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

Even if you're not a regular player of Magic: The Gathering, you're likely aware of its recent video game crossovers, including titles like Fallout, Tomb Raider, and Assassin’s Creed. Now, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive first look at one of the most anticipated collaborations yet: Final Fantasy. This crossover isn't limited to just one game; it spans four mainline Final Fantasy titles, from Terra to Y’shtola, each represented in unique preconstructed Commander decks that will headline the set.

**Browse through the image gallery below** to get a sneak peek at the lead card and packaging for each deck. Dive deeper into our discussion with Wizards of the Coast to learn what you can expect from these decks, why these specific games were chosen, and much more.

Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering - Commander Decks Reveal

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Set to launch this June, the Magic's Final Fantasy crossover will feature a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, complemented by four preconstructed decks showcased above. Each deck contains 100 cards, blending reprints with new Final Fantasy-inspired art and brand-new cards tailored for the popular Commander format. These decks are uniquely themed around a single Final Fantasy game: 6, 7, 10, and 14.

“Final Fantasy games are so rich with flavor, beloved characters, and unique settings that choosing a single game as the theme provided more than enough material to design a full deck of cards around,” says Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt, the Commander Lead for the set. “Focusing on each game individually allowed us to delve deep into their lore, capturing cherished moments that might not have been possible otherwise.”

The selection of these four Final Fantasy games was driven by a blend of gameplay considerations and the popularity of their stories. Holt explains that while Final Fantasy 7 and 14 were straightforward choices, Final Fantasy 6 and 10 required more deliberation but were ultimately selected due to their appeal among the development team. “This project was fueled by the passion of Final Fantasy fans within our team, ensuring every stage of development was deeply invested in,” Holt adds.

Navigating the direction for each game's representation was crucial. For Final Fantasy 7, amidst its ongoing remake trilogy, the Commander deck focuses on the original 1997 narrative while incorporating the modern aesthetics of the remakes. Dillon Deveney, Principal Narrative Game Designer and Narrative Lead for the set, explains, “Our goal was to encapsulate the narrative of the original PS1 game while leveraging the modern visuals from Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to elevate character designs, story moments, and iconic locations. We aimed to blend elements from both versions, hoping to evoke nostalgia and appeal to fans of both the classic and the new series.”

For Final Fantasy 6, which lacks the modern art references of the others, the team worked closely with the original game's creators to update character designs while preserving the essence of the pixel art. Deveney shares, “We wanted the character designs to resonate with fans' memories, blending various references and new ideas. We collaborated directly with the Final Fantasy 6 team to ensure the characters met the standards expected in Magic art.”

Choosing the lead characters for each deck involved careful consideration. While Cloud was an obvious choice for Final Fantasy 7, other games required more brainstorming. Celes was considered for Final Fantasy 6, reflecting the World of Ruin theme, and Yuna for Final Fantasy 10 due to her fan-favorite status. Ultimately, the lead characters were selected to represent the core of each game. For Final Fantasy 14, Y’shtola was chosen due to her popularity and her role as a spellcaster, specifically during her Shadowbringers arc. Although the idea of a customizable "Warrior of Light" commander was explored, Holt notes that the personal hero's moments are still well-represented within the deck.

Crafting a deck to encapsulate an entire game's story, characters, and themes within the confines of Magic's five colors was a challenge. Holt explains, “We had to decide on the color identity for each game and the gameplay we wanted to achieve. All four decks include White, which helped us include a wide range of Heroes and fit the thematic elements.” The deck for Final Fantasy 6 focuses on the latter part of the game, emphasizing rebuilding your party from the graveyard. For Final Fantasy 7, Cloud's equipment strategy aligns with a white-red deck, with green added to incorporate 'power matters' and lifestream themes. Final Fantasy 10's deck, inspired by the Sphere Grid, empowers creatures through a classic white-blue-green strategy. Final Fantasy 14's white-blue-black deck leans into noncreature spell casting while showcasing desired characters.

Holt assures fans that the supporting casts of these games will not be overlooked. “Final Fantasy games are full of loveable and villainous characters, and it was crucial to include them in these decks. While specifics are under wraps, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters as new legendary creatures and in action on other spells.”

The Magic's Final Fantasy set is slated for release on June 13. Even if your favorite Final Fantasy game or character isn't represented in these decks, Holt promises that all sixteen mainline games will have their moment to shine in accompanying products. Echoing the success of the Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks from 2022, these decks will be available in both a regular version (MSRP $69.99) and a Collector’s Edition (MSRP $149.99), the latter featuring all 100 cards in a special Surge foil treatment.

*Continue reading for the full, unedited interview with Wizards of the Coast’s Daniel Holt and Dillon Deveney.*