🔗 Share this article

A significant part of the appeal within the Final Fantasy crossover set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion numerous cards tell familiar stories. Take for instance Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a glimpse of the character at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated sports star whose key technique is a specialized shot that takes a defender out of the way. The abilities represent this in nuanced ways. This type of flavor is prevalent in the complete Final Fantasy set, and some are not lighthearted tales. A number are poignant reminders of sad moments fans continue to reflect on decades later.

"Powerful narratives are a vital part of the Final Fantasy franchise," explained a lead game designer for the set. "They created some general rules, but finally, it was largely on a card-by-card basis."

Though the Zack Fair card may not be a tournament staple, it is one of the release's most elegant examples of storytelling through mechanics. It skillfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important dramatic moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the product's core gameplay elements. And although it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will immediately grasp the significance within it.

The Mechanics: Flavor in Rules

For one white mana (the color of protagonists) in this set, Zack Fair has a base power and toughness of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 marker. By spending one colorless mana, you can sacrifice the card to grant another creature you control indestructible and transfer all of Zack’s markers, along with an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

This design paints a scene FF fans are all too familiar with, a moment that has been revisited throughout the years — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline retellings in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it hits with equal force here, communicated entirely through card abilities. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Scene

For backstory, and consider this your *FF7* spoiler alert: Years before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. Following extended experimentation, the duo break free. During their ordeal, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to look after his companion. They finally make it the edge outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the identity of a elite SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Moment on the Battlefield

On the tabletop, the card mechanics in essence let you reenact this entire event. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of armament in the set that costs three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a respectable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional interaction with the Buster Sword, allowing you to search your deck for an equipment card. When used in tandem, these three cards function as follows: You play Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you cast and attach it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s signature action is structured, you can technically use it during combat, meaning you can “intercept” an attack and activate it to prevent the damage altogether. So you can perform this action at a key moment, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a powerful 6/4 that, whenever he deals combat damage a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of moment referred to when discussing “emotional resonance” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the gameplay trigger the recollection.

Extending Past the Central Synergy

And the narrative here is deeply satisfying, and it extends beyond just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This kind of suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. It's a small nod, but one that cleverly links the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the expansion.

The card avoids showing his demise, or Cloud’s trauma, or the memorable cliff where it happens. It doesn't have to. *Magic* lets you relive the moment yourself. You make the ultimate play. You hand over the weapon on. And for a short instant, while enjoying a card battle, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most beloved game in the franchise to date.