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A major part of the charm of the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond release for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion countless cards depict iconic tales. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which offers a glimpse of the protagonist at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose signature move is a unique shot that takes a defender aside. The abilities reflect this perfectly. Such flavor is found throughout the entire Final Fantasy offering, and some are not joyful stories. A number act as somber callbacks of emotional events fans still mull over years after.

"Powerful narratives are a central part of the Final Fantasy series," explained a senior designer on the set. "We built some overarching principles, but finally, it was primarily on a card-by-card level."

Though the Zack Fair may not be a competitive powerhouse, it represents one of the set's most elegant examples of storytelling via gameplay. It masterfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important cinematic moments in spectacular fashion, all while capitalizing on some of the expansion's core systems. And while it steers clear of spoiling anything, those familiar with the saga will immediately grasp the meaning embedded in it.

The Card's Design: Flavor in Rules

For one white mana (the color of heroes) in this collection, Zack Fair has a starting stat line of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 token. For the cost of one generic mana, you can destroy the card to grant another ally you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s counters, as well as an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

This card paints a moment FF fans are all too remember, a moment that has been reimagined throughout the years — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new iterations in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it resonates with equal force here, communicated solely through rules text. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Card

A bit of history, and here is your *FF7* warning: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a clash with Sephiroth. After extended imprisonment, the duo manage to escape. Throughout this period, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to protect his comrade. They finally reach the edge outside Midgar before Zack is killed by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the identity of a first-class SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Passing of the Torch on the Game Board

In a game, the abilities effectively let you relive this entire scene. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can turn Zack into a formidable 4/6 with the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional interaction with the Buster Sword, enabling you to find for an weapon card. Together, these three cards unfold like this: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Because of the manner Zack’s sacrifice ability is designed, you can technically use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an assault and activate it to negate the damage altogether. This allows you to do this at any time, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a powerful 6/4 that, whenever he does damage a player, lets you pull extra cards and play two cards at no cost. This is just the kind of moment alluded to when discussing “narrative impact” — not revealing the scene, but letting the card design trigger the recollection.

Beyond the Main Interaction

But the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it reaches beyond just this combo. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This in a way suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER enhancement he received, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a small reference, but one that implicitly ties the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

Zack’s card does not depict his end, or Cloud’s trauma, or the stormy location where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* allows you to relive the passing for yourself. You perform the sacrifice. You hand over the weapon on. And for a short instant, while engaged in a trading card game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most beloved game in the franchise for many fans.