Lilo & Stitch Deserves a Full Kingdom Hearts World in KH4

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Over nearly two decades, the epic saga of Kingdom Hearts has expanded across 13 titles, introducing numerous worlds inspired by classic Disney films. From the whimsical Wonderland inspired by the 1951 film Alice in Wonderland to the toy-filled Toy Box modeled after 1995’s Toy Story, Sora, Donald, and Goofy have traversed and saved countless characters across various Disney-inspired realms. However, not all Disney characters met in the Kingdom Hearts series inhabit visitable worlds, instead appearing as side characters or summons, such as Dumbo, Chicken Little, Wreck-It Ralph, and Stitch. With a live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch set for May, it’s only fitting that Stitch should have his own world featured in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4.

The History of Stitch in Kingdom Hearts

In March 2002, Kingdom Hearts 1 was first introduced in Japan, whereas Lilo & Stitch hit the screens in June of the same year. This timing means that Stitch and his companions couldn’t be a part of the initial Kingdom Hearts game. After the initial film and subsequent media like Stitch! The Movie and Lilo & Stitch: The Series gained both critical acclaim and commercial success, Square Enix decided to incorporate Experiment 626 into the next major Kingdom Hearts series. In Kingdom Hearts 2, released in 2005, Sora first interacts with Stitch in Radiant Garden’s Ansem’s computer room. Donald Duck tries to remove Stitch but ends up transporting the trio into Space Paranoids, a world inspired by the 1982 film Tron. Later on, Stitch assists the group in battling the Battle of the 1000 Heartless.

In the 2010 prequel titled “Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep,” character Stitch shows up next. Here, the trio of Keyblade users – Aqua, Terra, and Ventus – encounter Stitch at various instances on a colossal spaceship known as the United Galactic Federation ship. This time, they find themselves in a small world called Deep Space, which was initially showcased at the start of “Lilo & Stitch.”

Terra enters the spaceship with the intention to eliminate Unversed monsters and subsequently begins to instill friendship in Stitch after battling Experiment 221, later recognized as Sparky. Later on, Aqua comes across Stitch and assists him in defeating Captain Gantu before he is ready to be exiled. Eventually, Ventus aids Stitch in escaping the ship, leading ultimately to his crash-landing on Earth at the beginning of “Lilo & Stitch.

Stitch as a Summon in Kingdom Hearts

In Kingdom Hearts 2, character Sora can retrieve Stitch as a summon by discovering a treasure chest with the Ukulele Charm inside. Once activated, Stitch hops on Sora, gives him a quick lick, then scampers across the screen. This friendly creature restores Sora’s Magic Points (MP), deflects physical and ranged attacks using his blasters, and stuns enemies with a ukulele performance. Unlike other summons, Stitch remains invulnerable to enemy attacks since he doesn’t manifest physically during battle. In Kingdom Hearts 3, Stitch reappears as a summon and is unlocked by acquiring the Ohana Heartbinder after finishing Course A of Flash Tracer in Hiro’s Garage within San Fransokyo. Here, Sora and Stitch work together to generate electric fields that can entangle and harm enemies.

After finishing every part of Deep Space in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, players can acquire the Hyperdrive Keyblade modeled after Stitch’s blasters and a red police cruiser as an unlockable reward.

The Potential of a Lilo & Stitch World in Kingdom Hearts 4

Fans of Kingdom Hearts have previously glimpsed a piece of Stitch’s universe in Deep Space United Galactic Federation ship during Birth by Sleep, but there’s much more room for Hawaii to be fully realized in Kingdom Hearts 4. Since all previous appearances of Stitch have been inspired by his animated portrayals, the Hawaii world in Kingdom Hearts 4 could draw from the original Lilo & Stitch media instead of the live-action movie. If this is true, this Hawaii world might mirror Stitch! The Movie and following series, with Heartless adopting forms similar to Stitch’s cousins. Lilo, Nani, and Stitch could make appearances as companions, while many of the cousins could be employed as summons.

If the timing of the launch for “Kingdom Hearts 4″ aligns with the release of the 2025 remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” it’s possible that this movie remake could serve as the game’s primary setting. The remake will likely follow the original film’s storyline, but may also hint at or introduce elements from the sequels, like the cousins. If so, in “Kingdom Hearts 4,” Sora might assist Lilo, Nani, and Stitch in defending themselves against Gantu and the United Galactic Federation forces. Additionally, some Heartless could resemble the Federation’s Raptorsellus troops. There may even be a short gameplay segment where players get to pilot Jumba’s ship. Regardless of which path Square Enix chooses, “Lilo & Stitch” should undoubtedly be given its due as a world within the “Kingdom Hearts” series at some point.

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2025-01-27 01:34