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I've been thinking about this for a while now and wanted to get other people's opinions on it.
I don't think there are any long-running game franchises that have one continuous story with the same main character that spans as long as KH (maybe Halo?) I believe that brings up an issue in the storytelling of the series. Back in the day, it would have to be a spinoff game or a numbered title to tell the story you want. Most of the time, it focused on Sora. However, after the length of the series and the vastness of the series grew, there are way too many characters and too many side plots/lore that needs exposure. Now I'm all for streamlining the series and only doing numbered games with Sora as the lead and phasing out other characters for good, but on the flip side I think there is potential in actually strengthening the series as a whole if they follow the Star Wars premise (even though I am completely turned off by Star Wars nowadays):
KH3 -> Side Game that expands on KH lore and sets up for KH4 (Sora is not the lead) -> KH4 -> Side Game... and so forth.
I think that having a side game or DLC that isn't afraid to not feature Sora would be a good way to move the series. Sora is already a character that buys whatever is shoved in his face, so there doesn't need to be lengthy explanation for Sora to roll with some crazy plot. However, the players -- especially nowadays -- are demanding more cohesive and "intelligent" writing. One line explanations won't cut it anymore. Maybe when the fanbase were all kids, but now that we're all grown up and in the 13 years we were waiting for KH3 the game industry evolved so much... I think it's time for the series to actually grow too. KH3 was a nice mixture of nostalgia and growth (maybe not the best way to end the Xehanort saga, but anyway...), the future games are the time for the KH series to grow. I mean even Disney films have evolved in the time span between KH2 and KH3. During KH2 days, Disney was known for the female characters being princesses and needing a man etc. and now they're written better. There are so many Disney films to choose from where it boggles the mind that KH3 had only 1 female party member.
Anyway, I digress. My point is that I feel like this is the perfect time for the series to grow and get a little more mature. Disney films have done it. The fan base is certainly hoping for it (even back during KH2 days). The series also needs to decide whether it is all about Sora or if the side characters can/should have a chance to shine. My personal opinion is that they should, as you can use them to flesh out series lore that would feel awkward for Sora to come across or get an explanation for during his journey (like where Riku got Kairi's keyblade). Instead of forcing Sora to find out these answers or get a one-line explanation, if you build a story around certain characters (Aqua/Riku/Xion) you can explain KH lore and go into KH4 with Sora and not really need Sora to get an explanation because the players got it and Sora accepts any insanity he witnesses.
So thoughts?
I don't think there are any long-running game franchises that have one continuous story with the same main character that spans as long as KH (maybe Halo?) I believe that brings up an issue in the storytelling of the series. Back in the day, it would have to be a spinoff game or a numbered title to tell the story you want. Most of the time, it focused on Sora. However, after the length of the series and the vastness of the series grew, there are way too many characters and too many side plots/lore that needs exposure. Now I'm all for streamlining the series and only doing numbered games with Sora as the lead and phasing out other characters for good, but on the flip side I think there is potential in actually strengthening the series as a whole if they follow the Star Wars premise (even though I am completely turned off by Star Wars nowadays):
KH3 -> Side Game that expands on KH lore and sets up for KH4 (Sora is not the lead) -> KH4 -> Side Game... and so forth.
I think that having a side game or DLC that isn't afraid to not feature Sora would be a good way to move the series. Sora is already a character that buys whatever is shoved in his face, so there doesn't need to be lengthy explanation for Sora to roll with some crazy plot. However, the players -- especially nowadays -- are demanding more cohesive and "intelligent" writing. One line explanations won't cut it anymore. Maybe when the fanbase were all kids, but now that we're all grown up and in the 13 years we were waiting for KH3 the game industry evolved so much... I think it's time for the series to actually grow too. KH3 was a nice mixture of nostalgia and growth (maybe not the best way to end the Xehanort saga, but anyway...), the future games are the time for the KH series to grow. I mean even Disney films have evolved in the time span between KH2 and KH3. During KH2 days, Disney was known for the female characters being princesses and needing a man etc. and now they're written better. There are so many Disney films to choose from where it boggles the mind that KH3 had only 1 female party member.
Anyway, I digress. My point is that I feel like this is the perfect time for the series to grow and get a little more mature. Disney films have done it. The fan base is certainly hoping for it (even back during KH2 days). The series also needs to decide whether it is all about Sora or if the side characters can/should have a chance to shine. My personal opinion is that they should, as you can use them to flesh out series lore that would feel awkward for Sora to come across or get an explanation for during his journey (like where Riku got Kairi's keyblade). Instead of forcing Sora to find out these answers or get a one-line explanation, if you build a story around certain characters (Aqua/Riku/Xion) you can explain KH lore and go into KH4 with Sora and not really need Sora to get an explanation because the players got it and Sora accepts any insanity he witnesses.
So thoughts?