Square Enix has announced that Chocobo GP will launch in early 2022, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
The Final Fantasy arcade racing game has a confirmed release date of March 11, 2022. There is a demo “Lite” version on the way too, giving series fans a chance to try the upcoming title for themselves ahead of launch.
Announced earlier this year, Chocobo GP is a long awaited follow-up to the original Chocobo Racing for PlayStation. It will feature a number of familiar faces and locations from Square’s JRPG franchise. The publisher has shared a wealth of information in a new blog, detailing the many characters, modes, and power-ups available.
At the heart of Chocobo GP is a story mode that wedges cutscenes and dialogue in between races. Contestants have flocked to a grand tournament where the winner will be bestowed whatever they wish for.
It will be interesting to see how some Final Fantasy characters are represented. The rider roster mainly includes a mix of named Chocobos, Moogles, and Summon Creatures though early screenshots also reveal Final Fantasy IX’s Steiner and Vivi as playable characters. Hopefully we’ll see more cameos as we approach release day.
Time attack, tournaments, and custom races all appear, as well as an interesting 64-player Chocobo GP mode, with options for online multiplayer.
Out on the track, you’ll need to combine your speed and skill with the efficient use of power-ups. In Chocobo GP you’ll find Magic Eggs scattered around every course, each one containing a random type of magicite. Based on Final Fantasy spells, these allow you to shoot fireballs and set traps among other actions. Magicite can be upgraded twice, creating an even more powerful version.
Then there are the unique powers of each racer. This is where Chocobo GP could set itself apart from Mario Kart, adding a layer of strategic depth. For example, Ifrit can spew deadly fire barriers whereas Atla the Moogle can steal magicite crystals.
There’s no date for the demo version just yet though we’re hoping it will drop soon. It will include a prologue chapter from the story mode as well as local multiplayer with progress carrying over into the full game.
Chocobo GP is currently a Nintendo Switch exclusive though there’s a chance it may one day appear on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Source: Square Enix
