Kingdom Hearts Critical Mode III and New Game Plus updates versions 1.04 and 1.05, all details

Square Enix released the first major post-launch update for Kingdom Hearts III, bringing to the game the expected difficulty option in critical mode, as well as new game bonuses and other fixes.

This new update is available in two parts – 1.04 and 1.05 – which represents approximately a download of 692 MB on PlayStation 4. The first deals with the critical mode and some other adjustments, while the latter adds a New Game Plus feature and increases the photo limit.

Here are the official English release notes for versions 1.04 and 1.05. For those who might wonder, none of these updates will bring new PlayStation trophies or Xbox One hits.

Version 1.04

• A new game mode (critical mode) with new abilities has been added.
• Some enemy mechanics have been adjusted.
• The treasures obtained in the Frozen Slider mini-game now appear in the summary screen and can also be viewed in the gummiphone.
• A check mark now appears next to the Workshop menu items that have already been synthesized.
• New help text and various other messages have been added.
• Various problems have been fixed.
• New backup data will be created when installing this version.

Version 1.05

• Keyblades and other clear data elements can now be reported when you select New Game to replay the game.
• A maximum of 200 photos can now be saved.
• Various problems have been fixed.

Kingdom Hearts III Update 1.04 – Critical Mode

What exactly is the critical mode? According to Square Enix, the critical mode "halves the number of HP and MP Sora as well as the frequency of situation controls and magic that Sora and his team can use."

However, Sora gets some special abilities in critical mode to help balance the increased difficulty. These capabilities, like any other, can be enabled or disabled:

• Critical Counter: Do additional damage with retaliation by blocking just before the enemy attack.
• Critical recharge: Fill situation control gauges faster while reloading the MP
• Critical converter: The green attraction indicators do not appear anymore, but filling the gauge produces a formchange command. (Indicators may still appear for some battles.)

Kingdom Hearts III Update 1.05 – New game more

In terms of replaying the game, what does the game specifically allow players to defer to a new game? As stated in the release notes, players who wish can use any Keyblade at the beginning of the game. However, it should be noted that Keyblades introduced in a new game will not be poweredyou will need to remember materials to improve your weapons stats. The only other thing that can be brought into a replay is Selfie poses unlocked.