Square Enix has just dropped a fresh batch of Kingdom Hearts IV screenshots, giving fans a much-needed update on the long-awaited sequel. The new images don’t just show off the game’s stunning visuals — they confirm what fans have long speculated: Mickey Mouse will be a playable character in Kingdom Hearts IV.

Quadratum Gets Realer

The screenshots, released via the official Square Enix press site, offer our most detailed look yet at Quadratum, the city-world first introduced in the game’s 2022 reveal trailer. This Tokyo-inspired environment blends hyper-realistic architecture with the franchise’s signature fantasy touches. Familiar districts like Shibuya and Minami-Aoyama are rendered in jaw-dropping detail thanks to Unreal Engine 5, which appears to be delivering the most technically ambitious Kingdom Hearts game to date.

The images depict protagonist Sora standing atop glass skyscrapers, sprinting through neon-lit alleyways, and engaging in fluid, aerial Keyblade combat against massive Heartless enemies. The realistic scale of the world dwarfs previous entries, suggesting a more open and vertically dynamic gameplay experience.

Mickey Steps Into the Spotlight

Perhaps the biggest reveal is that Mickey Mouse is playable — a first for the series outside of brief assist roles. In one of the newly released images, Mickey is seen navigating an ominous cathedral-like structure lit by massive chandeliers, his iconic Keyblade in hand. According to sources close to development, these sequences may form part of a dual narrative system where players switch between Sora and Mickey as events unfold in separate realms.

There are unconfirmed reports that Mickey’s story arc will delve deeper into the origins of the Keyblade War and the mysteries surrounding the “Lost Masters,” a plot thread teased in Kingdom Hearts III: ReMind.

Combat Evolves — Again

Visually, Kingdom Hearts IV is a clear leap forward, but there’s more than just polish at play. The screenshots hint at an expanded combat system, with Sora performing flashy traversal moves mid-fight, including wall-running and grappling across urban terrain. Environmental interaction looks to be a major focus, echoing some of the more experimental ideas seen in Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Notably, one screenshot showcases Sora summoning a massive mech-like creature composed of shifting glass — possibly a new form of Summon or Drive transformation. Fans can expect a hybrid system that blends real-time combat with the series’ RPG roots.

Still No Release Date

While the new images have sparked excitement across the community, Square Enix has yet to commit to a release window. The publisher did confirm that development is “progressing steadily,” and thanked fans for their patience and continued support.

With Kingdom Hearts IV having skipped major showcases like TGS 2024 and The Game Awards, today’s screenshot drop may signal that Square Enix is ready to ramp up its marketing campaign heading into the second half of 2025.

The Bottom Line

The new Kingdom Hearts IV screenshots are more than just eye candy — they offer a window into a game that’s shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the series yet. A playable Mickey Mouse, expanded traversal mechanics, and a richly detailed new world suggest Square Enix is pulling out all the stops to make this a true next-gen experience.

Stay tuned to 1-Up Games for the latest updates on Kingdom Hearts IV, including gameplay reveals and everything in between.