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A core aspect of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* crossover set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the way so many cards depict well-known narratives. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which provides a portrait of the protagonist at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated sports star whose key technique is a specialized shot that knocks a defender aside. The gameplay rules reflect this in nuanced ways. These kinds of storytelling is widespread across the whole Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all fun and games. Several serve as heartbreaking callbacks of sad moments fans continue to reflect on years after.

"Powerful stories are a key part of the Final Fantasy series," noted a lead game designer for the project. "We built some general rules, but ultimately, it was primarily on a case-by-case level."

Though the Zack Fair is not a tournament staple, it stands as one of the set's most refined instances of storytelling via rules. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial cinematic moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the product's key mechanics. And although it steers clear of spoiling anything, those familiar with the tale will instantly understand the emotional weight embedded in it.

The Mechanics: A Narrative in Play

At a cost of one white mana (the alignment of protagonists) in this collection, Zack Fair enters with a base stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 counter. By spending one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to grant another ally you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s markers, plus an Equipment, onto that target creature.

This card depicts a moment FF fans are extremely remember, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it hits powerfully here, expressed solely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Card

A bit of context, and consider this your *FF7* spoiler alert: Years before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the pair break free. The entire time, Cloud is comatose, but Zack makes sure to look after his friend. They eventually arrive at the edge outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Abandoned, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the role of a first-class SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Tabletop

In a game, the rules in essence let you recreate this iconic sequence. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of equipment in the collection that costs three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can turn Zack into a solid 4/6 with the Buster Sword wielded.

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

Because of the manner Zack’s sacrifice ability is structured, you can technically use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an assault and trigger it to prevent the attack completely. So you can make this play at a key moment, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a strong 6/4 that, every time he strikes a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two spells for free. This is precisely the kind of interaction alluded to when discussing “flavorful design” — not explaining the scene, but letting the mechanics evoke the memory.

Beyond the Central Combo

And the narrative here is deeply satisfying, and it goes further than just these cards. The Jenova card is part of the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which additionally gains the type of a Mutant. This kind of hints that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER treatment he received, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a tiny nod, but one that cleverly connects the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the expansion.

Zack’s card does not depict his end, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the rain-soaked location where it concludes. It does not need to. *Magic* lets you reenact the legacy for yourself. You choose the sacrifice. You transfer the sword on. And for a fleeting moment, while enjoying a strategy game, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most beloved game in the franchise to date.