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A major aspect of the allure of the *Final Fantasy* crossover collection for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the way numerous cards narrate familiar stories. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a portrait of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose key technique is a fancy shot that knocks a defender aside. The abilities mirror this in nuanced ways. This type of narrative is widespread throughout the complete Final Fantasy set, and not all joyful stories. Some serve as somber callbacks of sad moments fans still mull over years after.

"Powerful tales are a central part of the Final Fantasy legacy," wrote a principal game designer involved with the set. "We built some general rules, but finally, it was largely on a card-by-card basis."

While the Zack Fair may not be a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the release's most refined examples of flavor through rules. It skillfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the expansion's key gameplay elements. And even if it avoids revealing anything, those familiar with the saga will instantly understand the emotional weight embedded in it.

The Mechanics: A Narrative in Play

For one mana of white (the color of good) in this set, Zack Fair enters with a starting stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 marker. By spending one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to grant another creature you control indestructible and move all of Zack’s bonuses, as well as an Equipment, onto that other creature.

These mechanics portrays a moment FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been reimagined again and again — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it hits just as hard here, conveyed entirely through rules text. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Scene

A bit of history, and consider this your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a battle with Sephiroth. Following years of testing, the duo get away. The entire time, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to look after his comrade. They eventually arrive at the plains outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by forces. Left behind, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Reenacting the Moment on the Tabletop

Through gameplay, the card mechanics essentially let you relive this whole event. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and gives the equipped creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can make Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has clear combo potential with the Buster Sword, letting you to look through your library for an equipment card. Together, these pieces unfold as follows: You summon Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s sacrifice ability is structured, you can technically use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an attack and activate it to prevent the attack entirely. Therefore, you can do this at a key moment, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a strong 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 interaction meant when talking about “narrative impact” — not revealing the scene, but letting the mechanics make you remember.

Extending Past the Central Combo

And the thematic here is incredibly rich, and it reaches beyond just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity 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 then becomes a Mutant. This kind of suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. It's a tiny nod, but one that subtly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

This design does not depict his death, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the stormy location where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* enables you to recreate the passing yourself. You perform the sacrifice. You transfer the legacy on. And for a short instant, while enjoying a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most influential game in the series ever made.