'Kingdom Hearts 3' release date: 3rd installment pushed back to 2017?

(Facebook/KingdomHearts)

Fans of the "Kingdom Hearts" franchise were ecstatic when Square Enix announced a third installment was in the works. However, several years later, "Kingdom Hearts 3" still hasn't come to fruition. And even though previous rumors have pointed towards the game being released this year, new reports are saying that the game might be delayed and pushed back to 2017.

The speculation mainly stemmed from the fact that Quinton Flynn, the voice actor of Axel from the "Kingdom Hearts" series, has not yet recorded anything for the third installment. Since Flynn has not started doing work for "Kingdom Hearts 3," it is likely that Square Enix has chosen to delay the game's production, perhaps to make way for something else.

Twitter/@quintonflynn

Another Square Enix title, "Final Fantasy XV," is set to be released within the year. This could also be the cause of "Kingdom Hearts 3" getting pushed back. The developer may choose to focus on one game's marketing and launching first before devoting time and effort on another one. Besides, if the two games are released within months of each other, then fans may find it hard to make a decision.

Of course, since nothing has been officially confirmed, fans should take the news with a grain of salt.

In other news, it was previously rumored that "Gargoyles," a Disney animated series that aired in the 90's, would make an appearance in the upcoming "Kingdom Hearts 3" game. Fans of both titles undoubtedly took the news with a huge grin; however, it looks like that won't be happening.

According to reports, the people behind the "Kingdom Hearts" franchise once mulled over bringing "Gargoyles" to the IP. But that idea has since been abandoned.

On the up side, other favorites will be included. Elsa from the recent Disney hit "Frozen" will be joining the characters, as well as Darth Vader, Iron Man and Jack Sparrow. Other Disney characters are also onboard, including Snow White, Mulan, Peter Pan, the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Lion King, among others.

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