Following the release of Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts 3 in 2019, the landscape has evolved significantly. The incorporation of Marvel and Star Wars into the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 presents a multitude of exciting possibilities. While the franchise already boasts a rich tapestry of captivating characters and settings from Disney's extensive collection of IPs, the addition of Marvel and Star Wars can undoubtedly enhance the future of Kingdom Hearts. However, if the forthcoming sequel ventures into the iconic galaxy far, far away, it must prioritize revered Jedi and iconic locations, steering clear of popular yet shallow characters like R2-D2 and BB8.
Star Wars has long been one of the most prominent IPs globally, a status that has only been amplified following Disney's acquisition. The influx of new Star Wars content has introduced a wealth of new characters and locales. Productions such as Ahsoka have brought lesser-known characters to the forefront, presenting a challenge for Kingdom Hearts 4 to satisfy fans by incorporating as many beloved figures as possible. With an abundance of options, droid characters should assume peripheral roles at best, allowing the most iconic faces of the IP to take center stage.
The Abundance of Possibilities in Kingdom Hearts 4's Star Wars World
The traditional format of Kingdom Hearts revolves around the protagonist Sora, accompanied by his allies Goofy and Donald Duck, embarking on adventures across various worlds, each representing a distinct Disney IP. Typically, one world is allocated per IP, with locales such as The Lion King's Pride Lands and Aladdin's Agrabah masterfully bringing these cherished realms to life in unprecedented ways. Incorporating Star Wars into this equation, with its vast galaxy offering an array of potential settings, presents its own set of challenges, as Square Enix may encounter difficulties accommodating all the fan-desired elements.
In theory, having Sora and his companions join forces with Yoda or Obi-Wan Kenobi in battles against Sith lords like Darth Vader and Darth Maul seems like a natural choice. However, the intricate timelines involved would likely result in the omission of many other fan-favorite characters, such as Luke Skywalker. Droids have consistently played a significant role in the Star Wars franchise, with characters like C3PO, R2-D2, and BB8 being iconic figures synonymous with Star Wars.
Why Building a Story Around Star Wars Droids Poses a Challenge
Despite their vibrant and intricate designs, these droids often lack substantial depth, making it challenging to craft engaging narratives centered around them. Games that opt to focus on Star Wars droids are likely to struggle in the storytelling department, especially in the absence of other recognizable characters. As several crucial droids are unable to communicate verbally (except for C3PO), captivating players with a Star Wars story primarily featuring them would prove to be an arduous task.
Square Enix's focus should revolve around the plethora of compelling characters available, whether delving into extensively explored figures like Anakin Skywalker or weaving a narrative around a lesser-known character with substantial potential, such as Poe Dameron or even Cal Kestis. Given that Kingdom Hearts 4 is poised to encompass the expansive Marvel universe, dedicating extensive resources to Star Wars alongside other elements is unlikely. Consequently, it is imperative to include the right components, which, in this scenario, involves sidelining the droids.