Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is expected to make plenty of changes to the FF7 story, but the most interesting alteration could have nothing to do with the narrative. Following up on FF7 Remake in delivering a new angle on the classic PlayStation RPG for modern systems, Rebirth leaves Midgar behind to take on the middle chapter of the experience. There's a wide variety of interesting locations from the original game that could be explored in this title, with some serving key narrative roles and others providing entertainment for players in the midst of the journey.

One particularly memorable place in Final Fantasy 7 is the Gold Saucer, a famous amusement park in-game that attracts guests from across the world. Although the Gold Saucer has its place within the story, what many players it for is the Chocobo racing. Working one's way through the ranks on the back of a brightly colored bird is one of the dashes of whimsy that counterbalances the serious elements of FF7's narrative, even if the challenge of obtaining complete mastery could sometimes be frustrating. It's likely that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will bring players back to the Gold Saucer, and the approach it takes to Chocobo racing could be a major point of attraction.

Related: Final Fantasy 16: How To Unlock Chocobo Riding

FF7 Rebirth Can Make Chocobo Racing Better

Cloud standing next to a saddled Chocobo in Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

If Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth does include Chocobo racing, the mini-game would be a perfect target for changes. The original experience offered fun gameplay and zany course design that made it special, but these highlights were mired in a breeding system that proved a chore for many players. A new approach to Chocobo racing could either streamline the surrounding elements or flesh them out in a more engaging way. Although pleasing both fans and detractors of the classic races could be difficult, the potential for imagination in Chocobo racing could make his diversion something that everyone can enjoy.

How FF7 Rebirth Could Change Chocobo Racing

Noctis riding a Chocobo in Final Fantasy 15.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth could approach an update to Chocobo racing in plenty of different ways, but one likely model comes from Final Fantasy 15. FF15 ignores aspects like breeding and focuses on the racing experience itself, carrying over a classic stamina-based sprint system while grounding the sport with a realistic track found in the game's open-world setting. FF7 Rebirth may very well transfer the mechanics behind FF15's races and the feeling of controlling Chocobos that the game hones but lean into a flashier course design. Pairing these fundamentals with more strategic possibilities and a progression system less tedious than FF7's Chocobo breeding might be the best of both worlds.

It's still too early to say with certainty whether Chocobo racing will be included in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but the iconic avian creatures returning to the track would surely be a draw for many longtime fans. Although the original Final Fantasy 7 is a classic for a reason, remakes can earn a life of their own by finding new approaches that help them stand as separate but uniquely engaging experiences. Fans will no doubt continue to anticipate everything that might be altered Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's story, but updated Chocobo racing could very well be the most exciting change of all.

Source: FINAL FANTASY/YouTube