Why Kingdom Hearts 4 Must Explore Fresh Disney Worlds for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Highlights

Embracing a fresh approach, the game's storyline veers in a new direction, placing emphasis on experiencing new Disney worlds through compelling cutscenes in lieu of direct gameplay. This narrative decision seamlessly aligns with the profound undertones and enigmatic essence of Quadratum.

It is expected that Kingdom Hearts 4 will prioritize recent releases and popular properties when including Disney worlds, potentially featuring worlds based on Star Wars and Marvel due to Disney's acquisitions. The game may also consider incorporating worlds from films like Encanto, considering their popularity. The official Disney properties for Kingdom Hearts 4 have not been revealed yet, but there has been speculation about which worlds might be included. While the game's teaser centers around Quadratum, a new and original location inspired by Shibuya in Japan, it is clear that Sora's journey will take him to various exciting locations, likely inspired by Disney. With the focus on a new story arc, it seems logical for the game to explore more recent Disney properties.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Could Usher in its New Story Arc By Diverging from The Classics

The extent to which Kingdom Hearts 4 will revisit previous Disney worlds remains uncertain, particularly from Sora's perspective. Although the trailer hints at Donald and Goofy venturing into what appears to be Hades' Underworld, it is possible that their quest for solutions primarily unfolds through the game's cutscenes. Consequently, the exploration and visitation of Disney worlds may diverge from those encountered in previous installments. Given the gravitas of KH4's narrative concept and the enigmatic nature of Quadratum, this direction holds promise, especially considering the vast array of new Disney properties now accessible.

The development of Kingdom Hearts 3 coincided with the release of popular Disney films like Frozen and Big Hero 6. As a result, new Disney worlds such as Arendelle, Monstropolis, and San Fransokyo were introduced to the game to reflect these beloved movies.

The release of Monsters, Inc. in 2001 was more aligned with traditional Disney movies. However, a new film during the time of Frozen further solidified its relevance. It can be assumed that these worlds were chosen to highlight the latest Disney properties at the time of the reveal of Kingdom Hearts 3, while also capitalizing on the popularity of others like Tangled, which had premiered three years earlier.

Considering the release of Kingdom Hearts 4 last year, it is likely that the game will continue in the footsteps of its predecessor, offering new possibilities for Sora's adventures. This could also enhance the series' new focus on storytelling and the fictional nature of Quadratum, as mentioned by Strelitzia. With an increased emphasis on realistic graphics, this may result in the introduction of worlds based on Star Wars or Marvel superheroes, given Disney's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm.

Sora's exile from his friends and his existence in Quadratum as an "afterworld" could provide a logical explanation for his inability to visit the familiar Disney worlds from previous iterations. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether all the Disney worlds he encounters will adopt Quadratum's realistic approach. As much as it is difficult to envision the game without Disney worlds based on animated classics, there are numerous potential options available, considering the recent popularity of movies like Encanto.

Given the ongoing development of KH4, it may be prudent to examine Disney's releases in 2022 to anticipate how the game will incorporate its worlds. Following the precedent set by KH3, it is likely that the game will prioritize popularity and relevance when selecting Disney content. This approach could effectively underscore the game's overarching theme of distinguishing between "fictional" and "real" worlds. The inclusion of Disney worlds in Kingdom Hearts 4 could serve as a transformative element for the series, complementing the original settings and characters that will undoubtedly be featured.

Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development.