Operation Backlog Completion 2026
Dec 192022
 

The next Kingdom Hearts mobile game, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, was supposed to have a closed beta test this year.

(And yes, it seems Missing-Link is the correct way to write the title.)

The closed beta was delayed, and a recent update on its progress also included a mysterious new emblem.

Well, now the Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link “Prototype Test” has been announced.

This is not a closed beta test, but a smaller-scale test of the game’s functions. It’s only available in Japan and is limited to iOS devices. An actual beta will follow later.

What’s more interesting to me is the new artwork (pictured here) from the website. This is our first real look at Missing-Link, and why can’t I un-see Bloodborne?

At first I saw a tweet that only had a smaller portion of the art, as well as the game’s logo, and I laughed because the character’s outfit reminded me of Bloodborne. Then I got to see the full art and paid more attention to the architecture, and now it makes me think of Bloodborne even more!

I’m not alone in thinking this, and I’ve enjoyed all the Bloodborne Missing-Link memes I’ve been seeing.

So, what can we take from this key art? Despite the Yharnam jokes, the setting appears to be Scala ad Caelum. A lot of fans think the character standing by the lamp post in the background might be Sigurd due to the similar hat and style.

There’s a lot we still don’t know about Missing-Link. It’s set sometime between KHUX and Dark Road, but that’s about it. We also have that new emblem to consider – a new enemy type, perhaps?

Here’s hoping we’ll have more substantial details about Missing-Link before too long, now that things are finally moving again.

Apr 112022
 

It actually happened!

Sure, I had Kingdom Hearts IV on my list of hopes and predictions for the weekend’s anniversary celebration, but I thought the best we could hope for was a title.

Instead, Square Enix officially announced Kingdom Hearts IV with a trailer and screenshots!

It is apparently part of the Lost Master Arc, so it seems we now have a title for the new story arc now that the Dark Seeker Saga is complete.

This news came as part of an anniversary trailer that also included an update about the finale of Dark Road, which is now set for August and looks like it should be quite exciting story-wise, as well as the announcement of a new mobile game called Missing Link.

(Kingdom Hearts IV starts at 4:06 in the trailer.)

Kingdom Hearts Missing Link appears to be set after the events of Union Cross. Despite being a mobile game, this one is 3D. It looks interesting, but I’m sure it will be another gacha game. A beta test for Missing Link will take place this year.

The Kingdom Hearts IV trailer begins with Sora waking up in Quadratum, which looks very much like our real world. Not only that, but Strelitzia is there with him! She refers to it as an “afterworld” for herself and Sora, which makes me wonder if people who die (or perhaps die in certain circumstances?) end up in Quadratum for some reason.

A giant Heartless appears in the streets, and Sora fights it. It actually shows gameplay for this part, although that might just be for demonstration purposes.

After the fight scene, we see two figures in black coats observing from above. Yes, two. One of them is probably the Master of Masters, but I’m curious about who the other is. Luxu shouldn’t be there, right? Luxord, maybe, or his Somebody?

The trailer ends with Donald and Goofy walking through a dark place before being confronted by someone indicated by blue fire, which probably means it’s Hades. (I’ve seen people say it sounds like his Japanese voice actor, too.) That would line up with the idea that they’re looking for help because Sora is “dead.”

Kingdom Hearts IV doesn’t have a release window yet, although I bet it won’t be as long as people are joking. I’m excited for this next game in the saga, and I can’t wait to learn more!

What are your thoughts on Kingdom Hearts Missing Link and Kingdom Hearts IV?