“Magic: The Gathering” has taken an exhilarating leap forward with its latest collaboration.
The highly anticipated crossover with the iconic video game series “Final Fantasy” has not just captured attention; it has shattered records. Hasbro’s CEO, Chris Cocks, revealed that this collaboration has become the **highest-selling set of “Magic: The Gathering” ever**, based exclusively on preorders. While the official product launch is just around the corner, eager fans have already started to acquire prized cards like Sephiroth, Vivi, and the whimsical Cactuar at exclusive store events this weekend.
“I can’t think of a single metric by which this set isn’t a success,” remarked Charles Boebinger, an avid fan of both franchises. He dedicated an impressive 12-hour Twitch stream reviewing each “Final Fantasy” card. “It’s drawing in fans from both worlds; even those who typically don’t play ‘Final Fantasy’ are expressing curiosity about its lore.”
“The overwhelmingly positive reception has truly astonished us,” said senior game designer Daniel Holt. “It’s clear that players love the intricate details we’ve woven into this crossover.”
These cherished moments are brought to life through a myriad of cards. “Players have shown tremendous appreciation for the iconic story moments featured on new cards like Suplex and Sidequest: Catch a Fish, as well as familiar cards reimagined in the Commander decks, such as ‘Cloud in a dress’ on Clever Concealment and the unforgettable ‘laughing scene from FF10’ on Inspiring Call,” Holt elaborated.
Wizards of the Coast worked closely with Square Enix, the creators of “Final Fantasy,” ensuring that the hundreds of new cards reflect the rich history of the series’ 16 mainline games.
“Our team brainstormed card names, creature types, and quotes,” explained Dillon Deveney, principal game designer. “In return, they provided insights into character perspectives, story arcs, and even highlighted differences in localizations.”
“The team we collaborated with are die-hard ‘Magic’ fans!” exclaimed Gavin Verhey, principal designer and set lead. “Visiting Square Enix for playtesting was a dream come true.”
Hunt the Mark
While the excitement surrounding the set is palpable, it does come with a price. Licensing agreements have raised the MSRP of booster packs from a recently adjusted $5.49 to $6.99. Some of the most sought-after cards are even trending towards hundreds of dollars in presales.
“I made the conscious decision to redirect my spending towards this set because of its personal significance,” shared Boebinger. “I aim to collect a complete set, willing to invest more for that goal.” The excitement is shared publicly, reflected in rising prices across various retailers.
However, “Final Fantasy” isn’t merely a collectible; it’s also a dynamic game. Wizards provided an exclusive preview of the digital “Magic: Arena” version during a live streaming event. Even as a casual “Final Fantasy” player, I found myself captivated by the draft format.
I reveled in deploying Kuja, Genome Sorcerer alongside a legion of black mages, launching sudden attacks on unsuspecting opponents. Another deck strategy involved unleashing hordes of chocobos, trampling all competition. I even attempted a “towns” deck, hoping to draw The Wandering Minstrel early to boost its performance, but the aggressive bias of this set often left my creativity in the dust.
Overall, I commend the mechanics of “Final Fantasy,” which harmonize beautifully with the core essence of “Magic.” It’s a thematic match far superior to previous crossovers like “Assassin’s Creed,” “Doctor Who,” or even “Spongebob Squarepants.” The synergy is so profound that I’ve even integrated it into a draft cube I’ve designed myself.
While I’m thrilled about these crossovers sharing DNA with “Magic”—including classics like “The Lord of the Rings” and roleplaying adventures like “Baldur’s Gate”—I can’t help but worry that the triumph of “Final Fantasy” might overshadow the unique realms of “Magic” that originally drew me in. The thought of its increasing prevalence in tournament play makes me nostalgic for this year’s Tarkir: Dragonstorm and the simpler times it represents.
Yet I cannot deny the undeniable charm and creativity of the new cards. In alignment with Boebinger’s sentiment, “In the ‘Final Fantasy’ set, almost every card brings a smile to someone’s face.”
With those worries on hold, I’ve got a chocobo to catch!
