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A significant element of the charm within the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion numerous cards depict iconic narratives. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which offers a glimpse of the hero at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned sports star whose key technique is a unique shot that takes a defender aside. The gameplay rules mirror this in nuanced ways. This type of narrative is prevalent in the whole Final Fantasy set, and not all joyful stories. Some are heartbreaking callbacks of emotional events fans continue to reflect on to this day.

"Moving tales are a key component of the Final Fantasy series," wrote a lead game designer involved with the project. "The team established some broad guidelines, but finally, it was primarily on a card-by-card basis."

Though the Zack Fair may not be a competitive powerhouse, it stands as one of the collection's most clever examples of storytelling by way of mechanics. It skillfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important cinematic moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the product's key systems. And even if it steers clear of spoiling anything, those acquainted with the saga will instantly understand the emotional weight within it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

For one white mana (the alignment of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair enters with a starting power and toughness of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 marker. By paying one generic mana, you can destroy the card to bestow another unit you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s counters, along with an gear, onto that target creature.

These mechanics depicts a scene FF fans are all too familiar with, a moment that has been reimagined again and again — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new versions in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it hits powerfully here, communicated entirely through card abilities. Zack makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Scene

Some necessary backstory, and take this as your *FF7* spoiler alert: Prior to the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a confrontation with Sephiroth. After extended imprisonment, the pair break free. Throughout this period, Cloud is delirious, but Zack vows to protect his companion. They eventually make it the edge outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a elite SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Reenacting the Passing of the Torch on the Tabletop

On the tabletop, the abilities effectively let you recreate this whole scene. The Buster Sword is featured as a strong piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and gives the equipped creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can turn Zack into a solid 4/6 with the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional combo potential with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an weapon card. In combination, these three cards function in this way: You cast Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Due to the design Zack’s sacrifice ability is structured, you can actually use it during combat, meaning you can “intercept” an attack and trigger it to cancel out the damage altogether. So you can perform this action at a key moment, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a strong 6/4 that, whenever he does damage a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of moment meant when talking about “narrative impact” — not explaining the scene, but letting the card design make you remember.

Beyond the Main Interaction

But the thematic here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches further than just this combo. The Jenova card 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 also becomes a Mutant. This sort of implies that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. It's a subtle reference, but one that subtly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

Zack’s card doesn't show his end, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the rain-soaked bluff where it happens. It does not need to. *Magic* lets you relive the moment for yourself. You make the ultimate play. You hand over the weapon on. And for a short instant, while engaged in a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most influential game in the series to date.