Why is Kingdom Hearts 3 So Long? A Deep Dive into Development and Gameplay
The question of “Why is Kingdom Hearts 3 so long?” is multifaceted, encompassing development hurdles, ambitious gameplay design, and a narrative with decades of lore to resolve. The simple answer is a confluence of factors, most notably a mid-development engine change, the desire to create a more accessible experience for newcomers, and the sheer complexity of the storyline it was tasked with concluding. The game’s development was long and arduous, and the final product reflects that in its length, both in terms of playtime and scope.
Development Challenges: The Engine Switch
The Unreal Engine Gamble
One of the primary reasons for Kingdom Hearts 3’s extended development time, and thus its perceived length, was the decision to switch game engines partway through development. Initially, Square Enix was using their own proprietary Luminous Engine. However, they eventually shifted to Unreal Engine 4. This monumental change required the development team to essentially rebuild much of the game’s infrastructure from the ground up. This delayed the project and increased the overall development timeline, consequently resulting in a more substantial game when it finally released. While the Unreal Engine 4 ultimately enhanced the game’s visuals and performance, it came at a significant cost in terms of development time, contributing to the game’s lengthy nature.
Technical Challenges and Optimization
The engine switch also introduced a new layer of technical challenges. Optimizing Unreal Engine 4 for the intricate worlds and complex combat of Kingdom Hearts took time and resources. Ensuring a smooth, fluid experience on a variety of hardware proved to be a demanding task. This phase involved extensive testing and refinement, further extending the development timeline and impacting the final length and size of the game.
Gameplay Design: Scope and Accessibility
A Desire for Breadth and Depth
Kingdom Hearts 3 aimed to be the most ambitious entry in the series, both in terms of scale and gameplay. The game features numerous explorable worlds inspired by classic Disney and Pixar films. Each world is designed to feel distinct, with its own unique quests, characters, and combat scenarios. This vast scope required considerable design and implementation time. Square Enix also aimed to create a richer gameplay experience with expanded combat mechanics, new abilities, and a greater variety of enemies. These additions, while enhancing the gameplay, added to the overall game length.
Appealing to Newcomers and Veterans Alike
Another factor impacting Kingdom Hearts 3’s length is the conscious decision to make the game more accessible to newcomers. While it was meant to conclude a long-running story, the developers wanted it to also be a jumping-on point for new fans. This required more exposition and a gentler learning curve, which inevitably added to the playtime. However, the desire to be inclusive did not hinder the core experience for veterans; the game still provides challenges and depth for long-time fans.
Narrative Complexity: Decades of Story to Resolve
Untangling the Intricate Web of Lore
Perhaps the most significant contributor to Kingdom Hearts 3’s perceived length is the sheer complexity of its narrative. The game was tasked with resolving the numerous plot threads and character arcs that had accumulated across multiple previous games. It aimed to provide closure to the overarching story of the Dark Seeker Saga, a conflict that had unfolded over nearly two decades. This required extensive cutscenes, dialogue, and story beats, which, while sometimes criticized for their pacing, are undeniably extensive. The developers had to juggle numerous characters, their backstories, and their relationships, making for a narrative that was both rich and dense.
Balancing World-Hopping with Overarching Plot
The game also had to balance the individual Disney and Pixar world storylines with the larger narrative concerning the fate of Sora and his friends. While these world visits often felt like filler to some, the design team saw them as an integral part of the journey. This approach resulted in a game that felt longer, but it was also an attempt to deliver a classic Kingdom Hearts experience, blending the magic of Disney and Pixar with its own complex saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to complete Kingdom Hearts 3?
On average, completing the main story of Kingdom Hearts 3 takes around 29 hours. However, achieving 100% completion and experiencing all side content can extend playtime to roughly 64 hours or more.
2. Was Kingdom Hearts 3 rushed during development?
While the final product may feel polished in some aspects, the game did suffer from a rushed conceptual stage, particularly after the engine switch. Some design choices and pacing issues indicate a challenging development cycle.
3. What are some of the major criticisms of Kingdom Hearts 3?
Common criticisms include a disconnect between the Disney worlds and the core plot, pacing issues in the story, and the game being easier than previous entries. Some fans also found the audio mixing to be subpar.
4. What is the shortest game in the Kingdom Hearts series?
Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage is the shortest game in the series, ironically having a very long title.
5. Was Kingdom Hearts 3 a commercial success?
Yes, Kingdom Hearts 3 was a major commercial success. It sold over five million copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling and best-selling game in the series in North America.
6. Is Kingdom Hearts 3 considered canon?
Yes, the events of Kingdom Hearts 3 are considered canon within the Kingdom Hearts universe, even the Pixar-inspired stories it contains.
7. What are some of the hardest boss battles in Kingdom Hearts 3?
Some of the hardest boss battles include Lump of Horror, Anti-Aqua, Dark Inferno, and Yozora.
8. What is the “secret boss” in Kingdom Hearts 3?
The “secret boss” in Kingdom Hearts 3 is Yozora, a very powerful and difficult optional encounter.
9. Why do some fans dislike Kingdom Hearts 3?
Many fans were disappointed due to high expectations set by previous games, particularly Kingdom Hearts 2. Some found the story lacking, the gameplay less refined, and the overall experience less challenging.
10. What are some of the positives of Kingdom Hearts 3?
Many consider the story to be a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative and also the overall presentation of the story, especially in the latter part. The game’s graphics and use of the Unreal Engine are also often praised.
11. Do I need to play all the previous Kingdom Hearts games before playing Kingdom Hearts 3?
While it is recommended for a full understanding, you can jump straight into Kingdom Hearts 3. However, some research into past events is strongly advised if you do. Playing Kingdom Hearts I, II, Birth by Sleep, and Dream Drop Distance is the best way to prepare for Kingdom Hearts 3.
12. Is Kingdom Hearts 3 considered a “kids game”?
Kingdom Hearts 3 is accessible to a younger audience, and the gameplay and aesthetics are certainly family friendly. However, it does contain complex themes and dark moments, making it suitable for players aged 10 and up.
13. Does Kingdom Hearts 3 have multiple endings?
Yes, the game has multiple endings based on the outcome of the battle with Yozora in the Secret Episode.
14. How old are the main characters in Kingdom Hearts 3?
At the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 3, Sora is 16, Kairi is 15, and Ventus is chronologically 26 (but physically looks about 16).
15. Is there going to be a Kingdom Hearts 4?
Yes, Kingdom Hearts 4 was officially announced on April 10, 2022, alongside a mobile title called Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link.
In conclusion, the length of Kingdom Hearts 3 can be attributed to a number of factors including development challenges and the complexity of the narrative itself. While some fans have criticisms, it remains a significant and substantial entry in the series, representing a culmination of years of storytelling and game design.