Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Reveals Commander Decks

Magic: The Gathering's exciting new crossover with Final Fantasy is here! This June, get ready for a fully draftable, Standard-legal set, plus four preconstructed Commander decks showcasing iconic characters and moments from Final Fantasy VI, VII, X, and XIV.

A Glimpse into the Decks:

Check out the image gallery below for a sneak peek at the key card and packaging for each deck.

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Each 100-card deck features a blend of reprints with new Final Fantasy artwork and brand-new cards designed for Commander. The unique twist? Each deck is themed around a single Final Fantasy game.

Deck Design and Inspiration:

Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt explains the deck design process: "Final Fantasy's rich lore and beloved characters provided ample material. Focusing on a single game per deck allowed us to delve deep into each storyline."

The selection of games (FFVI, VII, X, and XIV) balanced gameplay desires with story recognition. While FFVII and XIV were easy choices, FFVI and FFX required more discussion but were ultimately chosen due to team favorites. Holt emphasizes the team's passion for Final Fantasy: "Everyone was invested, as we have so many passionate Final Fantasy fans."

FFVII: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Aesthetics:

Principal Narrative Game Designer Dillon Deveney clarifies the approach to FFVII: "We captured the original PS1 game's narrative but used FFVII Remake's modern aesthetics to enhance character designs and locations. We blended elements from both versions where possible, aiming for a familiar yet fresh experience."

FFVI: A Nostalgic Tribute:

FFVI, with its pixel art origins, presented a different challenge. Deveney explains their approach: "We aimed to evoke the feeling of the original sprites and concept art while expanding upon them. We collaborated directly with the FFVI team to ensure authenticity."

Commander Choices and Deck Strategies:

Choosing the Commander for each deck involved careful consideration. While Cloud (FFVII) was an obvious choice, other selections required brainstorming. The final choices reflect a balance of character popularity and gameplay potential. Y'shtola (FFXIV), representing her Shadowbringers arc, was chosen for her spellcasting abilities and narrative depth.

Holt discusses the color identities and strategies: "We determined color identity based on the game and desired gameplay. All four decks include White, both thematically and for versatility." He highlights the unique strategies: FFVI focuses on graveyard recursion; FFVII blends equipment strategies with environmental elements; FFX uses the Sphere Grid system to empower creatures; and FFXIV utilizes a non-creature spellcasting theme.

Supporting Characters and Beyond:

While the Commanders are central, the supporting casts are not forgotten. Holt assures fans: "Fans can expect to see some of their favorite characters as legendary creatures and in action on spells." He also confirms that all sixteen mainline Final Fantasy games will be represented across the accompanying products.

Availability:

The Final Fantasy Commander decks will be available on June 13th in regular ($69.99 MSRP) and Collector's Edition ($149.99 MSRP) versions. The Collector's Edition features all 100 cards with special Surge foil treatment.