The long-awaited Magic: The Gathering — FINAL FANTASY set will soon release on June 13! In anticipation of this exciting event, we're introducing some of the cards in the set – sixteen articles for sixteen mainline games in the series!
The elements we showcase here range from iconic characters to defining moments—aspects that encompass the essence of the FINAL FANTASY franchise.
For our fifth showcase, we’d like to show you two cards from FINAL FANTASY V.
The first card we’d like to introduce to you is “Self-Destruct.” Self-Destruct is a staple skill in FINAL FANTASY, typically having the user sacrifice all of their health to deliver a devastating blow to the enemy. This card features Gilgamesh, a relentless rival to the protagonist’s party, and a well-known scene involving him and this skill.
The second card we’d like to showcase today is “Galuf’s Final Act.” This card focuses on Galuf’s last stand against the powerful warlock Exdeath. Every unrelenting strike from Exdeath is met head-on by Galuf, empowered by the hope and determination to protect his allies.
Two heart-wrenching scenes, both centered on the lengths to which someone is willing to go to protect what’s important to them.... We suggest picking up FINAL FANTASY V to see their heroic sacrifices in action!
We’ve received some additional comments on them from Magic: The Gathering’s very own Principle Narrative Game Designer: Dillon Deveney!
Self-Destruct
Oh, Gilgamesh, you will always be remembered as a hero! "Self-Destruct" is a famous ability in FINAL FANTASY, seen across many enemies (like the Bomb) and Blue Mages in many games can master this ability as well. We explored numerous options on how best to show this concept and Yoni Skolnik (Principal Game Designer and Vision Lead for this collaboration) recommended we show Gilgamesh's last stand against Necrophobe. I thought it was so genius, because this scene is so awesome, that we needed to get it on the card. Gilgamesh has so many iconic lines, it was great to get some of his final words on a card. When you play this, your creature makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect your team!
Galuf’s Final Act
Galuf versus Exdeath is such an iconic moment in FINAL FANTASY V. The art depicts this epic clash between bitter rivals and the mechanics of the card hint at the story that comes after this battle. Galuf summons the last of his strength and imbues his power into Krile. You can see the spell grants a creature you control an ability that triggers when it dies and that ability makes another creature stronger. We wanted to tell stories not just through art, card names, and flavor text, but mechanically as well!
Magic: The Gathering — FINAL FANTASY will be available for purchase on June 13. Until then, why not come (re-)familiarize yourself with the world of FINAL FANTASY? If you simply can’t wait, be among the first to play with the collaboration cards via prerelease at authorized retailers come Friday, June 6!
FINAL FANTASY V
Since time immemorial, the four Crystals have maintained the harmony of the elements, and the civilizations of man flourished. However, the light of the Crystals begins to wane, ominously portending dark days to come. Princess Lenna of Tycoon journeys in pursuit of her father, who has not been seen since leaving to investigate the Wind Crystal. Her path soon crosses with that of Bartz, a young adventurer whose heart is set on traveling the world. With each encounter and each bond they forge, they move closer to unraveling the mystery of the Crystals. Meanwhile, an ancient evil looms, plotting his return...
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