Kingdom Hearts 3 adds Critical Mode in free update

Whilst we loved playing Kingdom Hearts 3 when we reviewed it earlier this year, there was one omission of Critical Mode which had long been a series staple.

That all changes today, as thanks to a Tweet from series director Tetsuya Nomura, we know that Critical Mode will be coming to all platforms in a free update today.

‘Greetings, it’s been a while since I last posted. Spring is here, and I hope everyone is doing well.’ The tweet reads ‘#KingdomHearts III’s long-awaited Critical Mode is available as a free update tomorrow (PT). We’ve changed things up from the previous games, so I hope you enjoy – Nomura’

Greetings, it’s been a while since I last posted. Spring is here, and I hope everyone is doing well. #KingdomHearts III's long-awaited Critical Mode is available as a free update tomorrow (PT).

We’ve changed things up from the previous games, so I hope you enjoy – Nomura pic.twitter.com/Npz8FeKmCK

— KINGDOM HEARTS (@KINGDOMHEARTS) April 22, 2019

In the past, PlayStation 4 players have been able to access a faux critical mode by running homebrew software as we reported on here. Whilst this hacked mode was far from perfect,  as it was only able to force the game to use the rules established in Kingdom Hearts 0.2 A Fragmentary Passage, it was the closest we could get until now.

For those of you not in the know, Critical Mode in the Kingdom Hearts Series offers the toughest challenge for players. Whilst rules differ slightly between games, the mode consists of the player dealing half damage, as well as taking double damage to give a real challenge.

Whilst we don’t know if anything else will be included in this free update, Tetsuya Nomura has spoken before on planned DLC in the world with Japanese publication Dengeki Online so there is sure to be more to look out for in the future.