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A core part of the allure found in the Final Fantasy Universes Beyond collection for *Magic: The Gathering* lies in the fashion so many cards narrate well-known narratives. Consider Tidus, Blitzball Star, which provides a snapshot of the protagonist at the outset of *Final Fantasy 10*: a celebrated professional athlete whose signature move is a specialized shot that knocks a defender aside. The gameplay rules reflect this perfectly. This type of narrative is found in the whole Final Fantasy set, and they aren't all joyful stories. Several serve as heartbreaking reminders of sad moments fans continue to reflect on to this day.

"Powerful narratives are a key component of the Final Fantasy legacy," wrote a senior game designer for the set. "The team established some general rules, but in the end, it was primarily on a card-by-card basis."

Even though the Zack Fair card may not be a competitive powerhouse, it is one of the collection's most elegant examples of narrative design via mechanics. It artfully echoes one of *Final Fantasy 7*'s most pivotal dramatic moments brilliantly, all while utilizing some of the set's core systems. And while it avoids revealing anything, those acquainted with the tale will quickly recognize the meaning behind it.

How It Works: Story Through Gameplay

For one mana of white (the color of heroes) in this set, Zack Fair has a base stat line of 0/1 but enters with a +1/+1 counter. By spending one generic mana, you can remove from play the card to bestow another ally you control protection from destruction and put all of Zack’s counters, along with an gear, onto that target creature.

This card paints a sequence FF fans are all too remember, a moment that has been retold again and again — in the original *FF7*, *Crisis Core*, and even alternate-timeline versions in *FF7 Remake*. And yet it resonates powerfully here, communicated entirely through card abilities. Zack sacrifices himself to save Cloud, who then inherits the Buster Sword as his own.

The Context of the Scene

Some necessary context, and take this as your *FF7* spoiler alert: Years before the primary events of the game, Zack and Cloud are severely injured after a clash with Sephiroth. After years of imprisonment, the duo get away. During their ordeal, Cloud is comatose, but Zack ensures to look after his companion. They finally reach the plains outside Midgar before Zack is killed by troops. Presumed dead, Cloud subsequently grabs Zack’s Buster Sword and assumes the role of a first-class SOLDIER, which leads right into the start of *FF7*.

Reenacting the Legacy on the Battlefield

Through gameplay, the abilities effectively let you relive this iconic event. The Buster Sword is a a powerful piece of equipment in the collection that costs three mana and provides the equipped creature +3/+2. Therefore, using six mana, you can make Zack into a respectable 4/6 with the Buster Sword attached.

The Cloud, Midgar Mercenary also has clear synergy with the Buster Sword, enabling you to search your deck for an artifact card. In combination, these three cards unfold in this way: You cast Zack, and he gains the +1/+1 counter. Then you summon Cloud to pull the Buster Sword out of your deck. Then you summon and give it to Zack.

Because of the design Zack’s signature action is designed, you can technically use it when blocking, meaning you can “intercept” an assault and trigger it to prevent the damage entirely. So you can make this play at any time, passing the +1/+1 counter *and* the Buster Sword to Cloud. He subsequently becomes a strong 6/4 that, every time he does damage a player, lets you pull extra cards and play two spells without paying their mana cost. This is precisely the kind of experience meant when discussing “flavorful design” — not revealing the scene, but letting the gameplay evoke the memory.

Beyond the Main Combo

And the thematic here is oh-so-delicious, and it reaches further than just these cards. The Jenova, Ancient Calamity appears in the collection as a creature that, at the start of combat, places a number of +1/+1 counters on a chosen creature, which also becomes a Mutant. This sort of hints that Zack’s starting +1/+1 token is, symbolically, the SOLDIER treatment he underwent, which included genetic manipulation with Jenova cells. It's a tiny connection, but one that subtly connects the whole SOLDIER program to the +1/+1 counter mechanic in the set.

The card doesn't show his demise, or Cloud’s trauma, or the memorable location where it concludes. It doesn't have to. *Magic* lets you relive the legacy yourself. You choose the ultimate play. You transfer the weapon on. And for a fleeting moment, while playing a trading card game, you are reminded of why *Final Fantasy 7* continues to be the most impactful game in the series for many fans.