Why Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Embrace KH2’s World Design Over KH3’s

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In a new turn for the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts 4 is set to open a new chapter, transitioning to a novel environment with a distinct narrative focus. The protagonist, Sora, will delve into Quadratum, an advanced metropolis situated in a peculiar realm that transcends our reality. This enigmatic domain may function as his new headquarters as he confronts the forces of darkness and potentially encounters new adversaries during his journey. While Kingdom Hearts 3 showcased some of the franchise’s finest worlds, there were areas for enhancement in its overall execution.

As a gamer, I found that many games’ worlds felt vast yet eerily empty, more like endless corridors than interconnected spaces. However, the worlds in Kingdom Hearts 2 were smaller and linear, but they invited me to revisit areas, giving a stronger sense of progression. This approach made the game feel less monotonous and more immersive.

Contrastingly, Kingdom Hearts 3 had pacing issues, withholding crucial plot points until the end, while Kingdom Hearts 2 gradually built up the conflict by introducing and resolving antagonistic encounters throughout the adventure. This steady escalation kept me engaged and invested in the storyline.

In light of this, I believe that Kingdom Hearts 4 should learn from the world development strategies employed in KH2. By making the worlds more interactive and incorporating a gradual build-up of conflict, they could create a more engaging and immersive gaming experience.

More Worlds in KH4 Allow for More Disney Variety

Since the release of “Kingdom Hearts 3”, the Disney library has expanded considerably, providing an opportunity for “KH4” to showcase a broader selection of films. Going back to the format used in “KH2” with numerous smaller worlds could enable the game to incorporate both new and classic properties without overextending each world’s scope. This approach might allow for innovative mechanics and narrative elements from movies like “Moana”, “Coco”, and “Zootopia” that may not be viable if “KH4” continues with the ‘larger but fewer’ worlds strategy.

As a devoted animation enthusiast, I can imagine Moana taking me on an exhilarating journey through the vast oceans, using ancient Wayfinder skills to navigate my path. Coco, another captivating title, would transport me to a one-of-a-kind afterlife world, allowing me to delve into intriguing mortality concepts. Lastly, The Emperor’s New Groove, a long-awaited favorite, promises a humorous, swift adventure filled with distinctive architecture and transformation elements that I simply can’t wait to explore!

KH4’s Pacing and Antagonists Need Better Distribution

A potential rephrasing of your text could be: One noticeable shortcoming in Kingdom Hearts 3 was perhaps its habit of unveiling villains and critical storylines without prompt resolution. Instead of resolving many Organization 13 encounters within the game, they were often saved for the Keyblade Graveyard, which made the overall experience feel like an extended buildup to a hurried finale. Conversely, KH2 evenly distributed its major battles, with Organization 13 members serving as constant threats rather than mere hints. To improve upon this structure, KH4 could ensure that antagonists are interwoven throughout the game, instead of concentrating significant moments at the end.

For example, integrating the universes of Marvel or Star Wars could offer realistic chances for intriguing, mid-journey confrontations with antagonists. A Star Wars universe might see Sora battling against Darth Vader or an Inquisitor, while a Marvel universe could present a struggle against Loki or Thanos’ followers. These encounters would keep the game from feeling overloaded with story exposition at the beginning and battles at the end. It would be more advantageous for KH4 if Sora could face and conquer threats throughout the journey, instead of saving all challenges for the climax.

Square Enix Representation Deserves a Comeback in KH4

Fans of the Kingdom Hearts series who enjoy the blend of Disney and Final Fantasy characters might feel slightly disappointed that Kingdom Hearts 3 featured fewer characters from the latter. As we look forward to Kingdom Hearts 4, it’s possible that the focus will remain on its original cast. However, incorporating more elements from Square Enix, such as a Materia system inspired by Final Fantasy 7, could help revive the franchise’s unique fusion of worlds and honor its RPG roots by offering customization options and paying tribute to Square Enix’s rich gaming history.

Beyond mere mechanical aspects, KH4 might delve deeper into KH2’s strategy of incorporating a wider array of Square Enix characters in meaningful ways. For instance, a world based on Final Fantasy 9 could introduce Alexandria and its inhabitants, aligning with Kingdom Hearts’ recurring themes of self-discovery and fate. Reintroducing characters from The World Ends With You, as previously seen in Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, could further emphasize the cross-over aspect that initially set the series apart.

Restoring the intricate, interwoven structure of multiple worlds like KH2, for Kingdom Hearts 4, would offer a more expansive display of Disney properties and ensure smoother pacing and stronger antagonist involvement. Furthermore, by incorporating significant Square Enix elements once again, the game could cater to dedicated fans while continuing its evolving storyline.

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2025-02-04 03:07