Finally, Magic: The Gathering welcomes one of its most anticipated sets with the arrival of Final Fantasy. This set marks the first full-scale integration of the “Universes Beyond” expansion, celebrating the crossover between two iconic gaming franchises. With an enormous fanbase for both Magic and Final Fantasy, this set aims to encapsulate 16 mainline games’ worth of memorable characters and mechanics. We’ve seen some amazing previews leading up to this release, indicating that Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix have created something truly special. Let’s dive into some of our favorite nods to the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy in this remarkable set.
This discussion includes references to significant storylines from the 16 mainline titles. If you’re not up to date with all these installments, consider this your light spoiler warning.
1. Tiered Spells: A Fusion of Final Fantasy and Magic
One innovative mechanic this Final Fantasy set introduces is the “Tiered” rule. When players pay an additional mana cost, they can choose from one of three power tiers—a clever feature that mirrors the evolution of magic spells in Final Fantasy with their base form, an enhanced version (-ara), and the most powerful form (-aga).
Tiered spells vary in their presentation: some represent limit breaks from Final Fantasy VII, while others demonstrate elemental or restorative magics aligned with specific colors in Magic. For example, aggressive fire and thunder are linked to red, while ice—known for bouncing cards back—attaches to blue’s interruption and control mechanics. This approach delightfully marries the magic system from Final Fantasy with the mechanics of Magic.
2. Suplex the Train, Dammit
Sabin, the Monk from Final Fantasy VI, is renowned for his martial ability to literally suplex a phantom train. This iconic moment transforms into a card in Magic, allowing players to deal damage to a creature or specifically exile an artifact card. In this case, the Phantom Train itself qualifies as an artifact. It’s humorously absurd yet neatly tied into the gameplay.
3. Lightning’s Stagger
Lightning, the protagonist from Final Fantasy XIII, has several cards in this new set, with one notably named Lightning, Army of One. This card demonstrates mechanics that nod to the original game, particularly in its “Stagger” ability which allows other creatures targeting her to inflict double damage. It reflects on the battle system of XIII effectively.
4. Sephiroth’s Dark Legacy
One of the most notable story arcs in Final Fantasy VII is Sephiroth’s tragic demise of Aerith. Mirroring this, the Sephiroth, Fabled Soldier card enhances the gameplay experience by giving life when another creature dies. Aerith’s cards synergize with Sephiroth’s mechanics, representing the painful narrative between them while also allowing strategic play.
5. Final Days from Final Fantasy XIV
The lore from Final Fantasy XIV about the cataclysm known as the “Final Days” influences powerful cards in this set. For example, Zodiark, Umbral God requires players to sacrifice half their creatures, echoing the sacrifices made by the Ancients. Meanwhile, Emet-Selch, Unsundered can transform into a more powerful form after conditions are met, showcasing a deep connection to the in-game lore.
What makes this crossover exciting is how it blends gameplay with storytelling, enriching the experience for players familiar with both franchises. The unique mechanics not only entertain but serve as a nod to fan-favorite moments that resonate deeply.
Are there mechanics in Magic that reference specific spells from Final Fantasy? Yes, many mechanics in the set directly reference the spells and abilities used over the years in Final Fantasy, aligning them with appropriate card colors and effects.
What types of characters are represented in the Final Fantasy set? Each character embodies pivotal moments and attributes from their respective games, inspiring a range of new gameplay strategies.
Can I use cards from this set in standard competitions? Yes, this set introduces standard-legal cards designed for competitive play, expanding on what’s available in the current Magic formats.
As you explore the synergy between Magic and Final Fantasy, you notice how these worlds merge, bringing fresh strategies and nostalgia-filled moments to the table. This collaboration is not just for die-hard fans but for anyone interested in innovative gameplay and storytelling.
Join the adventure and discover what other surprises await in the realm of card battles. Continue exploring this epic crossover and more with Moyens I/O.