As the wait for Kingdom Hearts 4 continues, many have wondered what is in store for the next entry in Square Enix's long-running franchise. While there is hope for Kingdom Hearts 4 to arrive soon, the recent delay of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link could signal trouble for the series' secretive plans. The abrupt delay has left no release date in sight for a new Kingdom Hearts title, which means Kingdom Hearts 4 may, unfortunately, be further away than one might hope.
Originally, Missing-Link was supposed to launch before the end of the year, but an official announcement from Square Enix via X revealed a change of plans. The announcement states, "While preparing for the launch of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release." There wasn't a clear reason given in the address, which is worrying. Even more concerning, though, is that Square Enix did not say what the new launch target would be. Instead of any official window of time, the company simply stated, "We appreciate your patience. Please look forward to further information." Now that the road ahead for Kingdom Hearts looks more unclear than it did, Kingdom Hearts 4 may also need more time in production.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link's Delay Makes the Release of Kingdom Hearts 4 Even More Mysterious
Two Kingdom Hearts Projects Kept in the Dark
Although Kingdom Hearts 4 is the game many fans of the series are most excited by, the concept of Missing-Link is a compelling change to the franchise formula. Instead of a classic action RPG, Missing-Link is GPS-based mobile game like Pokemon GO. The game promises a GPS Mode that works locally and a Touch Mode that allows players to explore other locations across the globe. A Kingdom Hearts location-based mobile game is an intriguing prospect, but those who were eager for its upcoming release now have no clear launch to look forward to. There are plenty of questions regarding both projects, but the biggest one is whether the two stories are connected or not.
The Downside of Both Games Potentially Being Connected
If Missing-Link directly ties into the story of Kingdom Hearts 4, the release date of the latter could fully rely on the former being launched first. While there have been sneak peeks of Missing-Link, much of the story's plot points are still unknown. Of course, the idea of Missing-Link and Kingdom Hearts 4 being connected is pure speculation, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Moments and concepts in Missing-Link could set the stage for some of Kingdom Hearts 4's story, which makes this delay a frustrating obstacle.
Confirmed Features For Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link
- Players will become a Keyblade wielder
- The story covers the "blank era" of Kingdom Hearts
- 3D action battles
- Players will collect Disney character "Pieces"
- Teaming up with allies
- A main objective of defeating the Heartless with "the power of friendship"
- Character creator
- AP stamina system
Silence Surrounding Kingdom Hearts Could Signal a Longer Wait For Fans
Square Enix's Popular Series Lies Dormant
Since the last mainline entry of Kingdom Hearts 3, many have been awaiting what the next chapter holds. From anticipating new Disney-based worlds to Sora's place in the story, the franchise has found itself in an update drought, which makes the bad news of this Missing-Link delay sting all the more. Of course, Missing-Link and Kingdom Hearts 4 could be completely separate stories, meaning the latter could still be on track for its yet-to-be-announced release window.
Franchise creator Tetsuya Nomura recently revealed that he is considering retirement.
It's unclear just how much Missing-Link's delay affects Kingdom Hearts 4, but hopefully the impact isn't much. Only time will tell if this change of plans shakes up Kingdom Hearts 4's production, but until Square Enix makes a statement, the game is hopefully still on schedule.
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts 4 is an action RPG developed by Square Enix and represents the fifteenth installment in the franchise. Players once again are put in the shoes of Sora who is suddenly trapped in a more realistic world called Quadratum, with companions like Donald and Goofy attempting to rescue him. Kingdom Hearts 4 is a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
