Square Enix has unveiled a fresh batch of screenshots for Kingdom Hearts 4, offering fans a new glimpse at in-game action and cinematic scenes. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the upcoming entry appears to build on the franchise’s signature blend of fast-paced combat and Disney-inspired storytelling, with one notable image suggesting that Mickey Mouse may be playable in select sections.
These new visuals arrive at a time when the publisher has made a decisive move to reallocate its resources. Just days prior, Square Enix confirmed the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a location-based mobile RPG that was in development for smartphones. The official statement, shared on the Kingdom Hearts social media channels, expressed regret over the decision while emphasizing the team’s renewed commitment to Kingdom Hearts 4.
The forthcoming mainline title has been positioned as a fresh entry point for newcomers to the series. In an interview published in the September 2024 issue of Weekly Young Jump, longtime series director Tetsuya Nomura explained his vision for Kingdom Hearts 4, framing it as a reset of the overarching narrative. According to Nomura, the storyline was deliberately steered in a new direction following the events of Kingdom Hearts 3. To support this goal, new writers were brought on board, and even the game’s logo was redesigned to signal a soft reboot.
The game is set partly in a world known as Quadratum, which Nomura described as a “fake reality set in reality.” This conceptual space serves as the setting for much of the game’s new story arc, which is intended to be accessible to first-time players while still rewarding long-time fans with deeper lore connections.
Nomura also addressed his long-term role with the franchise, suggesting that his retirement may not be far off. He acknowledged that some have asked whether he plans to retire before concluding the Kingdom Hearts saga, indicating that Kingdom Hearts 4 is being developed with that eventual end in mind.
Alongside the official developments, rumors have emerged suggesting that the Kingdom Hearts series may eventually come to Nintendo’s next-generation console, commonly referred to as the Switch 2. It is also speculated that Kingdom Hearts 4 may include a minor online feature, though no official confirmation has been provided.
