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A core aspect of the appeal of the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* is the fashion so many cards tell iconic narratives. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a glimpse of the character at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose secret weapon is a specialized shot that takes a defender out of the way. The gameplay rules represent this with subtlety. Such storytelling is prevalent throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all lighthearted tales. Several act as poignant reminders of sad moments fans still mull over years after.

"Powerful tales are a key part of the Final Fantasy legacy," explained a principal designer for the project. "The team established some broad guidelines, but finally, it was mostly on a card-by-card basis."

While the Zack Fair card is not a top-tier card, it stands as one of the release's most clever pieces of storytelling by way of gameplay. It masterfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal dramatic moments in spectacular fashion, all while utilizing some of the set's core systems. And although it avoids revealing anything, those familiar with the saga will instantly understand the significance behind it.

The Card's Design: Flavor in Rules

At a cost of one mana of white (the color of good) in this collection, Zack Fair enters with a starting stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 counter. For the cost of one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another creature you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s counters, along with an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

This design paints a sequence FF fans are very know well, a moment that has been retold again and again — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it hits with equal force here, expressed completely through card abilities. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Scene

For backstory, and take this as your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a battle with Sephiroth. After extended experimentation, the pair get away. Throughout this period, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack ensures to take care of his companion. They finally make it the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by Shinra soldiers. Abandoned, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a elite SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Moment on the Battlefield

Through gameplay, the rules in essence let you reenact this iconic 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. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a respectable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional interaction with the Buster Sword, allowing you to search your deck for an weapon card. When used in tandem, these pieces play out as follows: You cast 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 signature action is structured, you can actually use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to negate the attack entirely. So you can do this at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a formidable 6/4 that, every time he strikes a player, lets you pull extra cards and play two cards without paying their mana cost. This is just the kind of experience referred to when talking about “emotional resonance” — not revealing the scene, but letting the card design trigger the recollection.

Beyond the Obvious Interaction

But the flavor here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends past just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which additionally gains the type of a Mutant. This in a way suggests that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a tiny nod, but one that cleverly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the set.

The card doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s confusion, or the stormy location where it concludes. It does not need to. *Magic* lets you relive the legacy personally. You perform the sacrifice. You pass the legacy on. And for a fleeting moment, while enjoying a strategy game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most influential game in the series for many fans.