Why Final Fantasy 17 Needs Its Own Gold Saucer: The Ultimate Mini-Game Hub Returns?

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Summary

  • Final Fantasy 17 can potentially feature a version of FF7’s Gold Saucer theme park.
  • FF7’s Gold Saucer offered engrossing mini-games, including rewards, and contained memorable story moments.
  • Square Enix is known for reinventing the series; FF17 could see the return of Queen’s Blood along with a whole new mini-game hub.

The beloved Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy” series persists in its journey. Following the hugely successful and critically acclaimed “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth,” the second installment of the trilogy reimagining the classic original, fans are now anxiously looking forward to the third and concluding chapter. Furthermore, it’s clear that we can expect more “Final Fantasy” content in the future, with the next primary sequel, presumably named “Final Fantasy 17,” on the horizon.

Among the eagerly anticipated aspects of the remake version of “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” was the return of the Gold Saucer, the iconic casino/amusement park. Known for its lively and brilliant atmosphere, the Saucer offers a respite from the party’s arduous journey, providing relaxation and humor while also harboring its own mysteries and emotionally intense character interactions. On the other hand, the latest installment, “Final Fantasy 16” in 2023, veered towards a more somber path and did not include any mini-games. However, there’s optimism for “Final Fantasy 17” to incorporate a Gold Saucer-like area, enriching the gameplay experience with a variety of mini-games, in addition to introducing fresh elements.

Final Fantasy 17 Should Have its Own Version of FF7’s Gold Saucer

Final Fantasy 7’s Gold Saucer’s Plethora of Mini-Games

In numerous role-playing games (RPGs), you often find mini-games intertwined within their grand narratives. For instance, the widely known Collectible Card Game (CCG) Gwent from The Witcher 3. On the other hand, Final Fantasy 7 took this concept to another level. In the Gold Saucer’s Wonder Square and surrounding themed zones, as well as the Dustbowl beneath the main area, there is a variety of captivating mini-games available – some even quite tough:

1. Chocobo Racing: Race Chocobos to victory in this thrilling competition.
2. Tetra Master: A card game that requires strategy and quick thinking to outplay opponents.
3. Shooting Gallery: Show off your aim in this classic target shooting contest.
4. Battle Square: Test your skills in a combat-style mini-game against other characters.
5. Bass Fishing: Catch the biggest fish using your angling abilities and lures.
6. Reactor: A timed puzzle game where players must restore a reactor to its proper functioning state.

  • Queen’s Blood
  • Chocobo Racing
  • 3D Brawler
  • G-Bike
  • Colosseum/Battleground
  • Galactic Saviors
  • Desert Rush

Except for Queen’s Blood, all other titles were part of the 1997 original release. On the contrary, the snowboarding game is not featured in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth; however, it might reappear in a revised form during the third installment.

Although some players found the abundance of these elements in “Rebirth” excessive, they undeniably offer a significant amount of entertaining distraction alongside practical advantages. Most of these activities are optional, but the prizes earned from the Gold Saucer’s games can be substantial and beneficial, offering weapons and upgrades that may not be available elsewhere. Given that “FF16” has done away with mini-games altogether, Square Enix might find it worthwhile to incorporate a hub similar to the Saucer in the next installment.

How Final Fantasy 17 Could Have a Mini-Game Hub Like the Gold Saucer

As a gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the unique charm of the Gold Saucer in Final Fantasy 7. It’s not every day you find such a perfect fit for a game setting. The series is known for its diversity and overall fun factor, and the Saucer embodies that spirit perfectly. What makes it even more special is the significant role it plays in the story, like the pivotal moment when Cloud decides whom to ask on a date from our group during our stay there. If Final Fantasy 17 wants to pay homage to these elements, I’d love to see something similar that serves as an iconic location and offers a plethora of mini-games for us to enjoy.

There’s been chatter indicating that Square might be working on a remake of the classic game “Final Fantasy 9,” but they haven’t officially confirmed it yet. The card-based mini-game, Tetra Master, in FF9, could potentially serve as a source of inspiration for the possible mini-games in Final Fantasy 17.

Despite limited information about where Final Fantasy 17 might be headed, Square Enix has a reputation for innovating, refining, and reimagining the series with each new game. There are suggestions that a familiar element, Queen’s Blood, could return in Final Fantasy 17. Additionally, the team might expand on the popular Gold Saucer location, introducing new mini-games and playing a significant role in the story, demonstrating their creativity. By incorporating the original Saucer’s distinct atmosphere while adding fresh elements, FF17 could offer an exciting blend of nostalgia and innovation in its next installment.

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2025-03-23 23:04