I was in the passenger seat of my cousin’s Mazda 3 as we sat in the drive-thru line at Whataburger. To pass the time, I thought to do what anyone else would do in my position — explain the ever-complicated lore ofKingdom Hearts. It should be stated that my cousin is in his early 20s’ and hasn’t seen or heard anything aboutthis franchisesince he watched me playKingdom Hearts IIback in 2006.
You can imagine the look of horror on his face as I break down — game-by-game — a very abridged summary of what happens inKingdom Hearts. It was a very entertaining car ride. But then, he asked me a question that took me by surprise: ‘do you remember Mushroom Kingdom Hearts?’
That’s a very good question. Do you?
The crossover of all time
Mushroom Kingdom Heartswas an April Fools’ prank pulled by Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) in theirApril 2007issue. It was slated as a brand new spinoff or sequel toKingdom Heartsin the era betweenKingdom Hearts IIand358/2 Days. The associated article boasted that “over 41 Nintendo characters” would be joining the already stacked roster.
I recall being a dumb little child, seeing this, and actually believing it was real. And here I am, a dumb, fully-grown adult using my position as a writer for Destructoid to tell you that I still wish it was real. To add, I believe we have never been in a better position to makeMushroom Kingdom Heartsreal.
Also, it’s not as if Mario hasn’t been making some cross-dimensional moves lately. The fact thatMario + Rabbidsis now a franchise is proof enough of that. If that’s allowed to exist, there is no reason at all that we can’t toss Sora, Donald and Goofy into a world based onSplatoonorDonkey Kongwhere they become giant anime monkeys or inklings. Can you imagine a boss battle with a heartless Mr. Grizz? Or, maybe King K. Rool gets tempted to embrace the darkness by Maleficent and Pete? I’m salivating.
I know some readers might be inclined to point out that Disney and Nintendo are both notoriously protective of their IP, and wouldn’t let this crossover happen in a million years. But, hear me out: the two companies have already worked together to bring Sora toSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, so the precedent for collaboration is already there. Also, Square and Nintendo have a rich history of teaming up to bring us titles such asSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starsand the early days of theFinal Fantasyseries.
I know that it’s very unlikely this will ever happen, let alone be considered by the powers that be. But, that won’t stop me from saying that it absolutely should happen.Mushroom Kingdom Heartsis such an excellent crossover idea for a series of which the foundation is a crossover.
But, more than that, it’s such a brilliant prank that I completely forgot about until it came bubbling back to the surface whilst at Whataburger. I suppose all I’m saying is that, withKingdom Hearts 4coming soon — or, before I become geriatric, at least — it’s not entirely impossible to make a trip down the warp pipe to let Sora, Donald, and Goofy meet Mario, Luigi, and Toad.
