When Kingdom Hearts 4 eventually launches, the Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package will no longer live up to its name. Released in 2020, this comprehensive collection was intended to serve as a definitive way for fans to experience the Kingdom Hearts series. The collection includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts 3, offering an expansive look at the series’ mainline storylines. The collection already had some notable exclusions upon release, and with the arrival of Kingdom Hearts 4, it will feel even more incomplete.
The Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package does not contain several key pieces of content from the franchise. Titles like Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded are presented only as cutscenes, omitting their original gameplay. Additionally, pivotal entries like Kingdom Hearts Union X Dark Road are absent entirely, leaving gaps in the lore. With Kingdom Hearts 4 set to expand the series’ already sprawling narrative, fans deserve a more updated collection to match its ambitious storytelling.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Companion Wish List
Sora has picked up many different allies on his travels, and Kingdom Hearts 4 will no doubt have its own cast of fight-worthy friends.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Makes a Case for New Editions
The Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package was marketed as a definitive way to understand the main storyline, but it only scratches the surface of the series’ extensive lore. Missing titles, such as the mobile-exclusive Kingdom Hearts Union X, have left gaps for fans wanting to explore the ancient backstory of the Kingdom Hearts universe. Unfortunately, Union X Dark Road was quietly delisted, making it harder for new fans to access these essential narratives.
When Kingdom Hearts 4 releases, a new collection would allow Square Enix to address these gaps. A revised package could include a comprehensive version of Union X Dark Road, potentially adding new gameplay rather than relying solely on cutscenes. This would not only preserve these stories but also give fans a more interactive way to experience the lore.
Improvements to Kingdom Hearts 3 Could Be Included
Revisiting Kingdom Hearts 3 as part of an updated collection presents an opportunity for Square Enix to refine some of its elements. One of the biggest criticisms of Kingdom Hearts 3 was its somewhat messy story and the uneven integration of its Re:Mind DLC. Instead of leaving the DLC as a standalone add-on, Square Enix could incorporate its additional content more naturally into the main story.
For example, the DLC expands on key battles and plot points, such as the climactic showdown with Xehanort, but its separation from the main game disrupts the flow for players experiencing it for the first time. Seamlessly merging the DLC’s content with the core game would provide a more cohesive narrative and allow players to experience the full scope of the story without additional downloads.
The Kingdom Hearts Rhythm Game and New Mobile Titles Need Attention
Another major omission from the Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package is Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory, a rhythm-based game that recaps the series while adding new scenes to set up Kingdom Hearts 4 from Kairi’s point of view. While the game itself has a niche appeal, it contains critical lore that cannot be overlooked. The exclusion of Melody of Memory in the original package leaves newcomers at a disadvantage, especially since some of its revelations directly tie into the next chapter of the series.
Additionally, upcoming mobile releases like Kingdom Hearts Missing Link will further expand the timeline, bridging the gap between Union X Dark Road. Tetsuya Nomura purposely makes all separate games essential to the overall storyline, so these side narratives are arguably just as important as the mainline entries. The delisting of Union X could also be addressed in this manner too.
A New Collection Could Preserve Kingdom Hearts' Legacy
The original Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package was a significant step toward creating an accessible way for fans to experience the series. However, the exclusion of key titles and gameplay content has left it feeling incomplete. With Kingdom Hearts 4 set to introduce new characters, worlds, and lore, Square Enix has an opportunity to create a more comprehensive collection that addresses these gaps.
This is arguably more important than ever because Kingdom Hearts 4's Lost Master Arc has been touted as the “beginning of the end,” with this being the end of Sora’s narrative arc. Tetsuya Nomura has already told fans that he hopes to finish this particular storyline before he retires. With that in mind, the perfect way to go would be with the most comprehensive collection of KH games ever.
- 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.
