Final Fantasy 16delivered a story that echoed prestige television, pulling players into morally gray conflicts and exploring systemic injustices in its world of Valisthea. It was also Square Enix’s first M-rated mainlineFinal Fantasyentry, breaking tradition with explicit violence and language. This shift aligned with the game’s darker tone, which emphasized loss, vengeance, and the cost of power.
When theKingdom Hearts 4reveal trailer showed Sora waking up in a realistic cityscape—Quadratum—it sparked comparisons toFinal Fantasy 15andFinal Fantasy 16alike. The use of realistic lighting, architecture, and character modeling suggests a possible tone shift away from the vibrant whimsy of past titles. If Square Enix draws fromFinal Fantasy 16in tone,Kingdom Hearts 4could attempt to tell a more grounded or emotionally complex story.
However, the DNA ofKingdom Heartsis woven from a completely different thread. The series thrives on wonder and heartfelt simplicity, even when its plot twists into chaos. For example,Kingdom Hearts 2balanced darker story beats, like Roxas’s existential crisis and Axel’s sacrifices, with visits to cheerful Disney worlds like The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean. That tonal blend is core to its identity. A full shift into grim realism, a laFinal Fantasy 16, could disrupt that balance.
Tetsuya Nomura, director of both series, has stated that Quadratum represents a “different reality” from the main Kingdom Hearts world, hinting that any tonal changes may be confined to this new setting.
Kingdom Hearts 4’s Disney Roots Create Conflict
A major hurdle for a darkerKingdom Heartsentry is the presence of Disney. While some Disney films do tackle serious themes, the brand itself limits how farKingdom Hearts 4can lean into explicit storytelling. Players are unlikely to see foul language, graphic violence, or adult themes within worlds based onFrozenorBig Hero 6.
This contrast makesKingdom Hearts 4fundamentally different fromFinal Fantasy 16, which had complete creative freedom over its original setting and cast. In contrast,Kingdom Heartshas always needed to carefullyintegrate Disney IP with Square Enix’s original characters. One can imagine a dark narrative arc involving Sora and Riku dealing with betrayal or death, only to jump to a Toy Story-themed world full of lighthearted hijinks. Without careful writing, tonal dissonance can be the result.
EvenKingdom Hearts 3, which showed flashes of darkness inXehanort’s endgame manipulationand Kairi’s death, resolved its conflicts with an emphasis on hope and friendship. Sora’s sacrifice was powerful, but it was framed in classic heroic fashion. This emotional range is what makes the series resonate with fans, and ifKingdom Hearts 4leaned too heavily into a grittier model, it might lose what made those moments work in the first place.
The original Kingdom Hearts was almost an entirely original IP without Disney, until a chanceelevator conversation between Square and Disney execsmade the crossover possible. This origin shows how close the franchise came to being unrecognizable—and how critical Disney has been to its identity since day one.
Final Fantasy 16 Proves Evolution Doesn’t Mean Abandonment
WhatFinal Fantasy 16ultimately teaches is that a franchise can evolve without fully shedding its roots. Despite its tone shift, the game still incorporated classic elements: iconic summons, chocobos, and character classes in subtle ways.Kingdom Hearts 4can follow a similar path, elevating its themes and visuals while still leaning on its emotional, whimsical foundation.
Instead of directly copyingFinal Fantasy 16’s tone,Kingdom Hearts 4might simply adopt a more cinematic presentation or sharpen its dialogue. For example, dialogue inFinal Fantasy 16carried weight without excessive exposition, something that could benefitKingdom Heartsas it navigates increasingly complex lore. Combat could also take cues fromFinal Fantasy 16’s speed and responsiveness, especially afterKingdom Hearts 3introduced more grounded physics.
Still,Kingdom Hearts 4shouldn’t feel pressure to be darker just because other Square Enix titles have taken that route. It’s enough for it to grow in maturity through character depth, not edginess. A well-written story with believable emotional stakes doesn’t require shock value or an M rating.Sora’s growth as a protagonist, perhaps grappling with legacy, loneliness, or consequence, could achieve emotional depth without resorting to adult content.
As Square Enix charts the future of its biggest franchises, it will need to recognize the distinct tone and spirit that make each one stand out.Final Fantasy 16may serve as an inspiration, butKingdom Hearts 4must remain a reflection of its own heart.
Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts 4 is an action RPG developed by Square Enix and represents the fifteenth installment in the franchise. Players once again are put in the shoes of Sora who is suddenly trapped in a more realistic world called Quadratum, with companions like Donald and Goofy attempting to rescue him. Kingdom Hearts 4 is a direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
