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A major aspect of the allure of the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* is the way numerous cards depict iconic stories. Cards like the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which offers a glimpse of the protagonist at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose key technique is a specialized shot that pushes a defender aside. The gameplay rules reflect this perfectly. Such flavor is widespread across the whole Final Fantasy offering, and not all joyful stories. Some serve as poignant echoes of tragedies fans remember vividly to this day.

"Emotional narratives are a central part of the Final Fantasy franchise," explained a lead game designer involved with the project. "They created some broad guidelines, but in the end, it was mostly on a case-by-case level."

Even though the Zack Fair isn't a top-tier card, it represents one of the set's most elegant pieces of flavor by way of mechanics. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important story moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the product's key mechanics. And although it steers clear of spoiling anything, those acquainted with the story will instantly understand the meaning embedded in it.

How It Works: Story Through Gameplay

At a cost of one white mana (the alignment of heroes) in this collection, Zack Fair is a base power and toughness of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 marker. By paying one colorless mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another ally you control indestructible and move all of Zack’s markers, as well as an artifact weapon, onto that chosen creature.

This design portrays a moment FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it resonates powerfully here, conveyed completely through rules text. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Card

Some necessary backstory, and here is your *FF7* warning: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a clash with Sephiroth. Following extended experimentation, the pair get away. During their ordeal, Cloud is comatose, but Zack makes sure to take care of his comrade. They eventually arrive at the plains outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by forces. Left behind, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a first-class SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Moment on the Tabletop

In a game, the card mechanics effectively let you relive this iconic scene. The Buster Sword appears as a strong piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and gives the equipped creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can transform Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, letting you to look through your library for an equipment card. When used in tandem, these pieces play out in this way: You summon Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you cast and attach it to Zack.

Because of the design Zack’s signature action is designed, you can potentially use it when blocking, meaning you can “block” an assault and activate it to cancel out the damage altogether. So you can make this play at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a formidable 6/4 that, whenever he deals combat damage a player, lets you pull extra cards and play two spells at no cost. This is exactly the kind of experience meant when discussing “flavorful design” — not explaining the scene, but letting the mechanics evoke the memory.

Extending Past the Main Combo

And the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends further than just these cards. The Jenova card appears in 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 sort of suggests that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER treatment he received, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. This is a small reference, but one that cleverly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the expansion.

The card avoids showing his demise, or Cloud’s confusion, or the memorable bluff where it happens. It doesn't have to. *Magic* allows you to relive the legacy for yourself. You choose the sacrifice. You transfer the weapon on. And for a short instant, while playing a card battle, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the series for many fans.