KH4 Reveals Astonishing New Details in Stunning Screenshots

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Summary

  • Kingdom Hearts 4 will retain the series’ signature command menu aesthetic that’s unique to each world, which enhances the immersion.
  • Players can combine Sora’s builds with flowmotion, expanding their combat options strategically.
  • New humanoid Heartless enemies and playable King Mickey add depth and excitement to this upcoming game.

2025-05-14 stands out as both a joyful and melancholic date for Kingdom Hearts series enthusiasts. On this same day, Square Enix disclosed the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing Link, but to console fans, they also shared a compilation of seven fresh screenshots from the forthcoming Kingdom Hearts 4, indicating that its production was progressing smoothly.

As a hardcore gamer, let me tell you, the anticipation for the Kingdom Hearts 4 sequel has been through the roof ever since Square Enix announced it back in 2022. It’s been three long years without any new updates, but finally, we got some fresh glimpses! And boy, these screenshots are packed with information we’ve never seen before – stuff that’s as intriguing as it is exciting.

There’s a lot to unpack in these Kingdom Hearts 4 images, and here are the most captivating details I’ve noticed so far.

1. The Command Menu

Kingdom Hearts 4 Will Keep The Series’ Signature Presentation

When Square Enix unveiled the initial trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4, many fans observed that Sora’s command menu appeared quite plain and standard. However, most of them anticipated that the final version would showcase a lot more flair, similar to the command menus from earlier games in the series, and they were indeed correct about this.

One recently released screenshot for the upcoming game, Kingdom Hearts 4, depicts Sora battling swarms of Heartless in the city of Quadratum, with a distinctive command menu appearing at the screen’s lower left corner. The unique design of this command menu, featuring an outline of the world’s architecture on its top, differs significantly from another screenshot showcasing King Mickey in Scala ad Caelum, suggesting that the user interface (HUD) will adapt to the specific world that Sora and other characters are currently exploring. This is a subtle yet significant artistic touch, as it was also present in Kingdom Hearts 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3, contributing to each world’s individual identity by providing a sense of immersion and uniqueness.

2. How Sora’s Builds Will Work During Gameplay

The Player Will Be Able To Combine Builds With Flowmotion

In the unveiling trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4, players caught a sneak peek of a fresh gameplay aspect, enabling Sora to construct large items with his keyblade, such as a whip or drill, which he can employ either to traverse environments or defeat adversaries. Interestingly, the game’s director, Tetsuya Nomura, later clarified in an interview that Kingdom Hearts 4 will incorporate a “construct and dismantle” element within its fundamental gameplay mechanics.

These new images provide fans with a more defined understanding of the functioning of this build mechanic. To begin with, there is a Build option in the menu, and although it was also visible in the unveiling trailer, its appearance during Sora’s regular battles indicates that it’s not just a special circumstance but rather something players can use whenever they choose. Additionally, Sora can be observed gliding along a long chain he appears to have constructed, suggesting that builds can be integrated with flowmotion much like magic was in both Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage.

3. A New Type Of Heartless

What Are Those Creepy, Human-Looking Enemies?

In the realm of Kingdom Hearts, an assortment of adversarial types have made their mark, but without question, the enigmatic Heartless stand out as the most recognized foes. The upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 has confirmed that these sinister entities will persist in Quadratum, taking on the formidable roles of colossal bosses intent on annihilating the city. Yet, amongst the latest images, it’s evident that Heartless also exist as common adversaries, as Sora is depicted engaged in combat with a novel kind of Heartless that appears unlike any he has encountered during his prior escapades.

The adversaries in this game have a more human-like and unsettling design than typical, and some can even summon colossal hands to defend themselves against Sora’s attacks. In addition, there are enemies with a dreamlike appearance lurking in the backdrop of the Japanese version of this snapshot. While it is possible that they might be a new species of enemy, it seems more likely that these Heartless have been influenced by the distinct environment of Quadratum.

4. Something Will Happen To The Darkside

Someone Else May Be Helping Sora Take Down This Giant Boss

In the final moments of the new trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4, we witness a thrilling clash between Sora and an enormous boss called Darkside, set within Quadratum. This fight not only promises action-packed gameplay but also hints that players will need to defeat this novel enemy type at some stage in the game. Interestingly, a recently released screenshot from the game may have escaped fans’ notice, suggesting a unique aspect about this confrontation.

In the center of Quadratum stands a large image of Darkside, receiving blasts from two streams of light. These beams could potentially represent magical attacks called forth by Sora, but it’s also noteworthy to mention that in the Kingdom Hearts series, characters often traverse between worlds swiftly by being propelled as projectiles, leaving a path of light behind – such as when Roxas unexpectedly appeared at the Keyblade Graveyard towards the end of Kingdom Hearts 3. Therefore, these two lights might instead symbolize other characters rapidly joining Sora in his fight, possibly including Sora himself, Donald, Riku, or Kairi.

5. The Graphics Have Gotten Better

Sora And Strelitzia’s Models Are Even More Detailed Now

Tetsuya Nomura revealed that the Kingdom Hearts 4 announcement trailer was created using Unreal Engine 4, explaining why it looked visually impressive from the start. Yet, he also mentioned that development later shifted to Unreal Engine 5, sparking excitement among fans who anticipated an even more stunning appearance for the game, which these recent screenshots have indeed confirmed.

In the original trailer, the 3D models of Sora and Strelitzia were already quite impressive, but they now appear stunningly realistic with significantly increased details in their skin, hair, and clothing. The move from UE4 to UE5 by the development team seems wise, and fans are eager to see how detailed other human characters in Quadratum will be for Kingdom Hearts 4.

6. Playable King Mickey

Fans Will Be Able To Control Mickey Mouse As He Explores A Familiar World

As a dedicated fan, I must say, the unexpected yet thrilling disclosure that I, King Mickey, will be playable, was undeniably the highlight of the recent Kingdom Hearts 4 screenshots. Frankly, it’s quite extraordinary because Square Enix has never before revealed gameplay footage from an area outside Quadratum, and here we are with a character who isn’t even present in that world yet!

Towards the conclusion of “Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory”, Yen Sid assigned Mickey with revisiting Scala ad Caelum to obtain further details about Sora’s location. The latest screenshot reveals Mickey navigating what appears to be the library in that same realm, and given his position on a chandelier, it suggests that his gameplay will entail lots of platforming challenges. Although players have previously controlled Mickey in “Kingdom Hearts 2” and “Kingdom Hearts 3 Re Mind”, this screenshot piques interest as it could possibly imply that “Kingdom Hearts 4” might include a prologue or special episode where players will take charge of Mickey (perhaps other characters too) while they search for Sora.

7. A Rotary Phone Will Be Important

What’s The Significance Of This Old-School Device?

In the Kingdom Hearts series, it’s often the case that the story leaves fans with more questions than solutions, and these latest screenshots are no different. Among the images featuring Sora, Strelitzia, King Mickey, and Quadratum, there’s a significant shot that only displays a rotary phone. This has sparked curiosity among fans, leading them to ponder why Square Enix chose to highlight this particular object and what its significance could be in the narrative.

In the confirmed sequel, Kingdom Hearts 4, Sora’s adventures in Quadratum will feature a more down-to-earth and realistic tone. The latest trailer hinted that Sora shares an apartment with Strelitzia, which includes a rotary phone. This vintage item, displayed in a collage, seems to hold a crucial plot point. It is speculated that Sora might utilize this antique device for communicating with characters from other realms, or possibly even for traveling between them, eliminating the need for the Gummi Ship as seen in earlier installments.

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2025-05-20 00:05