Highlights
Kingdom Hearts fans hope that Kingdom Hearts 4 will bring back classic Final Fantasy characters like Clive from Final Fantasy 16.
Square Enix must ensure Clive's character maintains consistency when transitioning to Kingdom Hearts 4. Clive's compassionate nature and strong moral values serve as a perfect role model for Sora's development in the game.
Many players are eagerly anticipating the release of Kingdom Hearts 4, hoping that it will bring back the classic Final Fantasy characters that were included in the previous titles. Additionally, the success of Final Fantasy 16 has raised further excitement among players, who are now hopeful that the new protagonist Clive will join Sora and his friends in the next installment.
Including Clive in Kingdom Hearts 4 requires Square Enix to handle the character with caution, ensuring that his portrayal remains consistent with his original appearance while making crossover appearances. This consistency is vital for Clive to seamlessly blend with Sora and maintain his attitude of striving for the best outcome for all those he interacts with.
Clive's Kindness is His Greatest Asset
Clive's strongest attribute in Final Fantasy 16 lies in his unwavering kindness and approach to every situation. He treats those under his command with respect from the moment he becomes Joshua's Shield and goes on to fight tirelessly for the freedom of the branded magic wielders within the game. Clive's helpful nature becomes evident through his willingness to assist anyone who seeks his aid, even extending it to those with questionable intentions.
Controlling Clive in Final Fantasy 16 becomes a power fantasy due to these qualities. Not only does he possess the strength to defeat dragons and confront godlike beings, but he consistently makes morally righteous choices and sees them through. In a similar vein to Sora from Kingdom Hearts, Clive's unwavering convictions allow him to emerge victorious, despite potential setbacks or manipulation by villains.
Clive as a Template for Sora's Growth in Kingdom Hearts 4
From Kingdom Hearts 1 to the upcoming fourth mainline title, Sora has undergone countless experiences, despite the limited time that has passed in the series. Throughout his journey, Sora has mostly relied on his own instincts, with minimal guidance from Yen Sid or Mickey to stay on the path of light. Introducing Clive in Kingdom Hearts 4 could provide Sora with a much-needed role model or framework for further personal growth.
Crucially, Clive's consistent kindness and compassion over the span of eighteen years in the story of Final Fantasy 16 could serve as the perfect example for Sora. Prior to Kingdom Hearts 4, the adults that Sora has encountered have often been cynical or have fallen into darkness, such as former members of Organization 13 like Axel, or individuals like Terra and Aqua who have endured hardships.
Sora looks up to Clive as a role model who resiliently faces immense challenges, even in a world plagued by racism and slavery, while still radiating kindness towards others. Despite this, Clive doesn't hesitate to engage in verbal sparring with Hugo Kupka in Final Fantasy 16, just like how Sora confronts his own adversaries with harsh words. Thus, Clive proves to be a favorable choice for Sora to emulate as he matures in Kingdom Hearts 4, and among the vast array of popular options, there are few Final Fantasy characters who would surpass him. Currently, Square Enix is developing Kingdom Hearts.