by Adriana RodriguezOne of the more interesting things we did during Summer Game Fest: Play Days was we learned how to play Magic: The Gathering (MTG), and the timing couldn’t be more perfect seeing as how the release of the Final Fantasy-themed collaboration sets is today!
Gaming and trading cards have always stood facing one another across the same blurred line of fantasy role-playing games. Similar, but not enough for a complete fandom crossover. They’re in the same realm of fantasy, but two totally different types of fantasy. But the Wizards of the Coast was able to make it happen causing both fandoms to lose their minds. Check out our interview above!
If you haven’t dived into MTG, it plays much like Pokémon TCG with a few caveats. MTG has support cards that act as trainer cards, character cards are used like actual Pokemon, but still need mana from Land cards, which are utilized as energy cards. After playing one game, it’s safe to say it has a lot more going on than any gym leader and the stakes are higher than the damage taken from an Omnislash. The real life experience of this was a pleasant one, and I simply have to admit how laying down the pain while controlling Sephiroth didn’t make me feel like a wizard myself. I have so much to learn, but that’s sometimes the funnest part of TCG’s.
It was awesome to hear Daniel talking about this collab as a genuine fan with so much knowledge and experience regarding so many Final Fantasy titles. The monumental creative process for this isn’t one I could wrap my head around, let alone for five whole years. For that amount of time, we could tell it was definitely in the right hands.
Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy have been around for nearly the same amount of time, so it’s surprising this collaboration didn’t happen sooner. There’s a card for every fan to collect, use for playing, or even display on their wall. All in all, these sets have made both fandoms beyond elated and that’s the best outcome for everyone, fan or not.
We look forward to covering more MTG and gaming crossovers in the future and as a reminder, the Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering collaboration officially hits store shelves today, so get ‘em while they’re stocked and ready!