Summary
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Linkis an upcoming mobile game set withinKingdom Hearts’ mysterious “blank era.” Unlike prior mobile games,Missing Linkis a location-based action RPG, which uses the real world to tell its unique story. Much likePokemon GO, the title encourages fans to go out and explore their surroundings, with different areas playing host to certain events, interactions, and more. However,developer Square Enixis set to change the status quo in one key area, likely due to lessons learned from other location-based properties.At launch,Kingdom Hearts: Missing Linkis set to sidestep one major controversyPokemon GOfaced.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Linkwill explore an era seemingly lost to time, with players the world over playing a role. Featuring 3D action-RPG gameplay, players will battle the Heartless in the realm of Scala ad Caelum, which has played a major role in nearly every title sinceKingdom Hearts 3. Along the way, players can collect Disney character “Pieces” and team up with friends and allies to defeat Heartless together. What’s more, players will be able to team up with any of their friends, regardless of location, thanks to one key feature.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link Features a Touch-Mode
Location-based titles are nothing new, as countless titles have been released sincePokemon GOpopularized the concept in 2016. However, the genre comes with one inherent flaw. In building an experience around real-world exploration, games likePokemon GOoften require fans totravel using GPS tracking. While encouraging exercise and in-person interaction are great ideas, sometimes this mechanic can enforce big limitations on subsets of the fanbase. What’s more, these titles often feature exclusive battles, rewards, and events in countries that some players could never hope to visit. WithKingdom Hearts: Missing Link, Square-Enixlooks to deliver a take on the genre that everyKingdom Heartsfan can enjoy. To do so, it is offering a feature that avoids the genre’s restrictive formula.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link will give its players something that Pokemon Go fans have been asking for years!
WhileKingdom Hearts: Missing Linkwill primarily feature a GPS Mode for exploration, the title is also set to launch with a Touch-Mode. Touch-Mode will allow fans to explore their environment from the comfort of their own home, completing tasks and playing with allies throughout itsScala ad Caelum. In doing so, it avoids a major controversy faced by games likePokemon GO, whose fans have been asking for such a mode for years. Square Enix isn’t just allowing players to explore their current location using Touch-Mode, asKingdom Hearts: Missing Linkwill allow players to teleport to locations around the world as part of its narrative and events.
Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link’s Touch Mode Requires AP to Play
AnyKingdom Hearts: Missing Linkplayer can take advantage of the game’s Touch-Mode. However, players are required to gather AP from its GPS Mode to do so. AP can be gathered byfighting Heartlesswhile on the go, either actively or by using hands-free mode. Once that AP is gathered, players can use it in a variety of ways in Touch-Mode, including fighting, healing, and picking up items. Nearly every action in Touch-Mode requires AP, so players are encouraged to do all they can while in GPS-mode. Those uninterested in traveling beyond their immediate surroundings will be glad to know that AP is not utilized in GPS-Mode, meaning they can explore, fight, and gather without limitation.
Despite having hosted several closed betas,Kingdom Hearts: Missing Linkremains among the series' most mysterious projects. Announced duringKingdom Hearts’20th Anniversary Eventin 2022, the game has received few official updates or narrative details. However, the title is said to be released before the end of 2024, meaning fans may be exploring the series' “blank era” in the next few months. Fans remain hopeful thatKingdom Hearts:Missing Linkwill offer a compelling experience to sink their teeth into as they await official news aboutKingdom Hearts 4.
