Two years back, Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Square Enix to merge the enchanting realms of Final Fantasy with the strategic complexities of Magic: The Gathering. Recently, Wizards of the Coast unveiled a preview of this eagerly awaited set, showcasing characters from Cloud and Terra to the more unexpected like Jumbo Cactuar with its formidable 10,000-damage skill.
Although the release is still a quarter away, the initial showcase of cards has set expectations high, promising a blockbuster release for both Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix. At a recent event in MagicCon Chicago, GameSpot had the opportunity to sit with Gavin Verhey, the lead designer of the Final Fantasy set, and Rebecca Shepard, Wizards franchise VP, to delve into the origins and execution of this innovative crossover.
Their discussion spanned the creative challenges of distilling 16 games into a single card set, the philosophy behind the card designs, and the nurturing of a relationship between Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix. From what Wizards conveyed, while this collaboration might be the first, it likely won’t be the last.
Collaboration with Square Enix
Rebecca Shepard shared that the collaboration traces back to 2021 during the peak of COVID-19, with foundational discussions happening over Zoom, sometimes multiple times a week. With the set’s launch imminent, the dialogue remains robust. Shepard highlighted that such partnerships typically span several years, from initial concepts to post-launch activities.
Gavin Verhey revealed a fascinating tidbit about the enthusiasm within Square Enix Japan for Magic, noting that one Square Enix team member proudly owns a Black Lotus, a highly coveted card among Magic players. This deep personal investment in Magic by the Square Enix team has enriched the collaboration, bringing authenticity and excitement to the development process.
Verhey also recounted memorable interactions with Final Fantasy’s original creators, including a touching moment when he could fulfill a designer’s wish by revealing a card featuring a beloved character from Final Fantasy IX.
16 Titles, One Epic Set
The set ambitiously encompasses all 16 mainline Final Fantasy titles, deliberately excluding spin-offs and remakes. Balancing the representation of each game was a complex task; Verhey aimed to prevent any single game from overshadowing others in terms of card count. Shepard emphasized Square Enix’s desire for a balanced representation, reflecting their deep understanding of game mechanics and player expectations.
Verhey pointed out the unique challenge presented by Final Fantasy XVI, which was still in development parallel to the card set, necessitating careful coordination.
Maintaining Equilibrium
To ensure each game was appropriately represented, the design team incorporated specific game indicators on each card. This not only aids in game recognition but also enriches the player’s connection to the narratives and characters of Final Fantasy. The initial card reveals included universally recognizable elements like Tonberry and Shiva, ensuring immediate appeal to fans of the series.
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Verhey expressed his commitment to inclusivity in character representation while acknowledging that it’s impossible to cover every character without some omissions.
Crafting the Final Fantasy Experience
Integrating Final Fantasy into Magic: The Gathering involved creating new game mechanics, such as a novel Saga Creature card type for representing summons, a first in Magic’s history. This innovative approach turned a potential gameplay limitation into a dynamic feature of these cards.
Double-sided cards were utilized to capture the transformative experiences of Final Fantasy’s heroes and villains, reflecting the narrative depth and evolution typical of the video game series.
Journey Through the Ages
An unexpected highlight of the Final Fantasy set is the “Final Fantasy Through The Ages,” a 60-card sub-collection featuring reprints of classic Magic cards adorned with iconic Final Fantasy artwork provided by Square Enix. This set includes contributions from legendary artists like Yoshitaka Amano and Tetsuya Nomura, adding a rich, artistic heritage to the collection.
Expanding Horizons
The Final Fantasy set marks a new chapter in Magic’s Universes Beyond series, being one of the first that will be standard-legal in competitive play. Upcoming sets will feature themes from other major franchises, indicating a strategic expansion of Magic’s universe to incorporate broader pop culture elements.
Rebecca Shepard addressed the mixed reactions from the fanbase regarding the integration of external IPs, emphasizing the importance of growth and inclusivity in Magic’s future.
As the launch date approaches, the excitement within Wizards of the Coast is palpable, driven by a deep affection for both Magic and Final Fantasy. With ongoing dialogue and potential future collaborations, the journey between Wizards and Square Enix is poised to continue, enriching the gaming experience for new and old fans alike. Magic: The Gathering | Final Fantasy is set to launch on June 13, with prerelease events starting June 6.
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