h.a.n.d. Inc. · Racing

Chocobo Racing 3D

Nintendo exclusive

Chocobo Racing 3D was the codename of a Chocobo game being developed for the Nintendo 3DS. The game was announced at E3 2010, although it was unknown whether it was going to be an original game or a remake of the first Chocobo Racing game (whose full title was actually Chocobo Racing ~Genkai e no Rōdo~ in Japan). On October 10th, 2013, Takashi Tokita said that the game is canceled.

Released: —
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Genres: Racing
Developers: h.a.n.d. Inc.
Publishers: Square Enix

About

Chocobo ( ; Japanese: チョコボ, Hepburn: Chokobo) are a fictional species created for the Final Fantasy franchise by Square Enix (originally Square). A galliform bird commonly having yellow feathers, they were first introduced in Final Fantasy II (1988), and have since featured in some capacity in nearly every Final Fantasy title, usually as a means of transport. Chocobos or chocobo-themed characters have played story roles in multiple titles, notably in Final Fantasy V and XIII. A recurring Chocobo also acts as protagonist of the Chocobo spin-off series.

The chocobo was created by designer and artist Koichi Ishii, inspired by childhood memories of raising a chick to adulthood. In Final Fantasy III it was going to be part of a trio of mascot characters alongside the Moogle, but the third planned mascot was scrapped. The chocobo has gone through multiple redesigns for each entry, with a notable contributing artist being Toshiyuki Itahana. In addition to Final Fantasy, the character has made cameo appearances in other video games. The chocobo has remained an icon of the series, recognised and noted by journalists and fans.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Reception

The Chocobo has been referred to or considered to be a series mascot by fans and journalists since its introduction, becoming synonymous with the series's visual identity. In a feature on the series for Retro Gamer, Samuel Roberts referred to the Chocobo as an iconic creature since its introduction in Final Fantasy II. Anthony John Agnello, writing for The Escapist, praised the Chocobo as an adorable mainstay within both the main series and its spin-off series and media. In a feature for The Guardian, the Chocobo was 9th in a list of 18 video game animal characters.

In 2008, Boco was voted by Joystiq as the 20th most desired character to be placed in the Final Fantasy fighting game Dissidia: Final Fantasy. In 2007, the Chocobo was listed by IGN as one of the most likely Square Enix characters that could appear in the Super Smash Bros. series, comparing them to the Slime from Dragon Quest and saying that "the Chocobo could be an excellent enemy for Yoshi". For Final Fantasy VII, the site Anime News Network regarded the caring for chocobos as an appealing sidequest due to the benefits that come from it and thus wanted the remake to have it.