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A significant aspect of the charm within the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* is the manner so many cards depict familiar narratives. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which provides a portrait of the character at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose key technique is a unique shot that knocks a defender out of the way. The gameplay rules reflect this in nuanced ways. These kinds of flavor is widespread throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not lighthearted tales. Some act as somber reminders of tragedies fans still mull over years after.

"Emotional stories are a key component of the Final Fantasy legacy," noted a principal game designer for the project. "We built some general rules, but in the end, it was largely on a individual level."

Even though the Zack Fair card is not a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the collection's most refined examples of storytelling via gameplay. It skillfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important dramatic moments in spectacular fashion, all while capitalizing on some of the expansion's key gameplay elements. And while it steers clear of spoiling anything, those familiar with the tale will quickly recognize the emotional weight behind it.

How It Works: Flavor in Rules

For one white mana (the hue of heroes) in this collection, Zack Fair is a starting stat line of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 token. By spending one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to give another unit you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s counters, along with an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics portrays a scene FF fans are very know well, a moment that has been retold throughout the years — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new versions in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it lands powerfully here, communicated entirely through rules text. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Moment

Some necessary backstory, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the pair break free. Throughout this period, Cloud is delirious, but Zack vows to take care of his companion. They finally arrive at the plains outside Midgar before Zack is killed by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the role of a first-class SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Game Board

On the tabletop, the rules effectively let you relive this whole scene. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of equipment in the set that requires three mana and provides the wielding creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can turn Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has deliberate interaction with the Buster Sword, allowing you to find for an equipment card. When used in tandem, these pieces function in this way: 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 play and equip it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s key mechanic is structured, you can actually use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to cancel out the attack altogether. So you can make this play at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a powerful 6/4 that, each time he does damage a player, lets you pull extra cards and cast two cards at no cost. This is exactly the kind of moment alluded to when discussing “narrative impact” — not explaining the scene, but letting the gameplay make you remember.

Beyond the Obvious Interaction

And the flavor here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches beyond just these cards. 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 chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. It's a tiny nod, but one that cleverly ties the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the expansion.

Zack’s card avoids showing his death, or Cloud’s trauma, or the rain-soaked location where it happens. It isn't necessary. *Magic* allows you to relive the passing yourself. You make the sacrifice. You pass the sword on. And for a brief second, while engaged in a trading card game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most impactful game in the saga to date.