The premise of theKingdom Heartsfranchise is one that was meant for the worlds of Disney and Square Enix RPGs to co-exist, resulting in the creation of games that blend the popular movies of the former with the gameplay and themes of the latter. It also led to the characters of the two living in the same universe, leading to interesting interactions and a unique narrative that’s as entertaining as it is complex. However, one has to wonder ifKingdom Heartswill go beyond Square Enix when it comes to introducing different entities and aspects of RPGs, especially since the recent entry made it seem that it may be time to do so. If the franchise needed a reason to push through with such a decision, then it only has to look atthe success ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is an action-adventure RPG by Sandfall Interactive that was released on July 14, 2025, to massive success. The game has since sold over 2 million copies, mainly because of its well-designed gameplay, narrative, and cast of characters that people have come to enjoy and love. Seeing the amount of success it has received as a new RPG and how it has aspects that can easily tie it toKingdom Hearts, it builds the case for the collaboration series between Square Enix and Disney to go beyond justFinal Fantasyelements. While it may be seen as a bold move, it is also one that has many benefits, especially for the fans.
How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Opens up Kingdom Hearts To Using Non-Square Enix RPGs
If there’s one thing thatKingdom Heartsshould consider abandoning, it’s its reliance on Square Enix RPGs for its fantasy gameplay elements, especially withClair Obscur: Expedition 33showing that it would gain a lot from doing so. As for how the recent game advocates such a move, it’s because of a few factors:
Given what introducing other RPGs outside of those of Square Enix can do for theKingdom Heartsfranchise, incorporating the move would surely benefit everyone, from the games to the fans. Hopefully, it is an idea that will be realized, as it has so many opportunities that would be a waste to pass up.
Why Kingdom Hearts 4 Would Be the Perfect Time To Introduce Non-Square Enix RPGs
The story ofKingdom Hearts 4could be seen as the perfect way for the franchise to branch out of its focus onFinal Fantasywhen it comes to the RPG aspect, as it’s meant to act as a reset to help newcomers get into it. With Sora being in Quadratum, a purgatory-like place for those who haven’t moved on, and the existence of Verum Rex, those two factors make the introduction of other universes and characters outside of Square Enix games feel natural and logical. This means it would be easy to incorporate titles likeClair Obscur: Expedition 33and others with similar elements and themes intoKingdom Hearts 4, further strengthening the case that the next entry is the ideal game for the franchise to start implementing the idea in.
While moving out of its comfort zone of using Square Enix titles will likely be difficult, doing so would be a worthwhile move. If games likeClair Obscur: Expedition 33find a spot in something like the fourth entry in the series, where they can share their amazing content, then it will help further establishKingdom Heartsas one ofthe best action JRPG franchises.
