Today marks a monumental moment in the world of Magic: The Gathering as the highly anticipated Final Fantasy set makes its debut. This set is the first in the Universes Beyond series, which features crossovers with other beloved franchises, and it’s tailored to fit within the standard-legal format. Combining elements from two of gaming’s most cherished fantasy realms, this set is designed to satisfy the legions of fans from both Magic and Final Fantasy. With 16 mainline games worth of lore and mechanics to draw from, the set is crafted to highlight the essence and gameplay familiar to fans of both series.
One of the most exciting new mechanics introduced in the Final Fantasy set is the “Tiered” rule. Players can pay an additional cost on certain cards to access one of three tiers of power, echoing the way magic spells in Final Fantasy evolve. In the Final Fantasy universe, many spells have three iterations: a basic form, a stronger version with the suffix -ara, and the most potent form ending in -aga. For instance, some tiered spells in this Magic set represent limit break attacks from Final Fantasy VII, showcasing how characters can unleash devastating special attacks as they grow stronger throughout their journey.
The elemental and restorative spells cleverly align with their respective color identities in Magic. For example, aggressive fire and thunder magic is assigned to red, while ice—representing control—is linked to blue. This innovative mechanic seamlessly connects Final Fantasy players’ understanding of magic with Magic: The Gathering players’ grasp of color archetypes.
As players delve into the Final Fantasy set, they'll discover numerous references that pay homage to key story moments across the franchise. Here are some standout cards that bring the magic of Final Fantasy to life:
One of the most memorable abilities from Final Fantasy VI is Suplex, where Sabin the Monk can pick up and slam down enemies, including the notorious Phantom Train. In this set, the card Suplex allows players to deal three damage to a creature or exile an artifact. This homage cleverly links the mechanic to the iconic Phantom Train, enhancing the flavor of the game.
In Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning’s combat style is represented with the card Lightning, Army of One. This card incorporates the "Stagger" mechanic, allowing any creature that attacks Lightning's target to deal double damage for the turn. This mechanic perfectly reflects the strategic depth of Final Fantasy XIII’s battle system.
The emotional weight of Final Fantasy VII is encapsulated in the dynamic between Sephiroth and Aerith. The card Sephiroth, Fabled Soldier synergizes with Aerith, allowing players to gain life when a creature dies—a grim reflection of their intertwined fates. As Sephiroth transforms into his One Winged Angel form, players can sacrifice Aerith for additional power, creating a poignant and flavorful gameplay experience.
The lore of Final Fantasy XIV introduces the "Final Days," a catastrophic event that reshaped its world. Cards like Zodiark, Umbral God echo this narrative by forcing players to sacrifice creatures, reflecting the sacrifices made by the Ancients to delay the apocalypse. Emet-Selch, Unsundered further expands on this theme, transforming into Hades and utilizing cards from the graveyard, deepening the connection to the game’s narrative.
The Final Fantasy set also incorporates various iconic items and creatures, each with unique abilities that reflect their origins:
One of the most recognizable items in Final Fantasy, the Phoenix Down, serves as a revival medicine in battle. In this Magic set, it can return cards from the graveyard while also exiling undead creatures, cleverly mirroring its dual purpose in the original games.
Although they appear cute, Tonberries are known for their lethal strikes. In Magic, a Tonberry enters the battlefield with a stun counter, reflecting their slow approach. Once ready to attack, its combination of First Strike and Deathtouch ensures that any damage dealt is lethal, capturing the essence of these iconic creatures.
Several cards in this set capture the emotional depth of the Final Fantasy games, offering players a chance to relive pivotal moments:
Galuf’s poignant death in Final Fantasy V is represented with Galuf’s Final Act, which enhances a creature's power and allows the transfer of +1/+1 tokens upon its demise. This card encapsulates the bittersweet legacy of sacrifice and inheritance.
The choice between taking the elevator or the stairs during Aerith’s rescue is cleverly mirrored in the card Aerith Rescue Mission, allowing players to either summon Hero tokens or stun opponents, embodying the tension of that iconic moment.
The Final Fantasy set in Magic: The Gathering is a remarkable tribute to the rich legacy of both franchises. With its innovative mechanics and heartfelt references, this crossover is sure to resonate with fans and new players alike. Whether you’re a long-time Magic player or a Final Fantasy enthusiast, this set offers a unique and engaging experience that celebrates the best of both worlds.
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