🔗 Share this article

A significant part of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* crossover release for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion countless cards tell well-known stories. Take for instance Tidus, Blitzball Star, which offers a snapshot of the character at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose key technique is a specialized shot that knocks a defender out of the way. The abilities represent this in nuanced ways. These kinds of narrative is widespread across the entire Final Fantasy offering, and some are not lighthearted tales. A number serve as poignant echoes of tragedies fans still mull over to this day.

"Moving tales are a key part of the Final Fantasy legacy," wrote a senior game designer for the project. "They created some overarching principles, but ultimately, it was largely on a individual basis."

While the Zack Fair may not be a competitive powerhouse, it stands as one of the collection's most elegant examples of flavor by way of rules. It masterfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial cinematic moments brilliantly, all while leveraging some of the product's core gameplay elements. And while it doesn't spoil anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the significance behind it.

How It Works: Story Through Gameplay

At a cost of one white mana (the hue of protagonists) in this collection, Zack Fair is a starting stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 marker. For the cost of one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another creature you control indestructible and transfer all of Zack’s bonuses, plus an gear, onto that target creature.

This design depicts a scene FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been reimagined multiple times — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined iterations in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it resonates with equal force here, conveyed entirely through card abilities. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Card

Some necessary history, and here is your *FF7* warning: Years before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a battle with Sephiroth. Following extended experimentation, the pair manage to escape. The entire time, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to take care of his companion. They eventually arrive at the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is killed by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the persona of a elite SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Legacy on the Game Board

On the tabletop, the abilities in essence let you recreate this whole event. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of equipment in the set that requires three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can make Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud Strife card also has clear synergy with the Buster Sword, allowing you to look through your library for an equipment card. Together, these pieces function like this: You play Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s key mechanic is worded, you can technically use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and activate it to prevent the damage entirely. So you can perform this action at any time, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a formidable 6/4 that, each time he does damage a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two cards at no cost. This is precisely the kind of moment meant when discussing “emotional resonance” — not explaining the scene, but letting the gameplay make you remember.

Beyond the Obvious Combo

And the thematic here is incredibly rich, and it extends past just this combo. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which additionally gains the type of a Mutant. This sort of hints that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER enhancement he received, which included modification with Jenova cells. This is a tiny connection, but one that subtly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the set.

Zack’s card avoids showing his end, or Cloud’s trauma, or the rain-soaked cliff where it happens. It doesn't have to. *Magic* allows you to relive the passing yourself. You perform the sacrifice. You pass the weapon on. And for a short instant, while playing a card battle, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most impactful game in the series for many fans.