Kingdom Hearts 4’s ‘Beginning of the End’ Role is a Shame For One Reason

As a die-hard fan of the Kingdom Hearts series who’s been through the heart-wrenching battles against Xehanort and his countless incarnations, I must admit that the news about his diminished role in Kingdom Hearts 4 leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m eagerly anticipating the new era, the Lost Master Arc, and the promise of fresh worlds like Quadratum.


The wait for further updates continues, but rest assured, Kingdom Hearts 4 is anticipated to be a worthwhile venture. Referred to as “the start of the finale” for the ongoing Kingdom Hearts narrative, this action-RPG was unveiled during the 20th anniversary celebration of Kingdom Hearts in April 2022. Since then, it has not been seen again, and with Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link set to release in 2024, it might still be a while before Kingdom Hearts 4 takes center stage. Nevertheless, the upcoming significant installment in Square Enix and Disney’s renowned crossover series continues to warrant attention from fans.

In the chronology of the Kingdom Hearts universe, Kingdom Hearts 4 is set quite far along, which means it will provide many answers and pose new queries. Notably, this storyline has a sense of “the end approaching,” making events progress at an increasingly swift pace. The upcoming release of Kingdom Hearts 4 will introduce the Lost Master Arc, marking a shift from the Dark Seeker Saga that’s been ongoing since the series inception. A fresh era for Kingdom Hearts also brings new worlds to explore, and Quadratum seems particularly intriguing as a possible first stop. Unfortunately, it seems one of the main characters from the previous story arc may not have much more screen time going forward.

Xehanort Has Been A Driving Force For Kingdom Hearts So Far

As a dedicated fan, I’ve noticed that while speculation continues about who the “Lost Master” in Kingdom Hearts 4 could be, the identity of the “Dark Seeker” is clear to the community. This enigmatic figure echoes the moniker “Ansem, Seeker of Darkness,” which Xehanort’s Heartless bore in the original Kingdom Hearts. The first saga’s title refers to none other than Xehanort and his numerous manifestations throughout the Kingdom Hearts series. Given that a significant portion of this captivating series is casually referred to as the “Xehanort Saga,” it’s easy to see why – without Xehanort and his various alter egos, these adventures would lose much of their impact. With only a few exceptions, like Chain of Memories and Coded, Xehanort and his many selves are often the ones orchestrating events behind the scenes.

Kingdom Hearts 3 Wrapped Up Xehanort’s Tale

In the brief appearance of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, there was a nod to the Lost Master Arc involving Xehanort, but it seems we won’t be seeing much more of him for now. The storyline of the Dark Keyblade Master concluded decisively in Kingdom Hearts 3, with his final battle against Sora and their souls ascending to Kingdom Hearts on-screen. Even in this family-friendly series, with games like Dark Road and MoM providing insights into Xehanort’s life since then, it’s hard to imagine a character feeling more retired than him. Although his defeat was necessary, the vacancy of the main villain role still leaves a bittersweet taste.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Leaves Little Room For Xehanort

As a dedicated fan, it’s clear that Kingdom Hearts 4 and its subsequent installments should strive to carve out their unique identities, distinct from the games that preceded them. Although the grand Kingdom Hearts narrative is nearing its final chapters, Kingdom Hearts 4 offers a fresh start, enticing newcomers as we approach the later stages of this epic journey. Regrettably, both seasoned and novice Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts may find themselves revisiting the older games to relive Xehanort’s reign once more, as his presence seems to be subtly woven into narratives yet to unfold.

Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts’ First Villain May Have To Miss Its Ending

In simpler terms, the character Xehanort from Kingdom Hearts has given players a lot of difficulty, but when he’s no longer around, his absence will certainly be noticeable. Although it might seem odd to not have such an iconic villain in the final stages of the series, it seems that this is necessary for the story that Square Enix and Disney are planning for Kingdom Hearts. However, it may be that Xehanort appears in smaller roles, perhaps as the one Donald and Goofy are searching for in the teaser for Kingdom Hearts 4. But overall, his active role in the story has come to an end. Despite all the trouble he’s caused, Xehanort will always be fondly remembered as the series boldly explores new worlds in Kingdom Hearts 4.

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2024-11-20 22:13