Ever sinceKingdom Hearts 4was announced during the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2022, fans have only been given pieces of the larger puzzle. With the latest screenshots teasing Mickey Mouse in action, it’s easy to imagine that the iconic mouse might be playable for at least one segment. Square Enix’s confirmation that development is still ongoing, paired with these visuals, has reignited interest in what the next chapter of the series could look like.
WithKingdom Hearts 4now described as both a soft reset and the start of the “Lost Master Arc,” this game isn’t just continuing the journey. It’s reshaping what the future of the series could become. And part of that future should be a major shift in how players interact with the world and characters by expanding the roster of playable Disney heroes beyond Sora.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Make Goofy Playable
Mickey’s teased role inKingdom Hearts 4raises an important possibility. If Mickey gets a chance to shine in the spotlight, Goofy deserves a moment in the gameplay sun too. As Sora’s shield-bearing companion across the franchise, Goofy has been present for countless emotional and high-stakes moments. But he’s never truly been playable. Letting players temporarily take on Goofy’s perspective, perhaps to defend a group of NPCs or survive while separated from Sora, could add both tension and heart to a mission.
Goofy’s loyalty is so central to his character that a mission designed around protecting others could reinforce his narrative arc without needing heavy dialogue. His shield-based abilities are also mechanically distinct from Sora’s, creating an opportunity for a different kind of defensive or crowd-control gameplay.
His slow but steady approach could contrast with Sora’s agility. That would offer a refreshing break in pacing. It’s not uncommon in action RPGs to switch perspectives briefly.Final Fantasy 7 Remake’scombatdid so with success, adding depth to the story through playable segments involving Barret, Tifa, and Aerith.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Could Let Donald Unleash Mayhem
Donald Duck is often treated as comic relief, but lore-wise, he’s one of the strongest mages in Disney canon. He once castZettaflare, a spell so powerful that evenFinal Fantasycharacters rarely use it. A short playable section where Donald uses a limited spell arsenal in high-pressure situations could make the perception of him transform from sidekick to powerhouse.
Imagine navigating a collapsing world as Donald, using magic to clear debris or hold back waves ofHeartless. His magical limitations, such as running out of MP, could raise the stakes and encourage tactical decision-making.
While Donald is usually controlled by AI, his magic stats have always been among the highest in the party. Tapping into that fully, even for a single level, could be a satisfying reward for longtime fans.
Additionally, expanding on Donald’s role might lay the groundwork for something bigger. IfKingdom Hearts 4is the “beginning of the end,”offering fresh character perspectives would be a natural way to gradually shift the focus from Sora and prepare players for a future where he may not be the sole protagonist.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Is Poised for Big Changes
The introduction ofQuadratum, a hyper-realistic world modeled after Tokyo, signals a turning point inKingdom Heartsstorytelling and world-building. But the more important shift could be in who players control. Tetsuya Nomura has acknowledged his eventual retirement and saidKingdom Hearts 4is designed to usher in a new saga. Offering players multiple characters to control would be a subtle but meaningful way to pass the torch.
Playable Mickey could mark the beginning of a new trend. If theLost Master Arcis intended to close out Sora’s journey, giving time to other characters will help fans connect with whoever leads the future of the franchise. Whether it’s Kairi, Riku, or someone brand new, these experiments can help soften the transition and make the next generation feel earned.
Community-based RPGs have increasingly leaned into multi-character control to support broader storytelling. FromOctopath TravelertoFinal Fantasy 16’sEikon battles, the trend has been toward variety in perspective.Kingdom Heartscould be next to embrace that evolution, starting with its most iconic allies.
