MTGxFinalFantasy first look by WOTC

Okay, fellow Planeswalkers and Final Fantasy enthusiasts, I'm still reeling from the reveal of the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy collaboration! The hype truly is real, and as a long-time fan of both franchises, getting this first look has me absolutely buzzing. What truly caught my eye, and what I think will be a fantastic entry point for many, is the *Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Starter Kit*. It's advertised as '2 DECKS READY TO PLAY,' which is brilliant. This means new players can jump straight into the action, or even veteran players can quickly grab a friend and start battling with iconic characters right out of the box. Speaking of iconic characters, seeing Sephiroth, Planet's Heir and Cloud, Planet's Champion front and center on the Starter Kit packaging gave me chills. These two define an era of gaming, and their inclusion as powerful cards makes perfect sense. I can only imagine the kind of epic showdowns these decks will facilitate, pitting two of Final Fantasy VII's most legendary figures against each other in a Magic format. It's not just about collecting; it's about playing out those dream matchups! Beyond the main heroes, the individual card reveals are just stunning. Take *Dragon of Mount Gulg*, for instance. The art is absolutely gorgeous, showcasing a majestic golden dragon that looks incredibly formidable. Then there's *Yuffie Kisaragi*, the mischievous ninja. I'm already speculating about her abilities – I bet she'll be all about quick strikes and hand disruption, staying true to her character. These cards aren't just powerful; they're packed with flavor that perfectly captures their essence from the games. And who could forget the *Jumbo Cactuar*? This desert menace is a personal favorite, and seeing its signature '10,000 Needles' ability translated into Magic is hilarious and exciting. Plus, the different art styles are a huge win for collectors. The standard art is great, but the 'Borderless Woodblock' style for Cactuar is absolutely stunning – it gives the card a unique, artistic feel that I absolutely adore. It's these little touches that elevate a collaboration from good to truly exceptional. Finally, the elemental summons are making an appearance, and Summon: Shiva is a prime example of the incredible artwork we can expect. Her 'Heavenly Strike' and 'Diamond Dust' abilities sound like they'll be devastating on the battlefield, perfectly encapsulating her ice-cold power. Again, getting a 'Borderless Woodblock' version of Shiva just makes her even more desirable. It's clear that Wizards of the Coast has put a lot of thought into respecting the source material while making mechanically interesting cards. Overall, my first impression of the MTGxFinalFantasy set is overwhelmingly positive. From the ready-to-play Starter Kit featuring Cloud and Sephiroth, to the detailed artwork and faithful ability translations of characters like Yuffie, Cactuar, and Shiva, this set looks like a home run for fans of both franchises. I can’t wait to get my hands on these cards and start building some new decks. This is definitely one of the most exciting Magic sets in a long time, and I truly believe it will bring a lot of joy to players!