The Case for Including a ‘Gold Saucer’ in Final Fantasy 17

Square Enix’s long-running Final Fantasy series keeps marching forward with enthusiasm. After the high praise for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which is the second jewel in the crown of the trilogy revamping the cherished original, fans are on the edge of their seats for the trilogy’s conclusive chapter. However, the saga doesn’t stop there, as we can expect the next major installment, likely Final Fantasy 17, to be shining on the horizon soon.

A standout feature that captivated many longtime Final Fantasy enthusiasts in FF7 Rebirth was the lively Gold Saucer amusement park. Known for its colorful flair and exuberant ambiance, the Saucer serves as a delightful pit-stop, offering players a chance to unwind along with its share of hidden thrills and poignant plot moments. In contrast, Final Fantasy 16, released in 2023, took a deeper, darker turn, skipping mini-games entirely. However, Final Fantasy 17 could very well bring back the magic of something akin to Gold Saucer, with a mix of various new mini-games to enhance the experience.

The Gold Saucer from FF7 is renowned for its smorgasbord of entertaining mini-games, comparable to popular RPG diversions like The Witcher 3’s Gwent CCG. In Gold Saucer’s bustling Wonder Square and its uniquely themed areas, as well as the Dustbowl beneath, players can delve into a broad selection of captivating mini-games, some proving to be quite challenging:

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

Except for Queen’s Blood, all these mini-games were part of the classic 1997 title. Notably, a snowboarding game, missing from FF7 Rebirth, could very well make its updated appearance in the series’ third chapter. While some players felt there was a tad too much of these mini-games in Rebirth, they offered plenty of engaging fun and useful in-game benefits. The Saucer’s challenges often reward players with rare weapons and upgrades. Given that FF16 eliminated mini-games, there’s a solid case for Square to consider reincorporating a playful hub like Gold Saucer in its next adventure.

Few entries in the Final Fantasy series have included a space like FF7’s Gold Saucer. It fits seamlessly within the game’s universe, enriching the experience with its diverse, enjoyable mini-games. Importantly, the Saucer also serves as a backdrop for significant character and storyline developments, such as Cloud’s choice of a date partner. Final Fantasy 17 could cleverly incorporate these elements, creating a fresh yet sentimental landmark filled with a trove of mini-games.

There’s buzzing speculation about Square working on a Final Fantasy 9 remake, although nothing has been confirmed yet. However, FF9’s Tetra Master might influence the mini-games we could see in Final Fantasy 17, enriching its offerings.

Currently, little is known about the direction Final Fantasy 17 might take, but Square’s penchant for innovation and reinvention with each installment continues to shine. Rumors already suggest the anticipated return of Queen’s Blood, cementing its possible appearance in FF17. Should the game developers ambitiously construct a world with a thriving hub like the Gold Saucer, complete with new mini-games and a vivid role in the narrative, they could astound us once more. By reviving the unique spirit of the Saucer while adding fresh twists, FF17 could very well deliver an unforgettable journey, blending nostalgia with new adventures.