Final Fantasy 17 has a significant opportunity to reintroduce a vibrant mini-game hub, reminiscent of Final Fantasy 7‘s iconic Gold Saucer. The Gold Saucer in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was a fan favorite, providing a dazzling, lively retreat that offered a welcome respite from the main narrative, along with hidden secrets and poignant character interactions. This type of entertainment hub would be particularly impactful for FF17, especially considering Final Fantasy 16‘s notable absence of mini-games. A well-designed hub could feature a wide array of engaging and challenging activities, similar to FF7‘s diverse offerings such as Queen’s Blood, Chocobo Racing, and 3D Brawler, which not only provide entertainment but also offer meaningful rewards like weapons and upgrades, enriching the overall player experience.
Square Enix is known for its continuous innovation with each Final Fantasy installment, and there have been hints about the potential return of the popular card game, Queen’s Blood, which could serve as a cornerstone for a new mini-game hub in FF17. Incorporating a location akin to the Gold Saucer would allow Final Fantasy 17 to deliver a rich variety of mini-games, establish itself as a memorable and iconic setting, and serve as a venue for significant character development and story beats. This approach would powerfully demonstrate the studio’s creative prowess, offering a “best of both worlds” scenario for the next main entry in the series by blending compelling storytelling with engaging side activities.
