Kingdom Hearts 4 is set to usher in a new chapter for the action-RPG franchise, marking what has been described as the "beginning of the end" for its overarching story. Square Enix has kept many of the game's details under wraps, but the announcement of Kingdom Hearts 4 has sparked excitement and curiosity, especially with the reveal of its setting - the mysterious world of Quadratum - and the return of familiar characters and villains.
As Kingdom Hearts closes one story arc and begins another with the "Lost Master" arc, there are many questions about what fans can expect from the final leg of the series. More importantly, players may be wondering what Kingdom Hearts 4 and its successors will do to deliver a satisfying conclusion to a decade of convoluted and beloved storytelling.
Kingdom Hearts Reference Spotted in Unexpected Place
One fan of the Kingdom Hearts franchise finds an unmistakable reference to the series in a place many fans would likely never assume one to be.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Begins the 'Lost Master' Arc
While previous entries in the Kingdom Hearts series focused on the Dark Seeker Saga, Kingdom Hearts 4 shifts gears with the introduction of the Lost Master Arc. This suggests that the Master of Masters, a pivotal yet enigmatic figure in the franchise, will play a central role in the final act. The Master of Masters has long remained a mystery, with only brief appearances in the series' timeline. His immense power, cryptic intentions, and the Book of Prophecies all point to an inevitable confrontation that fans have awaited for years.
Fans have speculated that the Lost Master Arc will answer several lingering questions about the Kingdom Hearts universe. Chief among them is the true identity and purpose of the Master of Masters. His influence has spanned across generations of Keyblade wielders, but his ultimate goal remains unclear. Kingdom Hearts 4 could finally reveal his motivations, and whether his plans align with Sora's quest to protect the light or something more sinister.
The Return of Sora's Famous Kingdom Hearts Question
Another key element that Kingdom Hearts 4 promises to address is a question that has haunted fans since the series' first installment: “Is any of this for real or not?” This question could be closely tied to Quadratum, the new world described as an "unreality within reality." According to series director Tetsuya Nomura, Quadratum has been part of Kingdom Hearts lore from the beginning, and its introduction in Kingdom Hearts 4 might be the key to answering Sora's long-standing existential question.
Quadratum is also expected to reset the series in a way that allows newcomers to enjoy the game without getting lost in the vast and often-confusing backstory. However, for long-time players, this new world might serve as the stage for resolving the deeper, unresolved narrative threads that have built up across the series.
Kingdom Hearts As Tetsuya Nomura’s Potential Magnum Opus
Kingdom Hearts 4 is not only important for its role in building to the conclusion of the franchise’s story, but also because of Tetsuya Nomura’s involvement. Nomura himself has expressed that Kingdom Hearts 4 is being developed with the intention of finishing the story, especially as Tetsuya Nomura nears retirement. Given that this could be one of his final major contributions to the series, fans can expect him to give his best creative effort to this project.
Nomura's body of work has been filled with emotional highs and grand narrative threads, and the expectations for him to "stick the landing" with Kingdom Hearts 4 are high. If this is truly his magnum opus, there will be considerable pressure to resolve the franchise’s long-standing narrative mysteries in a way that satisfies both fans and critics alike.
Kingdom Hearts 4 is Likely Not the End For The Square Enix Series, Just a Step Toward It
While Kingdom Hearts 4 is positioned as the beginning of the end for the series, it's important to note that Square Enix has not outright confirmed that it will be the final game, with its wording implying that there is at least another game that will follow, Kingdom Hearts has proven to be an immensely profitable and popular franchise, and new entries are likely as long as there’s demand. One speculative question might be how the series will look in the future once Tetsuya Nomura has concluded his involvement with the series. The series' future might be based around spin-offs or new stories with different protagonists, even if Sora’s journey reaches its conclusion in the Lost Master Arc. After all, the franchise has Disney involved, a company notorious for extending popular franchises.
That said, Kingdom Hearts 4 presents a unique opportunity for the franchise to tie up years of intricate storylines. Whether it’s explaining the true nature of Quadratum or revealing the full scope of the Master of Masters’ plans, Kingdom Hearts 4 will need to set the stage for a satisfying finale to one of gaming’s most intricate tales.
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Kingdom Hearts
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.
