Kingdom Hearts already has one of the most notoriously intricate stories in the industry, so why not add another mobile game to the mix? During the series’ 20th anniversary livestream, Square Enix Kingdom Hearts announced Missing-Link, a new title being developed for Android and iOS devices. What sets it apart from previous mobile games in the franchise is that the gameplay looks more in line with what you would find in the main series on consoles, with 3D graphics and real-time combat.
While it could end up joining a growing list of amazing Android games, Square Enix revealed very little of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link beyond a short trailer before immediately revealing Kingdom Hearts 4. With that said, here is everything , what we know about Missing-Link, including its upcoming closed beta this year.
What is Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link?
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is a new entry in the long-running Kingdom Hearts series developed for mobile. It will feature a new, original story in the world of Scala ad Caelum, a busy city that players will be able to explore. It does not appear that it will play any recurring playable characters, at least from the first glance of its revealing trailer.
Unlike previous mobile games in the series, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link will have 3D graphics and real-time combat as opposed to turn-based.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: Story
Square Enix revealed a bit about the story besides being brand new, but a voiceover from the trailer tells the following:
“Light and darkness created the beginning, and hearts nourished it. Life was passed on again and again until the land was filled with flourishing people. This is a city of light and darkness, dreams and distortion, the remembered and the forgotten – Scala ad Caelum The Missing Link.
It is unclear how it will relate to the main series, or whether it will take place before or after certain events in the games.
Making sense out of the series’ history and history can be a herculean task. Even a deep dive into Kingdom Hearts to try to figure it all out can easily confuse you. It remains to be seen how much knowledge the franchise players will need to jump into Missing-Link, but hopefully it is available to newcomers.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: Gameplay
The gameplay in Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link will resemble the console games, featuring 3D action and real-time combat. Judging from its revealing trailer, players will have the opportunity to explore the environment by walking up buildings and jumping around. Players can also use Keyblades in battles against Heartless, with different moves and powers that can be used depending on the character.
Apart from Scala ad Caelum, Missing-Link will include other places like what appears to be the Kingdom of Corona from Tangled. According to Square Enix, players can travel “from the realm of Scala ad Caelum to the real world.”
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: Closed Beta
A closed beta for Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is expected to take place sometime in 2022 for Android and iOS. No further information, such as how to sign up for the closed beta, was provided, but Square Enix noted that it would be limited to specific regions. Although the regions were not revealed either, it is a good bet to expect at least Japan. You can keep an eye on the Google Play Store and the game’s official website in the coming months for more details.
Kingdom Hearts Missin-Link: Is It Free to Play?
It’s not known if Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link will be free to play or not, and it’s hard to judge based on previous mobile entries. Kingdom Hearts Union χ Dark Road, another mobile spinoff in the franchise, is free to play in the Google Play Store, but it’s a very different type of game than Missing-Link seems to be. Square Enix has not revealed whether Missing-Link is intended to be a premium title.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: Release Date and Platforms
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is coming out for Android and iOS devices, although we do not currently know the requirements and which phones will be able to run it. A closed beta will take place in 2022, but that does not necessarily mean that the game will be launched this year. As always, we will be aware of any updates and report them here.