List of games better than FFVII:
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy VIII
Legacy fo Kain: Blood Omen
Xenogears
Xenosaga Episode I
Metal Gear Solid
Blood Omen 2
Onimusha: Warlords
Mortal Kombat Mythology
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Not in any particular order, but they are ALL substantially better than FFVII in every way possible.

And about the mini-games, Chocobo racing was okay, but Chocobo Questing in FFIX totally owns the FFVII breeding process.