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A core aspect of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the manner numerous cards depict iconic narratives. Take for instance Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a portrait of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose signature move is a unique shot that pushes a defender aside. The abilities reflect this perfectly. Such flavor is found in the complete Final Fantasy set, and some are not fun and games. Some act as somber echoes of sad moments fans remember vividly to this day.

"Emotional stories are a vital part of the Final Fantasy legacy," explained a lead designer for the set. "The team established some broad guidelines, but ultimately, it was mostly on a case-by-case level."

While the Zack Fair is not a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the collection's most clever instances of narrative design through mechanics. It masterfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the product's key systems. And while it steers clear of spoiling anything, those who know the tale will instantly understand the meaning within it.

How It Works: Story Through Gameplay

For one white mana (the alignment of heroes) in this collection, Zack Fair enters with a starting stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 counter. By paying one generic mana, you can remove from play the card to give another ally you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s markers, along with an gear, onto that chosen creature.

This design depicts a scene FF fans are all too know well, a moment that has been reimagined again and again — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new versions in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it lands just as hard here, conveyed entirely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Card

Some necessary context, and here is your *FF7* warning: Years before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a battle with Sephiroth. Following years of testing, the pair break free. During their ordeal, Cloud is delirious, but Zack vows to take care of his comrade. They finally reach the edge outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a first-class SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Legacy on the Game Board

In a game, the rules in essence let you relive this entire scene. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of gear in the collection that requires three mana and provides the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can transform Zack into a respectable 4/6 with 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 weapon card. Together, these pieces unfold as follows: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s signature action is structured, you can potentially use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to prevent the damage entirely. This allows you to make this play at any time, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a formidable 6/4 that, whenever he strikes a player, lets you pull extra cards and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is just the kind of moment alluded to when discussing “flavorful design” — not revealing the scene, but letting the mechanics trigger the recollection.

More Than the Obvious Synergy

And the narrative here is oh-so-delicious, and it goes past 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 chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This kind of hints that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER enhancement he received, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a subtle reference, but one that cleverly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the expansion.

Zack’s card doesn't show his death, or Cloud’s confusion, or the rain-soaked location where it all ends. It doesn't have to. *Magic* enables you to recreate the moment personally. You make the ultimate play. You hand over the sword on. And for a brief second, while enjoying a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the saga to date.