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A core part of the charm within the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond release for *Magic: The Gathering* is the fashion countless cards tell well-known tales. Consider the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which provides a portrait of the hero at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned professional athlete whose signature move is a fancy shot that takes a defender aside. The gameplay rules mirror this with subtlety. This type of narrative is prevalent in the whole Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all fun and games. Several act as somber callbacks of emotional events fans continue to reflect on years after.

"Powerful stories are a key part of the Final Fantasy series," noted a senior designer for the project. "The team established some overarching principles, but in the end, it was largely on a card-by-card level."

While the Zack Fair card may not be a tournament staple, it is one of the set's most refined pieces of flavor through gameplay. It skillfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial cinematic moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the product's key mechanics. And while it steers clear of spoiling anything, those familiar with the tale will immediately grasp the meaning embedded in it.

How It Works: Flavor in Rules

At a cost of one white mana (the hue of good) in this set, Zack Fair has a base power and toughness of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 token. By spending one generic mana, you can destroy the card to grant another creature you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s bonuses, plus an Equipment, onto that other creature.

These mechanics portrays a moment FF fans are extremely remember, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined versions in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it resonates just as hard here, expressed entirely through card abilities. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Card

For context, and take this as your *FF7* warning: Prior to the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a clash with Sephiroth. Following years of experimentation, the friends get away. During their ordeal, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack ensures to take care of his comrade. They eventually arrive at the plains outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by Shinra soldiers. Presumed dead, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Passing of the Torch on the Tabletop

Through gameplay, the card mechanics essentially let you recreate this iconic scene. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of armament in the collection that costs three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a solid 4/6 with the Buster Sword equipped.

The Cloud Strife card also has clear synergy with the Buster Sword, letting you to search your deck for an equipment card. When used in tandem, these three cards unfold in this way: You summon Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you cast and attach it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s signature action is designed, you can potentially use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an attack and activate it to prevent the attack completely. This allows you to do this at any time, transferring the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a strong 6/4 that, whenever he deals combat damage a player, lets you draw two cards and play two cards without paying their mana cost. This is just the kind of moment alluded to when talking about “emotional resonance” — not explaining the scene, but letting the gameplay evoke the memory.

Beyond the Main Synergy

And the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends beyond just this combo. The Jenova card appears in 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 starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included modification with Jenova cells. It's a tiny reference, but one that cleverly links the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the set.

Zack’s card doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s trauma, or the rain-soaked location where it happens. It isn't necessary. *Magic* allows you to relive the legacy yourself. You choose the sacrifice. You pass the sword on. And for a short instant, while engaged in a strategy game, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most influential game in the franchise ever made.