Square Enix Finally Revealed New Kingdom Hearts IV Details

Kingdom Hearts IV fans last saw a real look at it when it was first announced in April 2022. Now, Square Enix has finally come back with a small but important update: new images from the game and a message from the creators. There was no trailer to accompany the reveal, but the screenshots have led to rumors that more substantial footage might be coming soon, possibly at upcoming events like Summer Game Fest or a PlayStation State of Play.

"We are currently working hard on Kingdom Hearts IV and will continue to put all of our efforts into making the game," the studio said. "We're committed to giving you an experience that lives up to your hopes." We see how happy you are and are so thankful from the bottom of our hearts. Like you, we're thrilled and can't wait to tell you more when the time is right.

The new screenshots show Sora fighting Heartless in a city that looks a lot like Shibuya while wearing his new clothes and carrying his famous Keyblade. The updated environments and character models make Kingdom Hearts IV look very different from Kingdom Hearts III, a clear sign that the tone is becoming more mature.

In one picture, Sora is grinding on chains through an area full of stars, and in another, Mickey Mouse is jumping from platform to platform through what looks like a large library. The new pictures also show a mysterious female character whose identity has not been confirmed. This adds to the universe's already rich history.

It was interesting that the update didn't say anything about what platforms Kingdom Hearts IV will be available on. There's still no official word on whether the game will only be available on the PlayStation 5, come out on multiple platforms, or even go on next-generation hardware like the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.

Following the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, Square Enix has recently pushed for multiplatform releases and made a public commitment to a "quality over quantity" strategy. This makes it likely that the studio will rethink its release strategies across all major consoles, including PC support, from the start.

Many people think that a trailer reveal is coming soon because of when the screenshots were released. Summer Game Fest and other well-known shows are coming up soon, so it's likely that Square Enix is getting ready for a more in-depth presentation.

Square Enix has previously chosen to reveal games separately, like with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Kingdom Hearts IV could get the same treatment. Given the long wait since it was first announced and the recent cancellation of Missing-Link, fans have high hopes for it.

It looks like Square Enix has fully implemented its plan to focus on higher-quality projects, less annualized content, and better cross-platform support. Kingdom Hearts IV could reach more people than ever before if it stays true to these values and is made available on more platforms, like PlayStation 4, PC, and maybe even Switch 2.

It hasn't been ruled out that Xbox platforms could be added, but that might not be the main goal. Square Enix will make a big move next, no matter what, and Kingdom Hearts fans are ready for it.

Square Enix has released the first major update for Kingdom Hearts IV in two years. There is still no trailer or confirmed release platforms, but new screenshots and a direct message from the developers suggest more news is on the way, maybe even sooner than expected.