At E3, Square Enix announced that Kingdom Hearts III was finally in development for the PS4 and Xbox One. The announcement was accompanied by a trailer that was pre-rendered target footage of what they desired to achieve with the hot title. Now Square Enix has released a brand new trailer at D23 Expo Japan that shows the 1st real gameplay footage.

In this primary gameplay trailer, you’ll find that the combat has become decidedly more cinematic. Thankfully, it appears like they ditched the “Press Triangle to Win” mechanic that was so prevalent in Kingdom Hearts II. Instead, it feels like the cinematic actions that were once reserved just for finishing moves look like the norm within the latest title, and that’s just a great thing.

It must also be noted that the team seems fooling around with what the keyblade can actually do. In preference to just getting new keyblades that modify its appearance, Sora can instead transform the keyblade into two guns for ranged attacks. There’ll undoubtedly be other kinds available in addition.

It goes without saying, but the entire above footage is quite early. i actually do hope we get something like that during the general product though. i used to be especially keen on the Rock Titan fight while riding the enormous Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. In truth, it almost feels like we’d actually get a Walt Disney Land or World level, and that will be just swell.

Oh, and if you’re new to this complete Kingdom Hearts business, Square Enix has you covered. It released Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX last month, and may be releasing Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX at the PS3 next year. Both titles have all of the information you want to realize that the tale makes absolutely no sense.

[Image: PlayStation/YouTube]