Excitement is in the air as spoilers for the highly anticipated Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set have finally arrived, thanks to the preview panel held at Pax East on May 10. This new set is packed with legendary creatures and features some of the most iconic figures from the Final Fantasy universe, including the beloved chocobos.
Among the standout cards in this set is the Travelling Chocobo, touted as the set’s 'premier chocobo.' This mythic rare creature boasts impressive abilities that are sure to impact various MTG formats. Firstly, it allows players to cast birds or lands straight from the top of their library, offering incredible flexibility during gameplay. Even more exciting, it doubles the triggers from your birds or lands, making it a game-changer for many strategies.
As showcased by Sazh's Chocobo, the chocobo cards will primarily focus on lands, and the Travelling Chocobo significantly enhances this mechanic. While it’s tempting to lean towards the 'bird side' of the card, I suspect that the 'land side' will prove to be far more relevant in most situations. Doubling the effects of cards like Scute Swarm or Omnath could yield much more powerful outcomes than simply buffing even the strongest bird creatures. However, it’s also worth noting that this card could shine in a Derevi, Empyrial Tactician cEDH deck.
Wizards of the Coast is not only positioning Travelling Chocobo as a formidable card for gameplay but also as a centerpiece for collectors. In line with this, players can look forward to a series of rainbow chocobos – a variant of the Travelling Chocobo that comes in every possible flavor. While all versions perform the same function, their distinct artwork will undoubtedly attract Final Fantasy and Magic enthusiasts alike, who will be eager to showcase them in their collection.
Reflecting on past trends, we can recall how the Lord of the Rings Nazgul cards soared in popularity in 2023. Collectors were willing to pay a premium for each unique art variant, despite those cards being uncommons. The rainbow chocobos are set to follow a similar path, found in collector boosters worldwide, and they will feature the eye-catching 'neon ink' treatment that was first seen in the Kamigawa Neon Dynasty set.
As if the rainbow chocobos weren't enough, Wizards of the Coast is also introducing a serialized Golden Chocobo card, which will be exclusively available in English collector boosters. With only 77 copies in existence, this card is poised to become a highly sought-after item, drawing collectors into a frenzy as they pursue this rare gem. While it may not reach the astronomical prices of the $2 million One Ring card, the dedication of Final Fantasy fans is undeniable. After all, Square Enix managed to sell limited edition statues for an astonishing $11,000!
In conclusion, the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set is shaping up to be a remarkable addition to the MTG universe, combining iconic characters, powerful gameplay mechanics, and collectible appeal. Expect the Travelling Chocobo and its variants to be among the most coveted cards of the year, making this set an essential acquisition for both players and collectors alike.
