The upcoming game, Kingdom Hearts 4, is expected to delve deeper into the original concept of blending Square Enix’s Final Fantasy with Disney movie worlds. However, it remains uncertain how much of this initial premise will be reflected in the new era of Kingdom Hearts, as the series has seen a growing focus on original characters over the past years. With Square Enix’s changing release patterns and renewed interest in their flagship series, there’s a possibility that we might see significant roles for Final Fantasy characters in Kingdom Hearts 4.
Over the past 15 years, Square Enix has been known for taking a considerable amount of time – often up to six years – to bring their video games from initial concept to market. This prolonged development period seems to prioritize long-term planning, which might explain why there’s been less focus on Kingdom Hearts in recent releases compared to the hype around their popular franchise, Final Fantasy. With KH4 currently in development following the success of those games, it could be that they plan to reintroduce a crossover element to appeal more broadly.
The Decline of Final Fantasy Characters in Kingdom Hearts Has Seemingly Coincided with Console Exclusivity
FF7 Remake Saga and FF16 Have Earned Square Enix a Reputation for Timed Exclusives
Initially, Final Fantasy 15 was launched on both PS4 and Xbox One in 2016. However, significant releases within the series since then have primarily been exclusive to PlayStation for about a year after their initial release. For instance, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and its prequel, Remake, were only available on Windows approximately one year following their initial launch, yet they continued to generate impressive sales and positive reception, catering mainly to the PlayStation market.
The exclusivity of Final Fantasy 16 on PS5 further solidified the bond between Square Enix and Sony, as it unveiled an entirely new universe crafted over numerous years, accessible exclusively to a particular group of gamers. Given the surge in popularity the game has experienced since its 2024 launch on Windows, Square Enix is well-positioned to expand the Final Fantasy franchise by integrating it with another prominent IP they own.
Multi-Platform Releases Could Mean More Final Fantasy Representation in Kingdom Hearts 4
Final Fantasy’s Current Prominent Lineup of Characters Have the Recognition to Drive Hype
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the undeniable charm that set the cast of Final Fantasy 7 apart from the start, and their remake only elevated that recognition. Now, Cloud and his crew have become modern pop culture icons, gracing our screens in recent times. Similarly, Clive Rosfield and his comrades have basked in the limelight long enough to secure their places in FF history, a feat made possible by their multi-platform debut. Given their popularity, they seem like natural picks for Kingdom Hearts 4, as they truly embody Square Enix’s current creative spirit.
The Reintroduction of Cloud Wouldn’t Require the Same Establishing Arc of Clive Rosfield
In the popular Kingdom Hearts series, Cloud Strife is a familiar character. So, it’s likely that he would have a strong connection with Sora in Kingdom Hearts 4. This natural progression could fit well with the conclusion of the Final Fantasy 7 remake series. However, Clive also has the chance to leave his mark by meeting for the first time in Kingdom Hearts 4 and potentially becoming as iconic as Cloud Strife is in the new Lost Master Arc.
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2025-02-08 01:35