Square Enix has officially pulled the plug on their upcoming mobile spin-off of the beloved ARPG franchise, Kingdom Hearts, titled Missing-Link. Following several delays, including a much-anticipated Android closed beta test, the company has decided to halt development and redirect their focus towards the eagerly awaited Kingdom Hearts IV.
Missing-Link was poised to explore a previously untold chapter in the Kingdom Hearts saga, integrating GPS technology with ARPG battles. Players would have wielded the iconic keyblades in their fight against the menacing Heartless, aiming to save the world. A standout feature of Missing-Link was its GPS integration, which promised to let players explore various global locations virtually. However, the exact mechanics of this feature remained somewhat ambiguous, potentially contributing to development challenges.
Square Enix's decision to cancel mobile projects has become somewhat of a recurring theme. This can be attributed to their extensive and often complex catalogue, which, despite critical acclaim, struggles to capture a broad international audience. While new mobile releases are well-received in Japan, finding a global fanbase can be challenging. In the case of Kingdom Hearts, it's likely that the core concept of Missing-Link proved difficult to execute, leading Square Enix to concentrate their efforts on the mainline series with Kingdom Hearts IV.
If you're looking to satisfy your RPG cravings in the meantime, don't worry. You can explore our curated list of the top 25 best mobile RPGs available on iOS and Android, offering a mix of whimsical fantasy and intense, dark narratives.
