Kingdom Hearts IV: Mickey Mouse could be playable for the first time in the saga

After three years of silence, Square Enix surprised Kingdom Hearts fans by releasing new images of Kingdom Hearts IV, the anticipated sequel that promises to be a game-changer in the franchise. The screenshots have caused a stir in the gaming community, especially due to a striking detail: the possible gameplay of Mickey Mouse with unprecedented prominence.

This revelation comes amid discontent over the recent cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing Link, the mobile spin-off. However, the new information has revitalized interest in the main story, which continues to focus on the iconic hero Sora.

An unprecedented ability that could change the formula

One of the most talked-about elements of the new images is the appearance of the 'Build' ability in the game's command menu. This new power is shown in the space where classic commands like Link, Drive, or Summon were previously located, suggesting a possible transformation in combat style and exploration mechanics.

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The community speculates that this feature  will allow building elements of the environment or modifying structures, adding an unprecedented layer of interaction in the saga.

Mickey Mouse as a playable protagonist

The images also spark excitement over the possibility of Mickey Mouse being playable for the first time in an extended way. Although the character has had moments of active participation in previous titles, this installment could offer a new dimension for King Mickey, with a much more direct role in the story's development and battles.

This move would be a significant nod to Disney fans, further solidifying the union between the company's properties and the Kingdom Hearts universe.

Quadratum and the promise of a saga's closure

Regarding the setting, the city of Quadratum appears again as the central axis of the story. In the screenshots, Sora is seen facing the classic Heartless in this urban landscape, whose hyper-realistic aesthetic contrasts with previous worlds and reinforces the visual evolution of the title.

Tetsuya Nomura, the series director, hinted some time ago that this installment could steer the franchise toward its narrative conclusion, which reinforces the symbolic weight of Kingdom Hearts IV as a possible end of an era.

Growing expectation and meticulous development

Although the game was announced in 2022, Square Enix has yet to confirm a release date, keeping fans' anxiety levels high. The company, however, seems to be taking a careful approach, prioritizing quality over speed of release.

The cancellation of Missing Link was a setback for the community, but these new images have reignited hope that Kingdom Hearts IV will live up to its predecessors and bring something truly innovative to the universe of the saga.