Exciting news for fans of the beloved Kingdom Hearts series: fresh screenshots of Kingdom Hearts 4 have emerged, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the next chapter of this epic saga. This reveal comes in the wake of the unexpected cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, stirring both anticipation and curiosity among the community.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Shows Signs of Life, as Missing-Link Gets Canceled
Kingdom Hearts 4 Screenshots Show New Heartless Variant and a Playable King Mickey
After a prolonged silence of three years, Kingdom Hearts 4 has finally broken its quietude with an array of new screenshots, released on May 15 via the official Kingdom Hearts social media channels. These images not only reignite hope among fans but also confirm that development is actively progressing. Square Enix expressed their dedication and gratitude, stating, "We’re currently working hard on Kingdom Hearts IV and will continue pouring ourselves into the game’s development. We’re dedicated to making this an experience that lives up to your expectations! We’ve seen how excited you are, and we are truly grateful from the bottom of our hearts. We are equally excited and can’t wait to share more about Kingdom Hearts IV when the time is right. Until then, we appreciate your patience."
While no specific release window was disclosed, the new screenshots have sparked numerous theories and heightened anticipation. One particularly intriguing image features King Mickey in what appears to be a playable role. Although Mickey has been playable in past titles such as Kingdom Hearts 2 and 358/2 Days, his involvement was often limited. This new image suggests that Mickey might have a more substantial role in Kingdom Hearts 4, possibly even in a significant section of the game. Speculation abounds that the library setting in the screenshot could be located in Scala ad Caelum, a world introduced in Kingdom Hearts 3, where Mickey might be delving into the lore of the Foretellers, a group of Keyblade Masters central to the upcoming narrative.
Additional screenshots showcase Sora, now sporting a more grounded look with regular-sized shoes, engaged in various scenarios. One image captures him battling a new Heartless variant, hinting at a "Build" mechanic that could allow Sora to create weapons like grappling hooks or drills. Another image places Sora in the streets of Quadratum, a city inspired by real-life Tokyo, as a burst of light illuminates the distance.
Another screenshot features Strelitzia, a character from Kingdom Hearts Union X and the game's reveal trailer, alongside a rotary phone. This detail, combined with series director Tetsuya Nomura's comments about Quadratum's real-world inspirations, suggests an intriguing blend of modern and nostalgic elements within the game's setting. The presence of rotary phones in Quadratum raises questions about the future of the gummiphones from Kingdom Hearts 3, leaving fans to wonder if they'll still be able to capture and share moments via the series' pseudo-Instagram app.
The release of these screenshots marks a significant moment for Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts, especially following the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link. Announced during the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in April 2022, Kingdom Hearts 4 has been eagerly awaited, and fans are hopeful that the wait for this mainline title won't mirror the decade-long gap between Kingdom Hearts 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3.
For more insights into Kingdom Hearts 4, be sure to explore our detailed article below!
