Yes, I know we pretty much already knew that the Japanese-developed PSP game Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep was coming to North America. Square Enix has brought every other Kingdom Hearts game overseas, so there would be no reason for them to stop now. Also, douchey tween Jesse McCartney inadvertantly confirmed it on his Twitter a few months ago. Now it's really super duper ultra official, because Square Enix sent out a press release saying so, and we all know that nothing says "for realsies" like a press release.

Given a vague "summer" release date, Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep (which has been out in Japan since January) will feature some dude who looks like everyone's favorite emo kid Roxas, but isn't Roxas. There will be a few new Disney environments never seen in the series before, using the Sleeping Beauty and Snow White movies for inspiration. I'll probably end up playing this because I'm starved for a new Kingdom Hearts adventure, and 358/2 Days really didn't do it for me, but I can't say I'm overwhelmed with excitement. Maybe reading the press release will do the trick. You can find it below.

LOS ANGELES (March 16, 2010) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep will be released in North America this Summer. Coming exclusively to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the game is a prequel that reveals the untold origins of the popular KINGDOM HEARTS franchise.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the highly anticipated fifth installment in the beloved RPG series that has shipped over 14 million copies worldwide. Enjoy three unique gaming experiences through three main characters – Terra, Ventus and Aqua – in order to uncover the mysteries of the story. With a distinctive battle system and multiplayer mode, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep adds a new depth to the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise.

The game also introduces Disney worlds and characters that have never been seen in previous KINGDOM HEARTS titles, including Sleeping Beauty’s Enchanted Dominion, the Dwarf Woodlands from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Deep Space from Lilo and Stitch. In addition, all-new stages have been added to familiar worlds like Neverland from Peter Pan. Disney lovers will rejoice at seeing their favorite characters appear on the handheld arena.

Story

Long before Sora was chosen by his Keyblade, the worlds’ safety lay in the hands of Keyblade Masters.

Three youths —  Terra, Ventus, and Aqua — have been training long and hard under Master Eraqus to prove that they, too, exhibit the Mark of Mastery.

But they will soon find themselves in the middle of a crisis affecting worlds far beyond their own—just as another Keyblade Master, Xehanort, goes mysteriously missing.

Three friends, three destinies. Everything will link back to the beginning.

Features

·         An essential piece to the KINGDOM HEARTS series arrives on the PSP system: From world renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura comes the latest installment in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series. The vibrant and colorful KINGDOM HEARTS world comes to life through stunning graphics in 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system hardware.

·         Disney worlds and characters new to the KINGDOM HEARTS series: Disney worlds and characters never before seen in KINGDOM HEARTS, such as Enchanted Dominion (Sleeping Beauty) and Castle of Dreams (Cinderella) will make their first appearances in KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep.

·         Three distinct gaming experiences through the eyes of three protagonists: Unravel the mystery surrounding the origin of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga through the tales of three unique characters – Terra, Ventus and Aqua. The whole story is revealed only after playing through with all three characters.

·         An action-packed combat system with intuitive controls: The familiar action-packed experience that KINGDOM HEARTS fans have come to embrace returns with an enhanced battle system, with all new features such as Command Styles, Command Decks, Shotlocks and Dimension Links. KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the most advanced KINGDOM HEARTS title to date.

·         Four exciting multiplayer modes: Share the excitement and fun with your friends with four brand-new multiplayer modes: Versus, Arena, Command Board and Rumble Racing.

·         New game features: The North American release will include a number of new features including Crown Stickers, an extra boss and additional multiplayer options.