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A core aspect of the appeal found in the Final Fantasy crossover set for *Magic: The Gathering* is the fashion countless cards tell well-known stories. Cards like the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which gives a glimpse of the character at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a renowned Blitzball pro whose signature move is a specialized shot that pushes a defender aside. The abilities represent this perfectly. This type of storytelling is widespread in the entire Final Fantasy offering, and not all fun and games. Some are poignant echoes of tragedies fans still mull over decades later.

"Emotional tales are a vital component of the Final Fantasy series," explained a principal designer involved with the set. "They created some general rules, but ultimately, it was mostly on a case-by-case basis."

Though the Zack Fair may not be a top-tier card, it stands as one of the release's most refined pieces of flavor via mechanics. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal story moments with great effect, all while utilizing some of the expansion's central systems. And while it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the significance embedded in it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

At a cost of one white mana (the hue of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair is a base power and toughness of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 token. By spending one colorless mana, you can sacrifice the card to give another ally you control indestructible and move all of Zack’s markers, along with an gear, onto that other creature.

These mechanics depicts a sequence FF fans are all too remember, a moment that has been reimagined multiple times — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined iterations in *FF7 Remake*. But somehow it resonates powerfully here, conveyed completely through rules text. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Moment

For backstory, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are gravely wounded after a confrontation with Sephiroth. Following years of imprisonment, the duo manage to escape. Throughout this period, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack ensures to look after his friend. They eventually reach the edge outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Left behind, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Legacy on the Game Board

In a game, the abilities essentially let you recreate this entire sequence. The Buster Sword is a a top-tier piece of armament in the collection that costs three mana and gives 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 equipped.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional interaction with the Buster Sword, enabling you to search your deck for an equipment card. Together, these pieces unfold in this way: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to pull the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Because of the way Zack’s sacrifice ability is worded, you can potentially use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an attack and activate it to cancel out the attack completely. Therefore, you can make this play at a key moment, 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 pull extra cards and cast two cards without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of experience referred to when discussing “emotional resonance” — not revealing the scene, but letting the card design make you remember.

More Than the Obvious Interaction

However, the narrative here is oh-so-delicious, and it extends beyond just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This kind of implies that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. It's a small connection, but one that subtly ties the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the set.

Zack’s card does not depict his end, or Cloud’s trauma, or the memorable location where it all ends. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you relive the moment for yourself. You choose the ultimate play. You pass the weapon on. And for a brief second, while playing a trading card game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most beloved game in the saga for many fans.