Final Fantasy Characters Who Deserve a Spot in Magic: The Gathering’s Crossover

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Summary

  • Hildibrand Manderville is a comedic relief character deserving inclusion in Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy set.
  • Noctis and his friends would fit well with the Party mechanic, enhancing the Final Fantasy 15 boy band’s synergy.
  • Characters like Vivi, Mog, and Bahamut offer unique mechanics to enhance gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.

Over four decades, the popular video game series known as Final Fantasy has introduced numerous beloved characters that have touched the hearts of gamers across the globe. From the simple pixel art of the early games to the highly detailed 3D models in more modern editions, each installment offers a fresh set of engaging companions and adversaries to encounter and battle.

In June 2025, it’s been announced that a crossover set for Magic: The Gathering, featuring only characters and creatures from the Final Fantasy universe, will be launched. This exciting news has sparked lots of speculation among fans about which beloved characters might join the card game. Here are some fan-favorite characters across the franchise that could make an impressive addition to the Magic: The Gathering set when it becomes available.

10. Hildibrand Manderville

Gentleman Of Light

Hildibrand Manderville might just be the most hilarious side character in any “Final Fantasy” game so far. Serving as the main non-player character (NPC) for numerous questlines throughout multiple expansions of “Final Fantasy 14”, Hildibrand is undeniably a character of excessive proportions, consistently finding himself smack dab in the middle of the outrageous predicaments that only the illustrious Hildibrand Manderville, the unparalleled investigator, could encounter.

From my perspective, when it comes to bringing this titan of inquiry into the realm of “Magic: The Gathering,” one mechanism truly shines as a necessity: Investigate. This mechanism enables players to generate clue tokens, which subsequently allows them to draw additional cards. Can you imagine a more fitting mechanic for the Eorzian enigma and master of intrigue?

9. Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Ignis Scientia, & Gladiolus Amicitia

Final Fantasy 15’s Boy Band

In Final Fantasy 15, the story revolves around a single unit: the game. The protagonist, Noctis, a prince from Lucis, embarks on a journey across the world with his friends, aiming to rescue their nation from the dominion of the Niflheim empire. As any player would agree, this endearing group is inseparable, each member contributing unique strengths and weaknesses that collectively form an unstoppable force.

In other words, it would be most appropriate to employ the Party mechanism in this case, which was first seen in Zendikar Rising and is primarily used in sets inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. This mechanic allows players to assemble a team consisting of a Cleric, Warrior, Rogue, and Wizard. When the party is complete, it offers benefits as indicated on cards that utilize this mechanism. Given that these four characters can be one of these types or could even introduce a fresh version of the Party mechanic, it fits perfectly for them, as well as for the Final Fantasy set overall.

8. Vivi Ornitier

The Iconic Black Mage

People who aren’t acquainted with “Final Fantasy” might still recognize the image of a Black Mage from other sources. Vivi, from “Final Fantasy 9”, is the embodiment of this typical character type. Black Mages are known for using black magic, which enables them to cast numerous potent spells that inflict elemental damage and weaken their opponents.

On the tabletop, Vivi might exhibit an ability similar to Massacre Wurm, swiftly reducing the strength of incoming enemy units and continuously harming targets as their own units perish. Alternatively, a recurring effect that demands mana expenditure or a tap action could be engaging, symbolizing the act of a character casting spells within the game.

7. Mog, The Moogle

A Recurring Furry Friend

Moogles are among the most recognized species within the realm of the Final Fantasy universe, serving as mascots much like Chocobos and Cactuars. With Stiltzkin, the Moogle Merchant, previously unveiled, it’s fitting to introduce a card honoring the recurring character Mog, who debuted in Final Fantasy 6 back in 1994. Since then, Mog has made multiple appearances in various forms, but the most memorable portrayal is that of the spear-carrying dancer from Final Fantasy 6.

Creating a card effect for Mog that amplifies the strength and resilience of any creatures while they are in play, mirrors Mog’s dance ability from Final Fantasy 6, which restores health to allies and weakens opponents.

6. Bahamut, The Dragon King

One Of The Most Iconic Summons

Many gamers are familiar with the name Bahamut, be it from the “Final Fantasy” series or other franchises that have incorporated this name of a massive dragon. This creature has often been summoned in the mainline “Final Fantasy” games and played a significant role in the destruction of the world in the initial version of “Final Fantasy 14”.

Given that Sin from Final Fantasy X has been confirmed, it’s essential to incorporate some variant of this series icon into the game, either as one of the new Summon spells or a colossal entity like Tiamat or The Ur-Dragon. While a creature would persist for an extended period, offering Bahamut as a temporary, yet potent, summon effect would align perfectly with its role as a summon.

5. Biggs And Wedge

Long-Running Comedic Relief

In virtually every installment of the “Final Fantasy” series and numerous spin-offs, characters Biggs and Wedge consistently show up. Much like Hildibrand, they are frequently used for comic relief, often portrayed as a bumbling pair of soldiers. Their appearances in “Final Fantasy 14” emphasize their endearing characteristics through their striking size disparity. Despite their recurring roles, every instance featuring these characters leaves an indelible impression.

For these two characters in Magic: The Gathering, an ideal solution could be to design them as a team-up card, similar to Minsc and Boo from Baldur’s Gate, or create two individual cards with the Partner mechanic. As Partners, they would have the ability to jointly lead a Commander deck, making them a distinctive choice among the growing list of standalone legendary creatures in the Final Fantasy set.

4. Cid

Everyone’s Favorite Mechanic

In almost every game within the Final Fantasy series, there’s a character named Cid who is either present or referenced. This gives Wizards of the Coast a wide variety of instances where Cid has appeared, such as his debut as an airship driver in Final Fantasy 2, and later transformations like the gender-swapped character Cindy from Final Fantasy 15.

From a movie buff’s perspective, turning Cid into an Artificer seems like a no-brainer! Imagine having a skill similar to Fabricate, where mechanical Thopter tokens are generated whenever he enters the battlefield. Wizards of the Coast could capitalize on the adoration for every version of Cid by providing them with the ‘Nazgul’ treatment – enabling players to include as many iterations of Cid in a single deck! And to make it even more exciting, various art treatments could be offered for each character variation.

3. Clive Rosfield

The Dominant Of Ifrit

Clive Rosfield, the latest hero from the main series of Final Fantasy, would make an excellent addition to our collection, as it would acknowledge the more recent games in the franchise. As a Dominant, Clive has the ability to transform into the Eikon Ifrit, setting the battlefield ablaze, occasionally even his adversaries.

Granting Clive the power to either conjure an Ifrit token on the battlefield or assume the form of Ifrit himself could significantly enhance his value in a deck. Since Ifrit is undoubtedly a prime candidate for summoning, connecting it with Clive would provide a fresh and distinctive twist, elevating both characters’ presence among others.

2. Estinien Varlineau, The Azure Dragoon

The Mightiest Hero Of Ishgard

  • Final Fantasy 14

Among the cards revealed so far, it’s noticeable that the job class iconic to Final Fantasy, the Dragoon, is scarcely represented. One of the most cherished characters embodying this role is Estinien, who features prominently in the narrative of Final Fantasy 14 and its expansion packs. With numerous variations of his armor and abilities, there are multiple possibilities for adapting Estinien, each offering a distinct take on the Dragoon concept.

It seems sensible that Estinien could have a connection or compatibility with dragon-like creatures, or maybe a skill that develops over time similar to a class spell, given his role as a Dragoon and character progression in the game. This idea complements his status as one of the beloved Scions of the Seventh Dawn, following the announcement of Y’shtola, who is also part of this group.

1. Kefka Palazzo

From Court Mage To God Of Magic

  • Final Fantasy 6

In the early stages, Kefka Palazzo is portrayed as a minor annoyance, with his role as the emperor’s court magician being depicted as somewhat bumbling yet chillingly insane. However, by Act 2 of Final Fantasy 6, Kefka sheds this initial image, killing the emperor and assuming the power of the Warring Triad, transforming into the Game’s God of Magic and the ultimate antagonist.

Transforming Kefka into a dual-faced card, allowing him to switch between a regular Wizard creature and a deity with diverse abilities on either side, seems an ideal method to bring this game character onto a playing card. As Sin, Garland, and Sephiroth have been announced, it’s noticeable that Kefka, the main antagonist, is yet to be included. Given Wizards of the Coast’s penchant for featuring popular characters, it would be surprising if they overlooked the chance to include such a cherished figure.

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2025-03-26 13:35