Zack Fair Proves That Magic's Universes Beyond Are Capable of Telling Meaningful Stories.

A major aspect of the appeal within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond release for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the fashion so many cards narrate familiar tales. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a portrait of the hero at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a wildly famous Blitzball pro whose key technique is a fancy shot that pushes a defender out of the way. The gameplay rules represent this in nuanced ways. These kinds of narrative is prevalent throughout the whole Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all fun and games. Some are poignant callbacks of tragedies fans continue to reflect on years after.

"Emotional tales are a central element of the Final Fantasy franchise," noted a lead game designer on the set. "They created some broad guidelines, but ultimately, it was mostly on a individual level."

While the Zack Fair card is not a top-tier card, it stands as one of the collection's most clever pieces of storytelling via gameplay. It artfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the expansion's central gameplay elements. And although it steers clear of spoiling anything, those acquainted with the story will immediately grasp the emotional weight behind it.

The Card's Design: A Narrative in Play

For one white mana (the hue of good) in this collection, Zack Fair is a starting stat line of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 counter. By paying one generic mana, you can destroy the card to grant another unit you control indestructible and put all of Zack’s counters, as well as an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics portrays a moment FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been reimagined throughout the years — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined retellings in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it resonates with equal force here, communicated entirely through rules text. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Scene

A bit of backstory, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a battle with Sephiroth. After extended imprisonment, the friends break free. Throughout this period, Cloud is comatose, but Zack makes sure to take care of his companion. They finally reach the plains outside Midgar before Zack is killed by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the identity of a elite SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Battlefield

In a game, the rules in essence let you reenact this entire scene. The Buster Sword appears as a top-tier piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and provides the wielding creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, letting you to find for an weapon card. Together, these pieces unfold in this way: You play Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Owing to the way Zack’s signature action is worded, you can actually use it when blocking, meaning you can “block” an attack and activate it to cancel out the attack completely. This allows you to do this at any time, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a powerful 6/4 that, each time he deals combat damage a player, lets you pull extra cards and cast two cards at no cost. This is precisely the kind of moment alluded to when talking about “flavorful design” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the mechanics make you remember.

Extending Past the Main Synergy

However, the flavor here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends beyond just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova card 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 kind of implies that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a small reference, but one that cleverly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the set.

This design avoids showing his death, or Cloud’s confusion, or the rain-soaked bluff where it happens. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you recreate the passing yourself. You make the sacrifice. You hand over the sword on. And for a brief second, while enjoying a strategy game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the series ever made.