on the left side of the screen, and the two selected Spirits and the Drop meter on the right side. Sora is the character in use, with his health meter and character portrait at the bottom right.]]
One of the key elements of ''Dream Drop Distance'' is the inclusion of the Dream Eaters. Whilst they generally serve as the main enemies of the game, up to three good Dream Eaters, known as Spirits, can be recruited per character to assist them in battle. Spirits can be created by combining Dream Fragments with an item or spell, either via experimenting with combinations or using recipes found throughout the game. Characters can also link with Spirits to perform unique attacks. Along the way, the player can care for Spirits by petting them, feeding them items, or playing mini-games with them, which can unlock new abilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Sure Looks Dreamy|url=http://kotaku.com/5842045/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-sure-looks-dreamy|author=Ashcraft, Brian|publisher=Kotaku|date=September 20, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124041434/http://kotaku.com/5842045/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-sure-looks-dreamy|archive-date=January 24, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game takes place across multiple worlds based on ''[[Pinocchio (1940 film)|Pinocchio]]'', ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'', ''[[Tron: Legacy]]'', ''[[Fantasia (1940 film)|Fantasia]]'' and ''[[Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers]]'', with each one having two different plots told from the perspectives of Sora and Riku. These worlds need to be completed by both Sora and Riku in order to unlock new worlds and progress through the game. Upon visiting each world for the first time, each character must go through a Dive section, in which characters freefall down a tube and must clear a certain objective, such as obtaining a certain number of points, defeating a certain number of enemies in a time limit, or defeating a boss character. In this mode, Sora and Riku can attack opponents, slow down their descent, or dodge attacks. They can also pick up magic spells which give them a limited supply of magical attacks to use against enemies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Starts In Traverse Town |author=Sahdev, Ishaan |date=April 4, 2012 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 20, 2012 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/04/04/kingdom-hearts-3d-starts-in-traverse-town/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829000527/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/04/04/kingdom-hearts-3d-starts-in-traverse-town/ |archive-date=August 29, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Outside of the main game, players can play an additional mode called Flick Rush, which can be played alone or with another player via wireless multiplayer. In this mode, players battle with a team of three Spirits and pit them against each other. Players fight against their opponent by flicking up cards from the touchscreen. Each card has a number value determining its attack strength, with multiple cards combining to increase the overall value. The player whose attack value is greater than their opponent's gets to attack with their Spirit. A slowly replenishing meter determines how many cards the player can send out at a time, and each Spirit has a limited number of cards that can be replenished by swapping them out with another Spirit. The first player to eliminate all of their opponent's Spirits wins the game.

==Plot==
{{Kingdom Hearts chronology}}

===Setting===
{{Further|Universe of Kingdom Hearts}}
''Dream Drop Distance'' follows the events of ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Coded]]'', though much of its plot is set concurrently to the [[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|original game]] via [[time travel]]. There are a total of seven playable worlds, most of which are based on various Disney properties, albeit in a "world submerged in sleep" due to being destroyed by the [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Heartless|Heartless]].<ref name="gametrailersint"/> Most of the Disney worlds introduced are entirely new, including: La Cité des Cloches (''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]''); the Grid (''[[Tron: Legacy]]''); Prankster's Paradise (''[[Pinocchio (1940 film)|Pinocchio]]''), which also includes the inside of Monstro's belly from previous games; the Country of the Musketeers (''[[Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers]]''); and the Symphony of Sorcery (''[[Fantasia (1940 film)|Fantasia]]''). The other two worlds, Traverse Town and the World That Never Was, are original to the series and have been featured in previous games. In addition, the game's opening tutorial is set on the Destiny Islands, another original world.

===Characters===
{{Further|Characters of Kingdom Hearts}}
The game features [[Sora (Kingdom Hearts)|Sora]] and [[Riku (Kingdom Hearts)|Riku]] as the two main characters, taking part in a test to improve their skills with their weapon, the Keyblade. For most of the game, the two are depicted as they appear in the [[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|original game]], while also being given new clothes. Their older selves from ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' appear during cutscenes, while Sora is briefly playable in this incarnation during the end credits. A younger incarnation of [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts#Xehanort|Xehanort]], first introduced as the optional "Mysterious Figure" boss from the North American and European releases of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', serves as the game's primary antagonist with his two revived [[alter ego]]s: his [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Heartless|Heartless]], Ansem, and his [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Nobody|Nobody]], [[Organization XIII#Xemnas|Xemnas]]. Several former members of Xemnas' [[Organization XIII]], including [[Organization XIII#Axel|Lea]] and Ansem the Wise's apprentices, return after being restored to their human forms.

Like previous games, ''Dream Drop Distance'' features various Disney characters, including [[Mickey Mouse]], who is seen in the game in three different incarnations: his original characterization in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series as the king of Disney Castle; a [[musketeer]] as featured in ''[[Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers]]''; and the young apprentice of [[Yen Sid]] shown in ''[[Fantasia (1940 film)|Fantasia]]''. [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]] make similar appearances as well. Characters hailing from their respective worlds play a small role in the main story, while [[Maleficent]] and [[Pete (Disney)|Pete]] reprise their roles as antagonists, and Yen Sid as a supporting character. Unlike other major installments, which feature an extensive cast of ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' characters, only a [[Moogle]] appears. ''Dream Drop Distance'' features appearances of Neku Sakuraba and other characters from ''[[The World Ends with You]]'', another game owned by Square Enix with characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura, marking the first time that characters other than those from Disney and ''Final Fantasy'' have appeared in the series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-09-14 |title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Features Characters From The World Ends With You |url=https://www.siliconera.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-features-characters-from-the-world-ends-with-you/ |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref>

The game introduces a new type of creature called Dream Eaters, which come in two varieties—"Nightmares", which eat good dreams and create nightmares, and serve as enemies similar to the Heartless, Nobodies, and [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#Unversed|Unversed]] from previous games; and "Spirits", which eat nightmares and create good dreams, and also act as Sora and Riku's party members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/previews/kingdom-hearts-3d-tgs-hands-on|title=TGS: Kingdom Hearts 3D Brings The World Ends With You Into the Family|author=Parish, Jeremy|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|date=September 14, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020054932/http://www.1up.com/previews/kingdom-hearts-3d-tgs-hands-on|archive-date=October 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Story===
Anticipating Master Xehanort's return, Yen Sid puts Sora and Riku through a Mark of Mastery exam to bestow them with the power necessary to rescue their missing allies and counter Xehanort. For the exam, they are sent to worlds that remain trapped in a "sleeping" state after being destroyed by the Heartless. There, they must unlock seven keyholes to fully restore them, and are advised to create benevolent "Spirit" Dream Eaters to guide them and battle the malevolent "Nightmare" Dream Eaters that infest the sleeping worlds. Yen Sid sends Sora and Riku back in time to their homeworld's destruction, allowing them to enter the sleeping worlds. The two are separated at the start of the test, each arriving in alternate versions of the worlds. Throughout the exam, Sora and Riku encounter a gray-haired youth who is accompanied by Xemnas and Ansem, respectively, despite them having been previously destroyed.

Upon completing the exam, Sora and Riku arrive in the World That Never Was instead of the realm of light. The youth reveals he and his associates have lured Sora into a trap and places him into a deep sleep, where his heart is consumed by darkness, but is encased within [[Ventus (Kingdom Hearts)|Ventus]]'s armor for protection. Meanwhile, Riku learns he has spent the exam traveling through Sora's dreams as a Dream Eater. He escapes the dream and is confronted by the youth, who reveals himself to be Xehanort's past self, tasked by his present self with assembling thirteen incarnations of Xehanort from across time – including vessels of his fragmented heart – to form a new [[Organization XIII]]. Young Xehanort battles Riku to stall out time until his future self's revival. Despite Young Xehanort's defeat, a revived Master Xehanort appears and attempts to turn Sora into his final vessel, intending to pit his thirteen "seekers of darkness" against seven "guardians of light" to achieve his ultimate goal of recreating the [[Universe of Kingdom Hearts#χ-blade|χ-blade]]. He is foiled when Sora is rescued by Donald, Goofy and Lea, the revived human form of Axel. Xehanort and his incarnations return to their original time periods, but assure that both factions will inevitably clash.

Upon returning to Yen Sid's tower, Riku re-enters Sora's dreams and releases his heart from Ventus's Nightmare-possessed armor, saving him. Riku then arrives in a simulation of the Destiny Islands and meets a virtual copy of Ansem the Wise, who gives him research data he had left in Sora's heart to help Sora save those connected to it. After Riku returns to the realm of light and reunites with Sora, Yen Sid commends him for braving the realm of sleep a second time to reawaken Sora and declares him a Keyblade Master; Lea also reveals himself to have become a Keyblade wielder, and intends to become a Master as well. Sora is undaunted by his failure and returns to the sleeping worlds, where he thanks his Dream Eater companions.

In the game's secret ending, Yen Sid and Mickey discuss Xehanort's plan. Yen Sid reveals his intent to gather seven Keyblade wielders to prevent Xehanort from using the [[Characters of Kingdom Hearts#Princesses of Heart|Princesses of Heart]] to forge the χ-blade, and to this end, he has Riku summon Kairi to be trained as a Keyblade wielder.

==Development==
The game was created by the same development team that worked on ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3179952 |title=E3 2010: Kingdom Hearts 3 is Not in Development...Yet |author=Alice Liang |date=June 16, 2010 |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730222046/http://www.1up.com/news/e3-2010-kingdom-hearts-3 |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> then part of Square Enix's 1st Production Department.<ref name="4gamer1st">{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120204607/http://www.4gamer.net/games/120/G012012/20110118006/ |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |title=「Final Fantasy XIII-2」が2011年発売予定，「Agito」は「Final Fantasy 零式」と名称変更して2011年夏発売。「Square Enix 1st Production Department Premiere」をTwitterで実況 |date=January 18, 2011 |language=ja |work=4Gamer.net |publisher=Aetas, Inc. |access-date=January 19, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since it contained members who worked for ''[[The World Ends with You]]'', the group decided to use characters from said game in replacement of ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' characters. The decision to make a ''Kingdom Hearts'' game for the Nintendo 3DS was due to the positive impression the Square Enix staff had when viewing the console's quality.<ref name="nintendopowerinter">{{cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=March 2012|pages=40–41|title=Kingdom Builder|issn=1041-9551|issue=276}}</ref> The console inspired Nomura to make the Dive Mode function where the character moves to different worlds without the use of a vehicle, while the Flowmotion was thought of prior to deciding which console use.<ref name="ultimania"/> The game's title was used to reference its various themes, with "Dream" referencing the storyline, "Drop" for the gameplay style, and "Distance" referring to the main characters' interaction, and, while unintentionally, the system's [[autostereoscopic]] 3D effect. Although Tetsuya Nomura admitted the English used was not grammatically correct, the team still decided to use it based on the way it sounded.<ref name="discussion" /> Development was notably shorter than the ones from previous ''Kingdom Hearts'' games.<ref name="iwataask">{{cite web|url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/creators/11/0|title=Iwata asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=May 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619204053/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/creators/11/0|archive-date=June 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> However, co-director Tai Yasue emphasized how the finished product resembled ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and ''Birth by Sleep'' but improved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/03/the-making-of-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance|title=The Making of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance|publisher=IGN|date=July 3, 2012|author=Drake, Audrey|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207041234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/03/the-making-of-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance|archive-date=December 7, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The team wished for the game to have more action than the previous games. Nomura noted the similarities with ''[[Final Fantasy XV|Final Fantasy Versus XIII]]'' as a result of their similar styles. The new maneuvers employed in ''Dream Drop Distance'' are also meant to give a glimpse about how the next game in the series, ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', would look like. New worlds were included in the game as a result of multiple requests by fans.<ref name="discussion" /> The switches between player characters Sora and Riku across the game are meant to contrast the style from ''Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep'', which allowed the player to use three characters in their own campaigns, as well as explain the word "Distance" in the title because the two characters never interact across their stories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comtfs/kingdom_hearts_3ds_detailed/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3DS Named, Trailered and Discussed|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=January 19, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=April 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225035247/http://andriasang.com/comtfs/kingdom_hearts_3ds_detailed/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The Free Flow system was made using data from ''Birth by Sleep'', which took nearly two weeks to obtain a form similar to the one from the game.<ref name="system">{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con103/kh3d_drop_system/|title=Who Came Up With Kingdom Hearts 3D's Drop System?|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=May 14, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=May 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517023923/http://andriasang.com/con103/kh3d_drop_system/|archive-date=May 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The game originally intended to use returning Heartless and Nobodies as generic enemies. However, the setting gave the staff the idea of introducing new creatures, Dream Eaters, who would also join the player in fights.<ref name="nintendopowerinter"/> They were also inspired in part by ''[[Nintendogs + Cats]]''—Nomura wished that his virtual dog could battle with other pets met through Streetpass and created the Dream Eaters based on this concept.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/creators/11/3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513072726/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/creators/11/3 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2017 |website=iwataasks.nintendo.com}}</ref> They are used in the mini-game Flick Rush which originally intended to allow players to use a picture. Nomura did not approve of this idea.<ref name="system"/>

With ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded'', the staff revealed that ''Dream Drop Distance'' would revolve around Sora's and Riku's "Mark of Mastery" exam, but were worried about how to set it. The idea of Sora going through a dream was inspired by the subtitle of ''Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep'' and served as a basis for the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/23/nomura-explains-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distances-title/|title=Nomura Explains Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance's Title|date=March 23, 2012|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001130256/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/23/nomura-explains-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distances-title/|archive-date=October 1, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Sora and Riku were chosen as the playable characters in anticipation for the franchise's ending of the "Xehanort arc" as well as to represent the theme of "the light and the dark sides of hearts" which the two characters represent.<ref name="nintendopowerinter"/> The former's inclusion was also done due to the character's popularity in Japan.<ref name="ultimania"/> Nomura has stated that the themes of the game are trust and friendship, and that like ''Birth by Sleep'', the story is on par with that of a numbered title. As a result of the game's plot, both Sora and Riku appear in their younger forms from the first ''[[Kingdom Hearts (video game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'' game. However, to avoid misconceptions that ''Dream Drop Distance'' was a remake of the original game, Nomura decided to change Sora's and Riku's outfits for most of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comtqe/kh3d_sora_riku_clothes/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Sora and Riku to See Clothing Changes|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=January 30, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225035712/http://andriasang.com/comtqe/kh3d_sora_riku_clothes/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite using two protagonists, the game primarily focuses on Riku's growth across the series. When starting production, the staff had decided to make the story as complex as possible, leading to the inclusion of several cutscenes which can be viewed by the player anytime they want. In order to make it more accessible, scenario writer Masaru Oka was in charge of the Chronicles feature, which explains events from previous games.<ref name="ultimania">{{cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Ultimania|publisher=Square Enix|date=May 2012|pages=426–430|isbn=978-4757536159}}</ref> The game's story is also meant to connect directly with ''Kingdom Hearts III'',<ref name="igntalk">{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/113/1135182p1.html|title=Tetsuya Nomura Talks Kingdom Hearts 3DS|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=November 17, 2010|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120135239/http://ds.ign.com/articles/113/1135182p1.html|archive-date=November 20, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> although its original ending was not approved by the staff and was scrapped. Like previous titles, ''Dream Drop Distance'' has a secret ending that connects to ''Kingdom Hearts III'' although the staff found it unconventional in comparison to previous ones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comzoe/nomura_famitsu_interview/|title=Tetsuya Nomura on Versus XIII, Final Fantasy X HD and Kingdom Hearts 3D's Secret Ending|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=January 18, 2012|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119165754/http://andriasang.com/comzoe/nomura_famitsu_interview/|archive-date=January 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Promotion and release===
The game was announced at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010]] as "Kingdom Hearts 3D Demo" for the Nintendo 3DS.<ref name="announcement">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/e3_2010_kingdom_hearts_3ds|access-date=April 23, 2020|date=June 15, 2010|publisher=Nintendo Life|author=Newton, James|title=E3 2010: Kingdom Hearts 3DS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927191314/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/e3_2010_kingdom_hearts_3ds|archive-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It was formally unveiled though at the Square Enix 1st Production Department Premier event at the Toho Cinemas in Tokyo, Japan on January 18, 2011, with its first trailer along with its official name.<ref name="JanAnnouncement">{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/18/square_enix_teaser_sites/ |title=Square Enix Opens Teaser Sites for New Games |author=Anoop Gantayat |date=January 18, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=January 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121033606/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/18/square_enix_teaser_sites/ |archive-date=January 21, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During the game's development, Nomura explained that the games theme is trust, specifically how to trust others.<ref name=trust>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-theme-of-kingdom-hearts-3ds-is-trust/|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=April 23, 2020|date=August 3, 2010|author=Siliconera Staff|title=The Theme Of Kingdom Hearts 3DS Is Trust|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120232729/https://www.siliconera.com/the-theme-of-kingdom-hearts-3ds-is-trust/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2011, a ''Famitsu'' article included an interview with Nomura in which he revealed that the game would have an unlockable secret movie. A playable demo released the same month also first featured the Dream Eaters as the player characters' partners and the game's generic enemy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/07/13/famitsu_squenix_feature/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D, Final Fantasy XI, Dissidia and More in Famitsu|author=Gantayat, Anoop|publisher=Andriasang|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225052046/http://andriasang.com/comwyu/famitsu_squenix_feature/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A ''Dengeki'' issue featured another interview with Nomura, where he confirmed that he would be considering what he called an "HD Technical Test" in order to commemorate the series' tenth anniversary and to entice new players to the series.<ref>{{cite web |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |title=Nomura considering 'HD technical test' for Kingdom Hearts anniversary |date=August 9, 2011 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-08-09-nomura-considering-hd-technical-test-for-kingdom-hearts-annive.html}}</ref> This occurred on March 3, 2012, in the form of a premiere event where footage from the game, including its full CGI introduction sequence, was showcased to celebrate the game's release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-03-23/kingdom-hearts-3d-game-premiere-light-show-streamed|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Game's Premiere Light Show Streamed|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 23, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325163342/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-03-23/kingdom-hearts-3d-game-premiere-light-show-streamed|archive-date=March 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game was first released in Japan on March 29, 2012, and in North America and Europe on July 31, 2012, and July 20, 2012, respectively.<ref name="Europe">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37443/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-release-date-set/|title=Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance release date set|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|date=April 21, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2012|author=Long, Neil|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427140829/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/37443/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-release-date-set/|archive-date=April 27, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="N.America">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-05/kingdom-hearts-3d-theatrhythm-get-july-n-american-release|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D, Theatrhythm Slated for July in N. America|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409152510/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-05/kingdom-hearts-3d-theatrhythm-get-july-n-american-release|archive-date=April 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In Australasia, it was released on July 26, 2012.<ref name="australia">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/related/release/platform/3ds/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Related Games|website=GameSpot|access-date=May 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624223016/http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/related/release/platform/3ds/|archive-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A limited edition titled "Mark of Mastery" was also released in North America featuring twelve art cards, AR cards able to unlock new Dream Eaters, and a protector case for the 3DS console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/16/kingdom-hearts-3d-limited-edition-gives-fans-a-mark-of-mastery/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Limited Edition Gives Fans A "Mark Of Mastery"|publisher=Siliconera|date=May 16, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830160854/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/05/16/kingdom-hearts-3d-limited-edition-gives-fans-a-mark-of-mastery/|archive-date=August 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> While this has been noted to be the shortest gaps between the Japanese and English releases in the ''Kingdom Hearts'', the latter version does not include new features not seen in the former. However, the Mark of Mastery limited edition was made so that English gamers would be able to obtain bonus material that can only be obtained in Japan.<ref name="gametrailersint">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/behind-the-game-interview/730386|title=Behind the Game Interview|publisher=Game Trailers|date=May 22, 2012|access-date=May 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611183325/http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/x3lhjn/kingdom-hearts-3d--dream-drop-distance-behind-the-game-interview|archive-date=June 11, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was also included within the "Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Box" package made in commemoration of the franchise's 10th anniversary. The box also included the [[Nintendo DS]] games ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comzsm/kh_box/ |title=Kingdom Hearts Anniversary Box Includes Three Kingdom Hearts Games |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=June 18, 2010 |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=January 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401000020/http://andriasang.com/comzsm/kh_box/ |archive-date=April 1, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike ''Kingdom Hearts'', ''Kingdom Hearts II'' and ''Birth by Sleep'', there would not be an updated version of the game according to Tetsuya Nomura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con0vm/nomura_kh_announce/|title=Tetsuya Nomura Expects New Kingdom Hearts Announcement Soon|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=April 30, 2012|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233832/http://andriasang.com/con0vm/nomura_kh_announce/|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

A guidebook, {{nihongo|''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance [[Ultimania]]''|キングダム ハーツ 3D [ドリーム ドロップ ディスタンス] アルティマニア}}, was published in Japan on May 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/9784757536159|title=キングダム ハーツ 3D [ドリーム ドロップ ディスタンス] アルティマニア|publisher=Square Enix|language=ja|access-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202115424/http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/9784757536159|archive-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Square Enix also published a [[light novel]] by Tomoko Kanemaki based on the game on June 28, 2012, under the title of "Side Sora".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gamebooks/other/kh_ddd_novel_sora/|title=キングダム ハーツ 3D [ドリーム ドロップ ディスタンス] Side Sora|publisher=Square Enix|language=ja|access-date=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706100603/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gamebooks/other/kh_ddd_novel_sora/|archive-date=July 6, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The second volume, titled "Side Riku", was released in Japan on September 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/9784757537514|title=キングダム ハーツ 3D [ドリーム ドロップ ディスタンス] Side Riku|publisher=Square Enix|language=ja|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618041927/http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/9784757537514|archive-date=June 18, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

A HD remaster of the game for the [[PlayStation 4]], titled '''''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD''''', was announced in September 2015 at [[Tokyo Game Show]] to be part of the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' collection, which was released in January 2017. During the X019 event in London, [[Square Enix]] announced all Kingdom Hearts HD collections would release on the [[Xbox One]] in 2020.

===Music===
{{Further|Music of Kingdom Hearts}}
Like in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', the music for ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' was a collaboration by [[Yoko Shimomura]], [[Takeharu Ishimoto]], and [[Tsuyoshi Sekito]], containing musical compositions from all three. Among the songs included are tracks from ''[[The World Ends with You#Soundtrack|The World Ends with You]]'', originally composed by Ishimoto, who remixed them for ''Dream Drop Distance''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5900497/jamming-to-the-world-ends-with-you-remixes-in-kingdom-hearts-3d|title=Jamming to The World Ends With You Remixes in Kingdom Hearts 3D|author=Eisenbeis, Richard|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808134611/http://kotaku.com/5900497/jamming-to-the-world-ends-with-you-remixes-in-kingdom-hearts-3d|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Orchestral arrangements were provided by Kaoru Wada. The ''Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Original Soundtrack'' was released in Japan on April 18, 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0070YG2G0/| title = KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance オリジナル・サウンドトラック| language = ja| access-date = April 14, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130904030614/http://www.amazon.co.jp/KINGDOM-HEARTS-Dream-Distance-%E3%82%AA%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B8%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF/dp/B0070YG2G0| archive-date = September 4, 2013| url-status = live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| MC = 75/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820150418/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 1UP = C+<ref name="1UP Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-3d-review|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Review for Nintendo 3DS from 1UP.com|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|first=Bob|last=Mackey|date=August 1, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411174602/http://www.1up.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-3d-review|archive-date=April 11, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| Fam = 38/40<ref name="famreview"/>
| G4 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="G4">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/3ds/64660/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/review/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review for 3DS|publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]]|first=Leah|last=Jackson|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311035053/http://www.g4tv.com/games/3ds/64660/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/review/|archive-date=March 11, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 8.25/10<ref name="Gameinformer Review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_3d_dream_drop_distance/b/3ds/archive/2012/07/18/kingdom-hearts-iii-is-coming-the-game.aspx|title=Kingdom Hearts III is Coming: The Game|author=Bryan Vore|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=July 18, 2012|access-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820141611/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/kingdom_hearts_3d_dream_drop_distance/b/3ds/archive/2012/07/18/kingdom-hearts-iii-is-coming-the-game.aspx|archive-date=August 20, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D review|website=GamesRadar+|date=July 31, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003120653/http://www.gamesradar.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review/|archive-date=October 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7/10<ref name="GSpot Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/reviews/kingdom-hearts-3d-review-6388531/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review|author=Mark Walton|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=July 27, 2012|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429072707/https://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance/reviews/kingdom-hearts-3d-review-6388531/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT = 8.2/10<ref name="GT Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/vw8lzg/kingdom-hearts-3d--dream-drop-distance-review|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|date=July 25, 2012|access-date=July 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105114643/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/vw8lzg/kingdom-hearts-3d--dream-drop-distance-review|archive-date=November 5, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/17/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review|author=Drake, Audrey|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722211708/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/17/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-review|archive-date=July 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NP = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 2012 | title=Reviews | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] | volume=281 | pages=78}}</ref>
| NWR = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31197/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-nintendo-3ds|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance review|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220012324/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31197/kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distance-nintendo-3ds|archive-date=February 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife = 7/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/kingdom_hearts_3d_dream_drop_distance|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for Nintendo 3DS review|date=July 18, 2012|publisher=Nintendo Life|access-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721044350/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/kingdom_hearts_3d_dream_drop_distance|archive-date=July 21, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| ONM = 84%
}}

The Tokyo Game Show featured a playable demo which earned the game top honors as "Best 3DS RPG" in RPG Land's Tokyo Game Show Awards,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgland.com/news/best-rpgs-of-the-tokyo-game-show/|title=Best RPGs of the Tokyo Game Show|publisher=RPG Land|date=October 3, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209100526/http://rpgland.com/news/best-rpgs-of-the-tokyo-game-show/|archive-date=December 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> following a hands-on report that praised the boss fights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgland.com/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-hands-on-tgs/|title=Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance hands-on (TGS)|publisher=RPG Land|date=September 16, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209122457/http://rpgland.com/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance/kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance-hands-on-tgs/|archive-date=December 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> RPG Site also praised the game upon its first impression, calling the demo "refreshing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.rpgsite.net/articles/313-kingdom-hearts-3d-tokyo-game-show-handson|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D: Tokyo Game Show Hands-On|author=Van Duine, Erren|publisher=RPG Site|date=September 18, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110923213116/http://ds.rpgsite.net/articles/313-kingdom-hearts-3d-tokyo-game-show-handson|archive-date=September 23, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Reception to the game's released trailers, demos and general information was generally positive, and the game ranked among ''[[Famitsu]]'s'' 25 "most wanted" list in October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgland.com/famitsu-updates/famitsus-most-wanted-oct-16/|title=Famitsu's Most Wanted (Oct 16)|publisher=RPG Land|date=October 16, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209061334/http://rpgland.com/famitsu-updates/famitsus-most-wanted-oct-16/|archive-date=December 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' listed it eighth in their "Games of 2012" feature.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/33769/features/games-of-2012-8-kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance|title=Games of 2012: 8. Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance|author=Scullion, Chris|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|date=December 31, 2011|access-date=April 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602083102/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/33769/features/games-of-2012-8-kingdom-hearts-dream-drop-distance/|archive-date=June 2, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In an [[IGN]] poll, it ranked as the most expected Nintendo 3DS game for 2012's summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/122/1222955p1.html|title=IGN Readers Vote: The Hottest 3DS Game of Summer|author=Drake, Audrey|publisher=IGN|date=April 13, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816023305/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/13/ign-readers-vote-the-hottest-3ds-game-of-summer|archive-date=August 16, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It also won the "Most Valuable Game Award" from the ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://na.square-enix.com/go/article/view/press_release/258993/square_enix_e3_line-up_recognized_with_top_game_industry_media_awards|title=SQUARE ENIX E3 LINE-UP RECOGNIZED WITH TOP GAME INDUSTRY MEDIA AWARDS|publisher=Square Enix|access-date=July 3, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705202951/http://na.square-enix.com/go/article/view/press_release/258993/square_enix_e3_line-up_recognized_with_top_game_industry_media_awards|archive-date=July 5, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In its first review, ''Famitsu'' gave ''Dream Drop Distance'' a rating of 10/9/10/9, or a total of 38/40, in their March 22, 2012 issue, which made ''Dream Drop Distance'' the second highest rated game in the series for them, after ''Kingdom Hearts II''.<ref name="famreview">{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con0cj/famitsu_reviews/|title=Kingdom Hearts, Baseball with Normal Sized Heads Get 10s in Famitsu|publisher=Adriasang|date=March 21, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109090043/http://andriasang.com/con0cj/famitsu_reviews/|archive-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The game debuted at the top of [[Media Create]]'s sales charts, selling 213,579 copies during its first week. The release was also noted to have helped boost the sales of the Nintendo 3DS console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con0ir/media_create_sales/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Tops the Charts|publisher=Adriasang|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203113617/http://andriasang.com/con0ir/media_create_sales/|archive-date=February 3, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the number of pre-orders surpassed that of ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' for the [[Nintendo DS]], the first week's sales were lower. Nevertheless, Media Create noted that this was due to the comparison between the number of units sold between the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo 3DS during the time the games were released, with the former having sold more copies than the latter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con0ju/media_create_analysis/|title=Kingdom Hearts 3D Sells 64% of Stock|publisher=Adriasang|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=April 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225075513/http://andriasang.com/con0ju/media_create_analysis/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The game continued to appear in Media Create's polls for the next several weeks, selling a total of 311,688 units as of May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con0m4/media_create_charts/|title=PSP Super Robot Wars Tops the Charts; Vita Drops to Four Digits|publisher=Adriasang|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225075712/http://andriasang.com/con0m4/media_create_charts/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con11i/media_create_sales/|title=Mario Party Leads Slow Post Golden Week Sales Period|publisher=Andrisang|date=May 16, 2012|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225081126/http://andriasang.com/con11i/media_create_sales/|archive-date=December 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In North America, the game sold 200,000 units during August 2012, with 180,000 regular editions and 20,000 Mark of Mastery editions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/07/actually-kingdom-hearts-3d-sold-over-200000-copies-in-the-u-s/|title=Actually, Kingdom Hearts 3D Sold Over 200,000 Copies In The U.S.|publisher=Siliconera|date=September 7, 2012|access-date=September 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815032818/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/07/actually-kingdom-hearts-3d-sold-over-200000-copies-in-the-u-s/|archive-date=August 15, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

English publications have given ''Kingdom Hearts 3D'' moderately positive reviews, with lower scores than Japanese review outlets, generally praising the gameplay while criticizing the plot. It received an aggregated score of 75/100 on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> ''[[Game Informer]]'' writer Bryan Vore praised the new gameplay elements and, unlike other reviewers, how well the story handles the franchise's plot, especially as it was set after that of ''Kingdom Hearts II'', unlike many of the other newer titles in the series.<ref name="Gameinformer Review"/> Audrey Drake from IGN echoed similar comments about the gameplay, but felt that the story was sometimes not very interesting.<ref name="IGN Review"/> Mark Walton from [[GameSpot]] praised the combat systems and environment design, though he wished that the game did not force the player through the levels linearly and dismissed the plot as "labyrinth-like" with poor dialogue and confusing motivations.<ref name="GSpot Review"/> Bob Mackey of [[1UP.com]] was harsher on the game than other reviewers; while he too found the plot incomprehensible, he also felt that the numerous game mechanics combined to form a confusing and frustrating system.<ref name="1UP Review"/> The reviewer for [[GameTrailers]] had a different take, finding the combination of mechanics to form "the best battle system in the series to date" and was not as dismissive of the plot, though they did note that it required a lot of knowledge of previous games in the series to follow.<ref name="GT Review"/> Leah Jackson of [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] had one of the highest reviews for the game out of the major English review outlets; though she had similar praises and criticisms as other reviewers, she felt that the gameplay and graphics more than made up for the sometimes confusing plot.<ref name="G4"/>

==''HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue''==
{{main|Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue}}
In the credits of ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix]]'', clips of ''Dream Drop Distance'' were shown as well as the inclusion of a secret ending related to the game, hinting at a possible additional collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/14/get-ready-to-play-a-new-kingdom-hearts-game-in-2015/128353/|title=Get Ready to Play a New Kingdom Hearts Game in 2015|last=Dunsmore|first=Kevin|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926050222/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/14/get-ready-to-play-a-new-kingdom-hearts-game-in-2015/128353/|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2015, Square Enix announced ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]''. The collection features an HD remaster of ''Dream Drop Distance'' as well as ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ#Back Cover|Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]'', a cinematic retelling of ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ]]'' that reveals new parts of the series' history, and ''Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage'', a new game taking place after the events of the original ''Birth by Sleep'', told from the perspective of Aqua.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/kingdom-hearts-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-revealed-for-ps4.aspx|title=[Update] Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Revealed For PS4|last=Wallace|first=Kimberly|publisher=GameStop|magazine=Game Informer|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917222542/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/kingdom-hearts-2-8-final-chapter-prologue-revealed-for-ps4.aspx|archive-date=September 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was released on January 12, 2017, in Japan and January 24, 2017, for other countries.<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/09/13/kingdom-hearts-2-8-to-miss-december-now-out-january-12-in-japan/|title=Kingdom Hearts 2.8 to miss December, now out January 24th|last=Donaldson|first=Alex|website=[[VG247]]|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914165601/http://www.vg247.com/2016/09/13/kingdom-hearts-2-8-to-miss-december-now-out-january-12-in-japan/|archive-date=September 14, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|2010s|Video games}}
* [http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/3d/ ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' Japan official website]
* [http://www.kingdomhearts3dgame.com/ ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' International official website]
* {{IMDb title|2125539}}

{{Tetsuya Nomura}}
{{Kingdom Hearts series}}
{{Navboxes|
|title=''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''-related topics
|list1=
{{Mickey Mouse games}}
{{Donald Duck games}}
{{Goofy games}}
{{The Hunchback of Notre Dame}}
{{Disney's Fantasia}}
{{The Three Musketeers}}
{{Disney's Pinocchio}}
{{Tron}}
{{Disney's The Little Mermaid}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2012 video games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Crossover role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video games about dreams]]
[[Category:Donald Duck video games]]
[[Category:Goofy (Disney) video games]]
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts]]
[[Category:Mickey Mouse video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]
[[Category:Pinocchio (1940 film)]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Square Enix games]]
[[Category:The Hunchback of Notre Dame (franchise)]]
[[Category:Video games about time travel]]
[[Category:Tron video games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games directed by Tetsuya Nomura]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Takeharu Ishimoto]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tsuyoshi Sekito]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yoko Shimomura]]
[[Category:Video games set in amusement parks]]
[[Category:Video games set in France]]
[[Category:Video games set in Italy]]