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A major element of the allure found in the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the manner so many cards narrate iconic narratives. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which gives a glimpse of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated professional athlete whose key technique is a unique shot that takes a defender aside. The abilities represent this in nuanced ways. This type of flavor is prevalent throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all fun and games. Several are somber reminders of emotional events fans still mull over to this day.

"Moving tales are a key element of the Final Fantasy franchise," wrote a principal designer on the set. "They created some overarching principles, but ultimately, it was mostly on a case-by-case basis."

Though the Zack Fair may not be a tournament staple, it represents one of the collection's most clever examples of storytelling by way of gameplay. It skillfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial dramatic moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the product's key systems. And even if it steers clear of spoiling anything, those who know the saga will immediately grasp the meaning behind it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

At a cost of one white mana (the alignment of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair is a base stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 token. By spending one colorless mana, you can destroy the card to grant another unit you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s counters, as well as an gear, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics depicts a scene FF fans are very familiar with, a moment that has been revisited again and again — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it hits just as hard here, conveyed solely through rules text. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Card

For history, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a confrontation with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the duo get away. Throughout this period, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to protect his comrade. They finally reach the plains outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the persona of a first-class SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Battlefield

Through gameplay, the abilities essentially let you relive this entire scene. The Buster Sword is featured as a powerful piece of armament in the collection that costs three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can turn Zack into a respectable 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud Strife card also has deliberate synergy with the Buster Sword, letting you to find for an weapon card. Together, these pieces function like this: You cast Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you cast and attach it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s signature action is designed, you can actually use it when blocking, meaning you can “block” an attack and trigger it to cancel out the damage altogether. So you can perform this action at a key moment, passing 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 gain card advantage and play two cards without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of interaction alluded to when talking about “emotional resonance” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the gameplay evoke the memory.

More Than the Obvious Interaction

And the flavor here is deeply satisfying, and it extends beyond just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the collection 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 hints that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. It's a small nod, but one that cleverly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the expansion.

Zack’s card avoids showing his death, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the stormy location where it concludes. It doesn't have to. *Magic* enables you to recreate the moment for yourself. You make the sacrifice. You hand over the sword on. And for a short instant, while engaged in a strategy game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the saga for many fans.