Square Enix has revealed new information regarding Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days for DS and the PlayStation Portable-based Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.

As previously reported 358/2 Days' story will focus on the various members of Organization XIII. The previously announced newest and 14th member of the organization is called Shion. Shion will accompany the other members on various missions. The game will display the respective mission's objective and map on the DS' lower display. When Axel is joining the player on a mission, episodes linked to the events of Chain of Memories will be told.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is scheduled to hit Japanese retail store shelves this winter.

Birth by Sleep will be the first series installment to feature a Snow White-themed world. As the player inflicts damage on his opponents, the protagonist's command gauge will fill up. Once the gauge has filled up, players will be able to select an additional, element-based attack that will be executed after the standard weapon-based attack. These elemental attacks are said to be stronger than normal attacks. While there won't be any MPs, it will take time until the gauge has re-filled. Pressing and holding down the R button for some time will send the game into "shoot lock mode". Within a limited period of time the player will be able to lock on to one enemy in first person mode and by pressing the circle button unleash a powerful technique.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep will be available in Japan next year.

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