Magic: The Gathering Unveils Exclusive “Final Fantasy” Cards – A Match Made in Heaven?
In a move that’s sure to delight fans of both Magic: The Gathering and the beloved video game franchise, Final Fantasy, Wizards of the Coast has unveiled three new cards from its upcoming “Final Fantasy” set. The highly anticipated collaboration between Magic and Square Enix is set to release on June 13, and we’ve got the exclusive first look at the preview images.
The three new cards, part of the “Final Fantasy Through The Ages” bonus sheet, include The Strahl (an overlay of Smuggler’s Copter), Luka Stadium (Strixhaven Stadium), and Tidus, Zanarkand Fayth (Thrasios, Triton Hero). These cards are a testament to the passion and dedication of the Magic and Final Fantasy teams, who worked closely together to bring this unique collaboration to life.
A Match Made in Heaven?
The Strahl, a.k.a. Smuggler’s Copter, is a nod to the iconic vehicle from the Final Fantasy series, and its inclusion on the bonus sheet is a fun little Easter egg for fans. According to principal designer Gavin Verhey, the team wanted to find a way to include the Strahl in the set, but it didn’t quite fit with the main set’s theme. Thankfully, they were able to find a perfect spot on the bonus sheet, where it can be enjoyed alongside Balthier and Fran.
Thrasios, Triton Hero, is another standout card that showcases the collaboration between Magic and Square Enix. The team worked closely with Square Enix to develop the card, and it’s clear that both parties are passionate about Magic. As senior game designer Daniel Holt notes, “Everybody asked, ‘Is there going to be Blitzball? Is there going to be the laughing scene?’ etc. But Blitzball just kept coming up over and over on ‘Fantasy 10,’ which, you will get some of that in the commander deck.”
A Global Phenomenon
The Magic: The Gathering “Final Fantasy” collection is set to release on June 13, and it’s clear that the team is excited to bring this unique collaboration to fans around the world. According to executive producer Zakeel Gordon, “Magic has existed in Japan since 1995… We’ve had a lot of positive market signals and excitement from our Japanese community for distribution and retailers for this IP. There are a couple of special promotions that we will be doing in Japan as a celebration of this moment.”
Actionable Insights
For fans of Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy, this collaboration is a dream come true. The attention to detail and passion that has gone into developing these cards is clear, and it’s exciting to see how fans will respond to this unique set.
For those new to Magic: The Gathering, this collaboration is a great opportunity to get involved with the game. With its unique gameplay mechanics and rich lore, Magic is a game that appeals to fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The Magic: The Gathering “Final Fantasy” collection is set to be a game-changer for fans of both franchises. With its unique cards, attention to detail, and passion from the development team, this collaboration is a must-have for any fan of Magic or Final Fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this set is sure to delight and inspire. So mark your calendars for June 13 and get ready to experience the magic of Final Fantasy like never before.