Tuesday’s unveiling of the initial batch of products for Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy generated quite the buzz, sparking curiosity among fans eager to know how they can get their hands on some of the stunning cards crafted by Wizards of the Coast. This excitement is fueled partly by the remarkable artwork in the set, which the publisher boasts as “the largest collection of Final Fantasy artwork ever in a single game.” However, the appeal extends beyond the visuals to include the humorous elements cleverly woven into the game’s mechanics. Take, for example, the Jumbo Cactuar.
For those unfamiliar, Cactuar are quirky, humanoid cacti known to frolic through the deserts of the Final Fantasy universe, surprising unsuspecting adventurers. In Final Fantasy 8, players encounter an optional boss battle against a giant version of these creatures, the Jumbo Cactuar. This epic showdown is akin to a kaiju battle, with the sassy succulent retaliating attacks with its deadly 10,000 Needles move. This encounter is memorable not only for its sheer scale but also because of the frustration it causes when the Jumbo Cactuar attempts to flee at the end, compelling players to unleash their strongest attacks at precisely the right moment. Despite its comical appearance, this formidable foe can easily wipe out an entire party in the game—and its Magic: The Gathering card does not disappoint either.
The Jumbo Cactuar card is categorized as a creature, specifically a plant, and requires five colorless and two green mana to play. Given its steep cost, it won’t likely enter the battlefield in the early rounds unless you’re exceptionally fortunate. With a toughness of 1/7, it mirrors its resilient in-game counterpart. The card features a unique ability called 10,000 Needles—exaggerated in typical Final Fantasy style: “Whenever this creature attacks, it gets +9999/+0 until end of turn.”
In a game of Magic, dealing 10,000 damage to another creature is unnecessary—no one needs that much power! However, this card serves a greater purpose than merely obliterating an opponent’s creature. Combine it with a trample card, and the Jumbo Cactuar becomes even more formidable. Trample allows the card to breach enemy defenses and delivers any leftover damage directly to your opponent. Consequently, this Jumbo Cactuar card captures the essence of the original character: difficult to eliminate with seven defense, undeniably powerful with its single, impressive attack, and humorously out of place in contrast to the more serious characters in the set—much like the original Jumbo Cactuar served as a delightful Easter egg in Final Fantasy 8.
So, keep an eye out for more hidden gems when Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy hits wide release on June 13. Expect even more preview cards to make their debut in the spring.
