Square Enix has a history of adapting Disney worlds in varied ways across the Kingdom Hearts series, from direct retellings of movie plots to entirely new narratives. As anticipation builds for Kingdom Hearts 4, fans and critics alike are weighing in on which Disney and Pixar properties would best serve the franchise's unique blend of action RPG and storytelling.
Confirmed locations for Kingdom Hearts 4 include the Land of the Dead from Coco, a papercraft storybook world for Mickey Mouse, and a return to the Hercules world, evidenced by Donald and Goofy seeking Sora in the underworld. However, the selection of future worlds remains a significant point of discussion.
Desired Worlds for Kingdom Hearts 4
Several popular Disney properties are frequently cited as ideal candidates for inclusion. Moana, despite its proximity to Kingdom Hearts 3's release, was notably absent and is seen as a prime candidate for the upcoming title. Its oceanic setting and wayfaring themes could translate into engaging new gameplay mechanics. The world of Encanto is also a strong contender, with its focus on family, emotions, and unique magical rooms offering fertile ground for imaginative level design that aligns with Kingdom Hearts' thematic exploration of doubt and fear.
A follow-up to the divisive Arendelle from Kingdom Hearts 3, focusing on the events of Frozen 2, could redeem the previous iteration. This sequel offers a more traditional adventure with an enchanted forest and elemental spirits, providing Sora and his companions with a more active role. The vibrant and diverse city of Zootopia presents a unique opportunity for character transformation mechanics, where Sora and his friends might adopt animal forms to blend in, offering a distinct visual and narrative experience separate from the movie's plot.
The Toy Story universe, particularly building on the success of the "Toy Box" world in Kingdom Hearts 3, offers potential for original stories. The previous entry successfully moved beyond a simple retelling by placing Sora in a narrative that occurred after Toy Story 2, allowing for genuine character interaction and exploration. With five films in the franchise, there are numerous avenues for new adventures. Furthermore, hints in the Kingdom Hearts 4 announcement trailer, specifically a metallic dome resembling an AT-ST walker, suggest a potential journey to a Star Wars galaxy, a long-speculated addition that could introduce iconic elements like lightsaber-Keyblade hybrids.
Worlds Best Left in Darkness
Conversely, certain worlds have been visited multiple times and may have exhausted their potential. Atlantica from The Little Mermaid, which has featured awkward underwater combat and bizarre rhythm mini-games, is a prime example. The gameplay limitations and repetitive nature of its past appearances suggest it should be avoided in favor of new aquatic adventures like Finding Nemo or more of Moana's world.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, while offering an ambitious adaptation in Kingdom Hearts 3, has also had significant screentime. The previous installment provided a satisfying pirate adventure with ship combat and exploration, leaving little room for a third installment, especially given the waning interest in later movie sequels and the desire to avoid controversial figures.
Agrabah from Aladdin is another world that has seen extensive use across multiple Kingdom Hearts titles, featuring repeated encounters with Jafar and familiar locales. While Genie remains a welcome presence, revisiting Agrabah's streets or adapting the lesser-known "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" is seen as retreading old ground.
Finally, the Tron franchise, despite its digital premise fitting Kingdom Hearts' themes, has appeared twice in previous games. The Grid's sterile environments and detached characters have often felt at odds with the series' warmer tones. Two digital excursions are deemed sufficient, with alternative digital worlds like Wreck-It Ralph potentially filling a similar niche more effectively.
