As theKingdom Heartsfranchise expands with new entries likeKingdom Hearts: Missing Linkand the highly anticipatedKingdom Hearts 4, the series’ complex and interconnected lore continues to play a big role in its appeal. However, with the delisting of mobile games likeKingdom Hearts Union X Dark Road, crucial pieces of the story are now harder to access for both new and longtime players. This presents an ideal moment for Square Enix to develop a dedicated collection ofKingdom Heartsmobile titles for consoles.
Why a Kingdom Hearts Mobile Game Collection is Necessary
The mobile games in theKingdom Heartsseries, particularlyKingdom Hearts X,Kingdom Hearts Union X, andKingdom Hearts Dark Road, contain key narrative elements that are central to understanding the larger story. This is especially true when looking at the culminating narrative ofKingdom Hearts 3. Players can no longer experience thesegames in full, especially withUnion X Dark Roadbeing delisted.
Filling the Gaps Before Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link and Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link, slated for a 2024 release, andKingdom Hearts 4are expected to push the story forwardinto a new arc, and with that, players can expect even more characters, revelations, and twists. Given the current way in which theKingdom Heartsnarrative has been compiled, it’s a safe bet to consider thatKingdom Hearts: Missing Linkwill help set the stage for many of the story threads that will likely be relevant moving forward. Players unfamiliar with mobile gaming platforms will be at a disadvantage especially whenKingdom Hearts 4arrives.
Appealing to Kingdom Hearts’ Console and PC Players
Many fans don’t play mobile or free-to-play games, preferring to experience theKingdom Heartsseries on traditional gaming consoles or PC. The evidence is in the multiple releases of the earlier games’ collections. It would also cater to fans who may have missed out on the mobile titles due to platform limitations or disinterest in mobile gaming.
The previous games have seen success with remastered collections on consoles and PC.Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remixnot only broughtKingdom Hearts Final MixandKingdom Hearts Re of Memoriesto modern consoles but also included a cinematic retelling ofKingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. A similar approach could work forUnion XandDark Road.
Preserving Kingdom Hearts Key Lore for Future Generations
With theKingdom Heartsseries now spanning over a decadeand consisting of thirteen games across multiple platforms, preserving its story is critical. The mobile entries introduced new characters, expanded on existing ones, and even invited fans of mobile games to tryKingdom Hearts 3.Kingdom Hearts X Back Cover, a one-hour cinematic included inKingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, demonstrates the importance of mobile game stories being told in a format that console players can easily access. As the Xehanort Saga concluded withKingdom Hearts 3, and the years passing by since its release, it’s important that fans have a convenient way to revisit lore.
A Path Forward with Kingdom Hearts 4
As Square Enix prepares forKingdom Hearts 4, the series’ fanbase will only continue to grow. Whether Square Enix opts to port the mobile games with updated controls, or chooses to create a cinematic retelling similar to what was done with358/2 Days, ensuring the preservation of the mobile games likeUnion XandDark Roadstories is essential.A complex story likeKingdom Heartsdemandsa cohesive way to experience the full breadth of its lore.
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.
