This past weekend, Wizards of the Coast unveiled exciting details about the upcoming Final Fantasy crossover for Magic: The Gathering. Alongside the initial card reveals, more cards rich in Final Fantasy history were showcased, including a beloved nod to Final Fantasy X.
The card lists for the four preconstructed Commander Decks set to launch next month have been fully revealed. Each deck pays tribute to iconic entries from the Final Fantasy series: Revival Trance (based on Final Fantasy VI), Limit Break (based on Final Fantasy VII), Counter Blitz (drawn from Final Fantasy X), and Scions and Spellcraft (inspired by Final Fantasy XIV). Each of these 100-card decks features a unique theme, merging fresh designs with re-flavored Magic cards that boast new, thematically appropriate artwork.
One significant re-flavor in the Counter Blitz deck is the green mana instant, Inspiring Call. This card, which first appeared in 2015’s Dragons of Tarkir, provides any creatures you control that have +1/+1 counters with temporary protection while allowing you to draw cards. In Counter Blitz, however, it takes on a new life, referencing a memorable moment:
Yes, that’s right. The card art mirrors the infamous laugh scene between Yuna and Tidus from Final Fantasy X. In this early game moment, Yuna attempts to lift Tidus’s spirits, as they prepare to continue their pilgrimage to confront the entity known as Sin. Tidus, having recently discovered that Sin is his long-lost father, Jecht, struggles with his emotions. Yuna encourages him to mask his feelings with laughter, leading to one of gaming’s most memorable, albeit awkward, moments.
Although the scene illustrates forced laughter, it quickly transformed into a meme beloved by fans for over two decades. This hilarious exchange has inspired countless videos and posts about its awkwardness, alongside critiques of the game’s voice acting—marking X as the franchise’s first title with extensive voice work. Now, its legacy finds a home in Magic.
Inspiring Call is just one of many wonderful references in the Final Fantasy set. The Commander Decks are brimming with new cards that pay homage to their respective titles. A standout card includes Zack Fair from FFVII, allowing players to mimic Cloud’s identity theft of Zack after his death. Another noteworthy inclusion is Champions from Beyond in FFXIV, which cleverly nods to the MMORPG’s party-finding mechanic. These references, while predominantly serious, also show a willingness to embrace humor, as seen with the remix of Inspiring Call.
Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy is set to debut on June 13. Don’t miss out; visit Wizards’ card image gallery to discover even more intriguing cards from this crossover!
What makes the Final Fantasy crossover so special? It brings together two beloved franchises, offering fresh content that resonates with fans. The synergy between storytelling and gameplay enriches both universes, creating an immersive experience.
Will there be special editions of the Commander Decks? While standard editions are confirmed, special editions typically arise based on demand, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any announcements!
How can I get my hands on these decks? The decks will be available online and at local game stores, so check your favorite retailers as the release date approaches.
Is this the first crossover for Magic: The Gathering? No, Wizards of the Coast has previously collaborated with various franchises. This latest crossover, however, stands out due to the immense fanbases of both franchises.
What other Final Fantasy references are included? Many cards feature iconic characters, moments, and mechanics from various games within the series, resonating strongly with long-time fans while enticing newcomers.
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