Outside of the tremendous fun of gameplay that can be found within a Kingdom Hearts game, another thing that most players can agree on is towards the exploration of new worlds; Disney or original to the story. While KH3 gave us a new standard on the term “worldbuilding” it also introduced the players to bigger and more expansive environments to explore, fight within and to test the boundaries of this new development within the franchise. From searching for Lucky Emblems, photographing people, or enemies, for Moogles, to finding every treasure chest in the newly created space for the worlds. As fans, we can only hope that this trend is continued in future KH games, even at the behest of causing it to slow down development, but with KH3’s surprise ending and the secret ending getting the internet into a fuss over what’s the next adventure (Side or main narrative) there’s speculation as to what sort of worlds could be added for KH4. In this article, I’m going to list six worlds that I believe would work in continuing the story of KH and, if I’m guessing correctly, lines up with Tetsuya Nomura’s algorithm of adding old and new worlds to traverse.
Before we start, a few ground rules for this prediction list:
– No repeated worlds (Olympus/Coliseum, Monstro, The Caribbean/Port Royal)
– No Sleeping Worlds (Dream Drop Distance)
– No Obligatory Worlds (Disney Castle, Yen Sid’s Tower)
- Wreck-It Ralph (Power Surge)
Partners: Wreck-It Ralph
Keyblade: IGWI (I’m Gonna Wreck It)
Starting off with one of my favorite ideas and one that fits in with the criteria of worlds that can be visited in KH4 is the world of Wreck-It Ralph. This idea holds relevance due to a certain fire-breathing summon in the form of Mushu making his appearance in the first Kingdom Hearts game. He was an absolute blast and necessary summon, in my opinion, so the fact that he reappears in KH2 alongside Mulan, assisting in the Team Attacks, was the ripest cherry one could give to this delicious sundae of an idea. Now, granted that summons like Bambi, Dumbo and Chicken Little haven’t been given the limelight since their introduction as summons, being cut instead for Simba, Mushu and Stich from KH2 to BBS, Ralph’s world could be handled in a variety of ways:
[1] Beginning/Origin: One thing that was improved with exploring Disney worlds in KH3 was the complete synopsis, more or less, of the worlds that were visited. The Kingdom of Corona was a perfect example of inputting Sora and the others without derailing the initial story of Rapunzel’s day out and her eventual arrival to the kingdom. This same scenario would play seemingly close if this was implemented for Ralph’s world. Players would be introduced to an empty Power Surge Station, Ralph could be fighting against Heartless before reuniting with Sora and the gang, he’ll explain his reasons for leaving his world – leading to two different games(Sections) that have to be visited, Vanellope will be introduced, more talk of “Order” within games and “Going Turbo”, Sora and Ralph will fight Turbo and a conclusion will be reached that ends the story/world on a good note; allowing for “The Internet” world to be formed without continuity issues for future games.
[2] Hero’s Duty, Sugar Rush and Fix-It Felix Jr: As far as expanding the world with multiple sections and parts that would be relevant to the story, Hero’s Duty and Sugar Rush would be the perfect inclusions to this world; with Fix-It Felix Jr. being an additional sector for a minigame and Ralph’s developing storyline. The Ice Labyrinth in the Frozen world from KH3 could easily be the same, if not better, in Ralph’s world with the challenge of climbing a tower in Hero’s Duty wrought with Heartless, secret paths that will help you ascend the level and possibly a giant Heartless bug that’s waiting for you at the end. On the other side, Sugar Rush would be a sweet treat to the eyes with visually attractive landscapes, fun candy mechanics throughout the level, and a racing mini-game that isn’t as questionable as the one from BBS. Lastly, Fix-It Felix Jr. would serve for playing the game, Fix-It Felix Jr., with the assistance of an 8-bit Sora, for some old school Donkey Kong vibes; possibly adding in some 8-bit scenario battles amongst the fluid 3D battle system; something akin to what was done with the Classic Kingdom in KH2 and mixed with its own unique pixel differentiation for each area within the world(s).
[3] Visual and Game Mechanics ( In game and in-game): Sora’s array of costumes could be taken up a notch by donning the Hero Duty soldiers outfit while in said game and donning a sweet and stylish mix for Sugar Rush. On top of that – with the inclusion of Ralph’s game – 8-bit graphics sections for Sora could be implemented for Fix-It Felix Jr., first-person shooter segments in Hero’s Duty, and racing viewpoints/options for Sugar Rush.
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- Treasure Planet (The Alponian Quadrant)
Partners: Jim Hawkins
Keyblade: Solar Sailor (Based on the board used within the movie)
After seeing Stitch’s world implemented in Birth by Sleep and the recent developments done in KH3 to The Caribbean world, I feel that we’re at a good point in the series to now expand upon another kind of pirate: The intergalactic kind. Treasure Planet is a hidden gem within the vault of Disney’s films and works as a world that could add to the lore of the Gummi Blocks as well as add to the general idea of how other characters, Disney or Square, travel amongst the stars in this unknown universe. In addition to bringing back a pirating world for Sora and the gang, which can include a new outfit for our pirate-loving protagonist, it can also introduce a few ideas which could be implemented for future games:
[1] Traverse Town Callbacks: Going back in time – back to KH1 – the beginning to Sora’s journey started from that beginning world, acting as a hub world for other Disney characters and introducing us to even more Final Fantasy characters. While the general world itself doesn’t have to be a hub world for others, it’s not impossible to write in some sort of setup that reveals that Final Fantasy characters have appeared at the ports and maybe even some Disney characters. The world, as a whole, could be treated like Monstro was in the first game; it doesn’t show itself on the map initially and it could spawn different characters to visit it for some unknown requests.
[2] Treasure Quests: A unique thing that could be introduced to the series is the idea of doing certain quests in order to achieve certain ingredients (Synthesis), un-acquired treasures and maybe even fight a couple of optional bosses (Heartless, Disney, or Square Related). A request board can be set up for these specific quests to which Sora and the gang can fulfill, alluding to future bounties in different worlds, making the world feel much larger in comparison to just another world that needs to be visited; crafting another necessity of being a treasure hunter and, once more, being a pirate that’s searching for the booty.
[3] Alponian Solar Surfing: Arendelle’s Frozen Slider mini-game was a fun attraction that was made relevant to the story when going through the snowy environment, avoiding an avalanche and building tension when confronted by Heartless. This same involvement could be used for the Solar Surfing in this world and could even be used as a way to transition between different sectors within the world, adding to the fast-paced routes that require sky rising acrobatics that can only be pulled off when used by Sora; adding a purposeful initiative in using the mechanic and something which, in my opinion, could even lead to a fantastic looking keyblade design. In addition to this revelation, the solar surfing board could be used by our good ol’ boy Jim Hawkins and Sora (respectively) within battle for interesting combo potentials.
[4] Treasure Planet and Portals: The destination of Treasure Planet, the involvement of portals used to get on and off of it, could play a unique role in the management of how to divvy up the world for the developers.
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- 101 Dalmatians’ ( The Twilight Bark)
Partners: Pongo, Perdita
Keyblade: The Twilight Bark (A Dalmatian inspired Keyblade)
Here’s another callback from KH1 that also has a sound reason for being one of many world’s to be properly introduced in the KH series. 101 Dalmatians inclusion in the first game, while questioning who would package puppies in a small box across multiple worlds, was a treat for those who knew of the pups and those who were successful in finding all of them before finishing the game. Now given the fact that this isn’t an origin story for them – in the traditional sense – it could still be implemented in a way that reconnects Sora’s heart with those he hasn’t seen in some time; in addition to shoehorning one of Disney’s biggest and oldest films from the classics vault. From the story to the gameplay, there are a few ways this world could be constructed:
[1] Puppy Sora: Outside of plenty of merch, Puppy Sora would be another interesting and, dare I say, a “doggone” unique take on animal transformations for Sora. At this point in time, Sora has been a merman (Atlantis), a lion cub (Pride Rock), and a furry monster (Monsters Inc.) in regards to more feral transformations. Whether he’s a Dalmatian, Beagle, or a German Shephard, Sora’s transformation will speak to his character.
[2] The Environment: One thing that I feel can be combined with Ventus’s appearance within Cinderella’s world in BBS and the Toy Box world in KH3 is the scope of perspective for the player. In Toy Box, the feeling of being so small and having to use so many things to get around was implemented really well for Sora and his toy companions. This same ingenuity can be done when traversing old barnyards, quiet hideouts, empty parks, snow-covered roads, etc.
[3] The Twilight Bark: This form of communication could be used as a way of getting around the environment, a mechanic that could involve dogs that you see helping the player to get around certain obstacles and even helping Sora to learn new things while in his puppy form; granted Sora knows how to wield a keyblade within his mouth but let’s say he learns a trick or two; after all, an old dog can always learn new tricks.
[4] The Story: As mentioned, this would be a pseudo-origin story for the Dalmatians as it would introduce a few things that were left out of their story. For starters, the incorporation of the one, the only, Gle— Cruella De Vil making her official KH appearance within this universe. While it can be argued that her involvement in the story wouldn’t have been as impactful as the villains that sided and congregated with Maleficent from the first game, it’s to be understood that her role as a villain, especially if it leads into the realm of giving her a Heartless, would be a great induction to Disney Villains and their Heartless taking an active role in getting what they want. Just imagine: Fighting Cruella De Vil as she’s speeding down the road like a madwoman, in pursuit to get the puppies back, all while having a seemingly dangerous Heartless (Possibly the puppet one from the Toy Box possessing the toys) taking over her car and making it into just as much of a nightmarish force as the mad woman that’s driving it.
——————————————————————————————————————————— - The Princess and The Frog (The Bayou)
Partners: Tiana (Frog), Naveen (Frog)
Keyblade: Southern Spin (A frog-themed keyblade with a splash of color from various characters)
My prediction for the Dalmatians was more of a guilty pleasure that had relevance to past characters and revisiting old films that, in my opinion, are still considered one of the best films that Disney has created. This choice, however, is more of a story narrative decision and one that would actually affect the mythos of KH; if done correctly. The “New Seven Princesses of Hearts” have already been eluded towards in KH3 and with the start of their ranks being that of Rapunzel, Anna, and Elsa; excluding Kairi from this scenario for story purposes. Another princess, one in the making for quite some time, could be introduced in that of Tiana. In addition to that, a few specific choices to the world would assist in how the narrative would be told – while introducing some crucial plot points for the game’s own narrative:
[1] Human to Frog ~ Frog to Human: An interesting mechanic which could make for unique traversing in the world, and for accessing parts of the world, would be the ability to transform between a human and a frog. This could be used for when Sora initially meets Tiana and Prince Naveen, as a frog, traversing the bayou levels, while using the human portions to get through more dynamic portions of the level; this could possibly be hidden from Tiana and the others for “Order” reasons; with the exception of Mama Odie and her omnipotence towards Sora’s visit. In addition, given what’s already happened to Sora, whose to say that he won’t learn High Jump, again, from being a frog in this installment.
[2] Dr. Facilier: The man of mojo, the myth of the bayou, Dr. Facilier, would be an excellent villain to introduce within the series. While there are various kinds of villains and beings that are aware of the worlds outside of their own (Check out my previous article to get a lock on what I mean), I feel that Dr. Facilier would be aware of this knowledge – if only because of his “friends” – which would further push him in the direction to be involved in Sora’s demise; if Maleficent and Pete would get back into the fray of being villains and not crowd watchers. His control over the Heartless would be undeniable and his boss battle could be a reference to his song “Friends On The Other Side” with multiple phantasms, ghouls and ghosts inspired from his dark magic.
[3] The Story: Tiana’s story would be a wonderful way to introduce, if ever so slightly, the general concerns of being born poor to being born rich and, to an even greater subtlety, the idea of being black and showing indifference to being white. Sora’s obliviousness could probably hide the racial ambiguity of the message, however, it could be a unique factor that helps to tie the characters together; plus this scene could be addressed while their frogs – making the reveal and presence to Sora that she’s human, without racial tension, a more believable life lesson. Being different and born in different circumstances doesn’t mean that one can’t be happy. This idea, if used in the correct sense, could possibly be seen as one of the most impactful stories and differences found within a Disney world and expressed in a better light through the emotional impact that KH can deliver going forward. Tiana’s story would be told with clarity, Dr. Facilier would have more of a chance to show that “he’s ready” to fight and a lesson of individuality could be shown without ill provocations.
——————————————————————————————————————————— - The Incredibles (Syndrome’s Island or World of Supers)
Partners: Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible
Keyblade: Positively Super (A keyblade with an Incredibles color theme)
This entry and prediction on the list is not only due to the popularity in which Incredibles has had between its premiering film and its sequel, but this is also because of the structure and narrative shown between the two films – creating a lore of its own to the ideas and identities of Supers within the film; which can be translated for Sora and the gang in future entries within the series. This would be the first and foremost its most important entry for the world within the series – possibly it’s best and only interpretation of it – that could hit home with a few inclusions from its two films to create the best experience within the game:
[1] Syndrome: I think it goes without saying that the main villain of this world and the one that really holds the record of controlling Heartless with a strong will would be our fallen fanboy turned super villain Syndrome. If the world itself is his base, the possibilities for exploration around the island is nearly limitless and his past victories against other supers, ones that had been defeated off screen, could be shown in the various sections that you’re allowed to roam. Syndrome himself could also play commentator for these events since, much like Randall did in Monsters Inc., except his jargon and threats could be backed up by soldiers, robots, and Heartless; in addition to the meta that he already knows for both Heroes and Villains. Include knowledge to other worlds, a fantastic boss battle and a possible return nearing towards the final battle, possible, and you’ve got the perfect Syndrome implementation. (I know it’s a stretch but, come on, if there’s a man that seriously wanted to defy “Order” it would definitely be Syndrome; it’s practically his Modus Operandi)[2] The Island: An active volcano, a rising tower filled with soldiers and heartless, lush jungles with scattered caves, water running segments amongst night and day options (Like San Fransokyo but NOT like San Fransokyo). Wall running, Rail Grinding, and Free-Falling portions all on one map? Need I say more?
[3] Cosmetics: Much like San Fransokyo, the world doesn’t need to make Sora, a superhero within his own right, into a symbol of justice and peace for this world. Hand him an Incredibles Mask, since Donald and Goofy would already be seen as costume wearing crimefighters, and you’ve got yourself a secret identity.
——————————————————————————————————————————— - Ducktales (Old) and Ducktales (New) ~ (Sides of the Same Coin)
Partners: Scrooge (New)
Keyblade: Number One Dime (A dime handled keyblade with dual colors from the 1987 show and the 2017 reboot)
This prediction and last entry for this list are under the clause of a “Classic Representation” to which Nomura seemingly has introduced ever since the very first Kingdom Hearts game. You could say that Winnie the Pooh was the first classic interpretation before being replaced with the Classic Kingdom in Disney Castle, and the two sharing a seat within the same hub world of Twilight Town for their beginning adventures; one with games and one with multiple mini-games. I feel that the next best representative for the classic category should go in the way of Donald’s heritage and a founding member to an extension of Disney lore within Kingdom Hearts: Uncle Scrooge and both of his Ducktale adventures. The 1987 and 2017 adaptions of the show would be a perfect fit for the role of a classic meets present mashup; it also gives Nomura another chance at the idea of merging the old with the new that doesn’t involve time traveling. Here are some suggestions to solidify why this feathered frenzy mashup could be possible:
[1] Alternate Dimensions and Relics: Relics like the Cornerstone of Light could be one of many relics that can assist, or threaten, the realms of worlds that are, or aren’t, presently aware in the KH verse. Since Scrooge, and possibly Donald, are no strangers to the unknown (Donald with magic and Scrooge with adventuring) it’s highly likely that treasures in Scrooge’s possession could possess the power to venture into alternate realms. Playing off the idea that Scrooge wants to expand his business practices to other worlds and realms, even if it’s an alternate version of his own, would be an interesting and likely plot for the wealthy duck. A magic mirror, a reverse clause in the Cornerstone of Light, or even an experiment gone wrong could lead to this development of having the two realities meet.
[2] The Duality of Uncle Scrooge: Scrooge, from the show to the KH verse, is driven but seems to lack a sense of authority. Selling sea salt ice cream, popsicles, opening a restaurant and traveling worlds seems like something that Scrooge would do, however, since Scrooge isn’t pivotal to the plot of Kingdom Hearts, it’s understandable that his greedy pursuits for money and his drive to be an absolute businessman, at the behest of forsaking others at times, could be shown with this alternate look at himself from the 2017 reboot. His life as a secret agent, adventures with Donald and Della Duck, the heart-wrenching backstory between him and his family, would all play an important role in making the old and the new relevant to one another; it could also introduce the cruel Scrooge from Ducktales past but in an entirely different way.
[3] Magica De Spell (Old and New): If Maleficent is the thorn of darkness towards King Mickey’s light, Magica De Spell (both of them) is the eclipsing moon to Scrooge’s sun. While both interpretations have had it out for Scrooge – some more than others – it goes without saying that the appearance of the sorceress could play a very big part in the case that the two dimensions connected. By aligning themselves with the Heartless, two different kinds to showcase the old and new varieties, the two have more in common to completely destroy Donald and Scrooge (If written well) that the interface of one Duckburg clashing with another could be the essential start of something new; perhaps a conflict between the now and “what if” worlds that Disney has established in its canonical lore.
[4] Backstory for Scrooge and Donald’s KH adventuring: An old hand to Disney’s initial comics starring Donald and Uncle Scrooge showcase the two of them, in addition to the triplets, going on adventures and finding treasure in the process. This content is canon to the comics and lore between the two, however, what does that translate to within the KH verse. Donald is the head wizard, Scrooge is a wealthy businessman making investments across worlds, and the triplets are selling Gummi Ship parts. An explanation of their connection would do good in explaining a bit more about Donald’s backstory within this interpretation of his character; unless their going to hide the fact that Donald was once a black belt martial artist in one game, or a member of the navy, or a used car salesman, and was even a robot in one Epic game.
J.Arthur's Roundabout 
yes i agreed i want 101 dlamatians but i dont want to see wreck it ralph world but respect my opinion
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i also want to see the black cauldron, the aristocats
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i Agree With Treasure Planet it’s One Of My Favorite Disney Films it’s So Underrated i Think People Should Know About it!!!
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