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A significant element of the allure of the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the fashion so many cards depict well-known tales. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a snapshot of the character at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose signature move is a unique shot that pushes a defender out of the way. The abilities mirror this in nuanced ways. Such flavor is widespread across the complete Final Fantasy set, and some are not joyful stories. A number are somber reminders of emotional events fans continue to reflect on decades later.

"Emotional stories are a vital element of the Final Fantasy franchise," wrote a senior game designer involved with the project. "The team established some broad guidelines, but in the end, it was primarily on a case-by-case basis."

Even though the Zack Fair isn't a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the set's most elegant pieces of flavor through mechanics. It skillfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial story moments brilliantly, all while capitalizing on some of the product's central mechanics. And although it doesn't spoil anything, those acquainted with the tale will immediately grasp the emotional weight within it.

How It Works: Flavor in Rules

At a cost of one mana of white (the hue of good) in this set, Zack Fair enters with a starting stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 token. For the cost of one generic mana, you can remove from play the card to bestow another creature you control protection from destruction and transfer all of Zack’s counters, plus an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

This card portrays a moment FF fans are extremely know well, a moment that has been revisited throughout the years — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it hits powerfully here, expressed entirely through card abilities. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Moment

Some necessary history, and consider this your *FF7* warning: Prior to the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a clash with Sephiroth. Following extended testing, the pair get away. During their ordeal, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to look after his comrade. They eventually reach the edge outside Midgar before Zack is killed by Shinra soldiers. Abandoned, Cloud in that moment claims Zack’s Buster Sword and adopts the identity of a first-class SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Reenacting the Passing of the Torch on the Battlefield

On the tabletop, the card mechanics in essence let you relive this iconic sequence. The Buster Sword appears as a top-tier piece of gear in the collection that costs three mana and provides the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can transform Zack into a formidable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud Strife card also has clear interaction with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an weapon card. When used in tandem, these pieces unfold as follows: You cast Zack, and he gets the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Owing to the way Zack’s key mechanic is structured, you can technically use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an attack and trigger it to prevent the damage altogether. This allows you to make this play at any time, moving the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a strong 6/4 that, every time he strikes a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two cards without paying their mana cost. This is just the kind of interaction referred to when discussing “emotional resonance” — not explaining the scene, but letting the gameplay evoke the memory.

More Than the Obvious Combo

However, the narrative here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches past just this combo. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set 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 in a way suggests that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER treatment he received, which included modification with Jenova cells. This is a tiny connection, but one that subtly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

This design does not depict his end, or Cloud’s confusion, or the memorable bluff where it all ends. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you reenact the moment personally. You choose the sacrifice. You transfer the weapon on. And for a fleeting moment, while engaged in a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most beloved game in the saga ever made.