Summary
Since the release of the originalFinal Fantasy 7, mini-games have almost always been an expected feature of a new mainline entry in the series, andFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthmakes good on that promise. Not only doesFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthfeature a plethora of mini-games available at the Gold Saucer, the title also happens to include its own fully-fledged card-battling game in the excellent Queen’s Blood. Queen’s Blood is more than just a simple distraction, as it’s entirely possible to spend hours dabbling in the card game and traveling around in search of opponents to acquire rare cards. In that sense, Queen’s Blood isFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s version ofWitcher 3’s Gwent.
CD Projekt Red’sWitcher 3is absolutely bursting with quality content to distract players from its main quest, but perhaps no other distractions in the game are as noteworthy as its card game, Gwent.Gwent would end up being so popularamong the player base that it eventually received its own standalone game (the aptly namedGwent) as well as physical replicas for players to purchase and play outside the game. Queen’s Blood shares all of Gwent’s best and most-addictive qualities while also being a wholly unique type of card game to feature in aFinal Fantasytitle.
How Queen’s Blood Pervades Through Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Adventure
Just like Gwent’s propensity to integrate itself into multiple aspects ofThe Witcher 3’s main adventure, players will often run across content relating to Queen’s Blood during their time withFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth.In fact, the game’s very first side quest involves obtaining a starter deck for the game from the Kalm innkeeper Broden and then using it to challenge three players within the city. From there, the game continually integrates itself into multiple side quests, and item shops regularly carry new Queen’s Blood booster packs to give Cloud a fighting chance at challenging more skilled opponents.
Both Gwent and Queen’s Blood represent meta games within their respective games, and seeking out new and rare cards becomes an unofficial side quest in and of itself in bothWitcher 3andFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth. And, much like otherFinal Fantasygameswith their own respective card-battlers, players can always venture off the beaten path for a reprieve from the main adventure and seek out NPCs for a Queen’s Blood match by looking for a telltale icon above their heads. No matter what point in the main quest players happen to be at, a Queen’s Blood match is never far off inFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Queen’s Blood Continues the Legacy of Great Final Fantasy Card Games
Rebirth’s unexpected but welcome inclusion of a surprisingly deep card-battling mini-game falls in line with the series' tradition of featuring similar distractions, with bothFinal Fantasy 8’s Triple TriadandFinal Fantasy 9’s Tetra Master having their own dedicated fans and physical replicas. Triple Triad even has the distinction of returning inFinal Fantasy 14, where it continues to be a popular side activity among active players. Still, what makes Queen’s Blood special is how it evolves the traditionalFinal Fantasycard game formula to new heights.
Queen’s Blood mixes elements of TCGs and chess to become something entirely unique amongFinal Fantasycard-battling gamesand collectible card games in general. Players must consider both offense and defense, as well as the positioning of cards, to achieve victory against the toughest opponents. Further, the ability to both purchase and win cards (or receive them as rewards for completing side quests) creates an in-game collectible race that actually pays off in a multitude of ways. With how much Queen’s Blood stands out asFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s flagship mini-game, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Square Enix gives it its own standalone title likeGwent.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct games. Iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have escaped from the dystopian city Midgar and are now in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. This new adventure can be enjoyed by all players, even those who have yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake or the PlayStation original. Expect a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rich exploration across a vast world.
