Unexpected Changes: 5 Kingdom Hearts Characters Fans Hope Won't Make it to Kingdom Hearts 4

Kingdom Hearts 4, which was officially announced last year, marks a significant change for the Square Enix series. While Kingdom Hearts 3 generated a lot of excitement, the franchise has had more of an impact on modern Final Fantasy than on the industry itself. However, with its new setting in Quadratum, Kingdom Hearts 4 appears to be pushing the boundaries with a realistic art style that diverges from the previous games. This shift in aesthetics could potentially lead to major changes in the overall concept of the upcoming game, allowing it to break away from the core franchise in significant ways.

One of the reasons why the Kingdom Hearts franchise has been so successful is its iconic and beloved cast of characters, who add a unique twist to the typical Square Enix offerings. Characters like Sora and Riku have become legendary figures in their own right, alongside the countless famous Disney movie characters. However, the upcoming sequel seems to be distancing itself from these established precedents. The trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 shows Sora fighting alone, suggesting that this game may be an opportunity to move away from characters who have already left their mark on the franchise's history.

Winnie the Pooh

After featuring in every mainline Kingdom Hearts game, the beloved Winnie the Pooh and his adorable animal companions have consistently offered only charming diversions, lacking the fully immersive levels found in other Disney films. Unless Square Enix introduces a distinctive conflict and sense of excitement to this portion of the franchise, it may be more fitting to leave Winnie the Pooh in the past.

Yen Sid

Master Yen Sid, the wise mentor of Sora and other keyblade wielders in the Kingdom Hearts series, has played a crucial role in guiding the development of our beloved heroes. In Dream Drop Distance, he takes on the responsibility of mentoring both Sora and Riku, making it a significant turning point in the story where the proficiency of the main characters' keyblade skills is put to the test.

With Sora serving as a prime example of a keyblade user who has embraced an unconventional approach, he faces the challenge of letting go of his flawed improvisation and successfully completing the Mark of Mastery exam in Kingdom Hearts in order to attain the esteemed title of a certified keyblade master. To ensure that Kingdom Hearts 4 truly advances the series, it is crucial to recognize Sora's seasoned expertise and empower him to flourish without resorting to retroactive alterations to the continuity, such as relying on Yen Sid's teachings.

Ventus/Terra/Aqua

The three playable protagonists of Birth by Sleep became iconic figures in the Kingdom Hearts series, but their impact has been limited since then. Their return in Kingdom Hearts 3, which came almost ten years after the release of Birth by Sleep, did not provide much development for the trio, diminishing the impact of their triumphant comebacks.

While the characters in Kingdom Hearts have their own compelling story arcs, their unchanged appearances despite the significant advancements in the timeline of the game suggest that their character development has remained stagnant since the conclusion of their original game. Unless Square Enix decides to explore the future of these keyblade veterans and allow them to evolve further, it is best to keep them within the realm of the Xehanort Saga.

Every Form of Xehanort

Having been present in all the previous Kingdom Hearts games as part of the "Xehanort Saga," this malicious keyblade master has managed to infiltrate the entire franchise's storyline leading up to the forthcoming installment. The return of Master Xehanort, in any of his various forms, in Kingdom Hearts 4 would only serve to diminish the significance of Sora's triumph over the ultimate villain.

Kingdom Hearts 4 is in development.