A Kingdom Hearts modder has altered the upcoming indie action RPG Luminous Nights to make it resemble Square Enix and Disney’s series even more closely. The modification underlines how strongly the game already evokes Kingdom Hearts, while also drawing attention to the fine line between an affectionate homage and a work whose similarities may dominate discussion of its own identity.

Luminous Nights is a “HeartsLike” action RPG by solo developer Yahya Danboos, inspired by One Thousand and One Nights and expected to launch in 2027. It follows Faris in the perpetually dark city of Noor, where players use real-time combat, magic and 3D platforming against the Masked King; its visuals, interface and combat have prompted frequent Kingdom Hearts comparisons.