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A core element of the charm of the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the way countless cards depict familiar narratives. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which provides a glimpse of the protagonist at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose secret weapon is a unique shot that knocks a defender aside. The abilities mirror this perfectly. Such flavor is widespread throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not fun and games. Some are heartbreaking callbacks of tragedies fans continue to reflect on decades later.

"Moving narratives are a central element of the Final Fantasy franchise," noted a lead game designer on the collaboration. "They created some overarching principles, but ultimately, it was largely on a case-by-case basis."

Even though the Zack Fair is not a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the release's most clever instances of flavor via gameplay. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important cinematic moments in spectacular fashion, all while capitalizing on some of the expansion's central systems. And while it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the significance within it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

At a cost of one white mana (the color of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair is a base stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 counter. For the cost of one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another creature you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s counters, as well as an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

This design portrays a moment FF fans are extremely familiar with, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined retellings in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it resonates powerfully here, expressed completely through card abilities. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Moment

A bit of context, and consider this your *FF7* warning: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a confrontation with Sephiroth. After years of testing, the duo get away. The entire time, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to look after his companion. They finally reach the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Abandoned, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Passing of the Torch on the Battlefield

On the tabletop, the rules in essence let you reenact this whole sequence. The Buster Sword appears as a top-tier piece of gear in the set that costs three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can transform Zack into a formidable 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has deliberate synergy with the Buster Sword, letting you to search your deck for an equipment card. When used in tandem, these pieces unfold in this way: You play Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you play Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s signature action is designed, you can technically use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an attack and trigger it to prevent the damage altogether. This allows you to do this at a key moment, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a strong 6/4 that, each time he strikes a player, lets you pull extra cards and play two cards for free. This is exactly the kind of experience referred to when discussing “flavorful design” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the card design evoke the memory.

More Than the Main Synergy

And the narrative here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends further than just this combo. The Jenova card appears in the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way implies that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. This is a tiny nod, but one that implicitly links the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

This design doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s confusion, or the memorable location where it all ends. It doesn't have to. *Magic* enables you to relive the legacy personally. You make the ultimate play. You pass the sword on. And for a brief second, while enjoying a trading card game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most impactful game in the saga to date.