Square Enix shares new screenshots of Kingdom Hearts IV
Square Enix has finally shown off more of Kingdom Hearts IV since its reveal in 2022, giving fans a better look at Sora, Heartless, the world of Quadratum, and what appears to be a playable Mickey Mouse.
The details:
Following the cancellation of mobile title Missing Link, the developer shared several screenshots from the franchise's upcoming fourth mainline entry on X, alongside a message thanking fans for their support. “We’re currently working hard on Kingdom Hearts IV and will continue pouring ourselves into the game’s development,” Square Enix wrote. “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.”
The development screenshot collage depicts Sora battling various Heartless in the more realistic world of Quadratum, using the Kingdom Key and some form of chain magic. Two additional images show Sora in his more Final Fantasy-like design, standing in a parking garage surrounded by a strange effect and cars that resemble those found in the real world.
Other images shared include a close-up of an old-school rotary phone, the game's version of franchise tutorial boss Darkside with larger wings, and a girl named Strelitzia who appeared in the now-defunct mobile game Union X.
However, an image of what appears to be a playable version of Mickey Mouse has piqued the interest of some fans, marking the first time the Disney mascot will be playable outside of KH2's boss battle rescue mechanic. Mickey can be seen standing on a chandelier inside an unnamed library, with the game's Command Menu showing only the option to attack, implying that it is only a minor segment of gameplay.
Not much is known about KH4, but it will mark the start of the franchise's "Lost Master Arc" following the conclusion of the original storyline in KH 3. It has also been confirmed that it will reveal the truth behind Sora's "Is any of this for real or not?" quote from the original game, implying that the events of previous entries may have been fictional.
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