Summary
Kingdom Hearts 4, the next chapter in Square Enix’s long-running Disney-collaborative epic, should arrive sometime in the next few years. When it comes to speculation and hype surroundingKingdom Hearts 4, it’s only natural to wonder about which IPsthe game will loop into its grand, universe-hopping narrative. Certainly,KH4could balloon larger than ever before, with a multitude of new worlds to explore, but revisiting one staple franchise should be on the to-do list.
The incorporation of various Disney properties is definitely what makesKingdom Heartsso attention-grabbing for so many people, but its mashing-up and remixing ofFinal Fantasycharacters, locations, and concepts is arguably just as compelling. Sora’s character design and general archetype derive much more from Square Enix tradition than Disney tropes, after all, and seeing him, Donald, and Goofy run into iconic characters from other Square Enix games has always been a treat. WithFinal Fantasycontinuing to evolve, even in the wake ofKingdom Hearts 3,Kingdom Hearts 4is in a perfect position to reflect these changes through its signature crossover content.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Take Advantage of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Saga
The Fleshing-Out of FF7 Could Pay Dividends in Kingdom Hearts 4
Hopefully, the nextKingdom Heartswill make good use of itsFinal Fantasycrossovers, as they are typically more understated and minimal than their Disney counterparts. That said, if anyFinal Fantasyproperty were to rear its head inKH4, it would beFinal Fantasy 7. This is not only because it’s the most easily recognizable and supported entry in theFFseries, but also because of its history inKingdom Hearts: severalFF7characters, including Cloud, Aerith, and Sephiroth, have made multiple appearances in olderKingdom Heartsgames, setting a strong precedent for their return.
But of course, it’s hard to discussFinal Fantasy 7without mentioning its ongoing remake saga. This three-part revival of the original 1997 story has done quite a bit to elevate its relevance, but also to offer some fresh perspective on elements of theFF7world. On the most basic level, the remakes provide more detailed, expansive renditions of important locations like Kalm, Junon, and Nibelheim, but they also give additional insight into tertiary characters like Jessie and Wedge. In essence, these games are an unfolding ofFinal Fantasy 7as much as they are high-fidelity remakes, andKingdom Hearts 4could take advantage of this.
TheFinal Fantasy 7remake project also strengthens thethrough-line between the original story and theCrisis Coreprequel, recontextualizing and underscoring many of the former’s emotional beats.
How Kingdom Hearts 4 Could Leverage the Final Fantasy 7 Remakes
Taking players to importantFF7locations, like Midgar’s Sector 7, could present powerful storytelling opportunities inKingdom Hearts 4, especially since these locations have now been better realized through the remakes. Similarly, Sora and company could team up with some of the aforementioned tertiary characters, as they are nowmore multidimensional than they were in the originalFF7.
If anyFinal Fantasyproperty were to rear its head inKH4, it would beFinal Fantasy 7.
Put another way, the expansion ofFinal Fantasy 7’s world via the remakes could open the door to all manner of charming, heartwrenching, or comedic narrative moments inKH4, as the game has a greater breadth of source material to draw from. Aside from more significant elements like characters and locations, memes or particularly memorable moments from theFF7remake could make appearances as Easter eggs inKH4, linking the two in a more subtle way, but one that would be no less pleasing for fans. Ifpart three of theFinal Fantasy 7remake sagais released ahead ofKingdom Hearts 4, then that would be even better, as the latter could be something of a victory lap for the former.
Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts 4 is an action RPG developed by Square Enix and represents the fifteenth installment in the franchise. Players once again are put in the shoes of Sora who is suddenly trapped in a more realistic world called Quadratum, with companions like Donald and Goofy attempting to rescue him. Kingdom Hearts 4 is a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
