Final Fantasy TCG: Cloud, Tidus Join New Commander Decks

Magic: The Gathering's highly anticipated Final Fantasy crossover is almost here! Launching this June, this exciting collaboration features four preconstructed Commander decks, each themed around a different mainline Final Fantasy game: 6, 7, 10, and 14.

A First Look at the Decks:

Browse the gallery below for an exclusive sneak peek at the key card and packaging for each deck. [Image Gallery: 13 Images]

Deck Details:

Each 100-card deck blends reprints with new Final Fantasy-themed art and brand-new cards designed for Commander play. The decks aren't just character-focused; they delve deep into the lore of each respective game. Senior Game Designer Daniel Holt explains that this approach allowed for a richer exploration of each game's story and iconic moments.

Game Selection:

The choice of games (FF6, 7, 10, and 14) was a careful balance of gameplay considerations and story recognition. While FF7 and 14 were relatively straightforward choices, FF6 and 10 required more deliberation, ultimately selected due to their popularity within the development team. The passion for Final Fantasy within Wizards of the Coast was a significant factor in the selection process.

FFVII: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Aesthetics:

The FFVII deck navigates the original game's narrative while incorporating the modern aesthetics of the Remake trilogy. Principal Narrative Game Designer Dillon Deveney clarifies that the story follows the 1997 classic, but the art blends elements from both versions, aiming for a familiar yet updated experience.

FFVI: A Nostalgic Tribute:

Recreating FFVI's aesthetic presented unique challenges due to its pixel art origins. The team worked closely with the FFVI team, synthesizing elements from original concept art, sprites, and Pixel Remaster portraits to create a cohesive and updated look while retaining the game's nostalgic charm.

Commander Choices:

While Cloud was an obvious choice for FFVII, the other commanders involved careful consideration. Terra (FFVI), Tidus (FFX), and Y'shtola (FFXIV) were chosen based on popularity and their suitability as deck leaders. Y'shtola's deck specifically reflects her Shadowbringers arc.

Deck Design and Color Identity:

Each deck's color identity was carefully chosen to reflect both the game's themes and desired gameplay. The inclusion of White in all four decks was intentional, facilitating the inclusion of a diverse range of heroes. The design of each deck cleverly incorporates mechanics inspired by the respective game's core gameplay elements.

Supporting Characters:

Beyond the commanders, the decks also feature numerous beloved characters from each game's supporting cast, both heroes and villains. While specific details remain under wraps, fans can anticipate seeing many familiar faces in the form of legendary creatures and impactful spells.

Future Plans:

While this set focuses on four games, all sixteen mainline Final Fantasy titles will be represented across future products.

Collector's Editions:

Both regular and Collector's Editions will be available for each deck. The Collector's Editions feature all 100 cards with special Surge foil treatment. (MSRP: Regular - $69.99, Collector's Edition - $149.99)

The Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering crossover launches June 13th!