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A core aspect of the allure within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond release for *Magic: The Gathering* is the way countless cards depict iconic tales. Consider the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which gives a snapshot of the hero at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose secret weapon is a unique shot that pushes a defender out of the way. The abilities mirror this perfectly. These kinds of narrative is widespread throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not joyful stories. Several act as heartbreaking callbacks of emotional events fans still mull over decades later.

"Moving stories are a central component of the Final Fantasy legacy," noted a lead game designer on the set. "The team established some overarching principles, but ultimately, it was primarily on a card-by-card level."

Though the Zack Fair card may not be a tournament staple, it stands as one of the collection's most refined pieces of storytelling through rules. It artfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important cinematic moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the expansion's core gameplay elements. And while it doesn't spoil anything, those acquainted with the tale will immediately grasp the significance embedded in it.

How It Works: Story Through Gameplay

At a cost of one white mana (the alignment of protagonists) in this collection, Zack Fair enters with a base stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 counter. For the cost of one generic mana, you can destroy the card to bestow another ally you control indestructible and put all of Zack’s counters, as well as an gear, onto that target creature.

This design paints a moment FF fans are all too familiar with, a moment that has been reimagined throughout the years — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined versions in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it lands with equal force here, communicated entirely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Moment

For backstory, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a clash with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the duo manage to escape. The entire time, Cloud is delirious, but Zack makes sure to look after his companion. They finally make it the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by Shinra soldiers. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the identity of a first-class SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Reenacting the Passing of the Torch on the Game Board

In a game, the rules effectively let you recreate this iconic scene. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of armament in the set that costs three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a formidable 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, allowing you to find for an artifact card. In combination, these pieces function like this: You play Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Owing to the manner Zack’s sacrifice ability is worded, you can potentially use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and activate it to prevent the damage entirely. This allows you to make this play at any time, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a strong 6/4 that, every time he does damage a player, lets you gain card advantage and play two cards at no cost. This is exactly the kind of interaction meant when discussing “emotional resonance” — not explaining the scene, but letting the mechanics make you remember.

Beyond the Obvious Combo

But the thematic here is deeply satisfying, and it extends past just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which additionally gains the type of a Mutant. This kind of implies that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. It's a tiny connection, but one that cleverly connects the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the set.

This design doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s confusion, or the rain-soaked location where it happens. It does not need to. *Magic* lets you reenact the moment for yourself. You choose the ultimate play. You pass the weapon on. And for a fleeting moment, while playing a trading card game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most impactful game in the franchise for many fans.