So, funny thing: for well over a decade, I worked in the computer game biz. I wore a lot of hats—producer, designer, script writer, voice actor. I worked on a bunch of games you’ve probably never heard of. Lots of critical darlings that sold twelve copies.
I’ve also been playing Magic since the late ’90s.
You’d think I’d land squarely in the Venn diagram overlap of “computer game nerds” and “Magic players,” but weirdly, I’ve never played a FINAL FANTASY game. Not one. I couldn’t tell you what a chocobo is or why the title insists on shouting at me in all caps.
But hey—ignorance has never stopped me before. So let’s jump in with some first impressions, not by color but by category and curiosity.
Power Level
I was spoiled by the Lord of the Rings Universes Beyond set, which was clearly built to impact Modern—and did. FINAL FANTASY, by comparison, feels much more like an introductory set. Which makes sense: this is designed to bring new players in from the FF fanbase. And under the new rotation schedule, these cards will be with us for at least three years.
Underpowered doesn’t mean bad—it just means reset your expectations.
Legends Everywhere
This might be the most legend-heavy set since LotR, clocking in near 100 legendary cards. I assume that’s partly IP-driven, but it’s also likely a way to attract players to Commander. I’m not in marketing, though—I still have a soul.
The Crystal Cycle
Each color gets a four-mana legendary artifact that reduces mana costs and has a useful effect. They’re flexible, playable, and legendary, which slightly limits their utility. That said, here’s my power ranking:
- The Darkness Crystal
- The Wind Crystal
- The Fire Crystal
- The Earth Crystal
- The Water Crystal
Disagree? That’s fine. I’m not your boss.
Towns
FINAL FANTASY introduces a new land subtype: Towns. Most are enters-tapped duals with minor effects. A few are cute—Gold Saucer for coin-flip decks, Adventurer’s Inn as a Radiant Fountain replacement—but the only real payoff is Balamb Garden, SeeD Academy, and even that’s underwhelming.
Bonus: Wastes got reprinted, so those just got more accessible.
Card-by-Card Commentary
- PuPu UFO: Lives up to the name. Cute but mostly draft chaff.
- Ultima, Origin of Oblivion: Wants to live in Eldrazi shells. Blight is neat, ramp is better, but it’s surprisingly fragile for a god.
- Summon: Bahamut: Expensive, but big payoffs. Could be a four-of in Tron-style builds if it finds a home.
- Magic Pot: “I’ve seen worse graveyard hate. I’ll let you know when I think of one.”
- Excalibur II: Honestly? I’d rather just have Excalibur I.
- Aettir and Priwen: Rewards for Equipment-heavy Commanders. Stock up on those Stoneforge Mystics now.
- Cloud, Midgar Mercenary: Standard-ready Equipment enabler. Could revive R/W Equipment in Standard—keep an eye on this.
- Blitzball: Draft fun only. Too many hoops in Constructed.
- Absolute Virtue: Looks good for Reanimator, but doesn’t protect itself. Pass.
- Lightning, Army of One: Could be the breakout card of the set. Tons of potential. Needs protection and/or haste, but definitely one to brew around.
- Emet-Selch, Unsundered: Combos galore if you can support the engine. I'm cautiously optimistic.
- Vivi Ornitier: Is this the real deal, or just another “almost” for UR spells-matter decks? Remains to be seen.
- Golbez, Crystal Collector: Underrated. Artifact synergies galore, especially in formats with artifact lands.
- Cid, Timeless Artificer: Cool variants, but functionally just okay. Great for Relentless Rats–style fans, though.
- Summon: Knights of Round: Will find a home in enchantment reanimator shells. And it will ruin your day. Unless you’re the one casting it.
- Ultima: Wrath of God plus Day’s Undoing is a cute combo, but too narrow for widespread play.
- Sidequest: Catch a Fish: Wait... is this World of Warcraft now?
Conclusion
That’s it for Part I. Stay tuned for Part II—more cards, more snark, and maybe a good joke or two. I’m trying. Really.