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A core aspect of the appeal of the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion countless cards tell well-known stories. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a snapshot of the hero at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose key technique is a fancy shot that takes a defender aside. The abilities reflect this with subtlety. This type of flavor is widespread across the whole Final Fantasy set, and not all joyful stories. A number act as somber reminders of tragedies fans still mull over decades later.

"Moving stories are a key element of the Final Fantasy franchise," explained a senior designer on the project. "They created some general rules, but finally, it was mostly on a individual basis."

Though the Zack Fair is not a top-tier card, it is one of the release's most refined pieces of flavor by way of gameplay. It skillfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal cinematic moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the product's core gameplay elements. And while it avoids revealing anything, those familiar with the tale will instantly understand the meaning within it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

At a cost of one white mana (the alignment of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair enters with a starting power and toughness of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 counter. By spending one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to bestow another unit you control indestructible and move all of Zack’s bonuses, as well as an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics portrays a scene FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it lands just as hard here, conveyed completely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Moment

A bit of backstory, and take this as your *FF7* warning: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a battle with Sephiroth. After years of testing, the friends manage to escape. During their ordeal, Cloud is delirious, but Zack ensures to look after his companion. They finally reach the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by troops. Left behind, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the role of a elite SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Tabletop

Through gameplay, the abilities essentially let you recreate this entire scene. The Buster Sword is featured as a strong piece of gear in the collection that requires three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can transform Zack into a formidable 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an artifact card. In combination, these pieces unfold in this way: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Owing to the manner Zack’s sacrifice ability is designed, you can potentially use it during combat, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to cancel out the damage completely. So you can make this play at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a formidable 6/4 that, whenever he strikes a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two spells at no cost. This is precisely the kind of interaction alluded to when talking about “emotional resonance” — not explaining the scene, but letting the gameplay make you remember.

Beyond the Obvious Combo

However, the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it goes past just Zack and Cloud. 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 sort of suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. It's a tiny reference, but one that subtly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the expansion.

Zack’s card avoids showing his death, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the stormy location where it happens. It doesn't have to. *Magic* enables you to relive the legacy for yourself. You choose the sacrifice. You transfer the legacy on. And for a short instant, while enjoying a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most influential game in the series for many fans.