Magic: The Gathering's exciting new crossover with Final Fantasy is here! This June, get ready for a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, plus four preconstructed Commander decks, each themed around a different mainline Final Fantasy game: 6, 7, 10, and 14.
Check out the gallery below for a sneak peek at the artwork and packaging for each deck!
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Each 100-card deck features both reprints with new Final Fantasy art and brand-new cards designed for Commander. The decks aren't just themed around characters; they delve deep into the lore of each individual game. Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt explains the selection process: While FFVII and FFXIV were easy choices, FFVI and FFX were chosen based on team favorites and gameplay potential. The entire development team, filled with passionate Final Fantasy fans, contributed significantly.
The FFVII deck balances nostalgia for the original with the modern aesthetics of the Remake trilogy, focusing on the 1997 classic's narrative. Principal Narrative Game Designer Dillon Deveney describes the approach as a fusion of both versions, offering a familiar yet updated experience.
FFVI, with its pixel art origins, presented unique challenges. To maintain the classic feel while updating the art, Wizards of the Coast collaborated directly with the FFVI team, blending elements from Amano's concept art, sprites, and Pixel Remaster portraits.
Commander deck leaders were carefully chosen. While Cloud was an obvious choice for FFVII, other selections involved brainstorming. The team ultimately opted for the main protagonists, except for FFXIV's MMO nature. Y'shtola, chosen for her popularity, spellcasting abilities, and story arc (specifically, the Shadowbringers arc), leads the FFXIV deck.
The deck designs cleverly incorporate each game's themes and mechanics within Magic's color restrictions. All four decks include White, facilitating the inclusion of a wide range of heroes. FFVI focuses on graveyard recursion, FFVII blends equipment strategies with environmental elements, FFX uses the Sphere Grid system to empower creatures, and FFXIV utilizes a non-creature spellcasting theme.
Beyond the leaders, the decks feature beloved characters from each game's supporting cast. While specifics remain under wraps, fans can expect many familiar faces amongst the 99 cards beyond the commander.
The Final Fantasy set launches June 13th, with each deck available in regular and Collector's Editions (MSRP $69.99 and $149.99 respectively). The Collector's Editions feature all 100 cards with special Surge foil treatment. And don't worry if your favorite game isn't represented in this initial release – all sixteen mainline games will have their moments to shine in future products!
