🔗 Share this article

A significant part of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* is the way countless cards narrate iconic narratives. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a glimpse of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a wildly famous sports star whose secret weapon is a unique shot that pushes a defender aside. The abilities represent this perfectly. Such storytelling is found in the complete Final Fantasy offering, and some are not joyful stories. Several are poignant reminders of sad moments fans continue to reflect on decades later.

"Moving narratives are a key part of the Final Fantasy legacy," explained a senior designer for the set. "The team established some broad guidelines, but finally, it was primarily on a case-by-case level."

Though the Zack Fair is not a competitive powerhouse, it represents one of the set's most clever pieces of storytelling via mechanics. It artfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the set's key mechanics. And although it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the meaning embedded in it.

The Mechanics: Flavor in Rules

At a cost of one white mana (the hue of protagonists) in this set, Zack Fair has a starting stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 counter. By spending one colorless mana, you can sacrifice the card to grant another unit you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s markers, as well as an artifact weapon, onto that other creature.

This card paints a scene FF fans are very know well, a moment that has been revisited again and again — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline versions in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it hits powerfully here, expressed solely through rules text. Zack makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Moment

Some necessary backstory, and take this as your *FF7* warning: Years before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. After extended testing, the pair get away. Throughout this period, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to look after his comrade. They finally reach the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is killed by forces. Abandoned, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the persona of a first-class SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Moment on the Game Board

On the tabletop, the rules essentially let you relive this entire event. The Buster Sword appears as a powerful piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and grants the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can turn Zack into a respectable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional combo potential with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an equipment card. In combination, these pieces play out like this: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Because of the way Zack’s signature action is designed, you can potentially use it when blocking, meaning you can “block” an assault and activate it to negate the attack completely. Therefore, you can make this play at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a powerful 6/4 that, whenever he strikes a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is exactly the kind of moment referred to when discussing “flavorful design” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the card design make you remember.

Beyond the Obvious Interaction

And the thematic here is incredibly rich, and it goes beyond just this combo. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way hints that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. This is a tiny connection, but one that cleverly links the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the set.

This design avoids showing his death, or Cloud’s confusion, or the stormy cliff where it all ends. It isn't necessary. *Magic* enables you to reenact the moment yourself. You make the sacrifice. You transfer the sword on. And for a fleeting moment, while enjoying a card battle, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most beloved game in the saga ever made.