Kingdom Hearts IV announced
Square Enix has announced the next instalment of their popular RPG franchise, Kingdom Hearts, revealing the fourth instalment is officially in the works during an event in Japan to celebrate the series’ 20th-anniversary.
The trailer confirms the return of Sora, Donald and Goofy in a brand-new adventure, and what Square Enix calls “an epic new storyline” named the Lost Master Arc.
Sora wakes up inside of an apartment as what appears to be a giant heartless sets foot in the city. Sora whips out his Keyblade, parkouring and grappling his way towards the enemy.
At the very end of the trailer, Goofy and Donald Duck wander in darkness, coming face-to-face with an unknown threat.
The art style for Kingdom Hearts IV looks a lot more realistic, although Square Enix notes the trailer contains development footage that’s “subject to change.”
In a press release, Square Enix says Kingdom Hearts IV takes place in the city of Quadratum, and introduces us to a new character named Strelitzia, who also appears in the trailer:
“Sora makes a triumphant return with an updated look at the beginning of an epic new storyline titled the Lost Master Arc.” The statement reads
“Beginning with Sora facing off in a boss battle against a giant enemy, players are introduced to the Quadratum, a large, expansive city set in a gorgeous, realistic world unlike anything ever seen before in the KINGDOM HEARTS series.”
“Fans will be excited to see the return of Sora’s well-known companions Donald and Goofy, in addition to the first appearance of Strelitzia, a mysterious new character who appears before Sora in this strange new setting.”
Square Enix has not announced a release date or platforms for Kingdom Hearts IV. However, fans don’t have to wait long for their next taste of the series as Square Enix says the Kingdom Hearts mobile game Missing-Link will be available as a closed beta on Android and iOS in “specific regions” this August.
