Exclusive Reveal: Wizards of the Coast Introduces Three Exciting ‘Final Fantasy’ Cards in Magic: The Gathering – A Deep Dive

Magic: The Gathering has exciting news! They’ve just revealed three new cards from their upcoming “Final Fantasy” set, which is a collaboration with Square Enix. This sneak peek comes through a first look featured in Variety.

The three cards include The Strahl, Luka Stadium, and Tidus, Zanarkand Fayth. These cards are part of a special bonus sheet titled “Final Fantasy Through The Ages” and will be available on June 13. You can preorder here.

Gavin Verhey, the principal designer, shared that they wanted The Strahl, which is linked to famous characters Balthier and Fran, to be included after realizing it wouldn’t fit in the main set. "We thought it would be a fun nod," he explained, highlighting the connection to Smuggler’s Copter, a classic card in the Magic community.

Dillon Deveney, a principal game designer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the iconic status of the airship and how it fits perfectly with the game’s themes.

Verhey and his team collaborated closely with Square Enix, which was eager to contribute. They often play Magic together, strengthening their connection. For instance, when they suggested Thrasios as a card, Square Enix responded enthusiastically. "They love Magic tons and tons," Verhey remarked.

Daniel Holt, a senior game designer, expressed personal excitement. Final Fantasy X is his favorite game, and fan requests for Blitzball inspired him to integrate Strixhaven Stadium into the set. "It was just a perfect fit," he said.

Releasing on June 13, this set will cover all sixteen mainline Final Fantasy games. Players can expect to cast spells and summon beloved characters, creating their unique gaming stories.

As Magic strives to resonate with its Japanese audience, executive producer Zakeel Gordon noted that the franchise has a long history there, dating back to 1995. He mentioned promising signals from the community and hinted at special promotions in Japan to celebrate this launch.

This collaboration not only merges two rich worlds but also shows how nostalgia can enhance modern gaming experiences. Magic: The Gathering is bridging gaps between different gaming cultures, inviting players to explore fresh storytelling avenues.

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Final Fantasy,Magic: The Gathering,Square Enix,Wizards of the Coast