Cloud, Ex-SOLDIERCloud, Ex-SOLDIER | Art by Justyna Dura

Welcome back to The Over/Under, the article series where we predict how well the latest IP crossover will work. (Spoiler: This one already has.) JK, it's more about predicting whether each commander will earn over or under 1,200 decks after one year, hence the "Over" and "Under" grade you'll see for them all. I'll also make one Can't-Miss pick, which is my surest selection of the set.

So how will the commanders of the Final Fantasy precons fare? Let's get prognosticating.

Auron, Venerated GuardianAuron, Venerated Guardian

Hate to start off like a Negative Nelly, but this is just a souped up Banisher PriestBanisher Priest. Next.

My prediction: Under

Cid, Freeflier PilotCid, Freeflier Pilot

Cid is kind of like the Niv-Mizzet of Final Fantasy, in that he appears approximately 10,000 times, but always a little different. This is one of the better versions, since he cuts pricing on two popular permanent types.

My prediction: Over

Cyan, Vengeful SamuraiCyan, Vengeful Samurai

I'd like this card far better if it was black, or blue, or maybe even green, or literally any color more graveyard-centric than mono-white.

My prediction: Under

Elena, Turk RecruitElena, Turk Recruit

I always love the artwork of Magali Villeneuve. Unfortunately, there’s a little else to love about this card.

My prediction: Under

Gatta and LuzzuGatta and Luzzu

If this card had an ampersand, I’d guess it was in indie folk duo. Instead, it’s a disappointing commander. Granted, it comes out of the box with a three-card infinite damage combo (this plus Hardened ScalesHardened Scales and Walking BallistaWalking Ballista). Problem is, Scales is green, not white, meaning you can't run it with Gatta and LuzzuGatta and Luzzu, meaning they aren't powerful enough to inspire 1,200 deck builders, let alone 1,200 hipster music fans.

My prediction: Under

General Leo CristopheGeneral Leo Cristophe

Sweet armor, but this is basically Sun TitanSun Titan with minor upside.

My prediction: Under

Heidegger, Shinra ExecutiveHeidegger, Shinra Executive

Soldier kindred is fairly hit-or-miss, but with a set this popular, I think the numbers will be inflated, especially on kindred commanders. And just look at that trustworthy grin!

My prediction: Over

Lord Jyscal GuadoLord Jyscal Guado

One Clue per turn does not build much of a case, nor does it make much of a commander.

My prediction: Under

Tataru TaruTataru Taru

White offers a fair number of cards that gift cards, such as OblationOblation and Secret RendezvousSecret Rendezvous. And speaking of gifts, there’s also that whole gift mechanic from Bloomburrow. The free Treasure is a way to break parity on many such cards, so I'd say many players will accept this gift.

My prediction: Over

Thancred WatersThancred Waters

This is basically Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard, only with better hair. I like that Thancred guards other creatures with instant-speed blink effects, and he guards himself equally well. Flavorful, powerful, and now starring on every retiree's favorite show, Yellowstone.

My prediction: Over

Hermes, Overseer of ElpisHermes, Overseer of Elpis

Kindred synergy? Check. Spellslinger synergy? Check. Greek God naming synergy? Another check. Beatles bowl cut synergy? Double check.

My prediction: Over

Hraesvelgr of the First BroodHraesvelgr of the First Brood

Will some players avoid playing this commander so as not to embarrass themselves while trying to pronounce "Hraesvelgr"? Maybe. That's certainly the case for me. For everyone else, there’s no shortage of one-mana cantrips in mono-blue, meaning it should be easy to make your stuff unblockable every turn. Even Hraesvelgr itself is only two non-creature spells away from seven power, which is the magic number for commander damage. Oh, and it’s a Dragon, which always helps.

My prediction: Over

Lulu, Stern GuardianLulu, Stern Guardian

Look, we all know the greatest Lulu is the album by Lou Reed and Metallica. This one is still pretty cool though, with the obvious game plan being a lockdown on opposing creatures, forever.

...Still, four feels like a lot of mana for this ability, and this feels more like a complementary piece than a commander.

My prediction: Under

O'aka, Traveling MerchantO'aka, Traveling Merchant

Removing counters is better than it seems, especially to increase the lifespan of your new Saga creatures or to remove counters from undying and persist creatures. However, your options are greatly narrowed in mono-blue, which makes me skeptical. And I would know, since I’m building a Falco Spara, PactweaverFalco Spara, Pactweaver deck as I write this.

My prediction: Under

Rikku, Resourceful GuardianRikku, Resourceful Guardian

That's Rikku with two Ks, so Riku of Two ReflectionsRiku of Two Reflections can't sue. Rikku-with-two-Ks also happens to be downright mean, especially when stealing opposing +1/+1 counters.

My prediction: Over

Fandaniel, Telophoroi AscianFandaniel, Telophoroi Ascian

This guy looks like a wrestler making his entrance into the ring, with AC/DC's "Hell's Bells" blaring in the background. He also might as well delete his last line of text, since no one’s ever selecting that option. That basically turns him into once-a-turn Fleshbag MarauderFleshbag Marauder, which doesn’t sound like much of a commander — or wrestler, for that matter.

My prediction: Under

Interceptor, Shadow's HoundInterceptor, Shadow's Hound

Fun fact: Interceptor is the name of the chemical I put on my hound to assassinate fleas and ticks. Speaking of Assassins, I kind of doubt there's much demand for them, especially when limited to just black. Protect your dog from parasites, but don't play this commander.

My prediction: Under

Shadow, Mysterious AssassinShadow, Mysterious Assassin

This requires a fair amount of setup, since you’ll need both a way for Shadow to deal damage (deathtouch on its own probably won’t do it), along with a worthy sacrifice. Still, it’s a dream worth building around, especially if this Shadow is voiced by Keanu Reeves like the Shadow from the Sonic movie.

My prediction: Over

Siegfried, Famed SwordsmanSiegfried, Famed Swordsman

Partners with Roy (but not that one, tiger). Also just has Keyword: Big, which doesn’t seem impactful enough these days to lead 1,200 decks.

My prediction: Under

Avalanche of Sector 7Avalanche of Sector 7

When I first read this card, it seemed terrible. Like, suspiciously terrible. Then I got paranoid I'd missed something, and I realized I totally did: it's all about gifting artifacts, and primarily Treasure tokens. You know, Generous PlundererGenerous Plunderer, Marching DuodroneMarching Duodrone, stuff like that.

Problem is, there are so few cards of that ilk that I doubt you can fill an entire deck. Seems fun, but under-supported.

My prediction: Under

Cait Sith, Fortune TellerCait Sith, Fortune Teller

This is almost exactly Tavern BrawlerTavern Brawler from Baldur’s Gate, a Background that leads 1,196 total decks. You'll notice that's four shy of 1,200, and that card's been out for years. A flimsy argument, but I'm taking it.

My prediction: Under

Gau, Feral YouthGau, Feral Youth

I was a feral youth, too; I used to bite other kids when I got frustrated. But I was never this good at dealing damage to opponents, let alone running on four legs. And though I don't get the flavor on the cards-leaving-the-graveyard trigger, I'll take it.

My prediction: Over

Gogo, Mysterious MimeGogo, Mysterious Mime

I find mimes creepy, especially Mr. Mime from Pokémon. Fortunately, we’ve got a few years until Universes Beyond: Mr. Mime. Until then, I doubt Gogo will go-go anywhere near 1,200, despite its ability to copy legendary creatures.

My prediction: Under

Sabin, Master MonkSabin, Master Monk

I'm like a defensive coordinator: I love a well-timed blitz. But this dude's a Monk, not a linebacker, and he fits far better in Henzie "Toolbox" TorreHenzie "Toolbox" Torre decks than his own.

My prediction: Under

Strago and RelmStrago and Relm

Commander players love stealing their friends' prized possessions and bashing them over the head with them, which probably requires some psychoanalysis I’m unqualified to give. All I’m qualified to say is this…

My prediction: Over

Umaro, Raging YetiUmaro, Raging Yeti

Umaro only has 1,199 decks to go, because I've already built him. I mean, a Yeti? That does random stuff? And who's raging? I think I’m in love.

My prediction: Over

Vincent, Vengeful AtonerVincent, Vengeful Atoner

This is, like, the mono-reddest of mono-red commanders, and an excellent alternative if you’re not into Yetis.

My prediction: Over

Yuffie, Materia HunterYuffie, Materia Hunter

It’s odd, and perhaps telling, that this doesn’t have commander ninjutsu a la Yuriko, the Tiger's ShadowYuriko, the Tiger's Shadow. I feel like they could’ve slapped it on there, despite this being a Standard set. Does the fact that they didn’t suggest they don’t think it’s likely to be a popular commander? That’s my theory, and I’m sticking with it.

My prediction: Under

Bugenhagen, Wise ElderBugenhagen, Wise Elder

This card is quite similar to Gilanra, Caller of WirewoodGilanra, Caller of Wirewood, a partner from Commander Legends. Gilanra leads 3,058 total partner decks, despite making a grave error: Gilanra is not nearly as fun to say as Bugenhagen.

My prediction: Over

Maester SeymourMaester Seymour

Wait a second…maester? I thought maesters were from Westeros, not Final Fantasy. And if Maester Seymour is anywhere near as lecherous as Grand Maester Pycelle, we're in trouble. If not, we’ve got a counter king that works with proliferate, undying, renowned, adapt, and so much more. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

My prediction: Over

Professor HojoProfessor Hojo

I’m scared. And underwhelmed. I’ve never heard any players asking for activated ability kindred, and if I ever did, I'd guess they didn't want it from a guy this creepy looking.

My prediction: Under

Tromell, Seymour's ButlerTromell, Seymour's Butler

The trick here is loading up on cheap creatures, then playing them all in one turn. For example, a common curve might be casting Tromell on turn three (or two if you have some turn-one ramp), then casting three one-drops the turn after and proliferating three times.

It won’t always work out that way, but when it does, you’ll be happy that Seymour hired this butler.

My prediction: Over

Alisaie LeveilleurAlisaie Leveilleur + Alphinaud LeveilleurAlphinaud Leveilleur

They're partners, they curve into each other, and they have the same trigger with differing payoffs.

My prediction: Over

Krile BaldesionKrile Baldesion

This strikes me as a difficult build-around. You'll need a fairly even split of creatures and noncreatures, and even when you trigger this ability, you're never up on cards, just even. You can't even get leaves-the-graveyard triggers from green and black (or red, for some reason). I'm out.

My prediction: Under

Lyse HextLyse Hext

For a tempo-aggro martial arts master, look no further.

My prediction: Over

Urianger AugureltUrianger Augurelt

Well, this is one of the weirder cards ever printed. I wish you got a bigger payoff than +2 life, but you can always parlay that into cards with Well of Lost DreamsWell of Lost Dreams or 50 face damage with Aetherflux ReservoirAetherflux Reservoir. Plus, it triggers with plenty of other plentiful mechanics, including suspend, Adventure, and plot.

My prediction: Over

Emet-Selch of the Third SeatEmet-Selch of the Third Seat

Is this a seat in the minivan for the road trip? A seat at the concert? A seat on the Jedi Council? Scratch that — can’t cross the IP streams.

Anyhoo, this card seems seat — I mean, sweet. For those who always wanted to play Dralnu, Lich LordDralnu, Lich Lord, even though it’s terrible, here's your new commander.

My prediction: Over

Kefka, Dancing MadKefka, Dancing Mad

Many Magic: the Gathering players ask the question, how chaotic can a game get? Play this dude and find out.

My prediction: Over

Locke, Treasure HunterLocke, Treasure Hunter

PSA: don't mug people. Unless you get a Treasure per land milled. Or can cast a spell from among the milled cards. Or have skulk without the keyword skulk, for some reason. You know what? Just play this card.

My prediction: Over

Setzer, Wandering GamblerSetzer, Wandering Gambler

I first read this guy's name as "seltzer," which was rather silly of me. The only thing sillier would be not playing him. Aside from being two bodies in one for just three mana, he's got added synergy with coin flipping, Treasure, and Vehicles.

My prediction: Over

Barret, Avalanche LeaderBarret, Avalanche Leader

I'm sure there's a flavorful reason Barret here has reach, but I'll never know it. More importantly, he makes free equippers for your Equipment, and then equips those equippers for free — which is arguably even better than making the equippers in the first place.

My prediction: Over

Red XIII, Proud WarriorRed XIII, Proud Warrior

I wouldn't be surprised if Red here was Barret's dog. I mean, I'm not gonna bother to look it up, but now it's in my headcanon. They go great together, after all, while still offering enough variety to support 1,200 decks of their own.

My prediction: Over

Aerith, Last AncientAerith, Last Ancient

Aerith gets you almost halfway to seven all by herself, and in green-white, it should be easy to get that last four points of lifegain. In fact, this is quite similar to Meren of Clan Nel TothMeren of Clan Nel Toth. That bodes well for her chances, I'd say.

My prediction: Over

Shelinda, Yevon AcolyteShelinda, Yevon Acolyte

I just hope you brought enough dice, because the wider you go, the more you'll need to count. And don't let anyone rock the table when they stand up, otherwise you'll be playing Yahtzee.

My prediction: Yahtzee!—I mean, Over

Wakka, Devoted GuardianWakka, Devoted Guardian

This dude looks like he's having a great time, though I'm unsure you'd have a great time playing him. I mean, you need a wide board to maximize counters, then a counter on Wakka himself to get the ball rolling. Sure, he gets it started with the combat damage trigger, but destroying peoples' mana rocks is a fast way to make unrepentant enemies.

My prediction: Under

Ardbert, Warrior of DarknessArdbert, Warrior of Darkness

I've always wanted to build an Orzhov legends deck, but Arvad the CursedArvad the Cursed is too weak and Ratadrabik of UrborgRatadrabik of Urborg has too many syllables. Ardbert here only has two, and he goes off with cheap legends like Ashnod, Flesh MechanistAshnod, Flesh Mechanist and Yoshimaru, Ever FaithfulYoshimaru, Ever Faithful. Maybe I've finally found my commander.

My prediction: Over

Estinien VarlineauEstinien Varlineau

The whole Dragon thing feels a little random here, especially in Orzhov. However, it's still upside, and the second paragraph is almost exactly Tymna the WeaverTymna the Weaver, which is the most popular partner commander of all time.

My prediction: Over

Hildibrand MandervilleHildibrand Manderville

This dude clearly thinks he's awesome, and much as it pains me, I'd have to agree. He's an Intangible VirtueIntangible Virtue from the command zone who effectively circumvents commander tax, all for a low price.

My prediction: A begrudging Over

Papalymo TotolymoPapalymo Totolymo

The static ability is little better than a Thermo-AlchemistThermo-Alchemist, and sacrificing your commander seems a steep cost to pay to Edict some creatures.

My prediction: Under

Banon, the Returners' LeaderBanon, the Returners' Leader

Now this is interesting. Banon fuels himself with his discard ability, and he gets even better with self-mill effects. Problem is, Boros isn't very well prepared for self-milling, and without any discount on the spells you cast, reanimator strategies work far less well.

My prediction: Under

Edgar, Master MachinistEdgar, Master Machinist

Edgar? Edgar Markhov? Oh no, wait, this dude wasn't resurrected at the age of 7,000 to attend his own wedding. My bad.

This Edgar is all about artifacts, though he suffers from the same issue as Banon. Those artifacts aren't free, and besides, if you like this strategy in these colors, you're probably already running Osgir, the ReconstructorOsgir, the Reconstructor, anyway.

My prediction: Under

Mog, Moogle WarriorMog, Moogle Warrior

This is a lot of text, but I think the image is the most important part of the card, anyway. Never underestimate the cuteness factor.

My prediction: Over

Sephiroth, Fallen HeroSephiroth, Fallen Hero

This dude is resilient, powerful, and downright cool. What more could you ask for?

My prediction: Over

Kimahri, Valiant GuardianKimahri, Valiant Guardian

If my cats looked like this, I wouldn't have cats. I wouldn't run this as my commander, either. I mean, it's clearly impactful, but that ability doesn't lend itself to building around. More of a standalone threat than a leader — kind of like a cat.

My prediction: Under

Sin, Unending CataclysmSin, Unending Cataclysm

When Sin dies, I'm pretty sure you can dump the counters and still return it to the command zone. Pretty sure. Rules lawyers, help me out. But no matter the ruling, that first ability is tough to turn down. Combine with Liquimetal CoatingLiquimetal Coating to auto-kill a planeswalker or summon Marit LageMarit Lage from your Dark DepthsDark Depths.

My prediction: Over

G'raha Tia, Scion RebornG'raha Tia, Scion Reborn

I was going to do a deep dive on this Cat, and then I noticed his presale price.

My prediction: Over (And Expensive)

Y'shtola, Night's BlessedY'shtola, Night's Blessed

Y'shtola claims to be a Cat, yet is clearly just a person wearing cat ears. Despite that outright lie, she's worth playing. The card drawing triggers at each end step, meaning you can capitalize on your opponents beating each other up (goad, anyone?). Furthermore, the noncreature spell draining thing is amazing with cost reduction and free spells, both of which are plentiful in these colors.

My prediction: Meow (Which translates to "Over")

Cloud, Ex-SOLDIERCloud, Ex-SOLDIER

This card is utterly busted. Picture this: you cast Cloud, equip Colossus HammerColossus Hammer for free, swing out, draw a bunch of cards, then make two Treasures, too. No wonder they've got "Soldier" in all caps.

My prediction: OVER (Can't Miss Pick)

Tifa, Martial ArtistTifa, Martial Artist

I never excelled in math, but even I can tell you that four is only three away from seven, a.k.a. the magic number for commander damage. And in your standard game of Commander, you'll likely have three or more opponents. That means Tifa should provide extra combats quite frequently, meaning many pummelings for your opponents.

My prediction: Over

Tidus, Yuna's GuardianTidus, Yuna's Guardian

+1/+1 counters are the standard, but if we dream a little bigger, we begin to see Tidus's potential. Indestructible counters, anyone? Or why not stack a first strike counter and deathtouch counter on the same creature? Or what if you keep your new Saga creatures alive longer by moving their lore counters onto other creatures? The possibilities are endless with Tidus, as are the decks.

My prediction: Over

Yuna, Grand SummonerYuna, Grand Summoner

If Birds of ParadiseBirds of Paradise lost flying but became Bant and gained modular, it would look something like Yuna.

My prediction: Over

Celes, Rune KnightCeles, Rune Knight

Casting a free Valakut AwakeningValakut Awakening that discards cards on entry seems like a good start, and it only gets better with the second ability. You could recur and sacrifice persistent threats to stack counters (e.g., GravecrawlerGravecrawler), or you could reanimate bigger threats. Either way, you're playing this commander.

My prediction: Over

Terra, Herald of HopeTerra, Herald of Hope

Terra is basically a souped-up Alesha, Who Smiles at DeathAlesha, Who Smiles at Death, which bodes well for her chances at popularity.

My prediction: Over

The Warring TriadThe Warring Triad

I don't think any person on Earth has ever requested ManalithManalith from the command zone, yet here it is (with some added bling). Colorless self-mill is hard to come by, but not unheard of; I'm thinking MillikinMillikin, Watcher of the WaysideWatcher of the Wayside, Perpetual TimepiecePerpetual Timepiece, and Codex ShredderCodex Shredder, just to name a few. Since this is such a novel commander, I don't think it'll take much more to earn the Over.

My prediction: Over

Recap

Over (41)

1. Cid, Freeflier PilotCid, Freeflier Pilot
2. Heidegger, Shinra ExecutiveHeidegger, Shinra Executive
3. Tataru TaruTataru Taru
4. Thancred WatersThancred Waters
5. Hermes, Overseer of ElpisHermes, Overseer of Elpis
6. Hraesvelgr of the First BroodHraesvelgr of the First Brood
7. Rikku, Resourceful GuardianRikku, Resourceful Guardian
8. Shadow, Mysterious AssassinShadow, Mysterious Assassin
9. Gau, Feral YouthGau, Feral Youth
10. Umaro, Raging YetiUmaro, Raging Yeti
11. Vincent, Vengeful AtonerVincent, Vengeful Atoner
12. Bugenhagen, Wise ElderBugenhagen, Wise Elder
13. Maester SeymourMaester Seymour
14. Tromell, Seymour's ButlerTromell, Seymour's Butler
15. Alisaie LeveilleurAlisaie Leveilleur + Alphinaud LeveilleurAlphinaud Leveilleur
16. Lyse HextLyse Hext
17. Urianger AugureltUrianger Augurelt
18. Emet-Selch of the Third SeatEmet-Selch of the Third Seat
19. Kefka, Dancing MadKefka, Dancing Mad
20. Locke, Treasure HunterLocke, Treasure Hunter
21. Setzer, Wandering GamblerSetzer, Wandering Gambler
22. Barret, Avalanche LeaderBarret, Avalanche Leader
23. Red XIII, Proud WarriorRed XIII, Proud Warrior
24. Aerith, Last AncientAerith, Last Ancient
25. Shelinda, Yevon AcolyteShelinda, Yevon Acolyte
26. Ardbert, Warrior of DarknessArdbert, Warrior of Darkness
27. Estinien VarlineauEstinien Varlineau
28. Hildibrand MandervilleHildibrand Manderville
29. Mog, Moogle WarriorMog, Moogle Warrior
30. Sephiroth, Fallen HeroSephiroth, Fallen Hero
31. Sin, Unending CataclysmSin, Unending Cataclysm
32. G'raha Tia, Scion RebornG'raha Tia, Scion Reborn
33. Y'shtola, Night's BlessedY'shtola, Night's Blessed
34. Cloud, Ex-SOLDIERCloud, Ex-SOLDIER (Can't-Miss Pick)
35. Tifa, Martial ArtistTifa, Martial Artist
36. Tidus, Yuna's GuardianTidus, Yuna's Guardian
37. Yuna, Grand SummonerYuna, Grand Summoner
38. Celes, Rune KnightCeles, Rune Knight
39. Terra, Herald of HopeTerra, Herald of Hope
40. The Warring TriadThe Warring Triad

Under (24)

1. Auron, Venerated GuardianAuron, Venerated Guardian
2. Cyan, Vengeful SamuraiCyan, Vengeful Samurai
3. Elena, Turk RecruitElena, Turk Recruit
4. Gatta and LuzzuGatta and Luzzu
5. General Leo CristopheGeneral Leo Cristophe
6. Lord Jyscal GuadoLord Jyscal Guado
7. Lulu, Stern GuardianLulu, Stern Guardian
8. O'aka, Traveling MerchantO'aka, Traveling Merchant
9. Fandaniel, Telophoroi AscianFandaniel, Telophoroi Ascian
10. Interceptor, Shadow's HoundInterceptor, Shadow's Hound
11. Siegfried, Famed SwordsmanSiegfried, Famed Swordsman
12. Avalanche of Sector 7Avalanche of Sector 7
13. Cait Sith, Fortune TellerCait Sith, Fortune Teller
14. Gogo, Mysterious MimeGogo, Mysterious Mime
15. Sabin, Master MonkSabin, Master Monk
16. Strago and RelmStrago and Relm
17. Yuffie, Materia HunterYuffie, Materia Hunter
18. Professor HojoProfessor Hojo
19. Krile BaldesionKrile Baldesion
20. Wakka, Devoted GuardianWakka, Devoted Guardian
21. Papalymo TotolymoPapalymo Totolymo
22. Banon, the Returners' LeaderBanon, the Returners' Leader
23. Edgar, Master MachinistEdgar, Master Machinist
24. Kimahri, Valiant GuardianKimahri, Valiant Guardian

Whew, that was a lot of commanders — and we're not even finished! Stay tuned for another edition of The Over/Under with the main set commanders of Final Fantasy, coming soon.