How Kingdom Hearts 4 Can Play with the Concept of Quadratum Being a ‘False Reality’

How Kingdom Hearts 4 Can Play with the Concept of Quadratum Being a 'False Reality'

As a long-time fanatic of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming sequel, Kingdom Hearts 4. The series has always been a masterclass in exploring the blurred lines between reality and fiction, but the latest revelations about the mysterious Quadratum setting have me truly intrigued.


In a series known for delving into the complexities of reality, memory, and self, it appears that Kingdom Hearts 4 is ready to deepen this exploration further. During a recent chat with the creator Tetsuya Nomura, more details about the enigmatic Quadratum setting have been shared, hinting at its significant role in the upcoming installment. By challenging the very concepts of fiction and actual existence, Kingdom Hearts 4‘s innovative approach could redefine storytelling for this long-running franchise, pushing boundaries that are even new for it.

The idea that Kingdom Hearts 4’s Quadratum is an “unreality” hints at a significant thematic change in the game. By basing the location on a real city, it introduces a self-referential element to the story, making it more accessible and potentially deepening the exploration of themes like perception and memory. Given Tetsuya Nomura’s recent focus on blending reality and fantasy, this could expand the scope of Kingdom Hearts’ crossover concept significantly.

Questioning the Fabric of Existence is Nothing New to Kingdom Hearts

Memory Has Always Played a Major Role

Ever since “Chain of Memories,” the series has persistently delved into the essence of encounters and individuality. Sora found himself lost in a fabricated reality following the manipulation of his memory by Namine immediately after the initial game, a predicament that resonates with characters like Roxas, who grapples with understanding his existence as a Nobody from “Kingdom Hearts.” The idea that one’s self-perception might be an artificial construct has been a recurring motif throughout the storyline, setting the stage for something similar to Quadratum as the next logical progression.

The Implications of Alternate Worlds

The interplay between various Disney realms has been a recurring theme, but more intricate aspects of the Kingdom Hearts universe have surfaced as well. For instance, Data Sora in Coded served as a replica influencing the actual Sora, while characters such as Young Xehanort in Dream Drop Distance challenge the linearity of time itself, suggesting powerful, enigmatic forces at work behind the scenes.

Nomura Has Hinted at the Ambitious Creative Intentions Behind Utilizing Reality as a Narrative Device

Real Life Locations Aren’t Exempt From Featuring Fictional Characters and Scenarios

During an interview with Young Jump, Nomura explained the concept of “unreality” as it pertains to Quadratum – a medium that serves as a connection point for both fictional and real-world environments. To put it simply in English, he said:

…”It seems as though I’m experiencing a dream-like state set within a Shibuya-inspired backdrop, but not the actual Shibuya district. Instead of pure fantasy, I believe the term ‘surreal within reality’ captures the essence of this fantastical portrayal.

It appears this implies that real-life franchises like Star Wars and Marvel could effortlessly meld with existing Disney properties, given they share a common setting. The clarification that Quadratum is “not the true Shibuya” suggests that Kingdom Hearts 4’s characters might grapple with the nature of their reality, which could lend itself to commentary on how fiction intertwines with people’s lives and personal experiences.

Expanding the Franchise Beyond Animated Worlds

The appeal of popular live-action IPs has driven their presence in speculation around KH4, but their inclusion could serve a deeper narrative purpose than fan service. If Quadratum is an “unreal” take on a real location, characters from various pieces of media may end up intersecting here in an unprecedented manner. If the series has always been about realizing Nomura’s vision, his more recent dreams of fantasy existing in a meta setting could see the realism of Kingdom Hearts 4 delving into one of the most uncanny narrative landscapes that gaming has ever seen.

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2024-09-24 20:34