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A core element of the charm of the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion countless cards depict iconic narratives. Cards like Tidus, Blitzball Star, which offers a glimpse of the hero at the very start of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated Blitzball pro whose secret weapon is a fancy shot that knocks a defender aside. The abilities mirror this perfectly. This type of narrative is prevalent throughout the entire Final Fantasy set, and some are not lighthearted tales. Some are poignant echoes of sad moments fans remember vividly years after.

"Emotional narratives are a central part of the Final Fantasy franchise," wrote a principal game designer for the project. "The team established some overarching principles, but in the end, it was mostly on a individual basis."

While the Zack Fair card isn't a competitive powerhouse, it stands as one of the release's most elegant examples of flavor through mechanics. It masterfully captures one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most crucial cinematic moments with great effect, all while leveraging some of the set's central systems. And although it steers clear of spoiling anything, those who know the story will immediately grasp the significance within it.

How It Works: A Narrative in Play

For one mana of white (the alignment of heroes) in this collection, Zack Fair has a base power and toughness of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 token. By spending one colorless mana, you can remove from play the card to give another creature you control indestructible and transfer all of Zack’s bonuses, as well as an Equipment, onto that chosen creature.

These mechanics depicts a scene FF fans are extremely remember, a moment that has been retold multiple times — in the classic *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even reimagined iterations in *FF7 Remake*. Yet it resonates powerfully here, conveyed entirely through rules text. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then picks up the Buster Sword as his own.

A Spoiler for the Scene

For context, and take this as your *FF7* spoiler alert: Years before the main events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. Following extended testing, the duo break free. Throughout this period, Cloud is delirious, but Zack makes sure to protect his friend. They eventually reach the outskirts outside Midgar before Zack is fatally wounded by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud then takes up Zack’s Buster Sword and takes on the identity of a elite SOLDIER, setting the stage for the start of *FF7*.

Simulating the Passing of the Torch on the Tabletop

In a game, the card mechanics essentially let you reenact this entire sequence. The Buster Sword appears as a powerful piece of equipment in the set that requires three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can transform Zack into a respectable 4/6 with the Buster Sword wielded.

The Cloud Strife card also has intentional synergy with the Buster Sword, enabling you to find for an artifact card. In combination, these pieces function in this way: You summon Zack, and he receives the +1/+1 counter. Then you play Cloud to pull the Buster Sword from your deck. Then you play and equip it to Zack.

Owing to the design Zack’s signature action is worded, you can actually use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to negate the attack entirely. This allows you to make this play at any time, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He then becomes a powerful 6/4 that, each time he strikes a player, lets you draw two cards and cast two cards for free. This is precisely the kind of experience alluded to when talking about “emotional resonance” — not spoiling the scene, but letting the mechanics trigger the recollection.

Extending Past the Obvious Combo

However, the narrative here is oh-so-delicious, and it goes further than just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity is part of the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, puts a number of +1/+1 counters on a target creature, which then becomes a Mutant. This in a way hints that Zack’s initial +1/+1 token is, figuratively, the SOLDIER conditioning he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. It's a small nod, but one that subtly connects the entire SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter ecosystem in the expansion.

Zack’s card doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s confusion, or the memorable location where it concludes. It isn't necessary. *Magic* lets you reenact the moment personally. You choose the sacrifice. You pass the weapon on. And for a short instant, while playing a card battle, you remember why *Final Fantasy 7* remains the most influential game in the franchise for many fans.