Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura recently hinted at a pivotal turning point for the series with the upcoming fourth mainline installment. This article delves into his revelations about this crucial chapter.
Nomura Hints at a Series Conclusion with Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts 4: A Story Reset, According to Nomura
The future of Kingdom Hearts appears both captivating and potentially conclusive, based on a recent interview with Nomura. He suggests Kingdom Hearts 4 will be a major turning point.
In an interview with Young Jump (translated by KH13), Nomura stated Kingdom Hearts 4 is designed "with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion." While not explicitly confirming the series' end, it strongly implies the beginning of a final saga. This new chapter, the "Lost Master Arc," is designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans, simplifying the previously complex narrative.
Nomura explained, referencing Kingdom Hearts III's ending, that Sora's actions "reset" the story, making Kingdom Hearts 4 more approachable. He hopes both longtime fans ("this is it") and new players will enjoy this new beginning.
While hinting at a potential end to the main storyline, Nomura's comments must be considered within the series' history of twists and turns. A seemingly definitive ending could be open to interpretation or pave the way for future spin-offs or side stories. The extensive cast also offers potential for individual character-driven adventures, particularly with Nomura's announcement of new writers joining the Kingdom Hearts universe.
Nomura highlighted the fresh approach in Young Jump, emphasizing Kingdom Hearts Missing Link and Kingdom Hearts IV as new titles rather than simple sequels. He specifically mentioned the inclusion of writers unfamiliar with the series, noting his own editorial oversight, but suggesting a new foundational approach to storytelling.
This injection of new creative voices is exciting, potentially revitalizing the narrative while preserving core elements. These fresh perspectives could lead to innovative gameplay and unexplored areas within the Disney and Square Enix collaboration.
However, Nomura's own future is also a factor. He confirmed consideration of retirement within a few years, posing a personal challenge: "If this isn't a dream, then I only have a few years left until I retire, and it's looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first?"
A New Arc, A Fresh Start
Announced in April 2022, Kingdom Hearts 4, currently in development, will launch the "Lost Master Arc." Details remain scarce, but the trailer shows Sora awakening in Quadratum, a world Nomura described (in a 2022 Famitsu interview, translated by VGC) as an alternate reality similar to our own.
Nomura explained the shifting perspectives: Quadratum is an underworld to Sora, but reality to its inhabitants. Interestingly, this world, reminiscent of Tokyo with a dreamlike quality, is a concept he's held since the first game.
Unlike the whimsical Disney worlds of previous games, Quadratum offers a more grounded, realistic setting. This, combined with enhanced visuals, necessitates a reduction in the number of Disney worlds.
Nomura confirmed to GameInformer in 2022 that while Disney worlds will feature in Kingdom Hearts 4, increased graphical demands limit their number. This streamlining, however, could lead to a more focused narrative, mitigating past complexities.
Regardless of whether Kingdom Hearts 4 concludes or begins a new era, it's a significant moment for Sora and his companions. For many fans, a full-circle conclusion under Nomura's guidance, while bittersweet, would be an epic culmination of a story spanning over two decades.
