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A core element of the charm found in the *Final Fantasy* Universes Beyond release for *Magic: The Gathering* is the manner countless cards narrate iconic narratives. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which gives a snapshot of the hero at the beginning of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose signature move is a specialized shot that knocks a defender aside. The abilities represent this with subtlety. These kinds of narrative is prevalent throughout the whole Final Fantasy offering, and they aren't all fun and games. A number act as somber callbacks of emotional events fans remember vividly to this day.

"Emotional stories are a key component of the Final Fantasy franchise," noted a senior designer involved with the set. "They created some broad guidelines, but in the end, it was largely on a individual basis."

Though the Zack Fair may not be a competitive powerhouse, it represents one of the release's most clever instances of storytelling by way of mechanics. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial dramatic moments in spectacular fashion, all while leveraging some of the expansion's key gameplay elements. And even if it steers clear of spoiling anything, those familiar with the tale will immediately grasp the significance behind 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 stat line of 0/1 but arrives with a +1/+1 counter. For the cost of one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to grant another unit you control protection from destruction and move all of Zack’s bonuses, along with an gear, onto that other creature.

This card depicts a scene FF fans are all too remember, a moment that has been reimagined multiple times — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even new retellings in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it hits powerfully here, conveyed solely through gameplay mechanics. Zack makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Cloud, who then takes up the Buster Sword as his own.

The Story Behind the Scene

A bit of history, and here is your *FF7* spoiler alert: Before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are left for dead after a battle with Sephiroth. After extended imprisonment, the pair get away. Throughout this period, Cloud is comatose, but Zack vows to take care of his comrade. They finally arrive at the edge outside Midgar before Zack is gunned down by Shinra soldiers. Left behind, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Playing Out the Passing of the Torch on the Game Board

In a game, the abilities essentially let you relive this whole scene. The Buster Sword is a a strong piece of equipment in the set that costs three mana and gives the equipped creature +3/+2. So, for a total of six mana, you can transform Zack into a formidable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has clear interaction with the Buster Sword, enabling you to find for an equipment card. Together, these three cards play out like this: You play Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you cast Cloud to fetch the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s key mechanic is structured, you can potentially use it in the middle of battle, meaning you can “block” an assault and trigger it to prevent the attack completely. Therefore, you can do this at a key moment, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a powerful 6/4 that, each time he strikes a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two cards at no cost. This is precisely the kind of moment alluded to when discussing “narrative impact” — not revealing the scene, but letting the gameplay trigger the recollection.

Beyond the Main Combo

And the thematic here is incredibly rich, and it goes past just Zack and Cloud. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the set as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This in a way hints that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER conditioning he underwent, which included experimentation with Jenova cells. It's a subtle reference, but one that implicitly ties the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter theme in the expansion.

Zack’s card does not depict his death, or Cloud’s confusion, or the stormy location where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you relive the moment yourself. You perform the sacrifice. You pass the weapon on. And for a short instant, while enjoying a strategy game, you recall why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most impactful game in the saga to date.