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A major aspect of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* is the manner countless cards depict well-known narratives. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a glimpse of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated sports star whose signature move is a fancy shot that takes a defender out of the way. The gameplay rules reflect this perfectly. Such narrative is prevalent across the whole Final Fantasy offering, and some are not lighthearted tales. A number are poignant callbacks of sad moments fans remember vividly years after.

"Moving narratives are a central part of the Final Fantasy series," explained a senior designer for the project. "The team established some general rules, but finally, it was largely on a case-by-case basis."

While the Zack Fair card is not a top-tier card, it represents one of the collection's most refined pieces of storytelling by way of rules. It masterfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important cinematic moments in spectacular fashion, all while capitalizing on some of the product's key gameplay elements. And although it doesn't spoil anything, those familiar with the story will instantly understand the emotional weight embedded in it.

The Mechanics: A Narrative in Play

For one mana of white (the color of protagonists) in this set, Zack Fair has a starting stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 token. For the cost of one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to grant another ally you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s markers, along with an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics portrays a moment FF fans are all too know well, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined versions in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it lands with equal force here, expressed completely through card abilities. Zack makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Moment

A bit of backstory, and take this as your *FF7* warning: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a clash with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the duo break free. During their ordeal, Cloud is delirious, but Zack vows to look after his friend. They eventually reach the plains outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by forces. Left behind, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a first-class SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Moment on the Tabletop

In a game, the card mechanics in essence let you recreate this entire sequence. The Buster Sword appears as a top-tier piece of gear in the collection that requires three mana and grants 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, Midgar Mercenary also has clear combo potential with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an artifact card. Together, these pieces function in this way: You cast Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Due to the design Zack’s signature action is designed, you can actually use it during combat, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and activate it to negate the attack entirely. So you can perform this action at any time, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a formidable 6/4 that, each time he deals combat damage a player, lets you gain card advantage and cast two cards at no cost. This is exactly the kind of interaction referred to when talking about “flavorful design” — not revealing the scene, but letting the mechanics trigger the recollection.

Extending Past the Central Interaction

However, the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it reaches beyond just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This kind of implies that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. It's a subtle nod, but one that subtly ties the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the set.

This design doesn't show his death, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the rain-soaked bluff where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you relive the moment personally. You choose the sacrifice. You pass the sword on. And for a short instant, while enjoying a strategy game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most impactful game in the franchise to date.