Premium RPG platformer
Kingdom Hearts IV is a premium role-playing game from SQUARE ENIX. In the latest installment from the beloved action platformer game series, Sora returns with Donald and Goofy to the magical world of various Disney properties in an all-new adventure. It continues the long-running story with the new “Lost Master Arc” that features new characters, worlds, and abilities for players to explore.
If you’ve missed wielding the iconic keyblade, Kingdom Hearts IV is a good reason to revisit the entire franchise. You might also want to check the preceding entry, Kingdom Hearts III, and see where the story picks up.
Follow Sora’s next adventure
Story-wise, Kingdom Hearts IV (KHIV) follows on from the previous KHIII expansion, ReMind DLC. The previous entries in the franchise have marked a sense of maturity in Sora’s character, and you can expect this change to continue. In terms of character development, it’s something to look out for. It’s also important to note that this shift also has an effect on the gameplay.
Compared to previous games, KHIV features even smoother gameplay that optimizes the available technology. Fast-paced battles will make your Heartless encounters more exciting and action-packed. The game is not yet open-world, but it has some elements that offer greater exploration. It also features a mix of old and new worlds based on the ever-growing Disney universe—a franchise portfolio that now includes Zootopia, Encanto, Coco, or maybe even Star Wars.
Lastly, the music and voice remain something to watch out for. Its language support, however, is limited to only two languages: Japanese and English. Long-time series composers and artists will continue to provide accompaniment to the new worlds and new stories. Lastly, most of the gameplay mechanics from previous installments remain. For fans looking for something new in terms of controls or interactions, the game falls short in this aspect.
Continue the Disney adventure
Overall, Kingdom Hearts IV is a great game. Its mechanics remain rooted in the tried and tested formula, which comes across as uninspired. Still, this is a small setback compared to the larger world and the grander story that would require playing the previous game to fully appreciate. More worlds to explore, new storylines to follow, and a great opportunity to showcase Sora’s continuing development. Highly recommended.
