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A core element of the appeal of the Final Fantasy crossover set for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the way countless cards tell iconic tales. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a glimpse of the protagonist at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose signature move is a unique shot that pushes a defender aside. The card's mechanics reflect this with subtlety. Such storytelling is widespread throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not lighthearted tales. Some are poignant echoes of emotional events fans continue to reflect on years after.

"Emotional stories are a vital element of the Final Fantasy series," noted a senior game designer for the collaboration. "We built some broad guidelines, but finally, it was primarily on a case-by-case level."

While the Zack Fair is not a top-tier card, it is one of the release's most clever examples of flavor through gameplay. It skillfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial cinematic moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the set's key mechanics. And even if it doesn't spoil anything, those acquainted with the saga will quickly recognize the emotional weight within it.

How It Works: Flavor in Rules

For one white mana (the color of good) in this set, Zack Fair enters with a base stat line of 0/1 but comes into play with a +1/+1 counter. By paying one generic mana, you can remove from play the card to grant another creature you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s bonuses, plus an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics portrays a sequence FF fans are all too remember, a moment that has been retold throughout the years — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it resonates powerfully here, conveyed solely through gameplay mechanics. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Moment

A bit of history, 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. After extended testing, the friends break free. The entire time, Cloud is comatose, but Zack makes sure to protect his friend. They finally arrive at the edge outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by forces. Presumed dead, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the role of a first-class SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Legacy on the Tabletop

Through gameplay, the card mechanics in essence let you recreate this whole event. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of equipment in the collection that requires three mana and gives the equipped creature +3/+2. Thus, with an investment of six mana, you can make Zack into a respectable 4/6 while the Buster Sword wielded.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has clear combo potential with the Buster Sword, enabling you to look through your library for an equipment card. Together, these three cards function in this way: You cast Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to retrieve the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Due to the way Zack’s key mechanic is structured, you can technically use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to prevent the attack completely. Therefore, you can make this play at a key moment, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He is transformed into a strong 6/4 that, each time he deals combat damage a player, lets you gain card advantage and play two spells for free. This is precisely the kind of moment alluded to when discussing “flavorful design” — not explaining the scene, but letting the card design trigger the recollection.

Extending Past the Central Combo

However, the flavor here is incredibly rich, and it extends further than just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way implies that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER conditioning he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. This is a tiny nod, 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 end, or Cloud’s trauma, or the rain-soaked cliff where it all ends. It does not need to. *Magic* allows you to recreate the moment yourself. You perform the ultimate play. You transfer the legacy on. And for a brief second, while engaged in a trading card game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* is still the most beloved game in the series for many fans.