In the realm of gaming, Square Enix’s legendary Final Fantasy series continues its epic journey. Last year marked a major milestone with the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second part of the anticipated modern retelling of the iconic original. As fans eagerly await the final chapter, the excitement buzzes with speculation about what’s next—most notably, Final Fantasy 17.
A beloved aspect of Final Fantasy 7 that many fans were eager to see reimagined in the remake was the Gold Saucer—a vibrant casino and amusement park. Known for its bright and colorful allure, the Gold Saucer provides a welcome pause from the seriousness of the main storyline, bringing light-hearted fun with its engaging mini-games and heartfelt story moments. The preceding game, Final Fantasy 16, took a darker narrative path, eschewing mini-games entirely. Yet, Final Fantasy 17 could very well reintroduce a version of the Gold Saucer, complete with a variety of mini-games and fresh new features.
In many RPGs, mini-games have always been a delightful diversion, with memorable examples like Gwent from The Witcher 3. However, Final Fantasy 7 took this experience further, offering a wealth of mini-games within the expansive Gold Saucer, including Wonder Square and its surrounding themed areas. Players encountered a mix of enjoyable and occasionally challenging games such as Queen’s Blood, Chocobo Racing, 3D Brawler, G-Bike, Colosseum, Galactic Saviors, and Desert Rush. While all but one of these games were featured in the original 1997 release, the absence of the snowboarding game in Rebirth has left fans hoping for its updated return in the trilogy’s next part.
Debates arose around the abundance of these mini-games in Rebirth, yet they undeniably brought a wealth of entertaining distractions alongside tangible in-game rewards. Although many mini-games were optional, their substantial rewards often included unique weapons and upgrades, critical for players looking for an edge. After the mini-game-free zone of Final Fantasy 16, crafting a dynamic hub like the Gold Saucer in Final Fantasy 17 seems like a promising idea for Square Enix to explore.
Despite the rarity of such locations across the Final Fantasy series, Gold Saucer stood out not just for its variety but for how well it fit into the game’s universe. It also played a key role in character development and story progression, such as the notable scene of Cloud choosing a date. Final Fantasy 17 could capture some of this magic by creating its own iconic locale, rich with memorable mini-games.
Speculation is not limited to Gold Saucer, as whispers persist about a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake, known for its own beloved card game, Tetra Master. This could provide another source of inspiration for enriching Final Fantasy 17’s gameplay.
Square Enix is renowned for pushing boundaries, constantly reimagining each installment in the franchise. While specific details of Final Fantasy 17 remain a mystery, there are hints that familiar favorites like Queen’s Blood might make a comeback. Imagine a new setting that not only echoes Gold Saucer’s spirit but also introduces its own array of mini-games, showcasing the creativity that fans adore. By blending nostalgia with innovation, Final Fantasy 17 could achieve a perfect balance, delivering yet another unforgettable experience in the series.
