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A core element of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the manner countless cards tell familiar tales. Take for instance Tidus, Blitzball Star, which offers a portrait of the protagonist at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose signature move is a specialized shot that knocks a defender out of the way. The abilities reflect this with subtlety. These kinds of storytelling is found across the complete Final Fantasy offering, and some are not lighthearted tales. Some are heartbreaking echoes of tragedies fans continue to reflect on decades later.

"Powerful stories are a key part of the Final Fantasy legacy," explained a lead designer for the project. "They created some general rules, but ultimately, it was mostly on a card-by-card level."

While the Zack Fair card may not be a tournament staple, it stands as one of the set's most refined pieces of flavor via gameplay. It masterfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments in spectacular fashion, all while utilizing some of the set's core systems. And even if it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the saga will quickly recognize the meaning embedded in it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

For one white mana (the alignment of good) in this collection, Zack Fair is a base stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 marker. For the cost of one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to grant another ally you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s counters, plus an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

This card portrays a moment FF fans are extremely remember, a moment that has been revisited throughout the years — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined iterations in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it resonates with equal force here, expressed entirely through gameplay mechanics. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Card

Some necessary context, and take this as your *FF7* warning: Before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a clash with Sephiroth. After extended imprisonment, the friends break free. During their ordeal, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to look after his comrade. They finally arrive at the edge outside Midgar before Zack is killed by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Moment on the Game Board

Through gameplay, the card mechanics essentially let you relive this whole event. The Buster Sword is a a top-tier piece of gear in the collection that requires three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can make Zack into a solid 4/6 with the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional combo potential with the Buster Sword, enabling you to search your deck for an artifact card. When used in tandem, these pieces function in this way: You play Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you play Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Because of the way Zack’s key mechanic is structured, you can potentially use it during combat, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to negate the attack completely. Therefore, you can perform this action at a key moment, moving 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 draw two cards and play two spells for free. This is exactly the kind of interaction referred to when talking about “flavorful design” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the card design make you remember.

More Than the Main Combo

However, the thematic here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches past just this combo. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the collection 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 suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER conditioning he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. It's a small nod, but one that subtly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

Zack’s card doesn't show his end, or Cloud’s trauma, or the stormy cliff where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you relive the passing personally. You perform the ultimate play. You hand over the weapon on. And for a short instant, while playing a strategy game, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the franchise to date.