At Long Last: Magic: The Gathering—Final Fantasy Unveils Breathtaking New Cards

Amid much anticipation, a crossover between beloved franchises has fans of both engaged with enthusiasm as Wizards of the Coast has formally introduced Magic: The Gathering—Final Fantasy, a robust set that incorporates the legendary world of Final Fantasy into the universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Initially hinted at PAX East, the set has been progressively disclosing cards and artwork that encompass the entire Final Fantasy franchise—from the original NES title to the recent mainline release, Final Fantasy XVI.

This ambitious partnership signifies an important milestone for both franchises, merging the strategic intricacies of MTG with the rich narratives and unforgettable characters of Final Fantasy. Today, CGMagazine is excited to present three exclusive preview cards from the set’s “FINAL FANTASY Through the Ages” segment, each providing a nostalgic and impactful look back at the past.

Understanding the Structure of the Set

Before exploring the new cards, it’s important to grasp the structure of the Magic: The Gathering—Final Fantasy set. The set is organized into three primary components:

– FIN (Main Set): Consisting of 309 cards, this represents the heart of the crossover experience.
– FIC (Commander Decks): Four prebuilt Commander decks, each containing 25 unique cards.
– FCA (FINAL FANTASY Through the Ages): A 64-card bonus sheet that includes reprints of existing MTG cards reinterpreted with iconic Final Fantasy characters and artwork.

The “Through the Ages” cards are notably unique. Each card showcases classic Final Fantasy illustrations from renowned artists like Yoshitaka Amano and Airi Yoshioka. These cards are included as one non-foil card per three Play Boosters and one foil or non-foil in every Collector Booster.

Now, let us delve into the three preview cards from the FINAL FANTASY Through the Ages segment.

Vayne Carudas Solidor (Fynn, the Fangbearer)

The main enemy from Final Fantasy XII, Vayne Carudas Solidor, makes his MTG debut as a reimagined version of Fynn, the Fangbearer from the Kaldheim collection. The card features Vayne’s promotional artwork from Final Fantasy XII, with his younger sibling Larsa appearing in the background.

Mechanically, this card introduces poison counters—a win condition that results in a player losing the game after reaching ten poison counters. This mechanic is a reference to MTG’s Phyrexian villains, fitting for a character like Vayne, whose ultimate form combines organic and mechanical elements in a chilling display of might.

Orphan, Cocoon fal’Cie (Muldrotha, the Gravetide)

From Final Fantasy XIII, Orphan—the final boss and fal’Cie of Cocoon—takes on the form of Muldrotha, the Gravetide from Dominaria. The card features concept art by Chikako Nakano, highlighting the unsettling and extraterrestrial design of Orphan’s initial phase.

This card excels in graveyard-focused decks. For six mana (3BGU), it allows players to play one land and one permanent of each type from their graveyard every turn. This versatility makes it a robust choice for decks that depend on recursion and resource management.

Baron Rivalry (Deadly Dispute)

The last preview card, Baron Rivalry, reinterprets Deadly Dispute, originally printed in Adventures in the Forgotten Realms. This version showcases artwork from Final Fantasy IV’s 3D remake, illustrated by Airi Yoshioka. It illustrates Cecil and Kain on a Baron airship, battling Floating Eyes—paying tribute to the game’s opening sequence.

For merely 1B mana, this instant allows players to sacrifice a creature or artifact to draw two cards and create a Treasure token. It has become an essential part of many black-based decks due to its efficiency and synergy with sacrifice mechanics. The new artwork adds narrative depth, linking the card’s mechanics to the early-game challenges faced by the heroes of Final Fantasy IV.

A Crossover for the Ages

Magic: The Gathering—Final Fantasy is poised to be one of the most thrilling Universes Beyond collaborations to date. By merging classic MTG mechanics with unforgettable moments from Final Fantasy, the set serves as a tribute to fans of both franchises. Whether you’re a seasoned Planeswalker or a devoted admirer of crystals and chocobos, this crossover has something to offer everyone.

The complete set is set to release on June 13, 2024, with more card reveals anticipated in the weeks ahead. Stay connected with CGMagazine for ongoing coverage, exclusive previews, and detailed insights into this groundbreaking set.

Until then, may your mana flow abundantly and your summons be legendary.