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A core aspect of the appeal within the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set for *Magic: The Gathering* comes from the fashion so many cards depict familiar stories. Consider the Tidus, Blitzball Star card, which provides a snapshot of the protagonist at the very start 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 represent this perfectly. Such storytelling is prevalent in the whole Final Fantasy offering, and some are not joyful stories. Some act as somber echoes of emotional events fans continue to reflect on to this day.

"Emotional tales are a central part of the Final Fantasy series," wrote a senior designer for the set. "The team established some broad guidelines, but finally, it was primarily on a individual basis."

Even though the Zack Fair isn't a competitive powerhouse, it represents one of the collection's most clever examples of flavor by way of mechanics. It artfully reflects one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most important story moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the product's core gameplay elements. And while it avoids revealing anything, those familiar with the story will immediately grasp the emotional weight within it.

The Card's Design: A Narrative in Play

For one white mana (the hue of protagonists) in this set, Zack Fair is a starting power and toughness of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 counter. For the cost of one generic mana, you can sacrifice the card to grant another creature you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s markers, plus an artifact weapon, onto that target creature.

This design paints a moment FF fans are very familiar with, a moment that has been retold throughout the years — in the first *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it resonates just as hard here, conveyed solely through rules text. Zack gives his life to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Card

For backstory, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Years before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a confrontation with Sephiroth. Following extended imprisonment, the pair get away. During their ordeal, Cloud is barely conscious, but Zack makes sure to look after his comrade. They eventually make it the edge outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by Shinra soldiers. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the identity of a elite SOLDIER, leading directly into the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Moment on the Tabletop

Through gameplay, the rules in essence let you recreate this entire event. The Buster Sword is featured as a top-tier piece of gear in the set that requires three mana and gives the wielding creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can turn Zack into a respectable 4/6 while the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, enabling you to search your deck for an equipment card. Together, these three cards play out as follows: You play Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Due to the manner Zack’s signature action is worded, you can technically use it during combat, meaning you can “block” an attack and activate it to negate the attack altogether. So you can 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, every time he deals combat damage a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two spells without paying their mana cost. This is exactly the kind of interaction alluded to when talking about “narrative impact” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the mechanics make you remember.

Beyond the Main Interaction

And the thematic here is deeply satisfying, and it reaches past 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 chosen creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This in a way implies that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, in a way, the SOLDIER enhancement he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. This is a small reference, but one that subtly links the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the set.

This design does not depict his demise, or Cloud’s breakdown, or the stormy bluff where it concludes. It doesn't have to. *Magic* enables you to recreate the moment for yourself. You make the ultimate play. You transfer the legacy on. And for a fleeting moment, while enjoying a card battle, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most beloved game in the franchise ever made.