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A significant part of the allure within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the manner countless cards tell well-known stories. Take for instance Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a snapshot of the hero at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a wildly famous sports star whose key technique is a unique shot that pushes a defender out of the way. The abilities reflect this with subtlety. These kinds of narrative is prevalent throughout the whole Final Fantasy offering, and they aren't all fun and games. A number act as heartbreaking callbacks of sad moments fans continue to reflect on years after.

"Emotional narratives are a vital component of the Final Fantasy legacy," explained a principal designer on the collaboration. "We built some broad guidelines, but ultimately, it was mostly on a individual level."

While the Zack Fair is not a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the set's most elegant instances of flavor through gameplay. It skillfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important dramatic moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the set's core mechanics. And even if it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the story will quickly recognize the significance embedded in it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

For one white mana (the color of protagonists) in this collection, Zack Fair has a base stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 marker. By paying one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to bestow another ally you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s markers, as well as an Equipment, onto that target creature.

These mechanics depicts a scene FF fans are extremely familiar with, a moment that has been retold throughout the years — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it lands powerfully here, expressed entirely through gameplay mechanics. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Moment

Some necessary context, and here is your *FF7* warning: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. Following extended imprisonment, the friends get away. Throughout this period, Cloud is comatose, but Zack makes sure to protect his friend. They eventually reach the plains outside Midgar before Zack is killed by troops. Left behind, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the role of a first-class SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Legacy on the Battlefield

In a game, the abilities essentially let you relive this whole sequence. The Buster Sword is featured as a top-tier piece of gear in the collection that costs three mana and grants the equipped creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can transform Zack into a formidable 4/6 with the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has deliberate interaction with the Buster Sword, letting you to look through your library for an weapon card. In combination, these pieces function as follows: You cast Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to pull the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Owing to the way Zack’s signature action is worded, you can potentially use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an assault and activate it to negate the damage entirely. This allows you to do this at any time, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a strong 6/4 that, every time he strikes a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of experience referred to when discussing “flavorful design” — not revealing the scene, but letting the card design make you remember.

More Than the Obvious Combo

But the flavor here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches past just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This in a way hints that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. This is a tiny connection, but one that subtly links the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the expansion.

This design avoids showing his demise, or Cloud’s trauma, or the memorable location where it happens. It doesn't have to. *Magic* allows you to relive the legacy yourself. You choose the ultimate play. You pass the legacy on. And for a brief second, while engaged in a card battle, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the franchise to date.