"Final Fantasy Commander Decks Unveiled: Cloud, Tidus Featured"

Even if you're not a regular player of Magic: The Gathering, you've likely noticed its growing trend of video game crossovers, featuring titles like Fallout, Tomb Raider, and Assassin’s Creed. However, the latest and perhaps most thrilling crossover yet is with Final Fantasy. This collaboration isn't limited to just one game; it spans four iconic mainline entries: Final Fantasy VI, VII, X, and XIV. Each game is represented in a unique preconstructed Commander deck, offering fans an exciting way to blend these beloved universes.

**Explore the image gallery below** to get a sneak peek at the lead card and packaging for each deck. Continue reading for an insightful discussion with Wizards of the Coast, where we delve into what you can expect from these decks, the rationale behind selecting these four games, and much more.

Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering - Commander Decks Reveal

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Set for release in June, the Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy crossover promises an immersive experience with a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, complemented by four themed preconstructed decks. Each deck contains 100 cards, featuring reprints with new Final Fantasy artwork and fresh cards tailored for the Commander format. These decks are uniquely themed around a single Final Fantasy game - VI, VII, X, and XIV.

"Final Fantasy games are brimming with rich storylines, cherished characters, and distinctive worlds, making it feasible to craft a complete deck around each game," explains Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt, who leads the Commander aspect of the set. "Focusing on one game per deck allowed us to delve deeply into its lore, capturing iconic moments and enhancing the overall experience."

The selection of these four Final Fantasy games was influenced by both their gameplay potential and their widespread recognition. While Final Fantasy VII and XIV were straightforward choices, VI and X required more deliberation but were ultimately chosen due to their popularity within the team. "This project truly resonated with everyone at Wizards of the Coast, given the passion our team has for Final Fantasy," Holt remarks.

Balancing between the original narratives and modern interpretations was crucial, especially for Final Fantasy VII. Dillon Deveney, the Principal Narrative Game Designer and Narrative Lead for the set, elaborates, "We aimed to preserve the essence of the original 1997 game while integrating the aesthetic enhancements from the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth. This approach allows us to present scenes in a way that resonates with fans of both the classic and contemporary versions."

For Final Fantasy VI, capturing the essence of its pixel art while updating it to meet Magic's art standards posed a unique challenge. "Our goal was to create character designs that feel familiar to fans, blending various references and new concepts," Deveney notes. The team worked closely with the Final Fantasy VI developers to ensure the art remained true to the game's spirit.

Selecting the lead characters for each deck was another intricate process. While Cloud was a clear choice for VII, other games required more thoughtful consideration. "For Y’shtola in Final Fantasy XIV, her popularity, spellcasting abilities, and rich narrative arc in Shadowbringers made her an ideal choice," Holt explains. The idea of a customizable "Warrior of Light" was considered but ultimately deemed too complex for this set.

Incorporating an entire game's story and themes into a single deck while adhering to Magic's color system was challenging yet rewarding. "We chose color identities that aligned with each game's theme and gameplay style," Holt says. For instance, the deck for VI focuses on reviving creatures from the graveyard, reflecting the game's World of Ruin phase. VII's deck leverages Cloud's iconic sword with equipment strategies, while X's deck draws inspiration from its Sphere Grid system, and XIV's deck emphasizes noncreature spellcasting.

Despite the focus on lead characters, the supporting casts of these games are not forgotten. "Final Fantasy is known for its diverse characters, and we've made sure to include fan favorites and villains in these decks," Holt promises, hinting at exciting new legendary creatures and spells.

The Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set will hit the shelves on June 13. For fans worried about missing their favorite games or characters, Holt reassures, "All sixteen mainline Final Fantasy games will have their moments in the accompanying products."

Mirroring the approach taken with the 2022 Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks, these Final Fantasy decks will be available in both a standard version (MSRP $69.99) and a Collector’s Edition (MSRP $149.99), the latter featuring a special Surge foil treatment for all 100 cards in each deck.

*For a deeper dive, read the full, unedited interview with Wizards of the Coast’s Daniel Holt and Dillon Deveney.*