Kingdom Hearts 4 Gameplay Reignites Debate Over 'Floaty' Combat
The latest look at Kingdom Hearts 4 has arrived, and with it, the return of one of the community's most persistent arguments. While the second trailer for the highly anticipated title focuses heavily on the setting of Quadratum and avoids revealing specific Disney worlds, it finally provides a substantive look at the game's actual combat mechanics.
For years, fans have debated the evolution of combat in the series, particularly since the Osaka Team took over development following Kingdom Hearts 2. The transition toward a style emphasizing air combos and special moves—often characterized by fans as "floaty" due to Sora's extended time in the air and increased end lag—has been a point of contention for many. That debate has been reignited in the wake of the newest Kingdom Hearts 4 footage.
The Return of the 'Floaty' Debate
Social media discourse, specifically on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has seen a flurry of reactions to the new footage. While many fans are pleased with the refined look of the action, others are quick to label the movement as "floaty." The criticism typically centers on the perception that Sora thrives in the air while enemies remain grounded, a design choice that has defined recent entries like Birth by Sleep and Dream Drop Distance.
However, the new footage also offers some evidence that the developers are listening to long-standing feedback. Observant fans, such as user ZZ_AFRET_ZZ, have pointed out that at least one of Sora's combos features auto-end lag reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts 2. This suggests the Osaka Team may be looking to increase the speed and responsiveness of combat compared to previous efforts.
A New 'Build' System
Beyond the debate over movement, the footage highlights a brand-new "Build" system. This mechanic appears to be the core of the game's combat loop, designed to synthesize the most popular elements of previous systems, specifically Keyblade Transformations and Reaction Commands. By combining these, Square Enix seems to be aiming for a more freeform and cinematic experience that builds upon the foundation laid in Kingdom Hearts 3.
While some veteran players continue to hold Kingdom Hearts 2 as the gold standard for combat, it is becoming increasingly clear that the series is leaning further into a cinematic, high-mobility style. With only about a minute of combat footage currently available, it is too early to definitively label the final feel of the game. For now, the community remains split between those eager to embrace this modern, freeform direction and those hoping for a return to the tighter, more grounded combat of the past.