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A core part of the appeal within the *Final Fantasy* crossover set for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the manner numerous cards depict iconic tales. Take for instance the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which offers a glimpse of the character at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose signature move is a specialized shot that takes a defender out of the way. The gameplay rules represent this in nuanced ways. Such flavor is widespread across the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not fun and games. Some act as somber reminders of emotional events fans remember vividly to this day.

"Powerful tales are a key component of the Final Fantasy legacy," wrote a senior designer involved with the set. "They created some general rules, but in the end, it was largely on a card-by-card basis."

Even though the Zack Fair card isn't a competitive powerhouse, it stands as one of the collection's most refined instances of storytelling via gameplay. It artfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the product's central systems. And while it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the meaning embedded in it.

The Card's Design: A Narrative in Play

For one mana of white (the hue of protagonists) in this collection, Zack Fair is a starting power and toughness of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 token. By spending one colorless mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another unit you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s markers, plus an gear, onto that other creature.

These mechanics portrays a moment FF fans are very know well, a moment that has been retold again and again — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined iterations in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it resonates powerfully here, communicated entirely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Card

A bit of context, and here is your *FF7* warning: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a clash with Sephiroth. After years of experimentation, the duo manage to escape. Throughout this period, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to take care of his friend. They finally reach the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by troops. Abandoned, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a elite SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Passing of the Torch on the Game Board

Through gameplay, the abilities in essence let you recreate this whole scene. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of gear in the set that costs three mana and grants the equipped creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can turn Zack into a solid 4/6 while the Buster Sword wielded.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has deliberate interaction with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an equipment card. Together, these three cards play out in this way: You cast Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you cast and attach it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s signature action is structured, you can actually use it during combat, meaning you can “block” an attack and activate it to prevent the attack completely. So you can do this at a key moment, moving 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 pull extra cards and cast two spells for free. This is precisely the kind of experience meant when talking about “emotional resonance” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the gameplay make you remember.

More Than the Central Combo

However, the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it reaches further than just this combo. 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 chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way implies that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER enhancement 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 theme in the expansion.

Zack’s card does not depict his demise, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the stormy bluff where it all ends. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you relive the moment yourself. You perform the sacrifice. You hand over the sword on. And for a brief second, while playing a trading card game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most beloved game in the saga ever made.