The anticipation for Kingdom Hearts updates continues, with the forthcoming mobile game Kingdom Hearts: The Missing Link set for a yet undisclosed 2024 debut, while Kingdom Hearts 4 remains shrouded in silence. It seems the Square Enix and Disney collaboration is taking its time to craft the new Lost Master Arc, with hopes high for an impressive outcome. The last addition to the Kingdom Hearts series was the final offline update for Kingdom Hearts Dark Road in August 2022, marking a significant departure from the numerous spin-offs and collections that bridged the gap between KH2 and KH3.
Revisiting or delving into the Kingdom Hearts backlog is now more convenient than ever. Thanks to the Story So Far compilation, players can effortlessly immerse themselves in the entirety of Kingdom Hearts’ Dark Seeker Saga. The extent to which this will be essential for Kingdom Hearts 4, as well as the extent of the reboot it may offer for Kingdom Hearts, remains a mystery. Nonetheless, it is poised to be a worthwhile experience. Exploring the series anew will unveil numerous additional plot threads, and while KH3 attempted to resolve some before Kingdom Hearts 4, there is one thread with ample material for a standalone game.
Revisiting Birth by Sleep in Kingdom Hearts 4
As the buildup to Kingdom Hearts 4 intensifies, questions linger about Sora's return from Quadratum, the identities of Subject X and the Nameless Star, and the activities of the resurfaced Foretellers. While these queries could find answers within Kingdom Hearts 4, one aspect that might not receive as much attention is the fate of the characters from Birth by Sleep. The extended epilogue of Kingdom Hearts 3 ReMind shows Riku bidding farewell to Aqua, Terra, and Ventus as they embark on a quest to locate Sora. However, the role that the protagonists of Birth by Sleep could play in KH4 is uncertain, as the mainstays of Kingdom Hearts are already deeply involved in activities ranging from exploring Scala ad Caelum to venturing into Quadratum.
A Potential Rebirth for Birth by Sleep Characters
While the decision to streamline the cast of Kingdom Hearts 4 and concentrate on its new setting is understandable, the playable characters from Birth by Sleep possess untapped potential to headline another game independently. This prospective title, which would be the third installment following the original PSP game and Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep - A Fragmentary Passage, might not bear the title Birth by Sleep 2, but it could serve a similar purpose in expanding the narrative. The experiences of Aqua, Terra, and Ventus subsequent to their initial adventure could reset their levels to one, while presenting fresh character arcs for exploration.
Envisioning a Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Sequel
Ventus emerges as the focal point for development, analogous to Sora in relation to Aqua and Terra. He is the sole member of the Wayfinder Trio who has not undergone a Mark of Mastery exam, and the reunion with his Chirithy from the Kingdom Hearts Union Cross era hints at a storyline involving the era's time travelers. This narrative could unveil the whereabouts of Skuld or Ava, shed light on the true nature of Vanitas, and potentially enlist the present Foretellers as adversaries.
Established Paths for Birth by Sleep Characters in Kingdom Hearts
Meanwhile, Terra is yet to complete his Mastery exam, confront his inner darkness akin to his successor Riku, and mend his relationships with his companions. Simultaneously, Aqua must address any residual trauma from her time in the Realm of Darkness and fulfill her responsibilities as a Master, particularly concerning the tutelage of Kairi post-Melody of Memory, altering her role within the group. This transitional phase sets the stage perfectly for a new Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep installment, and hopefully, this is the direction Kingdom Hearts intends to take with these wandering heroes.