Kingdom Hearts 4: An Overview of What We Know So Far

It’s been a year and a half since the thrilling announcement of Kingdom Hearts 4 at the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in Japan. However, information about the game has been sparse since then. Kingdom Hearts 3 still holds the title of the best-selling game in the series, with 6.7 million units sold as of September 2021, even surpassing the sales of the very first game. The anticipation for Kingdom Hearts 4 is palpable, so let’s dive into everything we know about the game up to this point.

Kingdom Hearts 4 – Official Announcement

As of now, no official release date for Kingdom Hearts 4 has been announced. The game is still in its early stages of development, making it difficult to predict when it will be ready for release. Drawing parallels with the development cycle of Kingdom Hearts 3, we might expect Kingdom Hearts 4 to hit the shelves in approximately five years, if not sooner.

To illustrate the state of the game’s development, Bill Farmer, the voice actor for Goofy, mentioned that he had not yet recorded his lines shortly after the trailer’s release. In fact, he was unaware of Kingdom Hearts 4’s announcement, let alone its development status.

“I can’t believe I just announced Kingdom Hearts 4 to Goofy directly. He was like ‘you know they never told me these things, I only find out from fans at conventions. At least I know I’ve got work coming.”

Kingdom Hearts 4 Platforms

When it comes to platforms, Kingdom Hearts 4 is expected to launch on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There’s also a possibility that it might find its way to PC through platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store, as well as on the successor to the Nintendo Switch (whatever it may be called). However, it’s worth noting that Kingdom Hearts 3 was released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One six years into their lifespan, just one year before their respective successors were announced.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Announcement Trailer

On April 10, 2022, Square Enix unveiled Kingdom Hearts 4 during the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary showcase. Alongside this announcement, they also introduced the mobile title, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, which is currently in development. The trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 marked the initiation of the Lost Master Arc and presented Sora in a more realistic design compared to previous games, as he finds himself in a world that closely resembles the real world.

In parallel, Donald and Goofy embark on a quest to locate Sora once again, but their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a mysterious figure.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Potential Setting

Set after the events of Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, Kingdom Hearts 4 finds people searching for Sora for a year following his disappearance. The game’s setting is the world of Quadratum, a lifelike city inspired by Tokyo. This unique world features a fictionalized Shibuya, which is not connected to The World Ends With You, despite the appearance of that game’s cast in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and Minami-Aoyama. According to Tetsuya Nomura, Quadratum serves as an afterworld for Sora and Strelitzia but functions as the real world for its inhabitants.

Nomura also mentioned that Quadratum will act as the central hub world, where players will return after visiting other worlds. In the earlier stages of the game, the luxury apartment where Sora awakens will serve as a home base. Although Disney worlds will make an appearance, Nomura hasn’t revealed which ones will be included.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Potential Story

The Kingdom Hearts series has been known for its intricate and convoluted plotlines, and Kingdom Hearts 4 is no exception. While it’s challenging to predict the exact storyline, the game initiates the Lost Master Arc, marking the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Arc that culminated in Kingdom Hearts 3. The trailer hints at a swarm of ShadowHeartless transforming into a colossal threat to Quadratum, with two members of Organization XIII overseeing Sora’s battle against it. To delve deeper into the game’s narrative, it might be helpful to consult the Kingdom Hearts timeline.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Gameplay

Sora’s gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 4 will build upon the elements introduced in Kingdom Hearts 3. He will retain the parkour elements and Keyblade transformations, but with an exciting addition: his Keyblade will now function as a grappling hook, enabling him to cover long distances and reach higher elevations, reminiscent of the air step feature. Additionally, Reaction Commands, a fan-favorite mechanic from Kingdom Hearts 2, will make their return, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay.

A new battle mechanic called “Scrap and Build” has been mentioned, though its exact details remain shrouded in mystery. We can expect further information to be unveiled in due course, providing fans with more insights into this intriguing new gameplay element.

In conclusion, while the release of Kingdom Hearts 4 may still be some time away, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game continue to grow. With its potential to build upon the series’ rich history and introduce innovative gameplay mechanics, Kingdom Hearts 4 has the potential to be another remarkable addition to the beloved franchise. As more information becomes available, fans can look forward to further updates on this highly anticipated title.